“Autumn Leaves”: The Anatomy of Jazz’s Most Famous Standard

“Autumn Leaves”: The Anatomy of Jazz’s Most Famous Standard

If you know anything about jazz, then you’re familiar with Nat King Cole’s 1955 recording of the jazz standard “Autumn Leaves.” I’m sure you know the beautiful lyrics of melancholy and heartbreak: “The falling leaves drift by the window / The autumn leaves of red and gold / I see your lips, the summer kisses / The sun-burned hands I used to hold / Since you went away the days grow long / And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song / But I miss you most of all my darling / When autumn leaves start to fall . . .”

With more than a thousand commercial recordings by mainstream musicians, “Autumn Leaves” is one of the most recorded jazz songs of all time! But do you know the history and evolution of this famous jazz standard? Did you know that the song is actually an English adaptation of a French song? And did you know that the original composer was Hungarian?

Hungarian Joseph Kosma was introduced to Parisian Jacques Prévert in Paris and the two began collaborating on the song, “Les Feuilles Mortes,” which means “The Dead Leaves.” Kosma drew inspiration from his ballet music compositions, as well as Jules Massenet’s “Poème d’octobre No. 4,” and Tchaikovsky’s 1888 Hamlet Overture-Fantasia, Op. 67. The song was completed in 1945 and officially published in 1947.

The most successful recording of “Les Feuilles Mortes” was by Yves Montand in 1949 and sold a million copies within 5 years. Then in 1950, Johnny Mercer wrote the English lyrics, which consist of only two verses, are significantly shorter than the French version. There was also an instrumental piano recording by Roger Williams that topped the Billboard charts in 1955. Over the years, over 1,400 versions have been produced!

So, this autumn, why not have a listen to a few different versions, and see which “Autumn Leaves” is your favorite? Or if you’re a beginner jazz musician, you may want to try playing the song. With its simple AABC form, it’s a great way to become acquainted with jazz harmony.

Did you know that this same form can be found in some of Night is Alive’s music? Check out our albums page and let us know which tunes you can find! Who knows? You might even hear this famous tune “quoted” in improvisational sections…

Here are a few memorable versions of “Autum Leaves” to kick off your listening:

Édith Piaf – Autumn Leaves – 1951

The Ray Charles Singers – Autumn Leaves – 1955

Doris Day – Autumn Leaves – 1956

Frank Sinatra – Autumn Leaves – 1957

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written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash

Country Jazz for the County Fair

Country Jazz for the County Fair

The county fair is an American staple. At the end of every summer, when I was a kid, I looked forward to the corn dogs, funnel cakes, and turkey legs! Oh and don’t forget about the fried oreos, fried cheese curds and fried pickles. One time I even had a pickle popsicle. But besides the many delicious treats, there are also livestock and agricultural shows, rides and games, and live entertainment. The county fair is a fun-filled time for the whole family, so, of course, at Night is Alive, we’ve got a country jazz playlist for your weekend!

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

The end of the summer is bittersweet, and sometimes, like a summer love or heartbreak, it can make your brown eyes blue. But like this jazzy rendition of Crystal Gayle’s beloved ballad, from Night is Alive’s album Cryin’ In My Whiskey, the end doesn’t have to be heavy and dark. There is also a lightness to be found in endings because that means a new beginning is right around the corner!

Willie Nelson – All of Me

This was originally a 1931 jazz standard written by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons. Then in his 1978 album Stardust, Nelson recorded a jazz-inflected version that became a major country hit! So, while you’re dabbing on your blush and applying your lipstick for the county fair, why not listen to the song that entreats a lover to come back. Like Gayle’s tune, this song also somehow ends on a jubilant note.

Janis Siegel, John Di Martino, Aaron Heick & others – Whenever You Come Around

So many country songs are about heartbreak and sadness, but Vince Gill’s famous 1994 hit captures those moments of pure giddiness when love finds you. Is there a special sweetheart that you might bump into at the county fair? Or maybe you’re going with your sweetheart of many years, and you can reminisce on your early days when holding hands still caused you so many butterflies! Either way, this jazzy rendition, from Night is Alive’s album Cryin’ In My Whiskey, will give you heart eyes this fair season.

Louis Armstrong – Your Cheatin’ Heart

Written and recorded by country music legend, Hank Williams, this song is regarded as one of the country genre’s most important standards. On a drive from Nashville, Tennessee to Shreveport, Louisiana in 1952, Williams was inspired to write this song. In the car, he was describing his first wife to his fiance, and said she was a “cheatin’ heart.” Only a year later, jazz legend Louis Armstrong recorded a re-imagining of the tune with swinging rhythms.

