U.S. Army Blues

Melinda Rose Rodriguez

Born: November 16, 1995

At just 28 years old, Melinda Rose Rodriguez has already established herself as a rising star in the jazz world. She began her professional music journey at The New England Conservatory of Music and completed her degree with distinction at Florida International University under the guidance of Dr. Lisanne Lyons. Since high school, Melinda has been honored with four Downbeat Music Awards and two YoungArts awards.

Her performance credits are extensive, including appearances at the Miami Downtown Jazz Festival, Litchfield Jazz Festival, Rochester Jazz Festival, and international venues in Bermuda, Japan, and Puerto Rico. Melinda has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Michael Feinstein, Fred Hersch, Cyrille Aimee, and Jane Monheit, and has frequently collaborated with jazz luminary Kevin Mahogany.

Steve Fidyk

Born: March 28, 1968

Known for his versatility and musical approach, jazz drummer Steve Fidyk has earned national and international acclaim as an artist, author, composer and columnist. For more than 21 years, he was the drummer and featured soloist with The Army Blues Big Band, a premier 17-piece jazz ensemble stationed in Washington D.C. Fidyk currently performs with small groups led by tenor saxophonist Walt Weiskopf and guitarist Jack Wilkins. He is also a member of the jazz studies faculty at Temple University, The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is also an educational consultant for Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington Program.

US Military Service Bands: Histories & Heroes

by Chris M. Slawecki
September 9, 2019

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 US Air Force Airmen of Note The premier jazz ensemble of the US Air Force, the Airmen of Note is one of six musical ensembles that comprise The US Air Force Band. Created in 1950 to continue the tradition of Major Glenn Miller's Army Air Forces ...

Swinging In The Holidays

By U.S. Army Blues

Label: Self Produced
Released: 2017
Track listing: Sleigh Ride; O Holy Night; Jingle Bells; Five Sided Dreidel; Christmas Time Is Here; My Favorite Things; Santa Baby; Silent Night; I��ll Be Home For Christmas; Christmas In New Orleans; Snowfall/Skating In Central Park; Big Bad Drummin�� Dude; Greensleeves; Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas; Blue Christmas.

The U.S. Army Blues: Swinging In The Holidays

by Dan Bilawsky
December 11, 2017

Many a Christmas album plays the role of aural security blanket, serving up gently nostalgic sentiments to soothe the common man. This isn't one of them. The U.S. Army Blues--the big band outgrowth/offshoot of The United States Army Band “Pershing's Own"--ushers in the holiday season with an exciting set that's more well-oiled romp than relaxing balm. ...

Live At Blues Alley

By U.S. Army Blues

Label: Self Produced
Released: 2016
Track listing: Introduction; Main Stem; Dance Of The Stargazer; Not On The Bus; Stardust; Ogoniland; Bayou Farewell; Kelli's Number; Barbara; BugaBlue; Walk That Dog.

U.S. Army Blues: Live At Blues Alley

by Chris M. Slawecki
August 4, 2016

Times have surely changed since The U.S. Army Blues was founded in 1942 (as “Pershing's Own," the Army Dance Band) to entertain soldiers and civilians in combat zones during WWII. But this Blues band has managed to keep pace, and has performed at the Monterey and Montreux Jazz Festivals and at New York City's hallowed Birdland, ...

U.S. Army Blues: Live At Blues Alley

by Dan Bilawsky
April 13, 2016

When thinking of military bands, many tend to focus on their sterling technique and punctilious performances above all else. Creative concerns are rarely part of the conversation, but this album makes you wonder why. The U.S. Army Blues, a blue-chip big band of brothers that serves as the flagship jazz ensemble in the titular military branch, ...

The Criterions Reunite for a Cool Jazz Concert

July 6, 2010

Alumni from West Chester University's premier musical ensemble, the Criterions, take the stage for their free annual concert of jazz, swing and big band music on Thursday, July 15. This is the group's 25th reunion year and Lee Southall (West Chester '64), who founded the alumni ensemble and plays trombone, hasn't missed a reunion yet, although ...