By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Murch, Navy
Public Affairs Support Element-East Detachment Europe
NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Sailors from the U.S. Naval Forces
Europe and Africa Band played a jazz concert for an Italian and Navy audience
in Salerno, Italy, March 15.
The performance was to commemorate the 70th anniversary of
the Allied landings in Salerno during World War II.
Allied Forces "Jazz Diplomats" played a selection
of jazz music from the 30s, 40s and 50s in honor of the anniversary. Musicians
performed music made famous by artists like Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald,
Glenn Miller, and Frank Sinatra.
"This was one of two concerts I've played at where we
have just floored it and the audience went crazy," said Musician 2nd Class
Ray Laffoon, drummer. "There really isn't anything cooler than
representing your country in foriegn countries in front of people who love
hearing your music."
Vice Adm. Phillip Davidson, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet
attended the event. During the intermission Davidson talked briefly to audience
about the relationship between the Italian and Allied forces that stemmed and
grew from the landings that took place 70 years ago.
Davidson talked about the sacrifices made by many U.S. and
Italians during World War II to ensure freedom and democracy.
The Allied landing at Salerno followed their victory over
Axis forces in Africa. Operation Avalanche called for landings in several
places. After almost two weeks of heavy fighting the Allies claimed victory
after heavy casualties on the Allied side.
The Allied Force Jazz Diplomats is an ensemble composed of
U.S. Navy musicians and members of the Italian army, navy, and Carabinieri.
They are a relatively new ensemble in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Africa Band.
Formed less than two months ago, the band already plays concerts bi-weekly and
has been invited to attend the 70th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.
"My experience is they love the jazz band. They know
tunes like New York, New York," said Musician 1st Class Jennifer Wilson,
trombonist. "All we need play is just a few bars of a song and the crowd
will go crazy with applause."
After announcing that the next two songs were going to be
Glenn Miller songs the announcer walked off stage without saying the names of
either song saying "These need no introduction." As soon as the
Diplomats began to play the crowd started to clap and cheer.
Community relation events like the jazz concert continue to
strengthen the relationships between Italian nationals and the U.S Navy.
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