In another couple of weeks, the Jazz Ambassadors will be back on the road. Our rehearsals are now focused on the four shows we'll be playing in rotation on fall tour. Playing music may not look like it's physically and mentally demanding, but it is. When we finish an hour and a half long show, the guys in the band have gone through quite a workout. When we performed in Vero Beach, Florida on 17 April, the venue was very small. The concert sponsor had given away more tickets...read more

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The date was 16 April 2008. The place was Deerfield Beach, Florida ... and, no, I haven't a clue where that is! (I just google mapped it and it's in between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton). The Jazz Ambassadors were in town to play a show. And I sought inspiration for my poem ... in the mirror. Wow, I can't believe I had already run out of material by my sixth poem! And yet, a year and a half later, I'm still cranking them out. I look into the mirror Shaving cream...read more

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We were playing a gig in Fort Myers, Florida on 14 April 2008 when I wrote this next poem. In it, I reference taking a walk on the beach. I don't know if I actually walked on the beach that day or not. If we were close to the water, I'm sure I did. When the Jazz Ambassadors (one of the performing components of The United States Army Field Band) are on tour, we most commonly stay in a hotel that's right off an Interstate exit. So, we tend not to be near great places to...read more

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Welcome to all who have anxiously awaited the next Army Strong Stories blog of Chief K. The Jazz Ambassadors were performing in Sarasota, Florida on 13 April 2008 when I wrote the following poem. For comic purposes, I referred to myself in the third person. The characterization of my lack of useful function is, of course, mostly true. The skills and talents of the amazing and dedicated NCO's in the band are the reason to come see the Jazz Ambassadors. If we're...read more

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What is it I DO with the Jazz Ambassadors? I'm so glad you asked, faithful and theoretical reader! The Jazz Ambassadors are one of the touring components of The United States Army Field Band. They are the best big band in the world, in my humble view. We set our equipment up in a theater or a high school auditorium or wherever and then play a ninety minute show. I mostly just stand to the band's left. That's it! I stand there. Oh, I will clap sometimes, to remind the...read more

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This was the second poem I ever did in front of an audience while on tour with the Jazz Ambassadors. We were either in Georgia or Florida at the time, I think. I could go back and check the calendar and see exactly what town we were in, but I lack the motivation for that level of specificity. Eventually all my poems referenced the specific location we were playing. When we begin our next tour, on 2 October, I'll post the poems as I write them. When I'm not on tour,...read more

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Hello, I am a 49 year old, first time blogger. My name is CW4 Gordon Kippola. I'm an active duty Army Bandmaster. I'm currently the director of an amazing group of Soldier/Musicians called the Jazz Ambassadors; we're one of the touring components of The United States Army Field Band. We spend about 100 days out of the year on the road, entertaining Americans and spreading the good word about the great work of our fellow Soldiers. During my first tour with the Jazz Ambassadors...read more

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