The Mothers of Jazz

The Great Women of Jazz Vocals (for Mother’s Day)

Are you ready for Mother’s Day this Sunday? Have you gotten your mom a nice card and gift? This year I got my mom a candle, mug and face mask, which may be a bit generic but I think most mothers always enjoy a little bit of pampering. You can’t go wrong with a hot tea, cleansed face and sweet smell wafting in the background, right?

But did you know that Mother’s Day wasn’t originally meant to have been such a commercial holiday? Anna Jarvis, the founder of Mother’s Day, is said to regret the commercialism and expressed that her intention was a liturgical observance. In 1908, Jarvis founded the celebration at the Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia to honor her own mother. Then in 1914, President Wooodrow Wilson established Mother’s Day as an official holiday on the second Sunday of May.

No matter how you celebrate, you’re going to need some music to play at the Mother’s Day festivities! And what better music to listen to than the mothers of jazz? Night is Alive curated a very special playlist for you that features the greatest women jazz vocalists of all time. These are the powerhouse women who didn’t just sing songs but defined the genre. Their voices carry the kind of wisdom, grit, and soul that every mother (and mother figure) understands instinctively. We hope you enjoy these five essential tracks from the queens of the craft this Mother’s Day.

Ella Fitzgerald – Lullaby of Birdland

You can’t have a jazz list without the “First Lady of Song.” While Ella has plenty of tear-jerkers, this 1954 song is pure, caffeinated joy. It’s the perfect track for that mid-morning momentum. Her scatting (improvised singing meant to imitate an instrument) was so effortless it feels like a conversation. “Lullaby of Birdland” reminds us why Ella is the gold standard of vocal technique. It’s light, it’s airy, and it’s guaranteed to get your foot tapping.

Billie Holiday – God Bless the Child

For the moms who appreciate a song with some meat on its bones, this 1941 ballad is essential. It’s a soulful anthem about independence and resilience. Billie’s voice had a unique, textured “lived-in” quality. And did you know that she actually co-wrote this track? Holiday is a bit moodier than Ella, but she carries a depth of emotion that feels like a warm, knowing hug.

Sarah Vaughan – Misty

If Ella is the “First Lady,” then Sarah Vaughan is “The Divine One.” Her range was practically operatic, but she used it with incredible restraint. “Misty,” first recorded in 1958, is her signature tune for a reason. It’s lush, romantic, and velvety–perfect for that moment in the afternoon when everyone is finally sitting down and the house is (hopefully) quiet for five minutes.

Nina Simone – Blues for Mama

Nina Simone wasn’t just a singer; she was a force of nature. “Blues for Mama”, co-written with Abbey Lincoln, brings a grittier, blues-heavy energy to the table. The 1967 song showcases storytelling at its finest. Nina’s deep, rich contralto demands your attention, which makes it a great pick for the mom who prefers a little “High Priestess of Soul” with her Sunday afternoon tea.

Dinah Washington – What a Diff’rence a Day Makes

Known as the “Queen of the Blues,” Dinah Washington has a punchy, clear-as-a-bell delivery. This 1959 track is the ultimate “feel-good” jazz standard. It’s about how quickly life can change for the better–a sentiment that resonates pretty deeply when you’re looking around at a family gathering. It’s sophisticated, timeless, and the perfect closing note for a day dedicated to the women who do it all.

Check out Night is Alive’s music on our albums page!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Celebrate “5/4 Day” with the “Take Five” Rhythm of Dave Brubeck 

On May 4th, some people may invoke Star Wars and say “May the Fourth Be With You,” but here at Night is Alive, we see 5/4 as a nod to the time signature of “Take Five,” which is arguably the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s most well-known song.

Dave Brubeck was an American jazz pianist and composer, who was active from the 1940s until his death in 2012. He is often regarded as a leading proponent of cool jazz, which was inspired by bebop and big band and became popular after WWII. His style is characterized by unconventional time signatures (such as 5/4!); juxtaposing rhythms, meters and tonalities; and combining different genres.

