Trails, Trekking & Tunes

Photo by Peter Thomas on Unsplash

Songs to listen to while you hike

Trekking has become all the rage recently, and by trekking I don’t just mean hiking, I mean packing up all your gear–tent, sleeping bag, dehydrated meals–and carrying them on your back through the trails. I actually just went for my first time this past weekend, and it was challenging, but rewarding! Carrying everything you need to survive on your back really makes you feel like a nomadic warrior, and being in the woods for days on end really allows you to immerse yourself in nature. I think the only thing that would make trekking better is a badass playlist that amplifies the vibe. So grab your portable speaker, clip it to the outside of your pack and turn on these tunes to really feel like an explorer!

Harry Allen Trio – Runnin’ Wild

Kick off your adventure with this fast-paced, exciting tune from Night is Alive’s newest album It Takes 3. Allow yourself the freedom to run wild and free through the woods, let your eyes wander and explore all that the wilderness has to offer. Feel the weight of your pack, the strength in your legs and the power in each step forward. You are strong, wild and free, like the piano in this tune!

Lorca Hart Trio – Recluse

Sometimes it can be fun to feel like a little recluse out in the woods, all on your own. Maybe you’re even bold enough for a solitary trek. If so, this song, from Night is Alive’s album Inspiration and Gratitude is for you! Enjoy getting away from all the hustle and bustle of the city and the routines of your daily life, and enjoy the solitude of nature, the snazzy musical notes emanating from your speaker and maybe even your soul.

Bill Cunliffe, Martin Wind & Tim Horner – Marching Season

This hauntingly beautiful song, from Night is Alive’s album Border Widow’s Lament, will remind you of the enchantment and magic that exists in the woods. Allow the hypnotic piano and drums to carry your imagination away into your surroundings–is that a woodland elf hiding behind a tree? Is that a little fairy inside of a blooming flower? What about those eyes up in the leaves?

Lorca Hart Trio – Dew Drop

As you’ve already begun to notice, trekking gives you the perfect opportunity to be mindful and meditative. Take this chance to be present in the moment and appreciate the filigrees of beauty in every step you take forward. Is that a spiderweb? A dew drop on a leaf? Some tracks in the dirt? A little chipmunk? You may also take time to notice the cadence and sound of each lovely note in this song, from Night is Alive’s album Colors of Jazz.

WJ3 All-Stars – Star Eyes

You’ve done it–you’ve arrived at your campsite. Good work and perseverance through the heat and bugs. Now it is time to set up your tent, have a good meal and relax. The sun is beginning to set, and the stars are peeking out in the sky. Sit down, breathe in the fragrant air of nature and gaze up at the stars. Maybe, like this song, from Night is Alive’s album My Ship, you’ll be able to see the stars reflected in your trekking partner’s eyes.

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Peter Thomas on Unsplash

Whimsical Wedding Songs

Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash

Jazz songs for the wedding season.

It’s midsummer and that means the wedding season is in full swing! How many weddings are you attending this summer? From engagement parties to bridal showers, bachelorette parties and rehearsal dinners, you are probably very busy finding just the right outfit and gift for every event. But amid all the craziness, make sure to stop and enjoy every moment. Weddings are an important life moment and it’s crucial that you are there, in mind, body and spirit, to celebrate your loved ones. Don’t let the checklists and schedules eclipse the real reason for the season: true love. We at Night is Alive, have created a playlist of love songs to help you destress and be present in the moment.

Lorca Hart Trio – A Time For Love

Wedding season is all about making time in our busy lives for love. Let this song, from Night is Alive’s album Inspiration and Gratitude, wash over you and remind you that right now is a time for love. While you are getting ready for a wedding event, whether it be doing your nails, washing your hair or fixing your bowtie, listen to this song to get you into the wedding spirit!

WJ3 All-Stars – First Time I Saw Your Face

They say that when you know, you just know. From that very first time you saw each others’ faces, you probably knew that this was the person meant for you. And this beautiful song, from Night is Alive’s album Lover and Love Songs perfectly captures that love-at-first-sight moment. Maybe it was at a coffee shop, or maybe it was a bar, or in the office, when your eyes first locked and you saw a future in your beloved’s face.

