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.

Jazz for the Kentucky Derby

Did you know that the Kentucky Derby actually refers to a single race held on the first Saturday in May? This race is the first leg of the Triple Crown, which is a series of horse races for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. Preceded by the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival, the race is also known as “The Run for the Roses” since the winning horse is draped in a blanket of 400 roses. The race lasts approximately two minutes, which earned it the alternate name of “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”

The real question is though: what kind of music do people listen to at the Kentucky Derby? Since the Derby has run since 1875, it is synonymous with tradition and thus features the iconic tune “My Old Kentucky Home.” The 1852 composition is usually performed by the University of Louisville Cardinal Singers while horses parade. Oh, the sun shines bright on my old Kentucky home / ‘Tis summer, the people are gay / The corn tops rise and the meadows all in bloom / While the birds make sweet music all the day.

In more recent years, the Derby playlist has come to feature a mix of traditional folk and country music, as well as pop and party tunes. Tyler Childers, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood and Chappell Roan have become popular artists.

But what about jazz? What if you want to listen to jazz while you get ready for the Derby or watch the races at home? No worries, Night is Alive has got you covered with some folksy jazz tunes that’ll get you in the mood to cheer and yell “giddy-up!”

“Whenever You Come Around” – Janis Siegel, John Di Martino and others

This groovy rendition of Vince Gill’s 1994 country ballad will have you singing along while you pick out the most perfect wide-brimmed Southern Belle hat to wear. From Night is Alive’s album Cryin’ In My Whiskey, this song captures that feeling of first infatuation, of being smitten, having a crush. Who knows, maybe your crush will be at the Derby festivities today? Whenever you come around / I get weak in the knees and I lose my breath . . .

“The In Crowd” – Lonnie Plaxico, Lafayette Harris Jr.

Doesn’t getting all dolled up for the Kentucky Derby really make you feel like part of the “in crowd”? It’s so nice to feel like you belong somewhere, belong to a community, to an event. So while you’re rejoicing and cherishing these bonds with others, enjoy this upbeat tune from the hot new album Radiance. There’s no better way to feel like a part of the “in crowd” than dancing together as a group.

“Broadway” – WJ3 All-Stars

There is something about the pomp and circumstance of the Kentucky Derby that feels truly theatrical. The tradition, ceremony, extravagance and splendor evoke a Broadway production. Imagine that–a Kentucky Derby musical! Hey, it’s not a bad idea, is it? This year at the Derby, let’s embrace the drama of it all with this tune from Night is Alive’s album My Ship.

“Imagination” – John Di Martino, Harry Allen and others

More is more at the Kentucky Derby, so don’t hold back! Be as imaginative, creative and full of life as you want. Have that extra mint julep if you want, take that extra photo with your bestie, and eat that extra bourbon ball! Why not? And while you live life to the fullest, enjoy this song from Night is Alive’s album Call Me Irresponsible.

Visit Night is Alive’s albums page to explore this music and more.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Katee Lue on Unsplash

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

Jazz as Wellness

Stress Awareness Month

With taxes due, the weather constantly changing from hot to cold, and final exams and report deadlines for students, April can be a pretty stressful month. Taxes can be so complicated. The shifts in temperature and spring pollen can make you sick. And cramming for a test is overwhelming. So it makes sense then that April is Stress Awareness Month. Founded in 1992, this month is dedicated to increasing public awareness about the causes, effects, and management of stress. In honor of this month and cause, Night is Alive has curated a playlist of gentle, relaxing jazz that will help you unwind and unload some of your stress.

Lonnie Plaxico, Camille Thurman & others – Free

I don’t know about you but I tend to get stressed when I’m sick. Getting sick one day isn’t the end of the world, but I hate staying home from work. It makes me feel like I’m shirking my responsibilities and I feel thrown off my routine. Then if I don’t get better in a day or two, I feel even more off-kilter and stressed. What am I missing at work? Am I going to be able to catch up? Instead of letting myself recover, I stress myself out, which makes me sick for longer.

Instead of stressing though, what you really should do when you’re sick is relax and let yourself be free to rest and recover. If you’re not freely resting with no stress then you won’t get better. So if you’ve got spring fever this month then why don’t you curl up in a warm blanket on the couch with a hot cup of tea and listen to this song. Let Thurman’s voice guide you to a place of freedom and R&R.

