http://www.rewindplay.com/airmenofnote/sounds/sounds.htm

Airmen of Note recordings have never been available to anyone and everyone who wanted one. They are made in small quantities, marked "Department of the Air Force Use," "Not for Sale," and once they're gone, they're gone.

This site changes all that by presenting forty complete recordings that span the last 48 years. Here you will find everything the Airmen of Note have ever recorded under their own name plus some rare, vintage audio and video sessions as well. New releases are added as they become available.

Wow...talk about one hell of a band. When I was young my mother took me to hear the 'Note...holy socks! They were incredible. They had LP's for sale, we got "Just The Way We Are" and "Better Than Ever!" (which was the current LP at the time.) I still have those two records, and I play them from time to time...STUNNING recordings, excellent pressings, and absolutely breathtaking musicianship.

This is fine, fine jazz.

Todd in Cheesecurdistan

My oldest brother was a DJ at a AM station in the 60's. The Air Force had a short radio show that featured The Airmen of Note. As I recall they were distributed on 7" 33 rpm records with four shows per disc.

I've met some of the Airmen of Note, mostly the sax section, over the last 15 years or so, on numerous occasions. Of course, there is some turnover, but these are some great musicians!

If you look at the site again, you will find one of the recordings with the late, great Tommy Newsome, who was an Airmen of Note alumnus. Tommy played with the band and also wrote some of the arrangements.

Tommy, if you will remember, was "Mr. Excitement" on the old Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. The most laid back, cool and calm guy you have ever seen, and just a monster player. Do a search on Youtube for Tommy Newsome.

Thanks for the link. It looks like I will be making a donation.