Harry Allen Trio – It’s You Or No One

With its whimsical melody, this snazzy tune, from Night is Alive’s newest album It Takes 3, really gives strong wedding season energy. The swinging beat brings to mind a bunch of couples grooving and jiving, hand-in-hand, on the dancefloor. So, dust off those dancing shoes, grab a partner and have a ball! Why not?

WJ3 All-Stars – Taking A Chance on Love

Even when you know you’re with the right person, love still feels risky, doesn’t it? It’s scary to be vulnerable with another person; it’s scary to share all your feelings and take a chance on love. This song, from Night is Alive’s album My Ship, conjures that feeling of vulnerability and risk while also being playful about it. Yes, love is risky and means taking a chance, but that’s what life is all about, isn’t it? Maybe you’re a single guest at the wedding reception, and you notice a cute guest across the hall smiling at you–take a chance on love and go ask that person to dance!

John Di Martino, Janis Siegel & Others – Whenever You Come Around

This jazzy rendition of the beloved 1994 Vince Gill country tune will truly melt your heart. From Night is Alive’s album Cryin’ in My Whiskey, this sappy song will have you tearing you when you think about your lover. Or it also gives you the perfect opportunity to slow dance with a new crush. I’m standin’ here holding the biggest heartache in town / Whenever you come around / I get weak in the knees and I lose my breath…

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash

5 Jazz Songs for Christmas in July

Who says you have to wait until it’s snowy and cold in December to “jingle all the way”? Why not have some fun and celebrate Christmas now while the sun is a-blazing? Barbeques and pool parties are how the Australians usually celebrate the Yuletide, so why shouldn’t we give Christmas in the summer a try in the northern hemisphere too!? Grab a cold beverage or an ice cream sundae with red and green sprinkles and let these jazz tunes inspire your festivities.

Teddy Horangic, Frank Lacy & others – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Who needs Mariah Carey when you have this lovely new rendition of one of the most beloved Christmas songs from Night is Alive? Whenever I hear this song start coming on the radio, it always puts me into the jolliest spirit! Enjoy Frank Lacy’s baritone and, like he sings, let your heart be light as you bask in the sun or float in the pool.

John Di Martino, Willie Jones III & others – Christmas Ain’t Like It Used to Be

The titular song of the Night is Alive album, this groovy tune adds some spice to the typical holiday music playlist, which is perfect for a Christmas in July celebration! Christmas sure ain’t like it used to be, it’s sweaty and slick and daylight is much longer now, so why not stay up late twistin’ and jivin’ to this stellar saxophone solo?

Bill Cunliffe Trio – Linus and Lucy

This playful song is perfect for a summer holiday party! From the Night is Alive album Christmas in the Dog House, this upbeat tune captures the childlike wonder of the holiday season. It’ll bring back memories of watching A Charlie Brown Christmas, and, perhaps, eating one too many gingerbread cookies…don’t forget to leave some for Santa!

Bill Cunliffe – Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

Christmas in July is the time for the fun and fast-paced tunes, like this one from Night is Alive’s album That Time of Year. Maybe you’re lucky enough to have seen the beloved musical, The Nutcracker? If so, you’ll recognize this lovely, whimsical song, which really captures the magical spirit of the Yuletide season. Watch out, the sugar plum fairy might even leave some sparkly fairy dust on your pillow!

Teddy Horangic, Frank Lacy & others – O Holy Night

To round out this playlist, we’d like to finish with a classic from This Christmas With Night is Alive that you can all sing along to! By this point, you’ve probably had a few spirited drinks and are hopefully feeling quite jolly, so gather round, maybe arm-in-arm, and sing together! Maybe you can even make it into a carol for the neighbors?

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

How to Make Weeding Your Garden More Fun

Photo by Ben Collins on Unsplash

The perfect playlist for your outdoor summer chores!

