As a part of Hispanic Heritage Month, ‘The Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band’ performed ‘Caballo Viejo,’ which translates to ‘Old Horse.’ The band always produces fantastic performances of jazz classics.
The song begins with the singer playing the guiro and a man playing the bongos right next to him. The singer and bongo player wear all white while the band wears their full uniforms.
After the opening measures of the tune, the brass enters. There are 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, 2 saxophones, a piano, drums, and a bassist. The trombones open the tune with a couple of solos, then play the melody line with harmonies added for a nice touch.
The bongo player, drummer, and singer sing in tight harmonies in Spanish. In between each vocal riff is an improvised trombone solo, while the timbales add a Latin flair to the tune.
The United States Army Field Band tours worldwide out of Washington, D.C., playing over 400 concerts a year. The band is stationed at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. The band leads the Presidential Inaugural Parade every four years.
The band was established in 1946 to promote better relations with the American public. The members pass a rigorous audition to be considered for membership. The group comprises the Concert band, Soldier’s Chorus, Jazz Ambassadors, and Six-String Soldiers.
The excellent musicians in this highly-select group prove why they were chosen. They play the tune perfectly with great harmonies and solos, which will surely get your toes tapping.
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