In 2009, the US Navy Commodores celebrated their 40th Anniversary. The Commodres began as a volunteer ensemble that rehearsed at 7:15 every morning. By fall of 1969, they were putting on Christmas radio shows and gaining exposure by performing with radio personalities like Bill Mayhugh and Ed Walker. They were the first military band to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival. In the late 80's and 90's, a number of very talented jazz composers and arrangers emerged from within the ranks of the Commodores. This established a tradition of featuring cutting edge works from within the ensemble that has carried on to the 21st century. This album was created to show off the great jazz recordings from the past 40 years.