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

Released in 2007 as the first single from Lucinda Williams’s eighth album, this song is a comforting reminder to check in on yourself and others. Maybe you had a bit too much to drink, or a few too many funnel cakes at the fair, and you’re not feeling that good. It’s okay to say goodbye to all that, and go home. Let this jazzy rendition, from Night is Alive’s album Cryin In My Whiskey remind you to take care of yourself!

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Denise Jans on Unsplash

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.

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

Argentine & Spanish Jazz for the World Cup

The World Cup final is right around the corner, this weekend! Are you excited to see Spain and Portugal kick it out? Maybe you and your friends are putting on some jerseys and getting together for a watch party, or going out for some drinks. It should be a heated game this year with the European champion, Spain, against the winning team of last year’s World Cup, Argentina. While you’re getting ready for the game, what music are you going to listen to? Well, in honor of this year’s World Cup, NiA made you a curated playlist of Argentine and Spanish jazz music. Enjoy! And don’t miss the game on Sunday, July 19 at  3pm E.T.

Oscar Alemán – Bésame Mucho

The original version of this song, written by Mexican concert pianist Conselo Velázquez in 1932 when she was still a teenager, is the most recorded and covered Spanish-language song of all time. Her lyrics about wanting to be kissed a lot and the tenderness of new love resonated with women who were waiting for their husbands to come back from the WWII battlefronts. In 1943, Argentine jazz guitarist Oscar Alemán released a swing guitar rendition that quickly became famous, and will have you and your friends dancing around in no time!

Pedro Iturralde Ochoa – Pequeña Czarda

Ochoa studied clarinet, piano and harmony at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Madrid, and then went on to lead his own jazz quartet that experimented with the combined use of flamenco and jazz. This 1949 composition is a tour de force of the saxophone! Composed when he was just 20 years old, this showpiece blends classical and jazz elements and has remained a pedagogical staple and popular concert repertoire worldwide for decades. Sit back, relax and experience the sweeping landscape of the saxophone.

Roxana Amed – Blue in Green (Sky and Sea)

Amed is an Argentine-American jazz artist who was born in Buenos Aires and is now based in the U.S. She is a vocalist, composer and producer, who has been nominated for a Latin Grammy, and is considered one of the most prominent voices in contemporary South American music. Her music blends South American folk traditions with art rock and modern jazz. Amed’s rendition of Miles Davis’s song offers a soft, groovy and funky vibe that’ll put everyone in a good mood for the World Cup final, no matter who you’re cheering for. After all, what is life if not a dream of blue and green?

Tete Montoliu – Paraules d’Amor

Vicenç Montoliu i Massana, better known as Tete Montoliu, was a Spanish jazz pianist from Catalonia. Montoliu was born blind and learned braille music at only age seven. His styles ran the gamut from hard bop to Afro-Cuban, world fusion and post bop. This beautiful 1969 tune is a jazzy adaptation of Joan Manuel Serrat’s famous song, and showcases Montoliu’s deep roots in Catalan music.

Spinetta Los Amigos – Apenas Floto

Luis Alberto Spinetta was an Argentine singer, guitarist, composer, writer and poet, who was a frontrunner of Argentine rock music. Born in Buenos Aires, Spinetta founded many iconic rock bands, including the Spinetta Los Amigos. Although the Spinetta Los Amigos was only together for this one album, released in 2015, you can hear the years of work and experience that was poured into it. This album grew from several recordings that Spinetta made with his bandmates and friends Daniel Ferrón and Rodolfo García with whom he had previously shared a band.

We hope that you enjoyed learning a bit about Argentine and Spanish jazz musicians. I sure know I did! Now go grab a cold one and let the excitement of the World Cup final wash over you.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Emilio Garcia on Unsplash

Fourth of July Fun!

The Fourth of July weekend is here! What are your plans? This year is the big 250th anniversary, so I bet the festivities are going to be pretty wild. Are you going to a pool party? A cook-out? Lakehouse? Are you watching fireworks? Roasting marshmallows around a fire? Drinking some cold ones at a brewery? No matter what your plans are, Night is Alive has got you covered with a playlist of songs that emanate red, white and blue.

Lonnie Plaxico, Camille Thurman – Free

This groovy song, from the album Radiance, showcases Thurman’s stellar vocals and Plaxico’s cool double bass. The funky effervescent vibe is perfect for sipping a cocktail while lounging next to a pool. Or maybe you’re floating around on a tube inside the shimmering blue waters of the pool. Relax and celebrate freedom!

Harry Allen Trio – It’s Sunny in Cape Cod

It’s been extremely hot and sunny lately, but instead of lamenting about it, why not lean into it and enjoy it? I don’t know about you, but temperatures in the 80s, 90s and 100s make my body feel slower and more lethargic, which can be a wonderful thing on the weekends. Ease into the heat with this lovely tune from Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3. The smooth piano of Rossano Sportiello will naturally help your mind and body unwind.

