Get Groovy on Your Bike Ride

Photo by Clark Young on Unsplash

Our favorite tunes for a Springtime bike ride.

Even though the sun is shining, the temperatures have still been mostly in the 50s and 60s,
which makes it a bit too cool for summer activities, like sunbathing and swimming. But you
know what the current weather is perfect for? A long bike ride! Whether you like to mountain
bike, or prefer a more leisurely city ride, right now is a great time to grab your helmet and set
out for some scenery and blue skies. Don’t forget your water bottle, and more importantly,
don’t forget to enjoy these groovy bike-riding tunes.


Lorca Hart Trio – Discoveries
Who knows what you’ll discover on your bike ride–a bird’s nest full of eggs, a snake
slithering by on the pavement or an old friend sitting on a park bench! The opportunities are
endless as long as you keep your mind and heart open to curiosity and discovery, which is
encapsulated in this song from Lorca Hart Trio’s album Colors of Jazz!

Janis Siegel & John di Martino – Whenever You Come Around
I don’t know about you, but the warmer weather has got me feeling like it’s time to start
listening to some country music! And what better way to kick off the country music season
than with a beloved tune like “Whenever You Come Around.” This new rendition from the
album Cryin’ in My Whiskey captures the country classic while also adding layers of depth
with the jazzy overtones, making it a lovely companion on your bike ride.

Lorca Hart Trio – Blues on the Corner
About halfway through your bike ride you might start losing steam, which is a great time t
listen to this jazzy song! Like I mentioned earlier, you never really know what you’re going
to find right around the corner of your bike ride, or your life. You could find something blue,
or maybe an unexpected ray of sunshine! Who knows–just keep pedaling, just keep moving
forward and you’ll end up right where you need to be. And this song, from our album
Inspiration & Gratitude, will help you remind you of this important message.

John Di Martino, Harry Allen, Dave Stryker, Peter Washington & Willie Jones – Suddenly
It’s Spring
Spring always seems to come out of nowhere to me, which may be why it’s called spring–it
just jumps out and catches you by surprise every year! You can really start to get used to the
gray skies, rain and cold that the spring almost feels like a fright, but no fear–the time is here
to let the air be a bit looser, and to let your hair fall more freely, especially as you coast past
all the lovely spring flowers. Let the April showers be where they belong, in the past, and
celebrate the new green growth while you listen to this lovely tune from our album Call Me
Irresponsible.

Willie Jones III – My Ship
End your bike ride with this slower song, featuring some gorgeous trumpet-playing from our
very own Jeremy Pelt! The titular song of our album My Ship, this tune is perfect for ending a
journey, for arriving at your destination. I can wait the years / ‘Til it appears / One fine day,
one spring.

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

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Clark Young on Unsplash

Get Jazzed for Spring!

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

Songs to jazz up a beautiful spring day

I don’t know about you, but this winter felt very long to me! Even after the snow gave way, the rain and clouds were still relentless and I felt like we just couldn’t catch a break. That is, until now. Finally, spring has arrived–the darkness is gone, the skies are blue, the sun is shining and the air just feels lighter. That density of winter is gone and the lightness of spring is here. Things are looking up, and we at Night is Alive have a playlist that will help jazz up your beautiful spring day!

Johnny Nash – I Can See Clearly Now

This 1972 classic is one that is close to my heart. I sang it in the middle school choir and the lyrics have stuck with me since then. It’s hard to see clearly when the metaphorical rain is blinding our vision, but no more–it’s going to be a bright sun-shiny day. All of the bad feelings have disappeared / Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin’ for.

Lorca Hart Trio – Like This

With warm springtime weather like this, who needs anything more? This sprightly tune, from Lorca Hart Trio’s album Inspiration and Gratitude, reminds us to be grateful for what is right in front of us, and seize the day! Let’s not take these lovely April and May days for granted, let’s get outside and feel the exuberance floating around in the air, it is free for the taking. The quick and bright tempo of “Like This” will make you want to skip out the door and do a handstand or somersault in the grass!