He formed the Dave Brubeck Quartet in 1951, which had fluctuating members, but was most prolific and famous with the lineup between 1958 and 1967. This lineup included saxophonist Paul Desmond, bassist Eugene Wright and drummer Joe Morello. The U.S. Department of State even sponsored a tour of the quartet in 1958, which featured the notable album Time Out.

Time Out is known for its innovative use of unusual time signatures like 9/8, 6/4 and 5/4. It was recorded at Columbia’s 30th Street Studio in New York City and released in 1959. Time Out album creates a subtle fusion between cool jazz and West Coast influences, and peaked at number two on the Billboard album chart. It was the very first jazz album to sell one million copies, and the standout single, “Take Five” was also the first jazz single to ever sell one million copies!

Despite being associated with Dave Brubeck, “Take Five” was actually first composed by saxophonist Paul Desmond. The story behind the song’s composition is pretty simple: drummer Joe Morello challenged Desmond to compose a piece in 5/4, and so he did! Brubeck then arranged Desmond’s melodies around Morello’s rhythmic ideas, making it a group effort.

“Take Five” is written in quintuple time (5/4) and built around a distinctive blues-scale melody in E♭ minor with a recurring two-chord vamp. The title has a double meaning and refers to both the quintuple meter as well as the colloquial expression “take five,” meaning to take a short break.

So, this year on 5/4, why not take a short break to sit down and really listen to “Take Five”? In our modern age, we’re always rushing to the next item in our jam-packed schedules, but it’s important to slow down and notice the quirks of life, such as the unique sound of a jazz song in 5/4.

Check out Night is Alive’s music on our albums page!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo from https://www.davebrubeck.com/

What is the Chicago style of Jazz?

Did you know that there are lots of different styles of jazz music?

There’s jazz typical of New Orleans, Chicago, Kansas City, New York City, the West Coast and much more! Today we’re going to focus on the Chicago style. If you’ve ever sat in a jazz club and felt the music get a little faster, a little more “rebellious,” and a lot more focused on individual flair, you might have been listening to the Chicago style of jazz.

While jazz was born in the humid streets of New Orleans, it also flourished in the speakeasies of Chicago. During the 1920s, the Great Migration brought about six million Black people from the rural South to the North, Midwest and West, including legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong and King Oliver. Once they reached the Windy City, their sound collided with that of the local young, eager musicians (often high schoolers from the suburbs), and a brand-new flavor of jazz was born.

So, what exactly makes the Chicago style different from its New Orleans cousin? Let’s break it down into three easy-to-spot characteristics:

  1. From the Group to the Soloist

In early New Orleans jazz, the whole band usually played at once in a style called collective improvisation. It was a beautiful, chaotic, improvised conversation with everyone engaging at the same time.

Chicago style changed the rules. It put the spotlight on the individual. The band plays together at the start, but then the music clears out to shine the light on one musician. Usually the trumpeter or the saxophonist really shows off for a few rounds. If New Orleans jazz is a dinner party conversation, then Chicago jazz is a talent show.

  1. The Rise of the Saxophone

In the original New Orleans jazz, the clarinet was the king of the woodwinds. But in Chicago, the tenor saxophone stepped into the ring. Musicians like Bud Freeman helped make the sax a staple of the jazz sound. It added a huskier, more aggressive tone to the music that fit the fast-paced energy of a big, bustling city like Chicago.

  1. A “Hurry Up” Kind of Energy

Chicago jazz feels a bit more driven than the relaxed, swinging porch-music vibe of the South. Because it was influenced by the frantic pace of urban life and the rhythmic precision of ragtime, the tempo is often a bit faster than the New Orleans style. It has a direct, straight-ahead feel, like a strut down a busy sidewalk rather than a meandering stroll.

Why is it so hard to tell them apart?

If you’re feeling a bit confused, don’t worry, even the experts get still stumped! Because recording technology didn’t really take off until the mid-1920s, we don’t have many “pure” examples of what jazz sounded like before all the styles started mixing.