Aretha Franklin – Spirit in the Dark

The titular song of her seventeenth studio album, this 1970 tune will get you up and dancing in no time! Franklin wrote this song herself and it reflects her experience as an artist of embracing her independence. Cast aside your inhibitions and experience the sheer joy of letting go. Who cares who’s watching? Let your spirit soar!

Lorca Hart Trio – A Time for Love

The Fourth of July is a time for love. It’s a time to honor and celebrate the love you have for your family, friends and country. It’s a time to remind yourself that the greatest thing we have in this life is the experience of loving and being loved. From Night is Alive’s album Inspiration & Gratitude, this song will help you to be grateful for all the love you have in your life.

Janis Siegel and John Di Martino – Always on My Mind

This jazzy rendition of Willie Nelson’s beloved 1982 country classic is perfect listening for a laid-back barbecue with family. Imagine the sun is setting, it’s golden hour, but the fireworks won’t be for a few more hours. The cooking is done, the kitchen is cleaned up and now you can sit down with a nice gold glass of your favorite beverage and transition into the night. For more jazzy twists of country classics, check out Night is Alive’s album Cryin’ in My Whiskey.

Happy 4th of July from the Night is Alive family to you!

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Vivek Kumar on Unsplash

Golden Hour Bossa Nova Jazz

Golden hour is a term usually used in photography to describe the period of daytime shortly after sunrise or before sunset, when daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is high up in the sky. Cinematographers and photographers also sometimes call this time the magic hour because the brightness of the sky matches the streetlights, signs, car headlights and lit windows!

I don’t know about you, but for some reason the golden or magic hour just calls for some bossa nova jazz, especially right before sunset. There’s nothing like driving home after a long workday, watching the red sun soak the scenery in gold, and letting some smooth bossa nova wash over you.

Bossa nova is a relaxed style of Brazilian samba that originated in the late 1950s and early 1960s in Rio de Janeiro. Bossa nova is essentially a simplification and stylization on the guitar of the rhythm produced by a samba school band: it is calm, syncopated with chords and fingerstyles that mimic the beat of a samba groove. The complex chords in bossa nova were not derived from jazz, but the two styles evolved at the same time, and bossa nova was influenced by jazz in the harmonies used and instrumentation of songs. Nowadays, many bossa nova songs are considered jazz standards!

Now let’s listen to a few bossa nova standards to help you unwind and ease into the golden hour:

João Gilberto – Chega de Saudade

This little song made big waves in the Brazilian school of music. Released in April 1959, “Chega de Saudade” was the first composition to showcase Gilberto’s new guitar beat that gave rise to the bossa nova genre. The tune’s harmonies are also particularly sophisticated and the lyrics are elegant.

Stan Getz & João Gilberto – Desafinado

Music historians cite “Desafinado,” released in 1959, as the first official bossa nova. This song was originally composed in response to critics that claimed bossa nova was a genre for singers who can’t actually sing. In Portuguese, “desafinado” means “out of tune” which is meant to mock the criticism. English-language adaptations then emerged that reframe the title as a love song about lovers who have fallen “slightly out of tune.”

Antônio Carlos Jobim & Frank Sinatra – The Girl from Ipanema

“The Girl from Ipanema” is probably one of the most well-known bossa nova songs. With Jobim and Sinatra singing together, the song really represents the fusion of Brazilian bossa nova and American jazz. It became a worldwide hit in the mid-1960s and won a Grammy for Record of the Year in 1965.

Manhã de Carnaval – Elizeth Cardoso

“Manhã de Carnaval,” often also referred to as “Black Orpheus” appeared in the 1959 Portuguese-language film Orfeu Negro, which was a romantic tragedy based on the Greek legend of Orpheus and Eurydice but set in a contemporary favela in Rio de Janeiro during Carnaval. Versions of the song are sung or hummed by the two main characters, which makes it the main musical theme of the film. It was one of the first Bossa Nova compositions to gain popularity outside Brazil, especially in France and the U.S.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Pearse O’Halloran on Unsplash

Chicago Blues Festival

The sun is shining, there is a lightness in the air and kids are celebrating the end of the school year with field day. You know what that means: it’s officially summer! Summer is the season to get outside, spend time with family and friends, and listen to great music. So, why not check out the Chicago Blues Festival? This wonderful festival will combine all the greatest things about summer to create an experience that you’ll cherish forever.

The Chicago Blues Festival will run from Thursday, June 4 to Sunday, June 7 at Ramova Theatre and Millennium Park. That means five days of music and discussion panels to tantalise the senses and nourish the soul! And did you know that entry to the festival is completely free? I know, it’s hard to believe, but it’s true–the Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free Blues festival in the entire world. Some of the highlights this year include Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band, John Primer and Willie Clayton. To browse the full daily schedule, see this link.

If you can’t attend the festival but still want to enjoy some blues music, check out WDCB-FM’s live radio broadcasts that will celebrate the Chicago Blues Festival. These will be held monthly on Bluesday Tuesday and June 4 at noon.

Now to help you decide which musicians to see, Night is Alive will showcase a few of the performers, along with the time and location of their shows:

John Primer

Three-time-Grammy-nominee John Primer will perform on Thursday, June 4 from 7:15-8:30 in the Ramova Theatre. Originally from Mississippi, John Primer is a singer and guitar player known for his role in helping to create the sound and style of the Chicago Blues.

Freddie Dixon Blues Band

The Freddie Dixon Blues Band is a unique blues group that features a violinist and blends the genres of Blues and classical music to offer an unparalleled musical experience. They will be playing on Friday, June 5 from 6:30-7:45 in Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade) of Millennium Park.

Gerry Hundt Trio

This is another fusion group that mixes Chicago Blues, Surf, Rock, Country and Jazz to produce an unforgettable performance that is tailored to each venue. This trio has performed across Europe and the U.S. If you enjoy Magic Sam, Muddy Waters, Otis Rush and/or Chris Stapleton, then this is the show for you! The Gerry Hundt Trio performs on Saturday, June 6 from 5-6:15 in Rosa’s Lounge (North Promenade).

Taj Mahal and the Phantom Blues Band

The legendary octogenarian Taj Mahal and his three-decade collaborators have made a name for themselves as two-time-Grammy-award-winners with their albums Senor Blues (1997) and Shoutin’ in Key (2000). Now they are taking the stage at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Sunday, June 7 from 7:45-9pm. I’m sure their rich sound and rhythmic synergy will provide an electrifying show you won’t want to miss!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash

The Centennial Spotlight: Miles Davis at 100

Did you know that if Miles Davis was still alive, he would be turning 100 this year? Imagine that–I wonder what else the trumpeter, bandleader and composer would’ve accomplished had he lived for another 30 years? Davis was the frontrunner of countless stylistic developments, such as bebop, cool jazz, hard bop, third stream, modal jazz, avant-garde jazz and jazz fusion. His legacy even extended into other genres like rock, funk, classical and hip-hop. It’s safe to say that without Davis, the American music landscape would be entirely different today. In honor of his birthday on May 26th, Night is Alive wants to shine a spotlight on the legendary Miles Davis by showcasing five of his most signature tracks!

So What

If “cool” had a sound, this would be it. Released in 1959 on the legendary Kind of Blue album, this track is the ultimate vibe. Instead of a million complicated notes, Miles uses “modal jazz,” which is just a fancy way of saying he gives the melody room to breathe. The famous bass line feels like a casual shrug, and Miles’s trumpet enters like he’s leaning against a streetlamp at midnight.

Summertime

You might know this melody from various pop or theater covers, but Miles turns this lullaby into something hauntingly beautiful. Working with arranger Gil Evans, he uses a Harmon mute—that little metal plug in the end of his trumpet—to create a whispering sound that became his trademark. This 1959 track is delicate, a little bit lonely, and incredibly lush. It feels like watching a sunset over a hazy city skyline; it’s proof that jazz can be just as cinematic as any big-budget movie score.

Milestones

Ready to pick up the pace? “Milestones” is where things get snappy. This 1958 track shows off Miles’s incredible ability to lead a band that moves like a single machine. It’s got a driving, upbeat energy that makes you want to tap your steering wheel. This was a turning point where Miles started moving away from the frantic “bebop” style and toward something more streamlined and modern. It’s sophisticated but punchy, capturing the buzzing energy of a 1950s New York City street corner.

Blue in Green

This is the track for a rainy night and a warm drink. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever recorded. This 1959 song doesn’t have a traditional “hook,” instead, it circulates and flows like a water color painting. The mood is deeply introspective. Miles wasn’t just playing notes; he was sharing a feeling. It’s short, sweet, and carries an emotional weight that stays with you long after the final note fades into silence.

Spanish Key

Fast forward to 1970, and Miles decided to plug in his instruments and turn up the volume. “Spanish Key” is a funky, swirling psychedelic trip. It blends jazz with the heavy electric grooves of rock and funk. If the earlier tracks were a tailored suit, this is a leather jacket and sunglasses. It’s dense, rhythmic, and a little bit wild, proving that even as he got older, Miles was always the youngest, most forward-thinking person in the room.

Which Miles Davis song was your favorite and why? Feel free to share notes with friends to gain a deeper understanding of this legend!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo from https://www.milesdavis.com/music/releases/, the official Miles Davis website.