What is a ballad? What are the best jazz ballads?

Nowadays, people seem to use the term ‘ballad’ to refer to a slow, maybe sentimental, and romantic, song with beautiful lyrics. But did you know, technically, that’s not what a ballad is?

A ballad is a poem or song that narrates a story in short stanzas, usually set to music. Ballads were originally written to accompany dances, amd their name was derived from the Scottish word ‘ballares’ meaning “to dance.” Traditionally, dancers sang the alternating refrains of the song in time with the dance. 

Usually, ballads consist of 13 lines with an ABABBCBC rhyming form, but there’s also many variations on that pattern. Only in the later 19th century did the term begin to be used to describe a slower form a popular love song. 

So, now that you know what a ballad is, let’s look at some of the best ballads of all time! 

Billy Strayhorn – Lush Life

This 1933 ballad tells the story of a person who used to frequent the best places in town and relax on the “axis of the wheel of life,” that is, until he fell deeply in love and, later, became heartbroken. Now, the narrator is reflecting on that failed romance and the wearisome nightlife he used to indulge in. “Only last year everything seemed so sure,” Strayhorn sings. “Now life is awful again.”

A fun fact about this ballad is that Strayhorn was only a teenager when he began composing this classic! Talk about young talent! 

Elsie Carlisle – Body and Soul

Written in 1930 for the British actress and singer Gertrude Lawrence, who performed it first in London, this standard has become the most recorded ballad in jazz history, with over 2,200 existing versions! 

With its poignant and relatable lyrics about a person who wants to make sure she won’t be devastated after opening her heart to a new lover, it’s no wonder that this ballad became so remarkably popular. The narrator wonders if she will “stand alone at the shore.” She’s got to know—“oh, body and soul”—that her new beloved has no doubt “inside and out.”

John Coltrane – Naima

Inspired by his wife, Juanita Naima Grubbs, Coltrane composed this ballad in 1959, which has since become a jazz standard. “Queen of the ages,” Coltrane sings. “She transcends history’s pages.” 

The story of true love, and the utter awe that comes with it, never does seem to get old, does it? We always seem to find new ways to express our emotions to the ones we love, especially in the form of musical ballads.  

Always On My Mind – Janis Siegel & John Di Martino 

Recorded by everyone from Elvis to Loretta Lynn, and, of course, Willie Nelson, this iconic song, first released in 1972, tells the story of a remorseful narrator who is looking back and wishing that she would’ve told her beloved just how much she cared. In this new 2021 version, the classic is reimagined as a jazz ballad, which serves to highlight the bittersweet theme of regret. 

If you’re looking for more ballads, and modern jazz renditions of country favorites, check out our album Cryin’ In My Whiskey, which is available in our store and on all major music platforms today! 

This post was written by Blog Editor, Jacqueline Knirnschild.

Love Songs to Bring Back the Honeymoon Phase this Valentine’s Day

Let’s face it, even the best relationships can become a bit stale over the years. Instead of chitchatting and cuddling before bed, your partner or spouse might just roll over and start snoring. Maybe you no longer surprise each other with flowers and gifts. Or maybe, you find yourself bickering over the little things, like dishes and laundry. No matter what your issue may be, it doesn’t mean that you don’t love each other anymore. It just means that you’re out of the honeymoon phase and might need some heartfelt intention to bring back the passion, butterflies, and excitement.

And since music is our game at Night Is Alive, we decided that this Valentine’s Day, we would pair four love songs with four pieces of relationship advice that’ll be sure to reinvigorate your long-term relationship. After all, nothing says passion like jazz!

  1. Practice Gratitude – How Sweet It Is To Be In Love by Johnny Hartman

Amid the craziness of daily life—errands, groceries, coordinating schedules—it’s easy to take your sweetheart for granted. It’s easy to forget about all the amazing things your partner does for you, and forget, like Johnny Hartman croons, just how sweet it is to be in love

If you have a journaling practice, add a daily dose of gratitude focused entirely on your partner. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, elevate the positives. Writing affirmations, like, I’m grateful that he cooked dinner tonight, will remind you of all the sweet things your partner does that go unnoticed. 