Harry Allen Trio – Runnin’ Wild

Let’s go! Let’s run! Let’s be wild! Why not? What are we waiting for? What else do we have to do? Grab your headphones or earbuds, pop on this new song, from Harry Allen Trio’s album It Takes 3, and go for a run outside, maybe on a trail in the woods. The fast pace of the tune will match your heart rate and your steps on the path. And the snazzy drum interludes will motivate you to keep going even when you’re tired. Okay, ready? Let’s go! I promise you won’t regret it.

Harry Allen Trio – It’s Sunny in Cape Cod

Alright, time to slow things down just a tad with this peaceful tune, that feels almost like an ode to the sun. Have you ever been to Cape Cod? Well even if you haven’t, this song will transport you; transport you to the lighthouses, sand and tall green grass rustling in the Cape Cod breeze. Relax and enjoy, sink into the sunny day.

Bill Cunliffe, Tim Horner & Martin Wind – Little Bird

It’s one of the greatest small joys of life to be awoken by birds a-chirping. We forget how lovely these birdsongs are until they are suddenly gone for the winter. But now the robins, cardinals, mockingbirds and wren are all back to play and sing! Thank goodness. As you wake up in the morning and get ready for the day, turn on this new jazz tune “Little Bird,” from Bill Cunliffe, Tim Horner and Martin Wood. I’m sure the birds will be happy to have some music to bounce off of, to collaborate with! Maybe the birds will even match their songs to the melody.

Check out all of Night is Alive’s albums to find more Springtime classics!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

Earthy Jazz Tunes for Earth Day

Songs to listen to this Earth Day – April 22

Did you know that Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970? So Earth Day is over fifty years old now! And did you know that the purpose behind it is to demonstrate support for environmental protection, which includes not only the daytime environment, but also the nighttime?

With all the pictures of sunshine, green grass and bright flowers, we often forget that the nighttime environment is just as important as the daytime environment, and worthy of protection. For instance, have you ever thought about the immense amount of light pollution blocking the beautiful stars and confusing the nocturnal wildlife? And what about sound pollution that prevents us from hearing the beautiful chirps, crickets and rustling of nature?

This Earth Day let’s draw attention to the nighttime environment and sound pollution by listening to a few jazz songs from Night is Alive. These songs capture the beauty of nature, nighttime and all the relaxing sounds of our earth.

Lorca Hart Trio – Dew Drop

The lovely conversation between the piano and saxophone in this piece evokes a single dew drop trickling down a piece of bamboo at midnight. Like a dew drop this track is ephemeral and clear, glistening and vulnerable.

Harry Allen Trio – Runnin’ Wild

This brand-new original composition captures that exhilarating feeling of running wild through the woods when the moon is out. The quick pace of the saxophone is like footsteps on a path, leading you to the watering hole where you and your friends plan to go swimming. And the drum is the heartbeat of the universe, encouraging you to embrace all the wonders of this beautiful planet.

Lorca Hart Trio – Recluse

The term ‘recluse’ tends to carry a negative connotation, but it doesn’t have to. There’s nothing wrong with taking some time to be solitary, especially in nature. Famous nature poet Mary Oliver writes, “For me it was important to be alone; solitude was a prerequisite to being openly and joyfully susceptible and responsive to the world of leaves, light, birdsong, flowers, flowing water.”

Lorca Hart Trio – Discoveries

The soft and playful nature of this tune brings to mind childhood and play in nature. Remember when you used to stay outside until the sun went down, listening to the crickets and breeze, discovering bird nests and rocks? Our earth is abundant with discoveries and it is beckoning to us to find them.

Harry Allen Trio – Each and Every Yesterday

We hope that this Earth Day you take some time to reflect upon each and every yesterday; each and every day that we are lucky enough to be alive on this rich and gorgeous planet. What can we do to protect our earth? How can we preserve all the wonders that make it so exciting to be alive? Let’s allow our gratitude to guide us to action.

