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

Spotlight: The Women Artists of Night is Alive

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

Janis Siegel

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

Camille Thurman

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

Teddy Horangic

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

Andromeda Turre

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

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

2025 with Night is Alive: A Year in Review

Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash

From two new albums to interviews with numerous award-winning musicians and tons of fun, jazzy blog posts, 2025 has been a busy year for Night is Alive! As the year draws to a close, it is time to reflect upon and celebrate our accomplishments, the incredible music we’ve shared, and the community we’ve built together.

New Sounds: The Albums of 2025

Night is Alive is always looking to provide the very best in jazz to our listeners, and that means thinking outside the box to create unique musical experiences. This year, we were thrilled to showcase two standout projects.

It Takes 3

To kick off 2025, we released a smashing new album featuring the exceptional talents of tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, pianist Rossano Sportiello, and drummer Bryan Carter.

This collaboration is a testament to the enduring appeal of jazz and the remarkable chemistry that can be achieved when masterful musicians come together. By choosing a trio format without a bass, the group paid homage to the jazz traditions of the 1930s and 40s while infusing the music with fresh interpretations. The tracklist features a blend of the Great American Songbook alongside original compositions.

Go deeper into the music:

Radiance

Later in the year, we were proud to present Radiance, a soul-jazz masterclass from Lonnie Plaxico. Featuring the luminous Camille Thurman, the rhythmic heartbeat of Douglas Plaxico, and the rich piano textures of Lafayette Harris Jr., this album reimagines classics like “Don’t Know Why” and “All This Love.”

Lonnie is a familiar face to the NiA family, having been featured on Cryin’ in My Whiskey and Christmas Ain’t Like It Used to Be. With Radiance, he delivers a deeply emotional, groove-forward journey.

Meet the Artists:

Living the Jazzy Life: 2025 Blog Highlights

Music isn’t just something you listen to; it’s a backdrop for your life. This year, we curated dozens of playlists and articles to help you find the perfect rhythm for every moment.

Nature & The Great Outdoors

Whether you were greeting the spring or trekking through fall leaves, we had the soundtrack ready:

Celebrations & Outings

We celebrated the people who matter most with curated lists for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Whimsical Weddings.

When you headed out into the world, NiA went with you! We explored music for:

Education & Industry Insights

We believe that the more you know about jazz, the more you can love it. This year, we tackled the big questions, like “What does it mean to swing?”

We also sat down for a comprehensive, three-part interview with David Basse, the voice behind the famous radio show, Jazz with David Basse. With a career spanning 50 years—including playing for presidential galas and teaching at Lincoln Center’s Swing University—David offered an unparalleled look into the depth and breadth of the genre.

Thank You for a Swingin’ 2025!

Whether you purchased Radiance from our online store or read our tips for a jazzy game night, thank you for being part of the Night is Alive community. We can’t wait to share even more music, interviews, and memories with you in 2026.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash

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

Pumpkin Carving Jazz Tunes

Photo by Steven Van Elk on Unsplash

The perfect songs to add to your spooky season playlist.

It doesn’t really feel like fall until you make your first jack-o-lantern, does it? It’s so much fun to think up a ghoulish design and bring your pumpkin to life. But what’s a carving session without a great soundtrack? Ditch the typical spooky sounds this year for something a bit more elegant and graceful with Night is Alive’s Pumpkin Carving Jazz Tunes playlist. These five cozy, autumnal jazz songs–from Bill Cunliffe to Lonnie Plaxico–will have you nodding your head and tapping your toes while you turn your gourd into a glowing masterpiece!

Slangelang – Bill Cunliffe, Tim Horner & Martin Wind

Things on Halloween may not always appear to be what they seem, like that black cat on the corner, is she just a cat or a witch in disguise? Or what about that flickering light in the window–is it just a candle or a ghost signal? Anything is possible, a sentiment that is captured beautifully in this song from Night is Alive’s album Border Widow’s Lament.

Ness and His Family – Lorca Hart Trio

Continuing with the theme that things aren’t always as they seem, perhaps the “Ness” in this song is the Loch Ness Monster? Oh my! As you listen to the smooth saxophone can you imagine the Loch Ness Monster sliding into the depths of the ocean? I bet this tune, from Night is Alive’s album Inspiration & Gratitude, will inspire some mystical designs on your pumpkin.

Shake Down the Stars – John Di Martino, Harry Allen & others

The slinky vocals of this tune, from Night is Alive’s album Call Me Irresponsible, evoke the effortless gliding of a knife through the skin of a pumpkin. Don’t limit yourself while you carve and create. Shake down the stars, and climb the ladder of creativity to make something that you’re truly proud of!

Mona Lisa – Lonnie Plaxico, Douglas Plaxico

Your pumpkin masterpieces may not exactly measure up to the Mona Lisa, but the sky is the limit. Let this song, from the new album Radiance, inspire you to design a facial expression on your pumpkin that is very mysterious. Is the orange monster smiling or keeping a secret? Angry or casting a spell? Who knows!

Border Widow’s Lament – Bill Cunliffe, Tim Horner & Martin Wind The majestic soaring of Martin Wind’s bass in this song, from Night is Alive’s album Border Widow’s Lament, is beautiful, haunting and rich in resonance. It will hypnotize you as you put the final finishing touches on your pumpkin carving and usher in the candlelight.