  1. Compliment Each Other – The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra

Nothing boosts you up like a compliment from a stranger on the subway, and the same goes for your partner. Those so-called sweet nothings do matter, so take a little time out of your day to remind your loved one how beautiful, smart, or handsome he or she is. And on Valentine’s Day, be sure to pile on the flattery, like Sinatra in his 1964 hit. You’re lovely, with your smile so warm and your cheeks so soft… 

  1. Get Intimate – Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love) by Louis Armstrong

As the cleverly-written lyrics point out—birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it—intimacy is a clear route to deepening the love, passion, and connection in your relationship. Uncork a nice bottle of wine, turn on this song and giggle at the innuendos with your lover, then let the sparks fly …

  1. Reminisce – First Time I Saw Your Face by the WJ3 All Stars 

Valentine’s Day is a great time to reminisce on when you met your sweetheart. Whether it was love at first sight or a game of hard-to-get, your story is sure to bring smiles and laughs! Like the WJ3 All Stars convey so beautifully in this song, the first time you saw your lover’s face was an unforgettable moment, so be sure to cherish it.   

If you’re looking for more romantic songs, or for a gift for your Valentine, check out WJ3 All-Stars’s album Lovers & Love Songs. It’s available in our store and on all major music platforms today. And, for a limited time only, the album is available on vinyl! Included in the vinyl package is a bonus signed CD.

This post was written by Blog Editor, Jacqueline Knirnschild.

What are the five elements of jazz?

If you didn’t take Music 101 in college and you’ve never played an instrument, then you probably aren’t familiar with the five fundamentals of jazz. Maybe you just love the sound of jazz, the way it makes you feel, and you’ve never quite been able to explain the magic behind it. That is more than okay! You don’t need to be an expert to love something. But, if you are interested in understanding what’s going on behind the scenes, we’ve got explanations of the basics right here in this blog post! Read on…

  1. Rhythm – Freddie Freeloader by Miles Davis

The rhythm is the beat at the heart of any jazz composition. It’s a pattern formed by a series of notes that range in duration and stress, which is what makes you tap your foot along to the tune. Like with most genres, jazz rhythms can be simple or complex, fast, or slow, but there’s always an underlying pulse, and, usually, jazz incorporates a variety of rhythms, which is what gives it such a snappy, swinging feel. 

“Freddie Freeloader” has a basic rhythm of 4/4, which means that there are four beats in every measure, and a quarter note receives one count. As you listen to this tune, count, or clap your hands one, two, three, four, and you’ll see what we’re talking about. 

  1. Harmony – Summertime by George Gershwin

Two or more notes that are played simultaneously creates the harmony, which is also referred to as a chord or change. In jazz, a chord usually consists of four to seven notes that are played at the same time, and the way that the notes are arranged in the chord convey a certain emotion. 

This jazz standard has a simple harmony. Can you hear when there are two or more notes being played at the same time?

  1. Form – Take the A Train by Duke Ellington

The form of jazz refers to the recurring chord progression that creates the structure of a song. Basically, there are multiple sections of a tune, and the way in which the sections are grouped determines the form. If you know anything about literature, forms are a bit like the rhyme schemes of a poem—for example, the first stanza may rhyme with the third and the second may rhyme with the fourth, creating an ABAB structure.

“Take the A Train” is 32 measures long and it’s separated into four sections that are each eight measures long. The first two sections have identical chords, the third is different and the fourth is the same as the first two. This form is called AABA. Listen carefully to see if you can spot the form! 

  1. Improvisation – Swing to Bop by Charlie Christian

Improvisation is exactly what it sounds like—musicians spontaneously compose music right there on the spot! This is probably the most crucial element of jazz, and the most challenging. A musician must not only be well-versed in his or her instrument but he or she must also understand how notes and chords play together, be able to play by ear (without reading sheet music), and be familiar with a wide variety of styles. No easy feat! 

This 1941 song was created through improvisation at a jam session. Listen for the interplay between the electric guitar and drum!