By the time the famous Austin High Gang (a group of young white musicians including Jimmy McPartland) started recording, they had already been listening to Black legends like Louis Armstrong for years. Everyone was influencing everyone else! This melting pot of sounds eventually moved to New York in the 1930s and evolved into what we now call  the Dixieland style of jazz.

Whether it’s the elaborate arrangements of Jelly Roll Morton or the informal, rowdy jams of the McPartland crew, Chicago jazz is all about the rush of the moment and the power of the solo. To finish off this post, Night is Alive will leave you with two signature Chicago style jazz tracks:

The McKenzie-Condon Chicagoans – Nobody’s Sweetheart

This 1927 track is practically a manifesto for the Chicago style. Recorded by members of the Austin High Gang, you can hear that signature fast-paced energy right from the start. Unlike the smoother New Orleans recordings of the same era, this song features explosive solo sections where the individual players get to flex their muscles. It’s gritty, slightly frantic, and perfectly captures the rebellious spirit of 1920s youth culture in the city.

Jimmy McPartland and His Orchestra – China Boy

Jimmy McPartland was one of the driving forces behind the Chicago style of jazz, and “China Boy” is a fantastic example of the transition from collective playing to solo-exalting jazz. Pay close attention to the way the instruments interact; while there is still that classic feeling of togetherness at the beginning and end, the middle of the song showcases the soloists. The 1922 tune highlights the technical skill and the brighter, more aggressive fire that defined the Chicago brass sound.

We hope that you learned something new from reading this post, and if you’re interested in learning more about jazz music history, check out NiA’s post about the birthplace of jazz and post about the role of women in jazz music history.

Visit Night is Alive’s albums page and explore all the different genres of jazz we have to offer!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by TJ Dragotta on Unsplash

Why Do We Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month?

Did you know that April is Jazz Appreciation Month?

Appropriately referred to as “JAM” for short, this month is all about celebrating jazz as not only a genre of music but also as a living and breathing symbol of American unity, creativity and artistry. Jazz has history but it also has a future. Jazz is constantly evolving and adapting according to the rich and diverse talents of the musicians, tastes of the listeners and spirit of the time. Here at Night is Alive we are eager and overjoyed to celebrate our many impressive musicians who contribute to the dynamic, soul-nourishing and community-enhancing genre of jazz!

NiA represents countless exemplary musicians, but in this post we would like to recognize the artists from one of our newest albums, It Takes 3: saxophonist Harry Allen, pianist Rossano Sportiello and drummer Bryan Carter. This album is a testament to the continuing appeal of jazz and the remarkable magic that is achieved when masterful musicians come together. Have a listen to the poignant rendition of “Unforgettable,” which captures both the rich tradition of jazz as well as the excitement of fresh interpretations.

Harry Allen, Rossano Sportiello, Bryan Carter – Unforgettable

Even though JAM was technically created in 2001 by John Edward Hasse, the curator of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, its origins date back to earlier. In 1980 the Louisiana Jazz Federation founded the statewide Jazz Awareness Month. JAM is now a national extension of this original state festival and is held in both the U.S. and Canada every April. Many schools, organizations and local communities celebrate JAM with free concerts and educational programs that pay tribute to jazz’s past, present and future. Be sure to check your local libraries, theaters and schools for activities near you!

If you live in the Washington D.C. area, be sure to check out the many events going on at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. The Smithsonian website writes that the 2026 program will honor the 250th anniversary of the U.S. by exploring the rich, diverse tapestry of jazz across the nation. “From the hot rhythms of New Orleans and the swinging streets of Chicago and Kansas City to the cool, sophisticated sounds of the West Coast, this series shines a spotlight on the myriad regional styles and histories that have shaped jazz as a uniquely American art form,” the website reads.

To learn more about jazz music history, please check out NiA’s post about the birthplace of jazz and post about the role of women in jazz music history. We also have a post that includes six tunes to listen to on April 30th for International Jazz Day! And stay tuned for an upcoming post about the Chicago style of jazz.