Remember, here at Night is Alive, we believe that the night is teeming with life!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

An Interview With Dave Darlington

In a career spanning over thirty years, GRAMMY award winner Dave Darlington can proudly attest to being a master of many varied musical styles. With over 1000 album credits to his name, Dave Darlington’s work has touched many lives and garnered much deserved praise in the process. His experience ranges from composing and producing the soundtrack to all six seasons of the groundbreaking HBO series, OZ; to being on the Sonic the Hedgehog production team; contributing to the Free Willy soundtrack; various J-Pop and rock albums; and, of course, jazz, with multiple awards to show for his incredible work and talents.

Now, after mixing & mastering Night is Alive’s newest album, It Takes 3, we were fortunate to be able to sit down with Dave and ask about his illustrious career…

Night is Alive: How did your childhood contribute to the music that you mix today?

Dave Darlington: I was 12 years old when the Beatles were on Ed Sullivan. Like every adult American male, I instantly fell in love. When I went to college, I discovered my passion for jazz music. However, I was a bass player, which was a different world than the music I fell in love with. I knew the symphonic orchestra was not the place for me. My love of jazz music guided the next steps of my musical endeavors, which led to what I do today as a mixer.

NiA: So you switched from a focus in symphonic orchestra to mixing and producing. What exactly contributed to that change?

DD: I got a little recording device and played around with it. I continued to improve with the equipment, so much so that I began working as a part-time programmer for some smaller recording companies. Then I met Jerry Ragavoy, who said he needed an in-house engineer at his recording studio. He took notice of my skills and offered me a job as a house engineer. I took the job from Jerry and began working at his studio. Jerry said that because of the time commitment, I had chosen between playing the bass or engineering. The choice was easy, given that I had contributed to various successful projects from the mixing side.

NiA: What is the difference between the producing side of records and the playing side?

DD: When you’re mixing, you must worry about balancing the elements of the whole song. You must make sure that each instrument is balanced with the other to make it a pleasant listening experience. Balancing all the elements of the piece out is the central part of my job as a mixer, as opposed to someone who is playing.

NiA: What was your favorite part about working on It Takes 3?

DD: Well, I love Harry Allen; he is one of the cats. It’s first-tier when you work with an artist of his caliber. I had never worked with Rossano before, but I had heard about his stunning reputation. That combination turned out to be really musical. My favorite part was just listening to the music come together by two remarkable, talented individuals. And Bryan [Carter] is a gem! He is the consummate pro and always asks my opinion before making adjustments. Musically, he is world-class.

NiA: What should listeners expect to hear from It Takes 3?

DD: There is a warm envelopment of sound, and Harry tells the story of the song. There are fireworks moments where you see how good these musicians are. However, the most crucial aspect for listeners is not necessarily how good the musicians are. The most critical element is having a beautiful melody. You want something that listeners want to listen to more of. To accomplish this, you need to have a melody that the listener can get lost in.

That is where my job as a mixer is important because I need to balance all the elements to create this melody. I think we did a good job on the ‘It Takes 3’ trio of balancing those elements to create a melody that leaves the listener wanting more.

It Takes 3 is available now! Be sure to order your copy today.

An Interview With Rossano Sportiello

We hope you’ve listened to a track or two of Night is Alive’s newest album, It Takes 3, and that you’ve checked out the other blog interviews with members of this unique trio. Continuing our conversations with these world-class musicians, we sat down with pianist Rossano Sportiello, a classically trained pianist who transitioned to jazz at very young age.

Night is Alive: Talk to me about your childhood. How did you come about playing the piano?

Rossano Sportiello: I did not come from a long lineage of musicians; in fact, nobody else in the family was particularly musically inclined. I took it upon myself to become the musically gifted member of the family. I began taking classical piano lessons around age 9. Around the age of 14, I discovered my love of jazz music.

I was particularly inspired by jazz of the 30s, 40s, and 50s, which featured a lot of improvisation. Be-bop jazz artists in particular really inspired me with their playing style. Once I graduated, I already began touring Europe, playing at different venues. So my upbringing was not the traditional route that most musicians take. However, it greatly contributed to the player I am today.

NiA: Are there any important individuals who helped you to become the musician you are today?

