Happy Birthday to Charlie Parker!

Happy Birthday to Charlie Parker!

If Charlie Parker were still alive, he would be turning 106 this August 29th! The American jazz saxophonist, bandleader and composer was a frontrunner in the development of bebop, which is a style of jazz characterized by advanced harmonies, fast tempos and virtuosic technique. He brought groundbreaking rhythm and harmony into jazz, such as rapid passing chords, chord substitutions and new variants of altered chords. But Parker was more than just a musician, he was an icon for the hipster subculture and Beat Generation, and embodied uncompromising artistry and intellectualism rather than just entertainment.

Born in Kansas City, Kansas, Charles Parker’s father was a pianist, dancer and singer on the Theatre Owners Booking Association circuit. At Catholic school, Parker sang in the choir, and at age 11 he began playing the saxophone. Then at age 14, he joined the Lincoln High School Band, and his mother bought him a new alto saxophone. In 1935, he withdrew from high school to pursue music full-time by joining the local musicians’ union.

Parker went through some hardships–a divorce, drug addiction and car accident that led to three broken ribs and a fractured spine–but he continued developing his sound and working with a pianist and guitarist. In 1939, Parker moved to New York City to pursue his musical career, where, after working part-time jobs to earn a living, Parker finally achieved his musical breakthrough. He developed a new improvisational vocabulary that later became known as “bebop.”

Charlie Parker – Ornithology

Fun fact: Did you know that Charlie Parker was nicknamed “Bird” or “Yardbird” for his legendary love for eating chicken? This 1946 song’s title cleverly makes a reference to this beloved nickname. “Ornithology” showcases contrafact, which is a practice that was developed by Parker and involved writing original melodies over existing jazz forms and standards. In this case, the newly-created melody was written over the standard “How High the Moon.”

Charlie Parker – Now’s the Time

The titular track of the 1956 studio album, “Now’s the Time” is one of Charlie Parker’s most important compositions. The song bridges Parker’s roots in traditional Kansas City blues with the new radical rhythmic language of bebop. The 12-bar blues written in the key of F features a simple but catchy six-note repeating riff. The song also became an anthem for the power and urgency of modern art, with artist Jean-Michel Basquiat famously painting a massive tribute to the vinyl record.

Charlie Parker – Ko-Ko

This 1945 bebop recording begins with a harmonically ambiguous introduction that quickly moves to a B flat major at the start of Parker’s first solo chorus. The harmony becomes based on the chord changes of Ray Noble’s song “Cherokee.” Max Roach’s drum solo ends the transition and the closing echoes the introduction but with an unexpected change. Enjoy this frantic, high-speed masterpiece on Charlie Parker’s birthday!

Can you hear any Parker-inspired music in our own Night is Alive albums? You can listen on our Youtube page or add music from our various albums to your Spotify playlist. And of course, the very best in jazz is always available on Night is Alive’s albums page.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo from Charlie Parker’s official website.

Happy Birthday to Wayne Shorter!

Happy Birthday to Wayne Shorter!

This August 25th would have been Wayne Shorter’s 93rd birthday were he still alive. The legendary jazz saxophonist, composer and bandleader had a career that spanned more than six decades and included 12 Grammy Awards! Shorter was particularly influential and acclaimed globally for his compositional depth, originality and transformative approach to improvisation.

Born in Newark, New Jersey, Shorter began taking clarinet lessons at age 16 and then switched to tenor saxophone. He attended New York University and graduated in 1956 with a degree in music education. After two years in the U.S. Army, Shorter began his musical career by playing with Maynard Ferguson. In 1959, he joined Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, which brought him into mainstream prominence. He quickly became the main composer of the ensemble and helped to define its artistic voice.

Shorter then joined Miles Davis’s Second Great Quintet in 1964. In 1970, he co-founded the jazz fusion band Weather Report, which reinterpreted the possibilities of electric jazz and achieved international success. Throughout his career as a bandleader, Shorter recorded over twenty albums, many of which became long-lasting jazz standards. The most notable and trademark traits of his music include philosophical depth, harmonic sophistication and narrative structure. Additionally, his mastery of the soprano saxophone was highly admired.