  1. Instruments and Sounds – Discoveries by Lorca Hart Trio

The most common jazz instruments are the saxophone, trumpet, piano, bass, drums, guitar, clarinet, trombone, and flute. All these instruments run the gamut when it comes to their tones and sounds, which the musician must use to develop his or her own personal sound. Jazz is also unique in the way that musicians strive to express emotions, rather than just playing clearly. Jazz artists, for example, can manipulate pitches to “whine,” “growl,” or to play “darkly” or “lightly.”

Pay attention to the opening of “Discoveries” for the tenor saxophone and drum solo. Then as the song goes on, see which other instruments you can identify. Maybe you could even compare the way in which Ralph Moore plays the saxophone to another saxophonist, like Wayne Escoffery, to see how each musician creates a personal sound. 

This post was written by Blog Editor, Jacqueline Knirnschild.

What are some heartfelt Christmas gift ideas?

With all these global shipping delays, and with Christmas right around the corner, you might be struggling to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. To prevent you from seeming like the Grinch, or from having to put coal in the stockings of all your friends, relatives, and coworkers, we’ve come up with some unique gift ideas that won’t require any shipping at all! Don’t believe me, read for yourself:

Mason Jar Alcohol Infusion Kit 

You’ve probably seen these cute jars, filled with dried fruits, spices on Etsy, but did it ever occur to you that you could make one yourself? After all, it is just a mason jar full of herbs and dried fruit—you can buy all those items at your local health food store. All you need is a recipe and some creativity! 

Put dried cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and brown sugar into a mason jar and ta da, you just made a hot toddy spirit infusion kit! You might want to add that special touch with a red ribbon around the top, and maybe even a handwritten label that reads, Just add whiskey!

Digital Jazz Album 

No one really uses CDs anymore, so why not gift those music lovers in your life a new digital Christmas album that is sure to knock their socks off? Not to mention, you certainly won’t have to worry about any shipping fees or delays. Just print off a picture of the album and put it in an envelope, or if you really want to be cheeky, wrap it in inside a box with a bunch of tissue paper! And maybe if you’re giving this gift to a significant other, you could invite he or she to slow dance with you to one of the songs—what’s more romantic than that?

You’re in luck because we have quite a few digital albums available in our store right now. Christmas Ain’t Like It Used To Be offers fresh, new and heartwarming holiday songs, along with the stellar vocals of Andromeda Turre; Lorca Hart Trio’s Colors of Jazz takes you on a whirlwind adventure through the rainbow, exploring the vibrancy of contemporary jazz; WJ3 All-Stars’ Lovers and Love Songs sweeps you away on a romantic journey through the ages; and Cryin’ In My Whiskey, featuring Janis Siegel and John Di Martino, is the perfect mix of jazz standards and country classics! You really can’t go wrong with any of these choices.

Personalized Coupons

Grab some card stock, markers, and stickers and make some adorable, personalized coupons that show your loved ones that you really care. Some ideas for coupons: Good for one free hug, one free cuddle, back massage, ice cream date… The options are endless! Just get creative. Oh, and if you really want to have some fun with it, you could even put expiration dates on the coupons—just be ready to redeem them all when the time comes!

Concert Tickets 

Experiences can be more valuable than any tangible object, so, this holiday season, gift your friends, family, and coworkers with an early Christmas gift: tickets to the album concert for Christmas Ain’t Like It Used To Be

On Friday, December 17th at 8pm, Akron will be hosting some of the best musicians in New York City on the Knight Stage at the Civic Center. You and your loved ones won’t want to miss this joyful celebration of Christmas, Hannukah and jazz! To purchase tickets, please see the link below:

https://www.akroncivic.com/shows/370

This post was written by Blog Editor, Jacqueline Knirnschild.

What are some new Christmas albums?

The classic Christmas tunes are popular for a reason—they evoke family memories, you know the lyrics by heart, and they’ve withstood the test of time—but sometimes the classics can dare I say it, become a bit repetitive, especially if the same station or soundtrack is on loop all day at your work! Sometimes, it’s nice to spice things up and open the genre to new albums. Because remember, all classic songs were at one time, new releases! It’s time to make some room around the open fire for new friends. 

