Q&A with David Basse from Kansas City Radio – Part 2

Welcome to part two of Night is Alive’s interview with the legendary David Basse!

NiA: How did you get into singing?

DB: I graduated from high school when I was 17 and two weeks later, a band came through town and they happened to need a drummer and they were going on to Colorado and other places. So, I joined the band and left, and as we were driving away, the bandleader asked if I could sing and I said no. The band leader said, well that’s too bad because I would give you more money if you sang. He suggested I sing without a microphone and see if I could find a part to sing harmony and just get comfortable singing from the drums. So, I’m more comfortable singing from the drums than without the drums. I guess I’m equally comfortable now, after many, many years.

NiA: When did you decide to become a bandleader?

DB: I decided to be a bandleader in 1980. So I stopped playing what somebody else wanted to play and I started playing the music I loved, which was a mixture of jazz and blues–the music of Kansas City is what really drew me in. In the first two years I was on the road I went to all the places I wanted to go and I hadn’t found one that stuck–I went to Nashville, New Orleans, LA, New York–and I didn’t know about Kansas City. Then somebody in Iowa said, “you know, you ought to go to Kansas City, here’s the number of an agent.” And when I came here, I found that you can make a living on music in Kansas City and there are a lot of people doing it and it’s not that difficult. So, I was playing as many as nine gigs a week, playing seven nights and taking a couple of matinees and going to jam sessions and it was just great.

NiA: Wow, that’s incredible–it sounds like you really found where you belong, found your home.

DB: Yeah, I think I did. You know, about ten years ago I was talking to John Clayton–the bassist with Diana Krall and the Hollywood Bowl, a prominent musician–and I was having dinner with him, and I told him I was so impressed by his career and all the things he’s done, and he said, “you know, you have a place too–you’re our guy in Kansas City, so don’t be too impressed with me, just be you.” And I was very taken by that.

NiA: What was it like being a part of the City Light Orchestra?

DB: In 1980 when I became a bandleader there was a vocalist named Priscilla Bowman and she had a hit record called “Keep Your Hands Off Him, He Don’t Belong To You,” so it’s blues and it was a million-seller hit. I was going to my tenth high school reunion and a trumpeter said, we got this gig tonight–you should come and play drums with Priscilla Bowman, and I did. Then towards the end of the second set, she said she was going to go home, she was tired, so the club owner said to me, I heard you’re a vocalist, can you sing in the last set? And I said sure, so I sang some songs and after the set, he asked, what would you call this band? And I said I’d call it the City Light Orchestra. He asked, why orchestra? Why not the City Light Band because we’re the City Light Jazz Club. I said no, ‘orchestra’ sounds better, so that’s what we named it. And one thing led to another and we played there for seven nights, five nights a week.

NiA: What are some of your most memorable moments and experiences from being the bandleader of the City Light Orchestra?

DB: We got to go to New York. The editor of the newspaper here had been married in a nightclub on Upper East Side, 91st and 2nd avenue, and the club had just piano players, some of the exceptional piano players there, and this editor got us a gig for two weeks. So, the first time we went to New York we played for two weeks in a nightclub and that was phenomenal. We got to meet a lot of cool people, like Benny Goodman, Southside Johnny. To think of it now–to go to New York and play two weeks in a nightclub, twelve nights in a row with a Sunday off. That’s not really possible anymore unless you’re somebody of great stature. We were just a bar band.

NiA: It sounds like a dream!

DB: Yeah, it seems like a dream to me too.

To be continued in part three… In the meantime, check out Night is Alive’s albums page for the very best in jazz.

Learn more about David Basse at davidbasse.com

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

photo from facebook.com/davidbassejazz/

Q&A with David Basse from Kansas City Radio – Part 1

Part One of Night is Alive’s exclusive interview with David Basse

This week we were lucky enough to speak with David Basse, who you may recognize from his very own radio show Jazz with David Basse, which explores the depth and breadth of jazz through fifteen hours of curated songs per week. And not only is David the host of this nationally syndicated show, but he also has an impressive musical career spanning fifty years. David has played the drums and sang since the 1970s, and was the leader of The City Light Orchestra, which played at the 1997 Inaugural Gala for President Clinton. Before Jazz with David Basse, David also hosted The Jazz Scene, and he instructed jazz at Lincoln Center’s Swing University in 2022 and 2023. Now let’s hear from David…

Night is Alive: You’ve been playing music, and have been a part of the jazz music scene, since the 70s. How have you seen jazz change throughout the decades? How do you see the current state of jazz music today?