In honor of Wayne Shorter, we put together a few of his most beloved songs for your listening:

Weather Report – The Moors

From The Weather Report’s sophomore 1972 album, this jazz-fusion tune opens with a long solo by Ralph Towner that sounds very unique due to its aggressive, unconventionally detuned 12-string acoustic guitar. After the introductory guitar, the band explodes with a rich, pulsating rhythm. Shorter’s signature soprano saxophone pierces through with memorable melodies. Joe Zawinul’s electric piano creates an energetic, swirling energy.

Weather Report – Sightseeing

This fast-paced, bebop-influenced song almost feels like a workout with its lively, frenetic energy. The stripped-back sound makes it stand out from the other highly synthesized tracks on the album. Shorter’s tenor saxophone is really showcased. His sharp, complex melody plays over a driving swing rhythm. No wonder this 1979 album, 8:30, won a Grammy for the Best Jazz Fusion Performance!

Wayne Shorter – “On the Milky Way Express”

From Wayne Shorter’s 1995 album High Life, this tune blends a steady, infectious funk groove with cinematic orchestration and Shorter’s trademark soaring sax. This album departed from the jazz-fusion works that Shorter had done after leaving Weather Report. In High Life, synthesized instruments were used more subtly and the compositions were seen to be more complex. The album also featured a thirty-piece orchestral ensemble!’

Can you hear any Shorter-inspired music in our own Night is Alive albums? You can listen on our Youtube page or add music from our various albums to your Spotify playlist. And of course, the very best in jazz is always available on Night is Alive’s albums page.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo from Wayne Shorter’s Facebook page.

Summer Cookin’: When Jazz Meets Food

Summertime encourages a slightly slower pace of life. Whether you’re a teacher or student on school break, or still working that daily 9-5, the summer contains a more languorous energy than the rest of the year. I don’t know about you, but this unhurried, leisurely vibe gets me into the mood to cook! When I am super busy and overwhelmed, I find cooking to be a drudgery but when I have the time for it, I enjoy preparing a nice meal, especially for my family and friends. To help inspire your creations in the kitchen, we at Night is Alive have made you a playlist of songs that pairs with some specific recipes! So, pour yourself a glass of wine, turn on this music and get out your ingredients . . .

Spinach Kale Crab Avocado Salad | Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & Others – Always On My Mind

Yesterday, I made the most delicious spinach, kale, crab and avocado salad, and I thought it was such a nice light summer meal. Funnily enough, I didn’t use a recipe for the dish but invented it based on the ingredients I had in my fridge. That’s how the best meals emerge sometimes–just by random! I also added some chopped spring onions and cilantro; and wonton chips and salty sunflower seeds. The buttery avocado and soft crab combined with the crispy wontons and crunchy seeds created a wonderful mixture of textures! To pair with this salad, I recommend NiA’s song “Always On My Mind,” from our jazz country western album Cryin’ In My Whiskey,because even after you finish eating, this salad will always be on your mind!

The Healthy Hot Dog | Lonnie Plaxico & Camille Thurman – Can’t Hide Love

Hot dogs are a staple of the American summer diet, but what if we mixed things up a little bit and made them a little healthier and fresher than the standard ketchup and mustard? This August, why not try putting some guacamole or pineapple mango salsa on top of your hot dog? Maybe you could even try using a lettuce or cabbage leaf instead of the typical starchy bun? But no matter how you eat your hot dog, the bottom line is that you can’t hide the love that comes from sharing a summer meal with your friends and family. Turn on this tune, from the funky album Radiance, while you bask in that summer bliss.

Caprese Salad | John Di Martino, Harry Allen & Others – Only The Lonely

Sometimes it can be so lovely to eat a meal by yourself. Solitude doesn’t necessarily have to mean loneliness. There can be great pleasure in silence, particularly when you are mindful of each bite of food you’re eating. We are often in a rush to eat, shower, get ready for the next day and sleep. But it can be so beneficial to slow down and enjoy the process of chopping up some tomatoes, basil and mozzarella, then mixing it all together and topping with some balsamic and olive oil. While you’re cooking, listen to the beautiful crooning vocals of this song, from NiA’s album Call Me Irresponsible.

