Birth of the Cool: Miles Davis Tribute

USNA Superintendent's Combo

The U.S. Naval Academy Band's Superintendent's Combo presents a performance highlighting music from the iconic 1957 jazz album Birth of the Cool. The concert celebrates 2026 as the 250th year of the United States of America and the 100th anniversary of the birthday of one of the most important and influential American musicians in the world, Miles Davis (1926-1991). 

The ethereal, and at times mysterious, Birth of the Cool arrangements showed Davis in compelling and creative collaboration with arrangers Gerry Mulligan, Gil Evans, John Lewis and Johnny Carisi. One hundred years after Davis's birth, these modern USNA musicians keep that creative spirit alive. Listeners will hear an arrangement of “Nardis” by SF Jazz Collective, original arrangements of “Blue in Green” and “Dr. Jackle,” and much more. The USNA Band has performed simlar celebratory programs this year at leading DMV jazz venues and promises to entertain and satisfy both seasoned jazz fans and adventurous new listeners. 

USNA musicians have included Latin Grammy winners and high-charting recording artists. Members have studied at prominent music schools and conservatories nationwide and have extensive experience as performers and educators. The band was formed in November of 1852 by order of the Secretary of the Navy. Its primary mission is to provide musical support to the Superintendent, Commandant, and Brigade of Midshipmen. These dedicated professionals are known across the nation as “The Navy’s Oldest and Finest Band!” 

The band has appeared at Baltimore's Keystone Korner, The Pullo Center in York, PA, The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Jazz Festival, the Frederick Festival of the Arts and for numerous concert series in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Band Members for this program include:

MU1 Eric Vazquez: Tenor Sax 

MU1 Aaron Stone: Trumpet 

MUCS Colin Renick: Baritone/Alto Sax 

MU1 Tyler Tolles: Vibes/ Auxiliary Percussion 

MU1 Konrad Malinowski: Guitar 

MU1 Will Camps: Bass 

MUCS Brandon May: Piano

MU1 William Tillman: Drums 

This is a FREE admission show, but advance reservations are strongly recommended. The evening includes an award presentation, concert and reception.