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