Dolly Parton – Holly Dolly Christmas

Her first Christmas album in thirty years, Holly Dolly Christmas does not disappoint. With a majority of new, original tracks, and some traditional favorites mixed in as well, this album is as charming and optimistic as the country star we all know and love. Including duets with Michael Bublé, Jimmy Fallon, Willie Nelson, and featuring Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Randy Parton, Holly Dolly Christmas keeps things exciting!

The song “Comin Home for Christmas,” which was released as a single in 2009, is particularly cozy and sweet, and sure to bring the family all together. Mama’s in the kitchen, Christmas on the stove, Daddy’s in the woodshed with ax and overcoat, everybody’s helpin’ to place and trim the tree…

Norah Jones – I Dream of Christmas

The wait for Norah Jones’s first full-length Christmas album was well worth it! Her velvety, crisp, and cool voice seems like it was just made for Christmas songs. These dreamy, elegant, and tranquil tracks offer a relaxed backdrop for family gatherings, dinner parties and cozying up by the fire. And with many originals, like “Christmas Calling” and “Christmas Glow,” you’re bound to discover a new favorite! 

Carrie Underwood – My Gift 

A somber, unadorned album, My Gift showcases Underwood’s voice and focuses on the religious underpinnings of the holiday. The slow, poignant songs create an atmosphere meant for deeper emotions and reflection. One of the tracks, “Little Drummer Boy,” even features the adorable vocals of Underwood’s eldest son, which speaks to the familial and spiritual themes of the album. But perhaps the most passionate and profound is “Let There Be Peace,” which was performed at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

John Di Martino & Andromeda Turre – Christmas Ain’t Like It Used to Be

Last, but certainly not least, this jazz release truly reinvigorates the genre with a complete album of exclusively fresh and vibrant originals from some of the biggest stars in the industry—John Di Martino, Andromeda Turre, Wayne Escoffery, Lonnie Plaxico and Willie Jones III. Offering a lovely mixture of slow, touching songs, like “Star of Wonder;” upbeat, festive tracks like “Make December Stay;” and bluesy tunes like “Christmas Ain’t Like It Used to Be;” this album is extremely versatile and will fit any holiday moment, whether it be baking cookies, trimming the tree, or kissing beneath the mistletoe. 

Christmas Ain’t Like It Used to Be is available now in our store and on all major music platforms. And if you live in the northeast Ohio area, you’re in luck because these musicians will be coming to the Akron Civic Center to perform the album for one night only—December 17th at 8pm. To purchase tickets please see the link below: 

This post was written by Blog Editor, Jacqueline Knirnschild.

Interview with Alan Rhody

“The tunes for Night is Alive’s newest album “Christmas Ain’t Like It Used To Be” were selected with the hope of bringing new meaning to a genre of music that is so near and dear to many. A mixture of classic favorites and modern hits, this album includes nine tracks of vibrant holiday music. Diving into the stories behind the songs, Night is Alive presents an exclusive interview with Alan Rhody, co-composer of the tune “Christmas to Christmas”.

Multi-award-winning songwriter and touring solo artist Alan Rhody has written countless songs and released multiple albums over his notable career. He has made dozens of network appearances in the US and Canada and written songs that have been career-changing hits for artists who are now household names.

“Christmas to Christmas” was penned in 1985 by Rhody and hit songwriter, Ron Hellard. The duo has written about a dozen songs together and remain very good friends, still co-writing occasionally. American country music singer-songwriter Lee Greenwood first recorded the tune and used it for the title of his Christmas album and television special.

“I was very excited and pleased when Night is Alive chose this song,” said Rhody. He has often wondered why the tune hasn’t been recorded by more artists in genres other than country, since he doesn’t consider it a ‘typical’ country song and the intro is set for jazz.

Sony had the publishing rights at the outset, with Rhody reclaiming his half of the song in 2017 retaining SonyATV to administrate, which Rhody believes is a good partnership. 

