11:54 a.m., March 29, 2010----The University of Delaware Department of Music will present a free UD Jazz Festival concert featuring the U.S. Army Blues at 7 p.m., Friday, April 16, in Loudis Recital Hall of the Amy E. du Pont Music Building.

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After beginning informally in 1970, the Army Blues has evolved into the premier jazz ensemble of the U.S. Army.

As a component of the Army Band “Pershing's Own,” the Army Blues is one of the few remaining professional big bands working today. Comprised of alumni of prestigious music schools and veterans of the professional music scene, it is an ensemble of the finest jazz musicians in the nation.

In keeping with the tradition of America's only original art form, jazz, the Army Blues strives to preserve the music of such big band legends as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, and Stan Kenton. Additionally, many members are accomplished composers and arrangers who contribute their talents by writing for the ensemble -- often catering to the musical strengths of the individual band members -- much in the style of legendary big band arrangers.

The 18-piece ensemble has performed at world-renowned venues including the Monterey Jazz Festival in California, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, New York City's historic Birdland, and Washington, D.C.'s legendary Blues Alley.