Airmen of Note dominate jazz chart

  • Published
  • By Benjamin Newell
  • Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) --  The Airmen of Note's self-released holiday album "Cool Yule" has steadily marched up JazzWeek magazine's Jazz Weekly chart. "Cool Yule" topped out at number 2 for the week of Jan. 4.

"Cool Yule" consists of 17 traditional holiday favorites arranged with a big band and swing theme. It was recorded from April 13 to May 21, 2009, and released in the fall of 2009.  The Airmen of Note is the jazz ensemble of the U.S. Air Force Band.

"It's been an exciting few weeks here," said Senior Master Sgt. Joe Jackson, a co-producer of the album. "We knew that choosing to do these holiday songs in the big band tradition was a great hook. It has really paid off with this great response from both fans and professionals."

The sudden chart ascendency of "Cool Yule" reflects its popularity at radio stations from Baltimore, Md. to San Mateo, Ca. It is currently topped only by Carla Bley's "Carla's Christmas Carols," which indicates the popularity of holiday albums across the music industry at this time of year.

Lt. Col. Alan Sierichs, commander and music director of the Air Force Band, approved use of a promoter, leading to expanded penetration of the album prior to the holiday season. In the weeks leading up to the holidays, praise poured into the e-mail inboxes of the Airmen of Note.

"The Airmen of Note's new Christmas release "Cool Yule" is a wonderful addition to our holiday playlist," said Las Vegas' KUNV 91.5 Music Director Kimberly Linzy. "As fans of The Airmen of Note here at KUNV 91.5 Las Vegas, this swinging date is definitely an audience pleaser, with great takes on Christmas classics."

The group has received similar reviews from radio professionals in Columbus, Ohio; Baton Rouge, La.; Denver, Colo.; as well as kudos from former Airmen of Note and former Air Force band members.

The Airmen of Note musicians will be producing their next album in the coming weeks. It will be a 60th Anniversary album focused on their best work, spanning six decades of musical progression.