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

Harry Allen Trio – I Can’t Get Started

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

Lorca Hart Trio – Like This

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

The Lorca Hart Trio – Blues Alliance

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

WJ3 All-Stars – I Should Care

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

WJ3 All Stars – I’m an Old Cow Hand

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

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Ben Collins on Unsplash

Songs for Calm Outdoor Yoga

Photo by kike vega on Unsplash

Celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21st

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

Lorca Hart Trio – Let Me in Your Life

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

Harry Allen Trio – Each and Every Yesterday

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

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

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

John Di Martino & Others – Only the Lonely

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

The Lorca Hart Trio – Duke and Billy

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

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by kike vega on Unsplash

Songs for a Summer Solstice Picnic

Photo by Liana S on Unsplash

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

Harry Allen Trio – It’s Sunny in Cape Cod

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

Lorca Hart Trio – Dew Drop

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

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

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

Bill Cunliffe, Martin Wind & Tim Horner – Marching Season

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

WJ3 All-Stars – Star Eyes

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

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Liana S on Unsplash

Father’s Day Fun!

Photo by Ante Hamersmit on Unsplash

5 Songs for a BBQ with Dad

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

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

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

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

Harry Allen Trio – It’s Sunny in Cape Cod

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

Lorca Hart Trio – Song for Ganda

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

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

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

WJ3 All-Stars – Wave

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

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Ante Hamersmit on Unsplash

Songs to Make a Great Game Night

Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash

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

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

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

Lorca Hart Trio – Blues on the Corner

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

John Di Martino – Call Me Irresponsible

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

Lorca Hart Trio – MoJoe

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

WJ3 All-Stars – I’m an Old Cow Hand

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

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash

Songs to Listen to While Baking Cookies

Songs to Listen to While Baking Cookies

It’s that time of the year again. Whether snow is gently falling on your windowpanes or sunlight is streaming through, the holidays are fast approaching.

If you’re living in the southern hemisphere, it can sometimes be difficult to get yourself into the Christmas spirit. Most of the popular holiday songs and movies out there take place in colder climates—small towns nestled in snow-covered mountaintops, people dressed in hats and mittens, chestnuts roasting on an open fire. So, if your holidays usually consist of beachside barbeques, swimsuits, and sunglasses, you might be feeling a tad left out.

But don’t worry. We know just what’ll do the trick to get you in the spirit . . . baking Christmas cookies! There’s nothing else that can make you feel more like one of Santa’s elves. And some lively holiday tunes will also be sure to get you in the mood for some holiday cheer!

George Strait – Christmas Cookies

I don’t know about you, but country music usually makes me think of summertime. So, if you’re living in a tropical climate during the holidays, nothing can really beat Christmas country music!

This 2021 song is literally perfect for baking cookies because the cute and descriptive lyrics will get you excited and make your tummy rumble! The ones that look like Santa Claus, Christmas trees and bells and stars . . . sometimes I can’t get myself to stop . . .

John Di Martino, Wayne Escoffery & Lonnie Plaxico – Blue Christmas

Did you know that singing, even if it’s off-key, can greatly improve your happiness levels? Yes, it’s true! That’s why this December, you should make sure to belt out the lyrics to your favorite Christmas songs.

I’m sure that this new, jazzy instrumental rendition of Elvis’s hit “Blue Christmas” will prove to be a fan favorite since you and your family can all easily sing along while you bake cookies. Don’t worry, I’m sure no one will notice if you’re not all harmonized . . .

Nat King Cole – Deck the Halls

Even if you’re not much of a singer, chances are that you know the lyrics to this Christmas classic. And the range in tone is pretty limited, so it doesn’t matter whether your voice is an alto or bass! No matter who you are, you can handle this song, so there’s no excuse not to “fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la” along with everyone while you mix up batter, knead dough or cut out cookies.

Bill Cunliffe Trio – It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

This slow and whimsical rendition from Grammy-Award-Winner Bill Cunliffe really lingers in the beautiful details, just like the intricate icing and sprinkles on the sugar cookies you’ll be making. Sing along or even hum softly as you wrap up a lovely afternoon or evening full of Yuletide cheer.