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Steven Van Elk on Unsplash

Have a Jazzy Oktoberfest!

Photo by Marlene Haiberger on Unsplash

Do you know where the first Oktoberfest was held? That’s right–Munich, Germany! And which year was it held? Correct–1810! So that means this fun-loving 16-day beer-drinking  festival has been going on for over two hundred years now! So how about you continue the tradition by gathering your friends and family and heading out to enjoy some delicious traditional Bavarian food and beer. But of course, before you begin the funfest, how about some jazzy tunes to get you excited?

Lonnie Plaxico, Lafayette Harris Jr. – The In Crowd

When you’re among the throngs of partygoers at Oktoberfest, you are definitely in the “in crowd,” so it makes sense to listen to this brand new tune from the album Radiance. While you get ready for the day by putting on your lederhosen and dirndls, enjoy the fast, upbeat pace of Lafayette Harris Jr.’s groovy piano!

Harry Allen Trio – Runnin’ Wild

With all the pretzels, schnitzel, sauerkraut and strudel, you are going to be runnin’ wild from tent to tent at Oktoberfest! Just like Harry Allen’s dashing saxophone in Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3, you are going to be frisking and prancing all about! Don’t forget to wash it all down with a nice cold stein of beer too.

John Di Martino, Harry Allen, Dave Stryker & others – The Second Time Around

Now that you’ve warmed your belly with some good grub and drink, it’s time to take a second walk around the fest and play some games! Have you ever tried to dance the polka? Done a keg rolling contest? Played ring toss? What about a yodeling contest or stein-holding competition? The options are endless, so make sure to enjoy the second time around like this song from Night is Alive’s album Call Me Irresponsible suggests!

WJ3 All-Stars – Wave

It’s not Oktoberfest without good friends and company! Have you run into some folks you know in the community? Make sure to wave and smile at everyone because who knows, maybe a wave can just lead to something more . . . Uh oh, who is that kissing behind the beer tasting stand!? Let the smooth waves of this jazz tune from Night is Alive’s album My Ship envelope you in a nice buzz.

Lorca Hart Trio – Bye Ya

Like all good things, Oktoberfest must come to a close, but alas, the party doesn’t have to end. Even though you may be saying “bye ya” to the funfest, you could still invite some friends over for an afterparty, or buy a nice beer mug to bring home and remember the day by. Like this song, from Night is Alive’s album Colors of Jazz depicts, saying goodbye doesn’t have to be a sad affair, it can still be jolly!

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Marlene Haiberger on Unsplash

Q&A with Camille Thurman – Part 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NiA: Which is your favorite song from Radiance?

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

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

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Songs to Listen to this Autumn Equinox

We are often too busy and bustling about in our lives to notice or celebrate the equinoxes as the moments of change and equanimity that they are. There are only two equinoxes each year, in the autumn and spring, and they mark the times when the axis of the Earth is not tilted toward or away from the sun, but rather has equal amounts of daylight and darkness all across the globe. This year, in the Northern Hemisphere, the autumn equinox will fall on Monday, September 22nd, and if you’re in the Eastern Time Zone, it will be at exactly 2:19 in the afternoon. So, take a break this equinox and take a moment to listen to this playlist, curated just for you by Night is Alive.

Lorca Hart Trio – Introspection on the 401

The Autumn Equinox is a great time to go on a gratitude walk or conduct a little letting go ritual. Out with the stifling heat of the summer and in with longer nights and cool, fresh thoughts! And this tune, from Night is Alive’s album Colors of Jazz, will offer a great backdrop to your introspective thoughts this September.

2 Degrees East 3 Degrees West – John Di Martino, Wayne Escoffery & Others

Isn’t it wild sometimes to think about how if one thing had happened just slightly differently, our whole life might be completely changed? Maybe just two degrees east or three degrees west is a completely different fate. It’s hard to say. But one thing is for sure, this Autumn Equinox you can enjoy the perfectly equal degrees of daylight and night while listening to this lovely tune from Night is Alive’s album Old New Borrowed & Blue.

WJ3 All-Stars – From This Moment On

From this moment on is a fresh new opportunity, an opportunity to live with more balance and harmony in your life, to have equal parts brightness and darkness, levity and seriousness, activity and quiet. Enjoy this fun-filled song, from Night is Alive’s album Love and Love Songs, while you bask in the sun, journal or simply sit in silence as the sun sets this Equinox.

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

This beautiful rendition of the 1977 hit single will have you tapping your toes while letting go of a past relationship. Maybe you’ve been holding onto a friendship or romantic partner who is no longer serving you; maybe the relationship has been slowly withering away; or maybe you are missing someone today. No matter what, it’s important to have levity during this process, just like the soaring vocals of Janis Siegel in this country jazz album Cryin’ in My Whiskey.

WJ3 All-Stars – Taking a Chance on Love

Clearing away the detritus of past relationships and memories leaves room for new loves to plant, seed and blossom. In fact, the past will act as rich fertilizer for new love to grow in your life. So, like this song from Night is Alive’s album My Ship, says, why not take a chance on love? Go ahead and text your new crush! Or, if you’re not feeling quite so bold, you could at least plant a new flower in your garden!

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by yapo zhou on Unsplash