David Basse: You know I love all kinds of jazz–I’ve never met jazz I didn’t like, even the kind that drives people crazy, I still like it. I think jazz is really thriving because there’s so many young people involved in jazz these days. These young musicians have a very interesting take on the music and they’re not afraid to jump in and do what they gotta do. I’ve always loved the fact that jazz is passed down from the elders to the young people and I really think that’s the best of all jazz education–just standing next to someone fifty years older than you and trying to play music with them.

NiA: I’m curious, what kind of jazz music do you think “drives people crazy”?

DB: Well, it’s such a free-form music that if you have a strong opinion of what the music should be, there’s a good chance that you’re driving somebody crazy. I mean Kenny G didn’t set out to drive people nuts with his music and neither did Ornette Coleman; they’re just playing what’s in their heart–I would think–because that’s what most jazz musicians do.

NiA: Is that what you were doing–playing what’s in your heart–when you were playing the drums and singing?

DB: I started out playing the drums when I was 11. I lived in a very small town in Nebraska–I went to a two-room schoolhouse with an outhouse, out in the country. I had no exposure to jazz except for what I heard on a station called KAAY in Little Rock, Arkansas. After 11 o’clock at night I could pick up on a transistor radio, so I would listen with one headphone, and listen to Miles Davis and Ornette Coleman, mixed in with Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. The song “Mellow Yellow” by Donovan is what drove me to the drums; I loved the drumbeat. I thought, “man I gotta do that! I gotta play the drums! I love the drums!” I was ten going on eleven and I talked my mother into paying for a drum lesson. I told her when I left the lesson that I found my career. She laughed, of course, and people still laugh, which is just fine because I play what I like to play and do what I want to do, which is why I like being a jazz musician.

Look for the second part of this compelling interview, coming soon! In the meantime, check out Night is Alive’s albums page for the very best in jazz.

Learn more about David Basse at davidbasse.com

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

photo from facebook.com/davidbassejazz/

How to Make Weeding Your Garden More Fun

Photo by Ben Collins on Unsplash

The perfect playlist for your outdoor summer chores!

No one really enjoys weeding, but, unfortunately, it’s necessary for a garden to flourish. Each little green flower bud needs space to breathe around it, and plenty of nutritious soil to grow. So, you might as well grab your trowel, gloves, sunhat, and a nice speaker and get started. And don’t worry, of course you know that Night is Alive has got you covered with a playlist to make weeding your garden more fun!

Harry Allen Trio – I Can’t Get Started

Like with any challenging or tedious task, it may be difficult to get started. You might just feel like you can’t get started no matter how hard you try to stop scrolling on your phone or sipping from your water bottle. But the more time you tarry away, the longer it’ll take you to finish! So, go ahead and ease into your weeding with this soft song from Night is Alive’s newest album It Takes 3. I think the interplay of the piano and saxophone will be sure to motivate and encourage you.

Lorca Hart Trio – Like This

Weeding sure is a lot more fun when you have an upbeat jazzy tune like this one from Night is Alive’s album Inspiration and Gratitude. Just like this you will be pulling out all of those pesky dandelions, creeping Charlie and knotweed in no time! Let the fast beat guide your movements and it’ll feel less like a chore and more like a synchronised dance.

The Lorca Hart Trio – Blues Alliance

From one of our older beloved albums Colors of Jazz, this playful and fun tune will help to make the time spent outside weeding feel like a real treat. Try to enjoy the dappling sunshine on the green leaves, the smell of the fresh overturned dirt, and the cute little critters–ants, worms, caterpillars–crawling about. We’re all in this together–in this Blues Alliance!

