The story of two star-crossed lovers.

Since February is the month of love, we’re throwing it back to reminisce on our beloved 2019 album Lovers & Love Songs. But this isn’t just any old romance album; it’s a story, a journey into the colliding lives of two star-crossed lovers. So, put on your heart-eyed glasses, grab your popcorn and a glass of your favorite red wine, and join us on a trip down memory lane. We will go on an adventure through all the stages of love, contemplate the power of love and ultimately leave you to draw your own interpretations. Let’s go!

Wait, before we begin our journey, let me give you a little backstory behind the conception album itself. Following two sold out concerts in Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers, NiA Managing Director/Producer Kathy Salem encouraged the WJ3 All-Stars to take their performances to the next level in a studio album. The band members excitedly agreed, which led to a deeply nourishing, fulfilling and generative collaboration. Pianist Donald Vega said that it was his first time playing with the band and it was such fun! Saxophonist Ralph Moore said, “It’s one of the best recordings I have made in the past ten years.”

Not only are the WJ3 All-Stars composed of several of the jazz industry’s top musicians, but they also excel in storytelling through music. Like I said earlier, Lovers & Love Songs tells the story of two people in love, which creates a level of depth, emotional intensity and resonance that you can feel in every song. Okay then, so let’s begin our journey . . .

I’ve Never Been in Love Before – WJ3 All-Stars

Every romance begins with a protagonist, and ours is Roberta. A vivid woman in the modern age, Roberta feels like she’s unlucky in love and has never really been in love before. While you listen to the first song on the album, imagine Roberta sitting alone at a diner that boasts “the best food in the middle of nowhere.” Roberta watches the steam curl up from her mug of coffee, like the curling musical notes of the saxophone playing on the nearby jukebox. She is contemplating her life, and her lack of love.

First Time I Saw Your Face – WJ3 All-Stars

Oh, but wait! Roberta remembers that she has indeed been in love before. She remembers the first time she saw her old flame’s face. Colin. Yes, Colin. How could she forget about him? Well, because it never worked out with Colin. Even though, deep down, Roberta felt that Colin loved her just as much as she loved him, she had gotten tired of waiting around for him to make a commitment to her.

Cry Me A River – WJ3 All-Stars

Oh yes, Colin had issues with commitment. He was from out west after all, Roberta thought. Maybe he was just too trendy for commitment? But whatever, Roberta simply felt like she couldn’t forgive that night, many years ago, when Colin left her stranded at the Cry Me A River Hotel. After a lovely weekend getaway together, Roberta had woken up in their luxurious bed and rolled over to find the spot next to her empty. Empty? Where had Colin gone? Without saying goodbye? She stood up and found a note on the table. I love you, it said. But I can’t do this, I’m not ready, and I’ll never be good enough for you anyway. Goodbye, Colin. That was the last time Roberta had seen Colin but not a moment had passed that she hadn’t been thinking about him.

Here’s That Rainy Day – WJ3 All-Stars

Roberta returned from her reveries to sipping her coffee in the diner. Rain began to drizzle and splash outside the window next to her. Of course, Roberta thought. Of course it’s going to start to rain now. The weather accurately represented her gloomy mood. But then there was a “ping!” and her phone vibrated. Who could it be? Roberta looked at the screen. It was a call from a number she didn’t recognize. She answered anyway. “Roberta!” the voice said on the other end. It was Colin. How did he know that she had just been thinking about him?

From This Moment On – WJ3 All-Stars

“Roberta,” Colin said. “How have you been?” Roberta and Colin caught up on their lives, what had happened in the past few years. It was nice enough but Roberta was impatient for the conversation to become more serious. She wanted to know why he was calling. What were his motivations?

Finally, Colin said, “Listen, Roberta. I made a mistake all those years ago. I shouldn’t have left you. It pains me now to think about how terrible that must’ve made you feel. I was so incredibly stupid back then, so stupid and so young. I didn’t know what I wanted. Hell, I didn’t even know who I was back then. I was still finding myself, and I know that’s not an excuse to treat someone the way I treated you, but it’s just the truth. I was confused and immature, but not anymore. I know exactly who I am now. I know what I want; all I’ve ever wanted–it’s to love and be loved by you. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about you. From this moment on I want to do everything in my power to get you back. Will you meet me?”

