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

An Interview With Bill Cunliffe

Grammy-award winning jazz pianist and composer Bill Cunliffe has collaborated with Night is Alive on multiple occasions. His most recent album, Border Widow’s Lament, is a powerful and moving tribute to the rich tradition of jazz music. He can also be heard on popular Night is Alive Christmas albums Christmas in the Dog House and That Time of Year. We sat down with Cunliffe to pick his brain about music and life in general…

Night is Alive: How did your family play a role in shaping the musician you are today?

Bill Cunliffe: Well, my mother was a pianist. My father is a musicaholic, He always had music playing in the house. So, I was exposed to music at a very early age.  My exposure to music at a very early age helped create my lifelong passion for music.

NiA: You have taught at several different schools across the country. What do you enjoy the most about teaching?

BC: Working with a student on a piece of music that they’re working on. Then referring to another piece of music. Our music is mostly by ear and not by sightseeing. So, the best way to learn it is by hearing a similar piece of music. Each time I work with a student on a piece of music I have heard I experience it in a different way.

NiA: What was your favorite part about working on Christmas In The Dog House with Night is Alive?

BC: Making music is my favorite part. The process of composing, arranging, and producing is always the best part about working on an album. Christmas music also can adapt easily to jazz. There seems to be more and more Christmas albums every year that are in jazz every year. People seem to respond well to jazz Christmas albums. People responded well to Christmas at the Doghouse. 

NiA: Do you have any fun family traditions for Christmas?

BC: No, I don’t. Of course I do similar stuff to other people like a Christmas tree. This year I’m shopping for a LED wreath for my beautiful 100-year-old Spanish house. My house is not quite as festive as some of the other houses in the neighborhood, so I want to spruce it up a bit for Holiday season. 

Check out this other interview we have with Bill Cunliffe, as well as his many albums with Night is Alive.

Celebrating the Life of Composer Ryuichi Sakamoto

(Featured image from: Arūnas Naujokas on Unsplash)

Ryuichi Sakamoto was a Japanese composer and musician who has been a driving force in the world of music for over four decades. He has created some of the most memorable and iconic pieces of music in recent history, and his work has influenced countless artists and musicians around the world.

One of Sakamoto’s most well-known compositions is “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” a hauntingly beautiful track that was originally featured in the 1983 film of the same name. The piece is instantly recognizable for its haunting melody and stirring emotional content, and it has become a classic in its own right.

Over the years, many musicians and artists have covered “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” but one of the most notable covers is by jazz pianist Bill Cunliffe. Cunliffe’s version of the track is a stunning tribute to Sakamoto’s original, capturing the haunting beauty and emotional power of the piece while also showcasing Cunliffe’s own impressive musicianship.

Cunliffe’s cover of “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” is a testament to the enduring power of Sakamoto’s music. Despite being over 30 years old, the piece still resonates with audiences today, and it continues to inspire artists and musicians around the world.

Sakamoto’s work extends far beyond “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence,” however. He has composed scores for countless films and television shows, including “The Last Emperor,” “The Revenant,” and “Black Mirror.” He has also released numerous albums and collaborated with a wide range of artists, including David Byrne, Iggy Pop, and Alva Noto.

Throughout his career, Sakamoto has pushed the boundaries of what is possible with music, blending different styles and genres to create something truly unique and groundbreaking. He has also been a vocal advocate for environmentalism and political activism, using his platform to raise awareness about important issues and to inspire change.

In short, Ryuichi Sakamoto is a true icon of the music world, and his contributions to the art form are immeasurable. His work continues to inspire and move audiences around the world, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on for generations to come.

Night is Alive Feature: Bill Cunliffe, Pianist

Upcoming Performance at Nighttown, Cleveland

Bill Cunliffe, his all-star octet, and jazz vocalist Andy James are currently in the middle of a multi-city tour. In addition to serving as James’ Music Director and arranger, Cunliffe is featured on the international Flamenco star’s recent EP “Mean to Me” (https://youtu.be/w0PqMxZlInQ). Be sure to catch the group’s dynamic performance at Nighttown in Cleveland, Ohio on Friday, July 19, 2019, at 8:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased at http://nighttowncleveland.club/. This is an evening you will not want to miss!

Honorable Mention

In June 2019, Night is Alive artist Bill Cunliffe was mentioned in the award-winning JAZZIZ Magazine. The article, which can be found at https://www.jazziz.com/prince-jimmy-cobb-quincy-jones-the-week-in-jazz/, praised vocalist Maggie Herron and Cunliffe for their co-produced, recently released album, A Ton of Trouble. The album won a high honor: Jazz Album of the Year at the The Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, Hawaii’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards. Not only did Cunliffe arrange six of the album’s songs, but he also accompanied Herron on piano for those tracks. In a separate interview with Big Island Music Magazine, Herron stated, “Bill has the knack to speak for me stylistically with his arrangements after listening to my bare bones renditions at the piano.” https://www.bigislandmusic.net/big-islands-maggie-herron-turns-a-ton-of-trouble-into-a-jazz-album/

For more about award-winning pianist Bill Cunliffe and Night is Alive, visit https://nightisalive.com/bill-cunliffe/