WJ3 All-Stars – I Should Care

After that weeding frenzy you may be beginning to feel a little tired! You may start to wonder if this is even all worth it . . . should I even care about this garden? The weeding is so much work! But let this song, from Night is Alive’s album My Ship remind you that yes, yes you should share! Let the blooming of the trumpet in this song help you to visualize all the daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops that will be emerging soon enough.

WJ3 All Stars – I’m an Old Cow Hand

After all that work in the garden, I bet you’re starting to feel like an old cow hand working hard out in the sun all day! Why not celebrate your hard work with this snazzy tune from Night is Alive’s album Lovers & Love Songs. Then go and grab yourself a nice ice cold glass of sweet tea and sit back and relax. You earned it!

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Ben Collins on Unsplash

Songs for Calm Outdoor Yoga

Photo by kike vega on Unsplash

Celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21st

With muggy, humid weather like this, you can have a hot yoga class in your backyard! Just step outside with your yoga mat and I guarantee the temperatures and sweat will be as high as you’d be paying for in an infrared studio! It’ll also be nice to stretch out your body, breathe into your muscles and hear the birds chirping outside. Plus, did you know that June 21st is International Yoga Day? What better way to celebrate than with some calm outdoor yoga and smooth jazz tunes! We at Night is Alive have got you covered with a playlist that’ll help you unwind and unfold.

Lorca Hart Trio – Let Me in Your Life

I think yoga is best when it is done with a specific intention in mind. Whether it be to let go of the past, be in the present moment or allow yourself to make mistakes, it’s important to set a goal to work towards in your yoga practice, which is why I thought it’d be great to start our playlist with a song from Lorca Hart Trio’s album Inspiration and Gratitude. Maybe your intention could be to be grateful for all that you have, or to let some love into your life?

Harry Allen Trio – Each and Every Yesterday

This beautiful slow tune from Night is Alive’s newest album It Takes 3 really showcases the buttery brilliance of Harry Allen’s saxophone. Allow the mellow melody to smooth out all the kinks in your back and neck as you warm up and stretch out, maybe with some table-top positions and cat/cow. Let all the stress of each and every yesterday roll off your body like every music note rolls so effortlessly from the instruments.

Bill Cunliffe, Tim Horner & Martin Wind – Border Widow’s Lament

I think Wind’s bass really stands out in this track from the album of the same title, released by Night is Alive. And Cunliffe’s masterful piano is also incredibly peaceful, while Horner’s drums pull everything all together. A song like this makes me want to get into a child’s pose and allow the laments of the day to slip away, like the drops of sweat, onto my mat.

John Di Martino & Others – Only the Lonely

This song, from Night is Alive’s album Call Me Irresponsible, is hauntingly beautiful and I guarantee it will stick with you long after it’s over, much like your yoga practice. Maybe it feels a bit lonely to be outside practicing yoga by yourself, but you’re not alone–you have the music to keep you company. You have the arresting vocals, the piano, guitar, bass, drums to guide you as you unwind your body further and push it to the threshold where growth occurs.

The Lorca Hart Trio – Duke and Billy

As you finish up your half-pigeon pose and do your final pose, maybe it’s a wheel or full bridge, or even a shoulder stand, this snazzy tune will only serve to enhance your relaxation. Then, when you get into that final resting pose, flat on your back on the mat, allow the Colors of Jazz (the name of this album) to wash over you and spark your synapses with joy and accomplishment. You did it. You took this time for yourself today and your body greatly appreciates it.

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by kike vega on Unsplash

Songs for a Summer Solstice Picnic

Photo by Liana S on Unsplash

Did you know that right around the time of the Summer Solstice is when the sun is out for the longest? Yup, right now you are going to be experiencing the most daylight of the year! As nature comes alive–the crickets chirp, the bees buzz and the wind rustles–why not grab a basket and fill it with your favorite snacks and have an evening picnic? Just be sure not to forget the bugspray! And of course, a lovely sunset playlist.