“I’m hoping more artists will continue to record the song,” mused Rhody. In fact, Night is Alive is the fourth, with soulful vocalist Andromeda Turre. The other artists thus far include Lee Greenwood, Tanya Tucker and Toby Keith. 

As far as his writing process? Rhody said it was Ron Hellard who brought the title idea to their session that hot summer day they created “Christmas To Christmas” in Rhody’s kitchen. Once he and Hellard finished the chorus, they “knew they had a winner.” He also feels it is one of their very best collaborations.

“It’s very personal when I write songs of this nature. whether alone or with a co-writer.” He said his wife Kathy’s presence is always there inside, with those.

So what did Christmas look like for Alan Rhody this year? It was a small gathering, just their two daughters and two grandsons, who all live in Nashville. Their son and his family live in New York City. Rhody and his family have lived in Nashville since the fall of 1977. 

You can hear Night is Alive’s version of “Christmas to Christmas” on “Christmas Ain’t Like It Used To Be”: www.nightisalive.com/christmas-aint-like-it-use-to-be


Interested in learning more? Sometime in early 2022, Alan Rhody will join the Daily Dose podcast, posted regularly 

on Night is Alive’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-yE-rSEiOYWEnIC9F6VXIw

What songs should you play at a dinner party?

Cooling temperatures mean fewer barbeques and outdoor gatherings, but it also means more
dinner parties inside, more evening chats over glasses of wine by the wood-burning stove.
Whether you’re hosting a vegetarian dinner party, a formal dinner party or a birthday dinner
party, we’ve hand selected some tunes that are sure to set the perfect mood for your guests.
Billie Holiday – All of Me


There’s no better way to start the night off than with a well-known jazz standard from the iconic
Lady Day. First published in 1931, this tune revolves around the emotional despair of a
heartbreak, yet, with the repetition of high notes, it has an almost jubilant feel to it.
WJ3 All Stars – I’ve Never Been In Love Before

A heartwarming instrumental jazz song like this provides a lowkey and sophisticated background
great for sipping on cocktails and munching on hors d’oeuvres. Bruschetta anyone?


Andy Williams – Moon River


Even if your guests aren’t jazz enthusiasts, they’ll most likely recognize this song, which won an
Academy Award for Best Original Song when it was first performed by Audrey Hepburn in her
1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Then, a year later, Andy Williams covered the song, and it
became the theme to his T.V. show. The Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri was also
named after Williams’s cover of the song!


Jimmy Durante – Make Someone Happy


Enjoying good food with loved ones is bound to make everyone happy, just like this 1965 song!
Durante’s gravelly voice and his Lower East Side accent and style also create a nice ambience to
light up a cigar after dinner and settle into a comfy armchair.


Dean Martin – Ain’t That A Kick In The Head


After everyone has relaxed and digested their food for a bit, it might be a good time to dance to a
swinging big band jazz arrangement like this one. Martin originally performed the song in the
1960 film Ocean’s 11 and surprisingly, it did not end up charting. But no matter, it’s still one of
Martin’s most beloved songs, and it will still get you swirling around and tapping your toes with
a dance partner!


Lorca Hart Trio – Bye Ya


Eventually, to everyone’s’ dismay, the hour gets late, and the night must come to an end. But
first, one last laugh and hug! While guests are putting on their coats and kissing cheeks goodbye,
this upbeat, jovial instrumental, with a slamming drum solo to boot, will keep everyone
marching happily along and remind them of all the fun you had that evening.

If you’re looking for more lovely jazz music to play at your elegant dinner party, we recommend
Lorca Hart Trio’s album, Colors of Jazz, and the WJ3 All Stars’ album Lovers & Love Songs,
both of which are available in our store and on all major music platforms today.

This post was written by Blog Editor, Jacqueline Knirnschild.

What songs are good for going down the river?

From the Grumman and Coleman canoes to the Kevlar, Pelican and Sportspal there are so many brands to choose from when purchasing a canoe, not to mention the material and type—outrigger, aluminum, wooden, cedar strip, inflatable, lightweight. And don’t get me started on kayaks, there are just as many options there as well! Sun Dolphin, Costco, Intex Explorer, Ascend, Sevylor. And should you get a pedal or foldable kayak, tandem, inflatable? 