Salmon & Cucumber Sushi | WJ3 All-Stars – Star Eyes

Sushi may seem like an intimidating food to make, but really it’s not as complicated as it may appear. All that you need is some short-grain white rice, smoked salmon and cucumber; a sushi roller and seaweed paper. Most grocery stores nowadays carry an Asian foods section, so you can easily buy all of these ingredients! Perhaps, if you’re feeling fancy you could get some mirin (sweet rice wine)–just splash a dash into your rice and water before it cooks for an extra special flavor. Cut the cucumbers in long strips, then simply watch a short YouTube video about how to wrap the rolls and you’re done! You’ll have anime eyes, or star eyes, in no time!

Check out this music and more on Night is Alive’s albums page.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Moment InFocus on Unsplash

“Cool Jazz” for Hot August Days

The temperatures this month may be soaring but that doesn’t mean that you need to be sweaty and overheated. There are plenty of ways to stay cool, both physically andmentally that don’t necessarily involve a sky-rocketing air conditioning bill! For example, did you know that in Japan, instead of trying to cool one’s environment, like we do in the U.S., Japanese people aim to cool their bodies? So, this means that instead of blasting the A/C, Japanese people put cold wet towels around their necks, and wear special undershirts that absorb and ventilate sweat and heat. Pretty neat, right?

Since music is our forte at Night is Alive, we put together a playlist of cool jazz to help you chill out this August. Grab a nice tall glass of ice water, put a cold towel around your neck and kick back in the shade while you beat the heat and enjoy these super chill tunes.

Lonnie Plaxico & Camille Thurman – Free

I don’t know about you, but I feel like the heat affects not only my physical health but also my mental health. When I’m constantly in a hot, sunny, humid environment, my mind starts to feel foggy and hazy. I become lethargic and lazy, and feel like those small tasks on my to-do list are insurmountable. But this song, from the groovy album Radiance, will have you feeling free and radiant. Take it easy on yourself! It’s okay to take a break and cool down. Remember, breaks are important because they refresh and revitalize you to accomplish whatever comes next.

WJ3 All-Stars – Wave

Heat stroke is a real problem that occurs more often than you might think! When you’re dehydrated and spend too much time outside in the heat, sometimes your body is unable to cool itself down. It’s important to take precautions to avoid heat stroke, like avoiding laborious physical labor and exercise during peak temperatures, which often occur in the late afternoons. Instead of going for your daily post-work run, why not have a siesta or do some gentle yoga indoors? You could even listen to this song, from NiA’s album My Ship, to help you unwind and sleep or stretch.

Harry Allen Trio – It’s Sunny in Cape Cod

Maybe sometimes instead of trying to beat the heat, it’s better to just lean in and embrace it. It might always be sunny right now, but the sun is a lot more enjoyable when you’re basking by a pool. This tune, from Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3, will have you imagining that you’re on a luxury beach retreat in Cape Cod, even if you may only be at the YMCA in your small hometown!

John DiMartino, Joe Magnarelli, Wayne Escoffery, Lonnie Plaxico & Willie Jones III – Hudson River Wind

In this stifling heat, the breeze can truly feel like a godsend. Listen to this song, from NiA’s album Old New Borrowed and Blue while you blast the fan or go for a bike ride that’ll have the wind rippling through your clothes. Remember, loose, lightweight clothes are the way to go when it comes to embracing the breeze, no matter how small it may be.

Janis Siegel, John DiMartino & others – Hard Candy Christmas

Even though it’s not technically Christmas in July anymore, it could be fun to listen to a holiday tune to remind yourself that the heat is only temporary. The summer heat also often makes me want to listen to country music, which makes this jazz country western Christmas song the perfect tune to imagine a snowy, wintery time. From NiA’s album Cryin’ In My Whiskey, “Hard Candy Christmas” would pair well with a sweet peppermint ice cream!

Check out this music and more on Night is Alive’s albums page.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Ibrahim Rifath on Unsplash