John Di Martino, Wayne Escoffery & Andromeda Turre – Happy Hanukkah

Unfortunately, amid all the images of Santa Claus and baby Jesus in the manger, Hanukkah tends to get overlooked sometimes. But not anymore! This new song, featuring the stunning vocals of Andromeda Turre, shines light on the Jewish holiday.  

If you’re looking for more holiday songs to listen to while you bake cookies, we recommend checking out our holiday album collection, which features stars like Andromeda Turre, Bill Cunliffe & John Di Martino. 

Sweet Songs for Strawberry Picking

Sweet Songs for Strawberry Picking

Now that school is out, maybe you’ve been tasked with babysitting your grandchildren or your nieces and nephews, but you’re struggling to come up with fun activities to do with them. Or maybe, if you’re like me, you’ve just been finding yourself googling chocolate covered strawberries near me. Either way, chances are, you could probably use a nice day of strawberry picking!

And you’re in luck because, according to horticulturalists, mid-May to early July is the best time of year to go strawberry picking in the eastern and midwestern northern states! Strawberries are in season now in this area, which means they are the most naturally ripe. So, the local strawberries you’ll be picking will be much tastier than the strawberries you’ll find at the grocery store, which have usually been shipped from thousands of miles away!

Find a wild strawberry patch, farm, or orchard near you, grab a pail and a speaker, and turn on these sweet tunes while you pick some berries!

Miriam Makeba – Love Tastes Like Strawberries

Nicknamed “Mama Africa,” this South African singer, songwriter and civil rights activist was famous in the 1960s and 70s for her many musical accomplishments in Afropop and jazz, and for becoming a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement.

In contrast with her other more political songs, this 1962 tune is very light and whimsical. The dreamy lyrics will make biting into a dewy strawberry feel like true love’s kiss! The berry man cried, won’t you try this / We looked, we stopped, we stole a kiss / The berries are gone and the spring has passed / But I know my love will always last.

Wynton Marsalis – The Strawberry

This 2017 collaboration at the Lincoln Center Orchestra features many wonderful contemporary artists who really do a great job creating a fun, vibrant and eclectic sound that’ll be sure to put a pep in your step as you wake up early on a crisp summer morning to pick some delicious strawberries. Your grandkids and nieces and nephews will also probably love trying to identify all the different instrument sounds in the composition.

Also, here’s a quick tip: morning is the best time to pick strawberries because it is still cool out, so the delicate berries won’t bruise and will last longer and store better!

The Beatles – Strawberry Fields Forever

While you pick some scrumptious berries, embrace your inner free-spirit, and indulge in a sense of childlike wonder with this beloved 1967 tune. Did you know that John Lennon thought this song was his finest work with the Beatles? Do you agree?

Grover Washington, Jr. – Strawberry Moon

This funky 1987 tune comes from one of the founders of smooth jazz—Grover Washington, Jr. I don’t know about you, but the silky saxophone and charming melody of this song really makes me want to sit on the back patio at dusk, sip on some champagne and munch on some chocolate covered strawberries!

Deanna Washington – Strawberry Wine

Inspired by the songwriter’s coming of age story as a teenager at her grandparents’ dairy farm in Wisconsin, this sentimental 1996 ballad became a signature for both Washington and Matraca Berg, who wrote the song.

There’s just something nostalgic about the sweetness of strawberry wine. It brings you back to summers passed, doesn’t it? The hot July moon saw everything / my first taste of love oh bittersweet / Green on the vine.

The WJ3 All-Stars – Star Eyes

All the yummy strawberry sweetness and nectar might just go to your head and give you star eyes! After the day’s adventures, come home, relax with your loved ones, and listen to this peaceful jazz song while you eat some fresh-baked strawberry scones.

If you’re looking for some more dreamy jazz songs that’ll bring you back to your childhood, check out the newest album from the WJ3 All-Stars—My Ship, which is available in our store and on all major music platforms today!  

This post was written by Blog Editor, Jacqueline Knirnschild.