Harry Allen Trio – It’s Sunny in Cape Cod

I don’t know about you, but I just love these long evenings. I feel so much more awake when the sun is still out at 8, 9 p.m. This song, from Night is Alive’s newest album It Takes 3, not only captures what it feels like when “It’s Sunny in Cape Cod,” but it also captures what it feels like when it’s sunny during the solstice! Sit back, relax and enjoy the soothing piano notes, each one like a ray of sunshine.

Lorca Hart Trio – Dew Drop

Even though there are lots of mosquitos right after it rains, I still think there is something just so serene about dewy, fresh, post-storm evenings. The earth and greenery feels like it was freshly cleansed and refreshed. Everything has such a rejuvenating gleam to it, just like this lovely song from Night is Alive’s album Colors of Jazz. The saxophone is like a perfect dew drop on a leaf, glistening and serene.

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

This is one of my favorite tunes to sing along to–it’s just so catchy, clever and croony. Maybe as you’re sitting at your picnic, you’ll also feel inspired to sing along! From Night is Alive’s country jazz album Cryin’ In My Whiskey, this tune encapsulates the melancholy feeling of a tortured relationship yet still manages to feel light and singable. Plus, there’s nothing like country music when you’re sitting outside on a nice summer evening, right?

Bill Cunliffe, Martin Wind & Tim Horner – Marching Season

As the skies begin to finally darken a little bit, you may want to listen to a song that has a bit more of a haunting feel to it, like this one from Night is Alive’s album Border Widow’s Lament. This dynamic tune makes me think of all the ants marching up tree trunks and branches, the raccoons and squirrels stirring in the woods, the owl blinking its eyes; all the life that is teeming in the unknown darkness beyond human eyes.

WJ3 All-Stars – Star Eyes

Maybe a few stars are beginning to twinkle in the sky? Maybe the moon is peeking out from behind a cloud? Well, it really was a lovely Summer Solstice picnic, and what better way to end it than with this lovely song from Night is Alive’s album My Ship. Maybe you’re sitting with a loved one and the stars are reflecting in their eyes, or maybe this person makes you starry-eyed!

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Liana S on Unsplash

Father’s Day Fun!

Photo by Ante Hamersmit on Unsplash

5 Songs for a BBQ with Dad

What are you up to this weekend for Father’s Day? Did you mow the lawn and power wash the driveway in preparation for a family BBQ? Have you stocked up on some ice and beer? And most importantly, did you remember to make a playlist for the BBQ?

Father’s Day is a special time to honor and celebrate the amazing dads, grandpas, uncles, and father figures in our lives. From fixing scraped knees to offering wise advice (and maybe a few bad dad jokes!) dads are always there for us and do so much. So, it’s important to show our appreciation with a rockin’ playlist on Father’s Day! Get ready to crank up the volume, share a dance and cherish the good vibes together.

Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & others – Are You Alright

Remember all those times you fell off a skateboard, a bike or went through a heartbreak–dad was always there. Every time you fall, your dad is right there to check on you and ask you if you’re alright, just like Siegel’s beautiful vocals in this song. Nod along with this jazzy rendition of Lucinda Williams’s 2007 tune, which is a part of Night is Alive’s country album, Cryin’ in My Whiskey. Who knows–maybe if your dad is a country fan, you’ll want to buy him the album as a gift!

Harry Allen Trio – It’s Sunny in Cape Cod

Hopefully the weather where you are is warm and sunny this weekend, just like the blue skies and cotton candy clouds over Cape Cod. This lovely, relaxing tune, from Night is Alive’s newest album It Takes 3, will transport you and dad to all the family vacations you’ve gone on together throughout your lives. Remember that time you got so sunburned that dad had to go take an emergency trip to town for aloe? Or how about the time that dad laughed so hard beer came dribbling out his nose?

Lorca Hart Trio – Song for Ganda

This fast-paced, upbeat tune from Night is Alive’s album Inspiration & Gratitude is the perfect one to get you and dad up dancing! The snazzy, groovy melodies will make y’all want to snap your fingers, clap to the beat and start shaking those feet. Remember, it doesn’t matter what you look like on the dancefloor (or driveway!), all that matters is that you’re having fun.

Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & others – Always on My Mind

After all that groovy dancing, I bet you and dad are a bit tuckered out! So, take a breather and listen to this jazzy rendition of Willie Nelson’s beloved 1982 ballad. Because really, what dad doesn’t love good ol’ Willie Nelson? You might even want to pour out a drink of whiskey to amplify the vibe.

WJ3 All-Stars – Wave

From Night is Alive’s album My Ship, this mellow tune really showcases the masterful trumpetering of Jeremy Pelt! Not only does it have excellent trumpet, but this song also creates a calm and smooth vibe to end a lovely barbeque with dad. As you’re putting the folding chairs and folding tables back into the shed, allow this song to guide you into a reflective state that gives you a chance to feel gratitude for the great day and memories you made with dad.

Check out some of this music and more on Night is Alive’s albums page!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Ante Hamersmit on Unsplash

Music for a Farmers Market

Photo by mk. s on Unsplash

Farmers Markets & Fun Jazz

Now that spring is here, and summer is right around the corner, I bet you’re thrilled about all the farmers markets and food festivals popping up in your community! I know that I sure am. There’s no better way to spend a Saturday morning than to grab your family and walk or bike to the local farmers market. I just love soaking up the wicker baskets and wooden crates full of fresh fruits and veggies, and hand-picked flowers. There are always so many tents to explore – homemade blackberry jams, shiny red cherry tomatoes, local clover honey, and goats milk soap. It’s all so wonderful!

Or maybe you’re responsible for one of those tents – maybe you’re a farmer, or a farmhand tasked to sell your goods at the local market. I bet you also love those brisk Saturday mornings loading up the truck with all your fresh produce and salted smoked meats. And then I bet it must be so much fun to greet the customers, chit-chat with the regulars and slowly get to know everyone in your community! But have you ever thought about bringing a speaker to your tent and playing some fun jazz tunes to enhance the mood? I’m sure your customers would love it, and research suggests that music can even make people more likely to buy something!

Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World

After extolling the many wonderful colors and textures of the farmers market, I couldn’t help but to kick off our playlist with this beloved classic, first released in 1967. Even though I’ve heard this song countless times, it never fails to move me and make me feel a deep sense of gratitude. The colors of the rainbow / so pretty in the sky / Are also on the faces / Of people going by / I see friends shaking hands, saying “How do you do?” / They’re really saying, “I love you.”

Harry Allen Trio – You’re My Everything

In this new rendition of the 1931 jazz standard, you can really hear the synergy among the three musicians: Harry Allen’s smooth tenor saxophone intertwining with Rossano Sportiello’s swinging piano, both of which build upon the strong foundation of Bryan Carter’s dynamic drumming. This beautiful collaboration from Night is Alive’s newest album, It Takes 3, captures the interconnectedness of the farmers market. Like the musicians, everyone at the market is working together to foster an atmosphere of love, health and community.

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

Don’t you agree that a warm sunny day at the farmers market absolutely would not be complete without at least one country tune? Well lucky for you, Night is Alive has an excellent country jazz album, Cryin’ in My Whiskey! This rendition of Crystal Gayle’s lovely song captures the melancholy of an unrequited love, yet still manages to feel upbeat and light. You never know, maybe after losing a love, you might just bump into someone new, perhaps at your local farmers’ market? 

John DiMartino, Joe Magnarelli, Wayne Escoffery, Lonnie Plaxico & Willie Jones III – Tune for Mr T

Maybe by this point you’ve finished purchasing the essential ingredients and you’re perusing the jewellery and arts tents, and want a funkier tune to accompany your shopping! This groovy little song, from Night is Alive’s album Old New Borrowed and Blue will match the energy of the local artisans and might even convince you to finally buy that oil painting you’ve been eyeing for weeks. It’s going to look so good in that spot right above the mantel – you know just what I’m talking about!

The WJ3 All-Stars – Gee Baby Ain’t I Good To You

Well, all good things must come to an end, including the farmers’ market. But before you leave, make sure to listen to this lovely tune from Night is Alive’s album Lovers and Love Songs, and don’t forget to treat yourself to a sweet baked good from the tent near the exit! I’ve heard that their lavender banana bread is to die for, or you can’t go wrong with the classic blueberry muffin! Gee baby, ain’t the farmer’s market good to us? 

Check out some of this music and more on Night is Alive’s albums page!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by mk. s on Unsplash

Songs to Make a Great Game Night

Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash

I’m not sure about you, but where I live it has been pretty rainy and gray lately, which is the perfect weather for a game night inside! Instead of letting the next rainy night get you down, why don’t you call up your friends, grab some chips and salsa, maybe a few beers and cozy in for a night of cards and board games? My favorite games are Bananagrams, Taboo and Monopoly. What are your favorites? Oh, and don’t forget–you’re going to be needing some music! Here are some tunes, hand selected by Night is Alive, to brighten your next game night:

Harry Allen Trio – Seems To Me I’ve Heard That Song Before

This snazzy tune, from Night is Alive’s newest album It Takes 3 is sure to set the right tone for the evening. Just picture it now: your friends are arriving, shaking off their umbrellas on the front porch, shrugging off their raincoats and Harry Allen is welcoming them in with his jazzy saxophone! Then maybe you pour each guest a glass of chardonnay and show them the array of games displayed on your kitchen table. Boggle, pinochle, charades–who knows where the night will take you!?

Lorca Hart Trio – Blues on the Corner

Despite the name of this song, which comes from Night is Alive’s album Inspiration and Gratitude, it is actually not very bluesy and is more upbeat and jivey, which pairs well with the adrenaline and jitters of a competitive game night! Are you the type of person to talk smack around the table? Gloat if you win? Are you a sore loser? I’ve heard stories of people throwing game boards across the table at each other! But I’m sure you and your friends would never do that, right?

John Di Martino – Call Me Irresponsible

As alluded to with the previous song, sometimes game nights can really bring out the inner child inside us all, which is okay! Let’s embrace our inner child and have some fun tonight–maybe, dare I say it, even be a little bit irresponsible? This song, from Night is Alive’s album of the same name, encourages a little bit of recklessness. Call me unpredictable / Tell me I’m impractical / Rainbows I’m inclined to pursue . . .

Lorca Hart Trio – MoJoe

By this point in the night you’re probably starting to feel pretty good–hopefully you’ve won a few games, or if you’re playing a longer game, like Settlers of Catan, maybe you’re neck and neck with someone to win! Like this exciting tune from one of Night is Alive’s beloved older albums, Colors of Jazz, you might be getting your mojo on! Make sure to shake up those dice good and even give them a blow for good luck!

WJ3 All-Stars – I’m an Old Cow Hand

This fun jazz song, from Night is Alive’s sweet and soulful album Lovers and Love Songs, ends your game night on a nice playful note. No matter the outcome of your game night–whether you won a prize or lost big–make sure to smile, laugh it off and give your friends a hearty handshake or big hug! No matter how competitive, no game night is worth getting upset about. Plus, there’s always next time…

Check out some of this music and more on Night is Alive’s albums page!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash

Get Groovy on Your Bike Ride

Photo by Clark Young on Unsplash

Our favorite tunes for a Springtime bike ride.

Even though the sun is shining, the temperatures have still been mostly in the 50s and 60s,
which makes it a bit too cool for summer activities, like sunbathing and swimming. But you
know what the current weather is perfect for? A long bike ride! Whether you like to mountain
bike, or prefer a more leisurely city ride, right now is a great time to grab your helmet and set
out for some scenery and blue skies. Don’t forget your water bottle, and more importantly,
don’t forget to enjoy these groovy bike-riding tunes.


Lorca Hart Trio – Discoveries
Who knows what you’ll discover on your bike ride–a bird’s nest full of eggs, a snake
slithering by on the pavement or an old friend sitting on a park bench! The opportunities are
endless as long as you keep your mind and heart open to curiosity and discovery, which is
encapsulated in this song from Lorca Hart Trio’s album Colors of Jazz!

Janis Siegel & John di Martino – Whenever You Come Around
I don’t know about you, but the warmer weather has got me feeling like it’s time to start
listening to some country music! And what better way to kick off the country music season
than with a beloved tune like “Whenever You Come Around.” This new rendition from the
album Cryin’ in My Whiskey captures the country classic while also adding layers of depth
with the jazzy overtones, making it a lovely companion on your bike ride.

Lorca Hart Trio – Blues on the Corner
About halfway through your bike ride you might start losing steam, which is a great time t
listen to this jazzy song! Like I mentioned earlier, you never really know what you’re going
to find right around the corner of your bike ride, or your life. You could find something blue,
or maybe an unexpected ray of sunshine! Who knows–just keep pedaling, just keep moving
forward and you’ll end up right where you need to be. And this song, from our album
Inspiration & Gratitude, will help you remind you of this important message.

John Di Martino, Harry Allen, Dave Stryker, Peter Washington & Willie Jones – Suddenly
It’s Spring
Spring always seems to come out of nowhere to me, which may be why it’s called spring–it
just jumps out and catches you by surprise every year! You can really start to get used to the
gray skies, rain and cold that the spring almost feels like a fright, but no fear–the time is here
to let the air be a bit looser, and to let your hair fall more freely, especially as you coast past
all the lovely spring flowers. Let the April showers be where they belong, in the past, and
celebrate the new green growth while you listen to this lovely tune from our album Call Me
Irresponsible.

Willie Jones III – My Ship
End your bike ride with this slower song, featuring some gorgeous trumpet-playing from our
very own Jeremy Pelt! The titular song of our album My Ship, this tune is perfect for ending a
journey, for arriving at your destination. I can wait the years / ‘Til it appears / One fine day,
one spring.

Check out some of this music and more on Night is Alive’s albums page!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Clark Young on Unsplash

5 Songs to Make Mom Smile

Night is Alive’s favorite songs for Mother’s Day

Who’s always there for you when you have no one else? Who can you always count on? Who has lifted you up when you’re down? Who will celebrate the joys of life with you while also giving you a shoulder to cry on? I think we all know the answer…

I’m sure your mom has made you smile countless times, and now it’s time to repay the favor and make her smile! To help create the perfect ambience, we at Night is Alive recommend that you turn on these tunes this Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11, 2025).

Harry Allen Trio – Exactly Like You

Has anyone ever told you that you look exactly like your mom? When I was a kid this remark usually embarrassed me, but now I see the value in it–my mom is a beautiful, wonderful woman and I am proud to look exactly like her! What traits do you and your mom have in common? I’m sure there are plenty, and moms usually like to be reminded of how much you resemble one another, so this year let mom know that you are grateful to be the apple of her eye. While you’re at it, share this new song from the Harry Allen Trio with her!

Lorca Hart Trio – A Time For Love

From the Lorca Hart Trio’s new album Inspiration and Gratitude, this slow, sweet tune captures what it feels like to celebrate love. Not only that, but the album as a whole embodies inspiration and gratitude. How has your mom inspired you and been a role model to you? In your Mother’s Day card this year, let mom know that you learned some valuable lessons from and are grateful for her! And while you are gifting her this card, imagine this new jazz tune playing in the background–the vocals are sure to make her smile.

Gregory Porter – Mother’s Song

Two-time Grammy-award-winning American jazz musician, Gregory Porter, really expresses what it’s like to have a powerful matriarch in the family who lifts everyone up around her with love. Listen and gather ’round me children / Children of a mother whose life lifted up peace / A mother who taught all of her children / To love and be loved by each other.

John Di Martino – Imagination

I don’t know about you, but my mother really fostered and cultivated my imagination when I was a child. She filled our days with not only love, but games and stories that encouraged my imagination to grow beyond what I thought was capable. From reading fairy tales, visiting museums and playing dress-up, my mother helped me to see the mystical worlds available in our imaginations, which I think is encapsulated beautifully in this song from John Di Martino.

King Cole Trio – My Mother Told Me

Isn’t it true that our mothers always have the best advice? Maybe we don’t always want to listen to them in the moment, but they usually turn out to be right, don’t they? It can be a little frustrating how right they always are, but that just goes to show we should listen to them more!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Ijaz Rafi on Unsplash