As the premier jazz ensemble of The United States Army, The U.S. Army Blues is a group of historical importance whose repertoire honors and remembers some of the most important eras in American history. Comprised of exceptional jazz musicians from across the nation, the Army Blues strives to fulfill its mission through public concerts and education outreach; representing the professional excellence of the Army while preserving the tradition of America’s unique art form: jazz.

In an effort to further this mission and highlight the excellence of the next generation of jazz musicians, the Army Blues hosts an annual solo competition to recognize and celebrate talented young musicians.

The winning soloists will be featured with The Army Blues in a live concert and recording at University of Maryland Baltimore Campus on April 26th, 2025.

2025 Winners

Congratulations to our 2025 Solo Competition winners Isaiah Nygard and Kian Linam! 

Isaiah Nygard- College Division

Isaiah Nygard is a jazz pianist from Kutztown, Pennsylvania. He first learned how to play jazz by going to open jam sessions at the Deer Head Inn in Delaware Water Gap, PA, where he was able to learn from musicians such as Dave Liebman, Bill Goodwin, Sherrie Mericle, and more. Currently in his fourth year at the University of North Texas, Isaiah has worked as a freelance jazz musician in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the past three years and is a current member of the UNT One O'Clock Lab Band. He has performed alongside artists like Vincent Herring, Miguel Zenon, Allison Miller, Tia Fuller, Matt Wilson, Ed Soph, Jose Aponte, Lynn Seaton, Scott Tixier, Quincy Davis, Nick Finzer, Bradford Leali, Philip Dizack, and Alyssa Allgood. Isaiah was also a finalist in the Detroit Jazz Festival Collegiate Combo Competition and has performed at the Detroit Jazz Festival. Isaiah plans to graduate from UNT next spring with a bachelor's degree in jazz studies as well as a bachelor's degree in mechanical and energy engineering. In his free time, he likes to hang out with his friends and watch movies. Isaiah's favorite gig he ever played was playing tuba on a gondola.
 

Kian Linam- High School Division

Kian Linam is an 18-year-old pianist from the DC Metro area. A 2024 and 2025 YoungArts Award Winner and 2024 DownBeat Student Music Award Winner, Kian has performed alongside acclaimed artists such as Ashlin Parker & The Trumpet Mafia, Alison Crockett, Will “Mobetta” Ledbetter, Romeir Mendez, Shawn Purcell, and more.

Kian has performed at renowned venues and festivals, including Blues Alley, The Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival, The Hamilton, The Carlyle Room, The National Press Club, Reston Town Center’s Summer Concert Festival, Mr. Henry’s, and others.

Since 2020, Kian has been the pianist for the Blues Alley Youth Orchestra under Michael Bowie and is mentored by Eric Byrd and Dan Nimmer of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He has also studied under Allyn Johnson and Ben Paterson.

Kian regularly performs as a soloist and leads the Kian T. Linam Trio/Quartet, featuring musicians such as Julian Berkowitz, Will Hazlehurst, Alphonso Young Jr., and others.