The Fourth of July weekend is here! What are your plans? This year is the big 250th anniversary, so I bet the festivities are going to be pretty wild. Are you going to a pool party? A cook-out? Lakehouse? Are you watching fireworks? Roasting marshmallows around a fire? Drinking some cold ones at a brewery? No matter what your plans are, Night is Alive has got you covered with a playlist of songs that emanate red, white and blue.
Lonnie Plaxico, Camille Thurman – Free
This groovy song, from the album Radiance, showcases Thurman’s stellar vocals and Plaxico’s cool double bass. The funky effervescent vibe is perfect for sipping a cocktail while lounging next to a pool. Or maybe you’re floating around on a tube inside the shimmering blue waters of the pool. Relax and celebrate freedom!
Harry Allen Trio – It’s Sunny in Cape Cod
It’s been extremely hot and sunny lately, but instead of lamenting about it, why not lean into it and enjoy it? I don’t know about you, but temperatures in the 80s, 90s and 100s make my body feel slower and more lethargic, which can be a wonderful thing on the weekends. Ease into the heat with this lovely tune from Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3. The smooth piano of Rossano Sportiello will naturally help your mind and body unwind.
Aretha Franklin – Spirit in the Dark
The titular song of her seventeenth studio album, this 1970 tune will get you up and dancing in no time! Franklin wrote this song herself and it reflects her experience as an artist of embracing her independence. Cast aside your inhibitions and experience the sheer joy of letting go. Who cares who’s watching? Let your spirit soar!
Lorca Hart Trio – A Time for Love
The Fourth of July is a time for love. It’s a time to honor and celebrate the love you have for your family, friends and country. It’s a time to remind yourself that the greatest thing we have in this life is the experience of loving and being loved. From Night is Alive’s album Inspiration & Gratitude, this song will help you to be grateful for all the love you have in your life.
Janis Siegel and John Di Martino – Always on My Mind
This jazzy rendition of Willie Nelson’s beloved 1982 country classic is perfect listening for a laid-back barbecue with family. Imagine the sun is setting, it’s golden hour, but the fireworks won’t be for a few more hours. The cooking is done, the kitchen is cleaned up and now you can sit down with a nice gold glass of your favorite beverage and transition into the night. For more jazzy twists of country classics, check out Night is Alive’s album Cryin’ in My Whiskey.
Happy 4th of July from the Night is Alive family to you!
Check out this music and more on Night is Alive’s albums page.
written by Jacqueline Knirnschild
Photo by Vivek Kumar on Unsplash