One thing is for sure, the market for canoes, kayaks, tubes, and rafts is saturated this summer, and with good reason—paddling or floating down the river is an excellent outdoor and socially-distanced activity that can be done solo, with friends or as a couple. And since music is our forte at Night Is Alive, we’re here to provide you with some of the best songs for every river adventure that you may embark upon before August ends and temperatures begin to cool! 

Leon Bridges – River

Described by The Wall Street Journal as a “throwback to ‘60s-soul a la Otis Redding and Sam Cooke,” this contemporary singer and songwriter, only 32-years-old, is an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with. Inspired by gospel music’s historical use of rivers as symbols for change and redemption, this slow, soft tune, featuring the guitar and tambourine, is about finding faith in God during difficult times, which makes it perfect for a solo, reflective, early morning kayaking trip. 

Chattahoochee – Alan Jackson

You really can’t go wrong with this cheerful, nostalgic 1993 country song about coming of age in a small town in northern Georgia, along the banks of the Chattahoochee River. The fast tempo of this tune would pair well with a gripping white water rafting trip, or a more relaxed fishing canoe trip. Never knew how much that muddy water meant to me—I learned how to swim and I learned who I was…

Willie Nelson – Whiskey River

Fans usually think of “Whiskey River” as a Willie Nelson staple, a cornerstone of his career, but the lament about the river of booze was actually a cover of country singer Johnny Bush’s 1972 song. The two, both from Texas, were apparently friends, with Nelson playing in Bush’s band, The Cherokee Cowboy. Despite the tragic lyrics, this tune still has an upbeat vibe to it and would be great for a relaxed float down the river with friends and family, perhaps with a cold beer or whiskey-based drink in your hand!

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

Maybe you’ve been eyeing up some tandem kayaks and want to take your sweetheart on a memorable date in the river or on the lake. Well, this new, jazzed-up version of Vince Gill’s 1994 hit, featured on the 2021 album, Cryin’ In My Whiskey, will provide the perfect romantic backdrop. Hold your lover’s hand, soak up those rays and absorb the simple and direct message of this lovely song. I get weak in the knees and I lose my breath…

If you’re looking for more country songs to listen to while you go down the river, Cryin’ In My Whiskey is available on all major music platforms and in our store today. 

This post was written by Blog Editor, Jacqueline Knirnschild.

What fruits and vegetables are harvested in September?

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a record number of Americans planting a vegetable garden for the first time. I guess the idea was, if you’re stuck at home and trying to avoid public places, like grocery stores, why not just grow your own food? There’s also nothing more peaceful, energizing, and therapeutic than planting a seed in the dirt, and waiting for new life to take root and literally emerge from the soil. 

So, now, after all your patience and hard work, comes the fun part: harvest time. There are so many delicious fruits and veggies in season for September, you’ll be smiling and singing as you stroll through your garden, or the local farmer’s market, picking out produce for a scrumptious meal with family and friends. And since no meal is truly complete without the perfect ambience, we put together this playlist of songs to match some of our favorite seasonal September produce!   

Carrots – Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise by Abbey Lincoln

With their slightly sweet flavor and rich levels of vitamin A, carrots are a well-loved and versatile root vegetable that can be used in a variety of fan-favorite dishes, like chicken noodle soup, ginger-carrot cake, and Shepherd’s Pie. Similarly, Abbey Lincoln, a singer-songwriter from Chicago with a career spanning from the late 50s to the early 2000s, also has an extremely versatile voice that excels in not only mainstream jazz but also in more alternative, avant-garde music. 

Broccoli – Sister Sadie by Horace Silver

The thick stalks and round green florets of broccoli have a grassy, mildly bitter, and earthy flavor, reminiscent of the hard bop music of Horace Silver, who was hailed by the New York Times as the master of earthy jazz. During the 1950s, when the soft sounds of cool jazz were soaring the airwaves, Silver came out with tunes that brought jazz back to its basics, with a focus on simple rhythms, blues, and gospel. 