RS: The individuals that I met when I first started playing jazz had a profound impact on my career as a musician. However, there are a few notable players from America that helped me along the way. Dan Barrett, a trombone player from California, set me up with my first American record deal. He also introduced me to Harry Allen. Barry Harris was also another pianist that made an impact. According to Barry, “Rossano is one of the best piano players I have ever heard in my whole life.” One other player I should note is Harry Allen. He introduced me to a vast array of different players that helped move my career forward.

NiA: How did you feel playing such a vital role in the It Takes 3Trio?

RS: It is weird to have a jazz band playing without a bass today. However, if you go through the history of jazz music, there were some groups that played with no bass. The Coleman Hawkins trio was one example of a group that played without a bass. The style that piano players played back then involved more of your left hand. If the left hand of the piano player can play with a certain degree of accuracy, the bass component can be filled. I think that playing the piano like this can be extremely powerful and moving. Jazz bands today do not often have this bass-less element, which makes for a very unique sound. I enjoyed being able to add this element to the It Takes 3 Trio.

NiA: Talk to me about Harry Allen and Bryan Carter.

RS: I have to say both Harry and Bryan are two of my favorite musicians worldwide. I brought both of them to Switzerland with me because they are the absolute best to play with. Harry Allen is one of my mentors and is an incredible tenor saxophone player. Bryan is a world-class musician in his own right. He is an incredibly gifted musician with specialties ranging from drumming, composing, and vocals. He is truly in a league of his own.

NiA: What Should Listeners Expect from the It Takes 3 Trio

RS: A beautiful melody and harmonious playing!

It Takes 3 is available now! Be sure to order your copy today. 

An Interview With Bryan Carter

Did you know that Night is Alive’s newest album, It Takes 3, is available now? Showcasing showcases the exceptional talents of tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, pianist Rossano Sportiello, and drummer Bryan Carter, this album is a testament to the enduring appeal of jazz and the remarkable chemistry that can be achieved when masterful musicians come together.

To celebrate this new release, we decided to speak with each member of the dynamic trio for the inside scoop on recording and music in general. After hearing from Harry Allen, we decided to ask Bryan Carter (drums & vocals) the same questions…

Night is Alive: What was the inspiration behind the idea to record this unconventional jazz trio with Night is Alive?

Bryan Carter: It’s Harry’s and Rossano’s project, really. I meet Harry and Rossano about an hour before we started playing together. I thought it was a great opportunity to play with two incredible talented musicians on such a unique project. It’s very rare where you get an opportunity to play on bass-less trio now a days.

NiA: Looking back at recording and production process, what was your favorite part?

BC: The best part about playing with these guys was the amount of improvisation that went into the project. Everything you hear from the trio is in the moment. It’s quite a joy to be able to meet someone an hour before playing together and be able to create great music. Especially given that we do not have a bass playing on the piece.

NiA: What should listeners expect from the new album?

BC: Harry and Rossano are both champions of the great American song book. Mix that with the amount of improvisation and the bass-less trio you get a unique sound. I think listeners will get a taste of some American classics but also a new unique sound.

NiA: If you were to look back on your musical career, are there any moments that have had a lasting impact on it?

BC: My Dad was jazz musician. I grew up around a community of musicians. There is this kind of shared understanding between us that music has this almost spiritual power. This shared community I grew up with helps me to be able to work with various musicians. Music is one of the only languages that can be understood by different cultures around the world. It is really one giant shared community.

NiA: Were has been your favorite place to travel?

BC: I find its usually not about the place but rather the audience and people your playing with. The more receptive the audience and musicians are to your music, I find it’s a more enjoyable experience to play there. There have been so many different places I have played around the world, and I could not possibly name a favorite. Our music has been received positively in so many different places around the world.

It Takes 3 is available now! Be sure to order your copy today. 

An Interview With Harry Allen

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. It Takes 3, our newest album, does just that. Showcasing the exceptional talents of tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, pianist Rossano Sportiello, and drummer Bryan Carter, this collaboration brings together three renowned jazz musicians, each contributing their unique style to the project. The tracklist features a blend of jazz standards and original compositions and offers listeners a rich tapestry of melodies and rhythms that pay homage to the jazz tradition while infusing it with fresh interpretations.