John Di Martino, Joe Magnarelli, Wayne Escoffery & others – Hudson River Wind

The wind and spring storms may be raging outside your window but that doesn’t mean stress needs to be raging inside your heart. Take refuge in your warm cozy home and don’t let the winds and tides of the world throw you off balance. If you’re feeling stressed there’s nothing wrong with canceling plans with friends and staying home for a night. Don’t let the FOMO get to you! Just turn on this tune, from Night is Alive’s album Old New Borrowed and Blue and ease yourself into a warm bathtub.

WJ3 All-Stars – Cry Me A River

Sometimes life can just feel like too much. How are we supposed to get everything on our to-do lists done? In just one day, how are we supposed to sleep eight hours, eat healthy meals, exercise for at least thirty minutes, work, talk to friends and family, and make time for our hobbies? Sometimes it just doesn’t seem possible, does it? Sometimes it can be so stressful that all you can do is break down and cry. Well, that’s okay. Sometimes you need a good cry; a good cry can be a healthy, cathartic release of stress. So, this April, turn on this song, from Night is Alive’s album Lover and Love Songs and cry yourself a river.

Lorca Hart Trio – Here’s That Rainy Day

All the April rain might get you down and make you feel stressed. Maybe the rain and storms are making you have to cancel plans. Maybe you and your friend were supposed to go for a walk in the park today but it’s raining so you have to pivot. You might be angry–it’s your only day off!–but the best way to avoid stress is to let go of the things that you can’t control. You can’t control the rain, so why bother getting upset about it? Instead of fighting against it, why not try and enjoy the rest and relaxation that a rainy day has to offer? Maybe you and your friend can stay home and watch a movie instead? Or you can stay cozy in bed and binge-read that novel that’s been on your shelf!

Bill Cunliffe, Martin Wind & Tim Horner – Standing By The Window Waving Goodbye

There are many ways to alleviate stress: deep breathing, meditation, yoga. Or maybe journaling is your thing, or running, or talking things out with a good friend. No matter what your strategy is, it’s important that you have a stress alleviation toolbox at your disposal. That way, whenever you’re feeling stressed you know the steps you can take to slough it off. Before you know it, you’ll be standing by the window waving goodbye to your stress!

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash

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

How Cover Art Shapes the Sound

“Art is how we decorate space, music is how we decorate time.” -Jean-Michel Basquiat

We all know the age-old adage, “don’t judge a book by its cover.” But then again, to play devil’s advocate, doesn’t the cover of a book play a major role in piquing the reader’s interest? Covers aren’t as irrelevant as your grandmother, or other parental figure, may have had you believe when they waved their finger at you and tried to convince you to read some dusty old book with a boring cover. No, let’s face it: the cover is the first thing we see, the image that sticks with us, and colors our understanding of the book. And the exact same is true of album covers! Before a listener hears a single trumpet line or piano chord, the artwork already suggests a mood, a story, or even a musical philosophy. It hints at the tone of the album and quietly prepares the listener for what they’re about to hear.

So, why don’t we dive into some of the most iconic jazz album covers and take a look at what makes them so great?

Bird and Diz – Charlie Parker & Dizzy Gillespie

Did you know that the artist who made this cover, David Stone Martin, was one of the most prolific and iconic jazz album cover artists of the 20th century? He collaborated with countless jazz legends, such as Billie Holiday and Fred Astaire, to create over 400 covers that now evoke the mental image of mid-century jazz.

This specific album, released in 1952, captures the electric energy and exuberance between the dynamic duo of saxophonist Charlie Parker and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie. The bold edges and selective use of color highlights the exhilarating improvisation of bebop. Martin used the crowquill ink pen to make delicate designs, such as the embellishments on the instruments. The imagery of the birds suggests to the listener that the instruments will seem to soar and fly away with the passion of the music on the ablum.

Time Out – Dave Brubeck Quartet

The abstract artwork on Time Out is a playful puzzle of colors and shapes, which is fitting, because the music inside the 1959 album experiments with rhythm in a similar way. The Dave Brubeck Quartet built the album around unusual time signatures like 5/4 and 9/8, which turned the rhythm into a kind of musical geometry that resembles the cover art. The bold, modernist cover hints that something innovative is happening within the grooves, and visually echoes the album’s adventurous spirit.

Bitches Brew – Miles Davis

The cover of Bitches Brew is an explosion of cosmic imagery, vibrant colors, dramatic landscapes and mysterious figures. Miles Davis’s previous album covers featured photographic portraits of the artist, so this surreal painting by Mati Klarwein was a big change. Before you even hear a single note, you already know this album will push boundaries and differ from Davis’s previous music. Bitches Brew fused jazz improvisation with electric instruments, rock energy, and studio experimentation to create a seminal landmark that influenced many musicians to come. The wild, psychedelic artwork prepares the listener for a sonic journey that is just as expansive and unpredictable.