Roberta was too shocked for words. There were tears dripping down her cheeks and her heart was pounding but she couldn’t speak. All the memories of their relationship flooded back: picnics at the park, holding hands, kissing each other’s noses. She loved him and he loved her. She was euphoric, jubilant, on top of the world. For years she had wished, yearned, even pleaded to God for a moment like this. But then the initial joy was undercut by doubt. Now that this moment was here she feared that it felt almost too good to be true. Could she really trust Colin again? Was what he said true? Should she really go and meet him?

Well, that’s all for now folks! I apologize for leaving you on a cliffhanger, but we wanted to leave the ending open to your own interpretations. So what do you think? While you listen to Lovers & Love Songs, why don’t you daydream, imagine a bit. If this was your story to finish, what happened to Roberta and Colin?

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and you know what that means–time to sidle up to your sweetheart and enjoy some heart eyes and heart-filled moments together! Whether you’re planning on staying home and getting cozy on the couch with some chocolates and a good rom-com, or you’re going out for some fine wine and dining at a fancy white tablecloth restaurant, Night is Alive has got some music to help you set the mood!

It’s You or No One – Harry Allen Trio

Amid the chaotic hecticness of our jam-packed lives, it can be hard to find the time to really settle down, relax and enjoy the company of our significant other. If you’ve been with your partner for a long time it might even become harder to appreciate them over the years. It’s easy for someone to become just another part of your routine, rather than a special person who you really cherish. Valentine’s Day gives you an opportunity to experience gratitude for that person who is always there for you, right by your side. Let yourself sink into this song, from Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3, while you and your lover embrace each other.

First Time I Saw Your Face – WJ3 All-Stars

How much fun is it to reminisce back on when you first met your special someone? Those early butterflies, blushes, stolen glances and first date jitters were really special. This song, from Night is Alive’s album Lover and Love Songs will help you to look back in time and unlock those early sweet memories. Let the smooth saxophone ease you while you bask in the bliss of nostalgia as you remember the first time you saw your lover’s face.

Whenever You Come Around – Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & Others

Maybe you just recently started dating someone new. Maybe you’re still in that sweet honeymoon stage and every time that special someone comes around you just can’t help but feel weak in the knees and overwhelmed. A new crush or relationship is such an exciting time, and this jazzy rendition of Vince Gill’s 1994 hit will be sure to help you enjoy every moment of it!

Taking a Chance on Love – WJ3 All-Stars

Love can be really risky and scary sometimes, and it might even make you wonder if it’s all worth it. Maybe you’re in a long-distance relationship, or going through a rough patch, but to get through it, you need to trust that you won’t regret taking a chance on love. This lovely little tune, from Night is Alive’s album My Ship, will help you to remember that love is worth the risk.

 Can’t Hide Love – Lonnie Plaxico, Camille Thurman

No matter what you’re doing this Valentine’s Day, we at Night is Alive wish you the very best and hope that you find love. Love exists everywhere, in the cracks and crevices of daily life, in the smiles and nods with acquaintances and strangers, the hugs with friends and family, the petting of a beloved dog or cat. Squeeze your lover’s hand extra tight while you listen to the soaring vocals of Camille Thurman. This song celebrates love in all shapes and forms!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Safa Pourtavakkoli on Unsplash

Music for the Cynical, Broken-Hearted and Blissfully Single

While the rest of the world is drowning in overpriced roses, sickly sweet chocolates and the suffocating scent of manufactured sentiment, some of us prefer our February 14th to be a bit grittier, with a side of minor chords and a healthy dose of reality. Whether you’re currently nursing a bruised ego, recovering from a recent ghosting, or raising a glass to your own hard-won independence, jazz can offer a sanctuary for the un-coupled. It’s the music of the midnight rain and the solitary streetlamp—a genre that understands “love” doesn’t always have to be a Broadway finale; sometimes, it can be a moody trumpet solo in a dimly lit room.

Here is a curated look at the sounds that trade saccharine sweet for smoke and soul. May these songs help you to celebrate your own “Anti-Valentine’s Day” this year.

Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue – Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & others

Has your latest fling moved on and found someone new? That rejection is going to sting. But this song, from Night is Alive’s country jazz album Cryin’ In My Whiskey, will at least help you to know that you’re not alone. As Crystal Gayle sang in 1977, many people go through this experience, and guess what? They all recover from it. You’ve found someone new and / Don’t it make my brown eyes blue.

Kathy’s Blues – Harry Allen Trio

Having the blues doesn’t necessarily have to be downtrodden and sad. It can be nice and cathartic to luxuriate in the deeper swings, the lower notes, of life. This tune, from Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3 captures the hues and resonances of the blues. Pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine and bask in Rossano Sportiello’s intricate piano and Harry Allen’s unforgettable saxophone. This is love too; self-love.

Free – Lonnie Plaxico, Camille Thurman

Being single doesn’t mean being alone, it means being free. This is an important message to remember. From nothingness comes infinite possibilities. There are so many places you can go, things you can do, life to live and goals to accomplish. Without a partner you don’t have to factor anyone else into your decisions. You are free to do exactly as you please! Embrace this freedom with this lovely song from the hot new album Radiance.

Recluse – Lorca Hart Trio

Do you ever want to be completely alone, veg out on the couch with a facemask and hot tea and watch your favorite movie? Well, guess what, this “Anti-Valentine’s Day” you can do just that! You don’t have to answer to anyone, and you don’t have to be anywhere, so use the time to get some rest and relaxation. You deserve it! And while you’re at it, listen to this song, from Night is Alive’s album, which celebrates the joys of reclusivity.

Looking Back – Bill Cunliffe, Martin Wind, Tim Horner

Looking back and reflecting on your life, isn’t it wonderful to realize that you’re not stuck in one of your past relationships? Wouldn’t you rather be single than forcing something with someone that wasn’t right for you? It’s important to take time to look back and recognize how far you’ve come, and this song, from Night is Alive’s album Border Widow’s Lament, provides the perfect backdrop for such ruminations.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Get your buffalo chicken dip, cold beer and good friends ready because Superbowl Sunday is coming up soon! Whether you’re rooting for the Patriots or the Seahawks, it’s sure to be a good time. Or maybe you’re not even the biggest football fan and you just enjoy spending time with loved ones and watching the extravagant commercials. No matter, wherever you stand, Night is Alive has some tunes to get you excited! Who ever said that jazz and football can’t go together? 

Whenever You Come Around – Janis Siegel, John Di Martino and others

At first, football and jazz seem to be an unlikely pair, just like country and jazz. But alas, this song, from Night is Alive’s country jazz album Cryin in My Whiskey shows that the two genres can indeed be put together to create something new and sensational. Now let’s raise our beers and cheers!

Sideshow – Lonnie Plaxico, Lafayette Harris Jr. 

Do you know who is performing at the halftime show this year? Yes, that’s right–it’s going to be Puerto Rican rapper and singer, Bad Bunny! Who knows, maybe the sideshow will even outshine the main show? Listen to this song, from Night is Alive’s album Radiance to get pumped for the sideshow that is sure to be memorable. 

Runnin’ Wild – Harry Allen Trio 

Cheer on your favorite players this Sunday as they go running wild on the field! Wait, what was that? Another touchdown? Whoo! Let this song carry your team another ten yards down the field. From Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3, this tune has all the frenetic energy of Superbowl Sunday. 

Wave – WJ3 All-Stars 

Are the audience members doing the wave in the stands? Do they have foam fingers? Other fun spirit wear? Even if you’re not the biggest sports fan, it can still be fun to embrace the community of a gameday. Tailgating is a beloved tradition that brings people together and rallies them for the same team, which celebrates friendly competition. Enjoy this song, from Night is Alive’s album My Ship to get you into the tailgating spirit. 

Jitterbug Waltz – WJ3 All-Stars

Touchdown!! And with those last six points, the 2026 Superbowl comes to a close. Are you happy with the winning time? How did your fantasy league perform? No matter the outcome, be sure to shake the hand of the other team and celebrate the day with this upbeat tune from Night is Alive’s album Lovers and Love Songs.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Paolo Aldrighetti on Unsplash