From two new albums to interviews with numerous award-winning musicians and tons of fun, jazzy blog posts, 2025 has been a busy year for Night is Alive! As the year draws to a close, it is time to reflect upon and celebrate our accomplishments, the incredible music we’ve shared, and the community we’ve built together.
New Sounds: The Albums of 2025
Night is Alive is always looking to provide the very best in jazz to our listeners, and that means thinking outside the box to create unique musical experiences. This year, we were thrilled to showcase two standout projects.
It Takes 3
To kick off 2025, we released a smashing new album featuring the exceptional talents of tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, pianist Rossano Sportiello, and drummer Bryan Carter.
This collaboration is a testament to the enduring appeal of jazz and the remarkable chemistry that can be achieved when masterful musicians come together. By choosing a trio format without a bass, the group paid homage to the jazz traditions of the 1930s and 40s while infusing the music with fresh interpretations. The tracklist features a blend of the Great American Songbook alongside original compositions.
Go deeper into the music:
- Interview with Harry Allen
- Interview with Bryan Carter
- Interview with Rossano Sportiello
- Behind the Sound: Interview with Mixing Engineer Dave Darlington
Radiance
Later in the year, we were proud to present Radiance, a soul-jazz masterclass from Lonnie Plaxico. Featuring the luminous Camille Thurman, the rhythmic heartbeat of Douglas Plaxico, and the rich piano textures of Lafayette Harris Jr., this album reimagines classics like “Don’t Know Why” and “All This Love.”
Lonnie is a familiar face to the NiA family, having been featured on Cryin’ in My Whiskey and Christmas Ain’t Like It Used to Be. With Radiance, he delivers a deeply emotional, groove-forward journey.
Meet the Artists:
Living the Jazzy Life: 2025 Blog Highlights
Music isn’t just something you listen to; it’s a backdrop for your life. This year, we curated dozens of playlists and articles to help you find the perfect rhythm for every moment.
Nature & The Great Outdoors
Whether you were greeting the spring or trekking through fall leaves, we had the soundtrack ready:
- Spring & Summer: From Earthy Jazz for Earth Day to Summer Solstice Picnics and Outdoor Yoga.
- Fall: We celebrated the Autumn Equinox and provided the ultimate Fall Foliage Playlist.
- Active Living: We even made weeding the garden and bike rides more fun!
Celebrations & Outings
We celebrated the people who matter most with curated lists for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Whimsical Weddings.
When you headed out into the world, NiA went with you! We explored music for:
- Farmers Markets & Renaissance Festivals
- Zesty Zoo Days & Jazzy Oktoberfests
- Spooky Season: From Pumpkin Carving to Haunted Houses.
Education & Industry Insights
We believe that the more you know about jazz, the more you can love it. This year, we tackled the big questions, like “What does it mean to swing?”
We also sat down for a comprehensive, three-part interview with David Basse, the voice behind the famous radio show, Jazz with David Basse. With a career spanning 50 years—including playing for presidential galas and teaching at Lincoln Center’s Swing University—David offered an unparalleled look into the depth and breadth of the genre.
Thank You for a Swingin’ 2025!
Whether you purchased Radiance from our online store or read our tips for a jazzy game night, thank you for being part of the Night is Alive community. We can’t wait to share even more music, interviews, and memories with you in 2026.
written by Jacqueline Knirnschild
Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash