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

The cover of Border Widow’s Lament is a woman standing in front of what appears to be a sunrise or a sunset. She obscures the light with her dark silhouette, which, along with the melancholy title, suggests the experience of grief and pain. The border widow is a figure who has lost her beloved; whose sadness stands stark against the orange hues of the sky and the spindly tree branches in the background. Her grief is a powerful and potent force that defies the laws of nature. She exists in the liminal spaces, the borders and boundaries between night and day, life and death. Listeners will expect a deep musical experience that will allow for the catharsis of darker emotions.

My Ship – WJ3 All-Stars

The beautiful cover art for My Ship depicts a small blue sailboat amid the white of the blank canvas. In this interesting reversal, the ocean is white and the sailboat is blue, which is the opposite of what we would expect to see. And then the shore at the top is also blue brushes of paint instead of white sand. This unexpected shift sparks the listener’s imagination and makes one curious and wondrous. What other fun surprises might we expect to hear on this album?

Check out more compelling album art on Night is Alive’s albums page!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

photo by Pedro Netto on Unsplash

Jazz for Spring Cleaning

I don’t know about you, but I find spring cleaning so enjoyable and therapeutic! After the busy winter holiday season it feels so good to open the windows wide and let the fresh, crisp spring air waft through the house. Sometimes when I do my spring cleaning I even feel a bit like a Disney princess calling, singing, cajoling to all the creatures outside that are bursting with new life and energy. I feel so much lighter and freer after I’ve dusted out all the corners, cracks and crevices; and cleared away all the old bits and bobs. But you know what makes me feel even better when I’m cleaning? Yup, that’s right–some rejuvenating and energizing jazz that ushers in the reset and new season.

Jitterbug Waltz – WJ3 All-Stars

What order do you like to do your cleaning? I usually do the bathrooms first because they’re my least favorite, and then I move on to dusting and wiping down the walls, countertops and other surfaces. Last but not least I vacuum and scrub the floors. Phew! A big deep clean like that really is a full day of work! I think we’re going to need a song with some pep in its step to motivate us to get started, and “The Jitterbug Waltz” is just the one! From Night is Alive’s album Lover and Love Songs, this tune will get you shaking and a-grooving as you gather your cleaning supplies.

Don’t Know Why – Lonnie Plaxico, Douglas Plaxico & Lafayette Harris Jr.

This new jazzy rendition of the beloved Norah Jones song is a lovely tune to sing along to while you sweep and scrub. It’s supposed to be very healthy and cathartic for humans to sing, so, don’t worry about your pitch or tone and just let your voice soar! And then maybe you can dance around a bit during the groovy little instrumental interludes. Out across the endless sea, I would die in ecstasy…

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

Don’t you think that cleaning and singing just go together like peanut butter and jelly? I always find myself wanting to sing while I’m cleaning, so here is another song, from Night is Alive’s country jazz album Cryin’ In My Whiskey, that allows you to exercise your vocal chords while you reorganize your house. It is a bright rendition of Lucinda Williams’ 2007 tune, and invites you to think of a loved one who may be struggling. Let’s send out positive energy this spring!

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

Cleaning doesn’t have to be boring or toilsome. We can make it fun by pretending that the end of the mop is a microphone and the floors are your stage! Use your imagination to sing into your mic and slink around your stage as if you’re a performer at a groovy, spunky underground speakeasy. This tune, from Night is Alive’s album Call Me Irresponsible, is also perfect because it celebrates and welcomes spring! Trees stomp their feet and the birds all have coats…

Here’s That Rainy Day – Lorca Hart Trio

Ah, you’ve done it. Your house is all clean, fresh and sparkly. It feels good doesn’t it? Now it’s time to light a candle, sit on your comfy couch and soak up the new spring vibes. Maybe you even want to pour yourself a glass of wine? Relax and enjoy while you listen to this peaceful number from Night is Alive’s album Colors of Jazz.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

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

Fall Foliage Jazz Playlist

Photo by Ivan Kuznetsov on Unsplash

Did you know that fall is America’s favorite season? A recent survey shows that 45% of participants named autumn as their favorite. I bet this has something to do with the stunning foliage in many parts of the country. It just brightens your day so much when your commute to work is bathed in hues of orange, red and yellow. And what about the smell of the leaves and the crunch underfoot? There really is something magical about the time of year when the trees shed their outer coats. So, while you’re driving, walking, cycling or just sitting on the front porch enjoying the fall foliage, enjoy our Fall Foliage Jazz Playlist. These songs will have you breathing in and soaking up the enchantment of autumn.

Hudson River Wind – John Di Martino, Joe Magnarelli, Wayne Escoffery & others

The magic of the changing leaves are heightened when a nice crisp gust of river wind blows them off their branches. The leaves flutter, like butterflies, down onto our sidewalks and windshields, creating a collage of colors. Like the swirling, groovy beat of this beautiful song from Night is Alive’s album Old New Borrowed and Blue, the river winds bring so much joy.

Where Do I Put His Memory – Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & others

Maybe you’ve just gone through a breakup or lost a loved one and are struggling with placing those memories in the past. I don’t know about you but when I am feeling down and blue about something in my life, I enjoy going for a long drive through the woods. The trees, leaves and green grass help to calm my nerves while I listen to some music, like this song from Night is Alive’s country jazz album Cryin’ in My Whiskey.

Don’t Know Why – Lonnie Plaxico, Douglas Plaxico & Lafayette Harris Jr.

There is something about Norah Jones that feels very autumnal to me, like her music just makes me want to pull a warm cozy knit sweater over my head and drink a cup of tea while observing the fall foliage. But why not spice things up a bit with this brand new rendition of Jones’s beloved song, from the album Radiance.

Kathy’s Blues – Harry Allen Trio

This song, inspired by Night is Alive’s founder and director Kathy Salem, is velvety and cool, smashing and dashing, with Harry Allen’s sax taking center stage. From the album It Takes 3, this tune will make you want to twirl around outside, embodying the spirits of the trees and the energy of the season!

Dayne – Lorca Hart Trio

After enjoying the fall foliage, you are probably feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and light on your feet, which is the vibe of this song, from Night is Alive’s beloved album Colors of Jazz. Having restful and easeful moments can help prepare us for the busyness of life that will inevitably return with the start of the holiday season. Cheers!

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Ivan Kuznetsov on Unsplash

Haunting Jazz for a Haunted House

Photo by Ján Jakub Naništa on Unsplash

You’ve set up the fog machine and lights, and positioned the cobwebs, dust and skeletons, which means it’s time for the sound effects! But rather than use the predictable eerie sounds, why not opt for something a bit more unsettling and frightful? Our Haunting Jazz playlist will hypnotize your guests into an experience like no other. These songs offer a darkly sophisticated twist on the Haunted House with chilling, atmospheric swing. The slow build-ups and deep rhythms will really get under the skin and create a deep, all-encompassing sense of dread.

Standing By the Window Waving Goodbye – Bill Cunliffe, Tim Horner & Martin Wind

Wave goodbye to the world of sanity and reality as you enter into the Haunted House with this mesmerizing song from Night is Alive’s album The Border Widow’s Lament. The methodical plucking of Martin Wind’s bass creates a spooky, tense vibe, like the slow drip of water from a faucet. Let the tension and anxiety build as you round the first corner and AHH! A zombie jumps out to grab you.

Deep In A Dream – John Di Martino, Harry Allen & others

Being inside of a haunted house feels like a dream, or maybe more like a nightmare . . . the rules of reality no longer apply and anything could happen. A huge spider could fall from the sky, a cat could arch its back and shriek at you, or a bloody corpse could twist and turn on an operating table. Let the dream take over, just like in this song from Night is Alive’s album The Border Widow’s Lament.

Recluse – Lorca Hart Trio

It’s so dark inside this haunted house, maybe you get lost, separated from your friends. Oh no! Where is that skeleton hand guiding you? Have you become a recluse, a loner inside this ghoulish space? I bet it’s scary to be all alone, which is a feeling portrayed in this song from Night is Alive’s album Inspiration and Gratitude.

The Gypsy – John Di Martino, Wayne Escoffery & others

Is that a gypsy or a witch performing dark magic in the corner of the haunted house? What is she doing? Be careful or you might just become possessed. Let the entrancing sound of Joe Magnarelli’s trumpet, in this tune from Night is Alive’s album Old New Borrowed and Blue wash over you as you plan your escape.

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

It’s okay to be a little bit scared during this spooky time of the year. While you’re enjoying the haunted houses, just check in with yourself and make sure that you’re alright. Like the tender voice of Janis Siegel in this song, from Night is Alive’s country jazz album Cryin’ In My Whiskey, it’s important to take care of yourself!

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Greg Panagiotoglou on Unsplash