For now, we’ll leave you with a tune from jazz icon Tony Bennett, whose legacy will be remembered this year at JAM in honor of his 100th birthday. Almost everyone will recognize this tune, which was released in 1962 and won a Grammy that same year for the best male solo vocal performance. Bennett captures the nostalgia that the narrator feels towards the American city of San Francisco. When I come home to you, San Francisco / Your golden sun will shine for me.

Tony Bennett – I Left My Heart in San Francisco

Visit Night is Alive’s albums page and explore all the different genres of jazz we have to offer!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Tunes for a rainy day

April can be a tough month, with the relentless rain and cold when all you want is spring flowers already! We’ve been through the winter for long enough, so why can’t it just release its grip on us already!? That is a very good question, and one that unfortunately only Mother Nature understands. But instead of bemoaning the April showers, why don’t we try to practice some patience? Only patience will get us through this time and usher us into the period of beautiful blooming May flowers. To help you focus on the rainbow at the end of the storm, Night is Alive has curated an April Showers Bring May Flowers playlist!

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

With every gray rainy day blurring into another gray rainy day, it can start to feel a bit repetitive, like groundhogs day. The songs on the radio might even start to blur together and it may even feel like you’ve heard this song before! But alas, it’s not true. Each and every day is unique and special in its own way, even if it is raining and storming. Let this song from Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3 wash over you while you bask in the present moment, even if it feels a bit like deja vu.

Lorca Hart Trio – Recluse

Staying inside for days on end can start to make you feel like a recluse. All the rain and cold might make you feel a bit stir crazy, like you need to get out of the house and do something, anything! Maybe you live alone and feel particularly solitary and lonely. It can be hard to endure these stormy days, but maybe you can try and appreciate the gift of solitude. It’s not often that we get to spend so much time alone, so why not make the most of it? Soon enough you’ll be busy, in the full swing of summer and you’ll be wishing for these quiet days again.

Janis Siegel and John Di Martino – Are You Alright

Being stuck inside during a thunderstorm gives you a good opportunity to check in with old friends. Maybe you call up someone who you haven’t chatted with in a while, or maybe you write a long distance friend a letter or postcard. Or maybe the person who you need to check in with is yourself. Maybe you need to journal a bit, schedule an appointment with your therapist. This song, from Night is Alive’s album Cryin In My Whiskey reminds us that it’s crucial to check in with loved ones and ourselves.

Bill Cunliffe, Tim Horner and Martin Wind – Little Bird

Do you see that? A little bird is perched on a branch outside your window! Watch as it pecks around, maybe even sings a little bit. The bird is a good sign, an omen that warmer weather is right around the corner! Enjoy this hopeful, upbeat tune, from Night is Alive’s album Border Widow’s Lament, as you observe the cute little bird. Maybe the bird’s song will even harmonize with the jazz?

John Di Martino, Harry Allen  & Others – Suddenly It’s Spring

Would you look at that! Before you know it, the rainy days have vanished and spring has arrived! Finally, you don’t have to wear a warm winter jacket outside; a light jean one will do. Celebrate this glorious day with a stroll in the park while you listen to this beautiful song from Night is Alive’s album Call Me Irresponsible. Trees stomp their feet . . . all at once there seems to be a change.

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by michael podger on Unsplash

Spotlight: The Women Artists of Night is Alive

For Women’s History Month this March we’d like to shine a spotlight on the many talented women artists of Night is Alive! These ladies have won countless awards, filled our records with passion and really worked hard to contribute to the jazz music community. We applaud you all for your great successes and are overjoyed to be able to celebrate your many accomplishments this month! May we raise our glasses and toast to Janis Siegel, Camille Thurman, Teddy Horangic and Andromeda Turre!

Janis Siegel

Janis Siegel’s career is just as rich and impressive as her silky smooth voice. From her dazzling vocals for The Manhattan Transfer, which received ten Grammy Awards during her tenure; to her solo career and achievements as a vocal arranger; Siegel has had her hand in many parts of the music industry. This vivid tapestry of musical expertise really shines through in her voice! Among her many accomplishments, Siegel was awarded a Grammy for her arrangement of “Birdland” in 1980, and received an honorary doctorate from the Berklee School of Music in 1993. With Night is Alive, Siegel explored a unique fusion of country-western and jazz in the album Cryin’ In My Whiskey. You can read more about her adventurous spirit in our feature interview, and don’t miss her soulful rendition of the classic song “Where Do I Put His Memory.”

Camille Thurman

A double threat on the jazz scene, Camille Thurman is equally renowned for her virtuosic tenor saxophone playing and her four-octave vocal range. Thurman is also a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and as well as a composer. Her first two solo albums topped the Billboard Charts and in 2017 and 2018, and she was the runner-up in the Sarah Vaughn International Jazz Vocal Competition! Thurman has brought her luminous presence to Night is Alive through her collaboration on Lonnie Plaxico’s album Radiance, where she reimagines soul and jazz classics with effortless sophistication. We just couldn’t get enough of Thurman and ended up doing two interviews with her! The first Q&A focuses more on her formative experiences with music and the second Q&A her more recent endeavors. And don’t forget to listen to her favorite song from Radiance, “It’s a Shame.”

Teddy Horangic

Teddy Horangic brings a powerful and festive energy to the Night is Alive roster, particularly through her contributions to the holiday season. A Yale University student of Grammy-winning saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, Teddy made her professional recording debut on the label’s celebratory album This Christmas with Night is Alive. Horangic draws inspiration from legends like Sarah Vaughan and Cecile McLorin Salvant, and excels in imbuing her music with deep heartfelt emotion. For a true display of her vocal range and holiday spirit, check out her enchanting performance of “O Holy Night.”

Andromeda Turre

Andromeda Turre is a visionary artist who uses her glorious and fluid vocal tone to bridge the worlds of jazz and environmental activism. The daughter of jazz legends Steve Turre and Akua Dixon, she was raised in the heart of the New York jazz scene and has since headlined stages in 17 countries. Her latest groundbreaking project, From the Earth, is a multidisciplinary gallery exhibit that collaborated with visual artists to provide a fully immersive experience that promotes environmental justice and connects viewers with local climate initiatives. For Night is Alive, Turre shines as the vocalist for the star-studded holiday album Christmas Ain’t Like It Used To Be, where she balances classic jazz sensitivity with modern reflection. For a standout example of her storytelling prowess, listen to the titular track, “Christmas Ain’t Like It Used to Be.”

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s clear that the women of Night is Alive are not just performing jazz—they are actively shaping its future. From Janis Siegel’s legendary arrangements, Camille Thurman’s dual-threat virtuosity to Andromeda Turre’s environmental activism, and the rising brilliance of Teddy Horangic, these artists represent a breathtaking spectrum of leadership, reform, and raw talent. Their contributions remind us that the heart of jazz beats strongest when it is inclusive, bold, and forward-thinking. We invite you to explore their albums, dive into their interviews, and join us in applauding these incredible women who help to make the Night is Alive community so vibrant.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

2025 with Night is Alive: A Year in Review

Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash

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:

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:

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:

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

Q&A with Camille Thurman – Part 2

Part Two of Night is Alive’s exclusive interview with Camille Thurman

It’s finally here – the final part of our conversation with the incredible Camille Thurman! As an accomplished composer, esteemed saxophonist, vocalist, and unique interpreter of the jazz tradition, she is quickly becoming one of the leading standard bearers of the art form (from https://www.camillethurmanmusic.com/bio). And now, more from Camille…

NiA: You have five studio albums now, and received multiple jazz awards. Which moment from your career makes you most proud?

CT: Getting recognized is nice and great and wonderful but the real reason you do it is for the love of the music and every time I get to play with a musician I love is an honour and a privilege. That they’re willing to join you in creating their vision is an honor. Whether you get recognized or not isn’t as important as getting to play with the people you really respect and admire.

NiA: Yes, it is such an honor. In the beginning what music were you and these musicians playing together? Jazz standards?

CT: In the beginning I figured out who I wanted to play with and work with, then the first step was learning their music, as well as learning all the stuff that you should know. If you’re playing in a session, play the repertoire, learn what particular people want to work with, what are they playing, so if hypothetically you get an opportunity to play with them, know where they’re coming from, whatever it is. You need to meet them where they are and have musical conversation, and my own stuff that over the years I like and have been attracted to are things that inspire me and a lot of times things that I’ve learned from.

NiA: What was it like to record the new album Radiance? Do you have any favorite moments that stood out?

CT: It was really fun! Lonnie Plaxico is an incredible bassist, and he played with Art Blakey, so it was just an honor and privilege. Like woah, I couldn’t believe I got to play with him. I was with my band and Darrell Green, when I got the call from Lonnie Plaxico that he wanted me on his project, and I thought let me get all my stuff together, he’s incredible. I love and appreciate his musicality and composition and so, I was like wait, we’re not doing your stuff?  He used to tell me stories all the time about going up to Chicago and what it was like at that time–you had to learn the music of the people and make people groove and dance and if you could do that that’s what mattered, it wasn’t about showing off on your instrument. He talked about that a lot, so I was like, “wow okay you’re finally getting to do this” and he was like “I want you to have an opportunity to do what you do too on the album.”

The whole session was just fun and easy, not technically easy, but just could breathe with ease–that’s how it felt recording all the music. We didn’t even have to do multiple takes, we just came in and did it and it just happened, the way Lonnie played was just wow…. I was like a kid in the candy store. Recording the music just felt so good, which is what matters. Does it feel good? If it doesn’t feel good, you’re going to work hard. But the whole session was fun and easy. I appreciated it so much because you don’t hear that every day. And Lonnie Plaxico’s brother comes from that same era, so it felt like I was transported in time–that was the real deal and it’ll get the people feeling good.

NiA: Which is your favorite song from Radiance?

CT: Oh, that’s a hard one! I really liked “It’s a Shame.” When you have projects like this, when you’re pulling out different songs from different eras especially when it’s an iconic song, but you don’t want to abandon your own way of playing, it’s always tricky and fun. It’s fun keeping the respect of what it already is and to be able to appreciate it. And even though I’m the new generation I was able to find my own way of hearing the song; I wasn’t trying to just copy it exactly. I really had a lot of fun on this album and everyone should go and buy it!

Check out Night is Alive’s albums page for the very best in jazz, including Radiance.

Learn more about Camille Thurman at https://www.camillethurmanmusic.com/

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Q&A with Camille Thurman – Part 1

Part One of Night is Alive’s exclusive interview with Camille Thurman

This week we had the privilege of speaking with Camille Thurman, the accomplished and multi-talented jazz musician whose powerhouse vocals and distinctive saxophone are showcased in the hot new album Radiance. Thurman may be the youngest musician on the album, but with five full-length studio albums and numerous prestigious awards under her belt, she is quickly becoming a name to remember. From touring and performing as a bandleader in Paraguay and Nicaragua, to founding a mentorship series and serving as cultural ambassador in Cameroon, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, and Mauritania, Thurman has done it all!

Night is Alive: You are a saxophonist, singer and composer; and I’ve read that you practiced vocals, piano and flute as a child. What is your earliest musical memory? Which of your many musical pursuits were you originally drawn to most as a child?

Camille Thurman: Probably playing violin at age five. I remember my mother introduced me to Noel Pointer in Brooklyn and he had this blue violin and I was very intrigued by the blue. It had this lacquer on it that just shined.

NiA: Oh wow, I can imagine the blue being very intriguing at age 5! Did you get your own blue violin?

CT: I got a regular violin, it was great. I got to do it for a year, there was a great teacher at my school, Miss Young. And both of my parents appreciated music–my mom sang and played the piano. She would practice at night when I would sleep and I could hear her, then in the morning I would try to pluck the song she was singing on the piano. I learned a lot of songs this way and then they had a talent show at school and I signed up and told my mom and she was like, “wait what?” I just told her, “Oh, I’m going to play the piano, I hear you practice at night.” At that time I think she was playing Bette Midler’s “From a Distance” and I played the melody and she was floored, and I played it from beginning to end at the talent show in the 3rd or 4th grade.

NiA: That’s amazing! I bet she was so impressed by that. You’ve also played with musicians such as Tia Fuller and Mimi Jones.

CT: Tia Fuller and Mimi Jones were my mentors. Tia took me under her wing when she got out of college and she introduced me to Mimi Jones and I got to work with her. Tia was like my big sister–I learned so much from her about being a musician, being a woman in the industry, she got me through a lot and we had some amazing times together.

I didn’t play all the gigs with her; it was more like an apprenticeship, then after that I started playing with other people too–a mixture of playing with her and other musicians, getting on the scene, playing as much as you can. I played with Mimi and Terri Lyne Carrington, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and got to do a few things with other people, like Nicholas Payton, and so many others.

NiA: Do you have a favorite musical performance?

CT: No, you’re just doing it–every time you get to play it’s an accomplishment. Musicians are a dime a dozen. Everyone is trying to make a name for themselves, and I just wanted to play with my heroes. So just to get a call from them to play, that in and of itself was an accomplishment. Getting a call from one of your heroes saying, “Hey I want you in my band” is such an accomplishment. I’m getting to play with this person with all this history, like Louis Hayes, that was another wow. Every opportunity was special, getting to play with Terri Lyne Carrington. There wasn’t necessarily one particular moment.

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 Camille Thurman at https://www.camillethurmanmusic.com/

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Q&A with Lonnie Plaxico – Part 2

Part Two of Night is Alive’s exclusive interview with Lonnie Plaxico

We’re back with part 2 of our chat with Lonnie Plaxico, whose album Radiance is receiving critical acclaim!

Night is Alive: When did you first become involved with Night is Alive?

Lonnie Plaxico: I got called to play in the session with Christie Dashiell, on the Christmas album. It’s fun, the sessions with Kathy Salem’s label always go well.

NiA: You’ve been a part of many Night is Alive albums. Which one has been your favorite?

LP: All of them. I mean because to me it’s all connected, it’s just another opportunity to make music. I don’t have a favorite, they’re all special.

NiA: Could you tell us more about your album Radiance, which came out last summer?

LP: When I started playing jazz, we had to learn the music of the elders, which was the pop music of their time. So, the music that I’m playing on this CD is for the young musicians. We’re the elders now. For a 16-year-old kid, playing music from the 70s, that’s grandparents’ music. For me, playing jazz was like playing my grandparents music, so for this album I wanted to do some music that my parents know. That made it special for me. Because sometimes we play original music and don’t nobody have a connection to it. So, I wanted to play some songs that the average person can listen to, and think “hey, I know that song,” and have a connection to it. And also, my brother–I got into music through him and he really don’t play jazz, so I was willing to do something that he’s comfortable with, that we grew up having the same musical experience with. The piano player, he grew up with this music too. The singer, Camille, she’s much younger, so it’s like we’re bringing her in to our culture, and what we grew up on, and that’s what all the musicians have always done with the younger musicians. We’re pulling them in, and that’s how we learn from the elders.

NiA: Was there a specific moment that inspired you to create the album?

LP: Well, I’ve always loved 70s music and early 80s music and sometimes I feel like I’m starving to play it, because a lot of young musicians play more original music and I don’t feel they connect to the audience. And I know that when you play something people know, it’s a whole different connection. I wanted to play some music that would connect with the people because when I grew up, musicians loved playing for people. But now, most musicians go to college and just want to play their own original music. And we don’t listen to the radio like we used to, so nobody has hit records, so the music, I feel like it doesn’t connect with the audience. And I grew up in a time when you didn’t write original music, you performed in clubs what you heard on the radio. People didn’t write original music until they got a record deal and it was very hard to get a record deal in the 70s. You had to get “discovered” and until then you played what was on the radio, played strictly for the audience, and I used to love doing that because people knew the music and we made them happy.

Check out Night is Alive’s albums page for the very best in jazz, including Lonnie Plaxico’s Radiance.

Learn more about Lonnie Plaxico at http://www.lonnieplaxico.com/

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

photo from https://www.facebook.com/lonnie.plaxico1