The Jazz Knights

The Jazz Knights was the jazz ensemble of the United States Military Academy Band stationed at West Point, New York; it was one of the premiere jazz ensembles of the United States Army Special Bands. Originally created in 1972, they carried the tradition of American Jazz and entertain the Corps of Cadets, the “JK's” were a professional big band rehearsing for the purpose of presenting jazz ensemble music. The ensemble's mission was to serve the United States Military Academy and the American public.

Eighteen professional musicians from across the United States were auditioned for the West Point Band to be a part of the unit through an exclusive audition process. Members of the band played, recorded, and toured with musicians like Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Ahmad Jamal, Chaka Kahn, Prince, Billy Cobham, the Tommy Dorsey and the Glenn Miller Orchestras, Emil Richards, David Liebman, Rufus Reid, John Clayton, Eddie Daniels, Steve Turre, Randy Brecker, Michael Abene, Jon Faddis, and Benny Golson.

Members of the group had graduated from different US-American universities such as the University of North Texas College of Music, Eastman School of Music, Indiana University, Berklee College of Music and the Manhattan School of Music. West Point Band band members were recruited and selected through an audition process specifically for service in the United States Military Academy Band at West Point. The Jazz Knights presented performances to audiences throughout the United States and Canada. The "JK's” routinely produced broadcasts and recordings that were heard in media outlets internationally. They performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.^[1] and for the A&E Network with the Boston Pops. Musicians/jazz artists who have served in the group over the years include Mike Burgess,^[2] James Cammack, James Chirillo, Alexis Cole, Jack Cooper, Paul DuBois, Matt Ingman,^[3] Vincent Herring, Dave Horne, Doug Lawrence, Ken McGee, Jim Perry, Harvey Tibbs,^[4] Greg Waits,^[5] and Jamie Way.^[6]