So, why not go back to the basics this September with a tasty broccoli dish like garlic parmesan roasted broccoli or a broccoli bacon salad. 

Blueberries – Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue by Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & Lonnie Plaxico

Contrary to what you may think, blueberries pack a punch—yes, they’re small, juicy, and sweet, but they do also have a bit of a sour, acidic bite to them, especially if they’re not completely ripe. In the same way, this new, jazzed-up rendition of Crystal Gayle’s 1977 slow, crooning tune has a surprising kick at the end that you won’t want to miss.  

Plums – Duke and Billy by Lorca Hart Trio

These juicy and tart stone fruits can be eaten fresh, made into jam, fermented into wine, or even added to desserts and salads. They’re full of vitamin C, which is great for your eyes, and they can have red, purple, green, yellow, or orange skin. The most common color, and probably the most memorable, however, is the deep purple hue of the plum, which reminds me of Lorca Hart Trio’s new song “Duke and Billy.” This tune represents a pleasant conversation between Duke Ellington and Bill Stahan and signifies the rich and royal color purple. 

If you’re looking for more jazz tunes to hum along to while you harvest September produce and cook up some farm fresh meals, check out our albums Cryin’ in My Whiskey and Colors of Jazz, which are both available in our store and on all major music platforms.  

This post was written by Blog Editor, Jacqueline Knirnschild.

What jazz song matches your favorite ice cream flavor?

From Baskin Robbins to Braums, Halo Top to Tilamook, Haagen Dazs to Carvel, gelato to sundaes, rolled to fried, keto to vegan, mochi to kulfi, there are seemingly infinite possibilities when it comes to ice cream. One thing’s for sure, Americans sure are crazy about this soft, frozen food!

No matter how old you are, when you hear that classic jingle of the ice cream truck coming down the street your instinct is to grab some cash, fly out the front door and flag them down. Or maybe that’s just me… Well either way, there’s nothing like ice cream to remind you of your childhood, or to put a smile on your child or grandchild’s face, so why not find that perfect jazz song to pair with your favorite tasty, icy treat?

Rocky Road – Goin’ to Chicago by Jimmy Rushing

With its roasted almonds, walnuts and diced marshmallows, Rocky Road ice cream has a nice, varied, and gravelly texture to it, just like the voice of Jimmy Rushing. The swing singer, popular in the 1950s, is renowned for his rough-textured tone and wide range of voice, which was able to rise above the boisterous instrumentals of big band ensembles. 

Chocolate and Vanilla – What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong

There’s nothing more classic than two scoops of chocolate and vanilla ice cream in a cone, just like there’s no jazz song more classic and well-known than Louis Armstrong’s 1967 hit, “What a Wonderful World.” Enjoy the last warm days of the season a delicious dessert and dreamy song. I see trees of green, red roses too, I see them bloom… I see skies of blue and clouds of white…

Strawberry – Doop-Doo-De-Doop by Blossom Dearie

Strawberry ice cream is sweet, soft, and light just like the girlish vocals of Blossom Dearie, who playfully sings about love, and not being a party poop, in this song from her 1959 album, Once Upon a Summertime. 

Pistachio – Introspection by Lorca Hart Trio

The first thing that everyone usually notices about pistachio ice cream is its bright green color, which, initially, can even be a bit unnerving. But then your taste buds become tantalized by the smooth, earthy, and distinct flavor of the pistachio nut. Similarly, this new song from the Lorca Hart Trio evokes earthy images of rolling hills and swaying trees, green grass, and beautiful leaves, while also communicating a direct message: that today, in this present moment, the world is wonderful. 

If you’re looking for more bold jazz tunes to bob your foot to while you lick up a delectable scoop of ice cream, look no further than Lorca Hart Trio’s newest album, Colors of Jazz, which will add color to your life with a vibrant rainbow of classic and contemporary compositions. Colors of Jazz is available in our store and on all major music platforms. And if you’d like to book one of our lovely musicians, please contact us today.

This post was written by Blog Editor, Jacqueline Knirnschild.