Always Ready is the English translation of Semper Paratus, the U.S. Coast Guard motto. +On this album, The U.S. Coast Guard Band performs a wide variety of patriotic classics, some unique to their specific military branch. +This disc also provides timeless patriotic songs like America the Beautiful, marches like The Thunderer and concert works like Charles Ives’ iconic Variations on “America.” +Each of the nineteen tracks offers something different, while still maintaining the band’s core sound.

Morton Gould's music is the quintessential definition of the American sound. Along with composers like Aaron Copland, he was remarkably influential in producing homegrown American musical works. Composing in a wide variety of musical idioms, Gould was brought to international recognition by his easy-listening melodies and vivid orchestral works.
This Naxos release celebrates several works that brought Gould to critical acclaim, beginning with 'American Ballads' composed in 1976. Including such notable themes as the "Star Spangled Overture" and "Amber Waves," the six-movement work captures tender themes and melodies close to the soul of any patriot. The 'Stephen Foster Gallery' suite also represents those uniquely American themes in an exquisite arrangement of songs. Gould's most famous work, 'American Salute' (based on the melody "When Johnny Comes Marching Home"), shows Gould's unmatched ability to create a synthesis between concert and popular music. Militaristic percussion and brass are accented by the soft, weaving harmonies of the woodwinds and strings.
Under the direction of conductor Theodore Kuchar, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine offers a sensible, yet light-hearted rendering of the music. Firmly grasping the essence of Gould's American spirit, the orchestra communicates the music's strong nationalism with great skill and plausibility.

Here is an unusual military band CD. The 37 selections are divided into Marches by the US Marine Band and the US Army Band, Americana by the US Navy Band and Sea Chanters chorus, the USAF Band and Singing Sergeants and the US Army Band and Chorus, Family, Ceremonial where the US Coast Guard Band is added and finally a section called Bugle Calls where all the famous calls are recorded including Reveille, First Call, Assembly, Attention, Tattoo and Taps. The Marches include all the most popular ones, while Americana includes The Liberty Fanfare, Amazing Grace, God Bless the USA and America the Beautiful, among others. The section called Ceremonial includes everything from the National Anthem to the US Public Health Service March.

Directed by David Dalton, Ronald Staheli, Mack Wilberg. Starring BYU MEN'S CHORUS.