Night is Alive sat down with tenor saxophonist Harry Allen to hear some of his thoughts and feelings surrounding the recording experience and his dynamic career in music.

Night is Alive: What was the inspiration behind the idea to record this unconventional jazz trio with Night is Alive?

Harry Allen: The inspiration came from the idea that we could have a trio without a bass. You don’t see a lot of trios nowadays that can play without a bass. To do that you have to have a strong pianist with their left hand. Our pianist in this piece, Rossano Sportiello, is incredibly gifted with his left hand. That makes up for the fact that we do not have a bass in the trio. You see the bass in the foundation of the band for keeping the rhythm section in time. Most piano players are strong in their right hand, and therefore cannot make up for the fact that there is no bass. However, a pianist strong in their left hand can make up for this fact.

NiA: Looking back at recording and production process, what was your favorite part?

HA: Playing with everybody was truly the best part of the production process. It was a lot of fun playing with these talented musicians. Each one of them brings something unique and its great to see a piece of music come together.

NiA: What should listeners expect from the new album?

HA: We did an array of song from the great American song book as well some of my and Rossano’s songs. It’s a great combo of looking back as well as looking forward. In the 1930s and 1940s, there were a lot of jazz trios that played without a bass. There were stronger left-handed pianists than there are now. We pay tribute to this past in the album, but we put our spin on the songs to make the album modern as well. This makes the album unique compared to others.

NiA: If you were to look back on your musical career, are there any moments that have had a lasting impact on it?

HA: Right out of college I was hired by a famous musician named Oliver Jackson. We traveled around Europe playing and he introduced me to various promoters. He told these promoters about how good I was, and it helped me get my career started as a jazz musician. This was truly a moment that shaped my career as a musician.

NiA: Were has been your favorite place to travel?

HA: There are several places and each one of them brings something different to appreciate about it. Japan has some of the greatest jazz fans in the world; a lot of them come up to you and recognize your music which is a cool experience. Paris and Rome are also two beautiful cities that have amazing jazz venues. Lausanne Switzerland was also an incredibly beautiful city. The great thing about being a musician is you get to travel and visit all these incredible places.

It Takes 3 is available now! Be sure to order your copy today. You can also hear Harry Allen in other acclaimed Night is Alive albums Call Me Irresponsible and Cryin’ In My Whiskey.

An Interview With Bill Cunliffe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Interview With Frank Lacy

Night is Alive is back with more from our world-class musicians! We sat down with Frank Lacy, whose talents are not limited to trombone, as he is a featured vocalist on Night is Alive’s most recent Christmas album, “This Christmas With Night is Alive.”

Night is Alive: Clearly, you grew up in a very musical family, and you played several instruments throughout your childhood. How did all these musical influences impact your successful career as a jazz artist?

Frank Lacy: It helped to diversify all that I could do artistically. It enhanced my ability to play different brass instruments. It also helped me with being a vocalist, being able to arrange and compose. So it has lead me to a mirage of different opportunities as a musician. 

I have recorded with people such as Kid Cudi. I played in the Mingus Big Band. I have recorded two records with Elvis Costello. I have won two Grammys with McCoy Tyner’s Big Band.

NiA: You have traveled around a great deal, playing in different jazz bands across the country. What is your favorite place to travel?

FL: I did dig being in Siberia for a month. I was performing, and often when people think of Siberia, they think “Oh, cold.” However, it’s very different than people would think. I enjoyed Iceland, too; I did some teaching and playing there and it was very interesting as well. These places are often not thought about because of their remoteness.

NiA: What made you decide to collaborate with Night is Alive Productions and vocalist Teddy Horangic on a Christmas album?

FL: It wasn’t my idea, it was the idea of the tenor saxophone Wayne Escoffey. Wayne teaches at Yale university and Teddy was going to school there. I had worked with Wayne before at Gizzi’s. Wayne thought it would be a great idea to collaborate on a Christmas Album. It really was Wayne Escoffey, he was the one who basically produced the record.

NiA: What was your favorite part of recording This Christmas With Night is Alive?

FL: I had never sung on a Christmas record like that, that’s number one. Number two: remembering and trying to recreate the Christmas songs that we did. Everyone knows these tunes, so we wanted to put our own spin on it but not let it get lost in putting our own spin on it. We wanted to let the Christmas carol really be sung and understood as a Christmas carol, not trying to change it up too much. Just so we could give the music to the people in a jazzier way.

NiA: This Christmas With Night is Alive is all about the spirit of Christmas and traditions of Christmas. Do you have any fun family traditions around the holidays?

FL: Not exactly, basically just the whole spirit of Christmas. All the things that people do for Christmas: the presents, the Christmas tree, the lights, the food. Just just for Christmas, but the whole period leading up to Christmas.

For more on Frank Lacy and This Christmas With Night is Alive, visit nightisalive.com/portfolio/this-christmas

How Are Jazz and Memorial Day Connected?

You might know that Memorial Day is a federal holiday that was established to remember and honor members of the U.S. armed forces who died while serving. But you might not know that Glenn Miller, legendary jazz bandleader, arranger, and trombone player, lost his life in an airplane accident while serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

Glenn Miller and His Orchestra was among the most popular and successful big bands when Miller enlisted in 1942 at age 38. In January 1943, Miller became Director of Bands for the Army Air Force Technical Training Command. He selected personnel for various AAF bands across the U.S. and recruited others for an elite orchestra. Two AAF orchestra units were established to record and broadcast radio shows from Hollywood, California, and New York City, with Miller leading the New York unit. Its members included musicians from leading jazz bands and symphony orchestras. Big Band music was the soundtrack of that era, and Glenn Miller was an inspiration to his fellow troops and the American people during the war.

In May 1944, before the D-Day invasion, General Dwight D. Eisenhower asked that Miller’s AAF unit be transferred to Europe to establish a combined allied radio broadcasting service. In July that same year, Miller and his 51-piece orchestra began broadcasting musical programs over the radio, under the supervision of the BBC. The orchestra also performed for the Voice of America’s European unit and made appearances, mainly at U.S. military bases. In late 1944, Miller and his commanding officer decided to relocate the orchestra from England to France. Miller hoped to arrive there ahead of his orchestra. He boarded a small military plane on December 15, and was reported as missing three days later. His body was never recovered.

Glenn Miller was awarded the Bronze Star Medal posthumously in February 1945. A memorial headstone for the famed musician was placed in Arlington National Cemetery almost 50 years after his death. Miller’s music remains wildly popular even today, and even had three recordings posthumously inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, which honors recordings that are at least 25 years old and that have “qualitative or historical significance.” Those works were “Moonlight Serenade”, “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, and “In the Mood”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vOUYry_5Nw

Other famous jazz musicians who served during World War II include Dave Brubeck, Paul Desmond, Tony Bennett, and John Coltrane. Brubeck was drafted into the U.S. Army in August 1942. He trained as a sharpshooter and was sent to France aboard the SS George Washington troopship. He was supposed to join General George Patton’s Third Army, but fate intervened when some visitors from the Red Cross arrived at the base. Brubeck offered to entertain the visitors by playing piano and the commander was so impressed with his talent that he asked the young pianist to stay behind and entertain the troops. Brubeck formed a band called the Wolf Pack, which eventually had 18 members. Some of the musicians had seen combat and been awarded the Purple Heart. Unlike most of the military bands during that era, the Wolf Pack Band was integrated. Brubeck met alto saxophonist Paul Desmond in 1944, and the two musicians were reunited after the war, when Desmond became a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

If you like the Big Band style of jazz music, be sure to check out Night is Alive’s diverse set of albums. World-class jazz musicians perform your favorite classics as well as new compositions that hearken back to that standard swing style in a refreshing way. My Ship in particular includes nine contrasting tracks that each convey their own unique emotion.

To all veterans and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces, thank you for your service.