September, 2025 - The Improv Cafe'

The Improv Café: Live Jazz, Swing, and the Blue Note Experience

At The Improv Café, there’s one golden rule: every note, every song, every performance you hear is live. From the smokiest corners of a jazz club to the grand sweep of a big band in full swing, our station is dedicated to delivering the authentic energy of the stage straight to your speakers. No studio edits. No overdubs. Just pure live Jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz, exactly the way it was meant to be heard.

That’s why every broadcast from The Improv Café feels more like a night out than a playlist. It’s the place where Duke Ellington still conducts the orchestra, Ella Fitzgerald scats her way into the rafters, and modern greats push jazz forward in real time.

Tonight’s Spotlight: Live at the Blue Note Radio Show

Few names carry the same weight in jazz as The Blue Note. Known around the world, this legendary club has been the stage for the biggest icons in jazz, blues, and soul. Nestled in the heart of the city, the Blue Note has become more than a venue—it’s a cultural landmark, a place where live music is celebrated nightly and history is written one performance at a time.

And tonight, we’re bringing that magic to you with the Live at the Blue Note Radio Show. Every Wednesday, the show dives deep into recordings captured live at the club itself, or taken directly from albums recorded in front of an audience. It’s the closest thing to grabbing a seat at a table, sipping a cocktail, and soaking in the glow of a Blue Note evening—without ever leaving your home.

The Blue Note has always been a beacon for incredible talent, and 2025 is no exception:

🎺 Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah – The six-time Grammy nominee is bringing his electrifying sound to the new Los Angeles Blue Note location, performing a three-night run from September 22–24.
🎹 Charlie Puth – Known more for pop, Puth is making waves by announcing a bicoastal residency at both the New York and Los Angeles Blue Note clubs this fall, blurring genre lines and proving the Blue Note is a stage for innovation.
🎶 R+R=Now – The supergroup of modern jazz heavyweights will light up the New York Blue Note in October 2025, merging improvisation and social commentary into their unforgettable live sets.
🥁 Les Claypool’s Bastard Jazz – With a name that matches their unconventional spirit, this group heads to the Tokyo Blue Note in November 2025, expanding the club’s global reach.

Blue Note Records: Keeping the Legacy Alive

Of course, the Blue Note isn’t just a venue—it’s also a legendary record label that continues to set the standard for live jazz releases.

Upcoming Albums: In October, look for Charles Lloyd’s Figure In Blue, a masterwork from one of jazz’s most soulful saxophonists. November will bring Aaron Parks’ By All Means, promising a forward-thinking sound anchored in tradition.
Vinyl Reissues: Throughout 2025, Blue Note’s Classic Vinyl Reissue Series is treating fans to all-analog reissues cut from the original master tapes. The lineup includes timeless works from Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard, and other titans, ensuring the magic of jazz’s golden age continues spinning on turntables everywhere.

Why Live Jazz Matters

There’s a reason The Improv Café commits itself to live recordings only. Jazz is about interaction: the call-and-response between musician and audience, the improvisation that makes no two nights the same, and the palpable energy of a performance that exists only once in time.

When you hear a big band live, you feel the brass section hit your chest. When a jazz vocalist bends a note on stage, you hear the emotion ripple through the crowd. And when the Blue Note plays host to a late-night jam session, the spontaneity becomes part of history.

That’s the spirit The Improv Café keeps alive every day—and it’s why tonight’s Live at the Blue Note Radio Show is a can’t-miss experience.

Whether you’re drawn to the legends of the past or the innovators of today, The Improv Café is the soundtrack of live jazz in all its forms. Pair that with the iconic sounds coming out of the Blue Note’s stages—and you’ve got a celebration of music that is timeless, spontaneous, and forever alive.

So, pour yourself something smooth, settle in, and let The Improv Café carry you to the Blue Note. After all, here’s the truth we live by: every song played is the live version.

The Improv Cafe: Where Live Jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz Take Center Stage, Tonight’s Live at the Village Vanguard Radio Show will be A Journey into Jazz History

At The Improv Cafe, we pride ourselves on bringing you nothing but the finest live jazz music. Whether it’s the heart-pounding rhythms of a Big Band, the smooth melodies of Swing, or the soulful vocals of jazz legends, every song played is a live version — an experience as authentic as it gets. We’re all about celebrating the essence of jazz as it was meant to be: spontaneous, powerful, and captured in its true live form. No recorded tracks, no edits — just the raw, unfiltered magic of live performance.

Tonight’s Live at the Village Vanguard Radio Show: A Journey into Jazz History

There’s something almost mystical about The Village Vanguard, a venue that holds an undeniable charm and historical significance in the world of jazz. Located in the heart of New York City’s vibrant Greenwich Village, this intimate jazz club has become a mecca for jazz enthusiasts from around the world. For decades, the Vanguard has been the stage for some of the most legendary jazz performances, with the music echoing through its acoustically perfect triangular basement. Live at the Village Vanguard is a phrase that carries with it a legacy of musical excellence and timeless artistry.

A Legendary Venue with Unmatched Acoustics

The magic of The Village Vanguard is not just in the performances it hosts, but also in the unique acoustics that make the space ideal for live recordings. The club’s distinctive triangular shape combined with its low ceilings has created a room where every note is crystal clear and every instrument is perfectly balanced. Musicians often speak of the venue’s ability to capture sound in a way that few other venues can match.

In fact, many artists and engineers have praised the Vanguard for its “sound purity.” Legendary pianist McCoy Tyner, who recorded at the club with John Coltrane, famously noted, “You can hear everything.” The acoustics at The Village Vanguard create an immersive experience for both the performer and the audience, making it a place where jazz truly comes to life.

With a capacity of just 123 seats, The Village Vanguard provides a rare, intimate setting that fosters an exceptional connection between musicians and their audience. The energy in the room is palpable, and there’s a shared understanding that every performance is a fleeting moment of magic, never to be repeated exactly the same way. This rare atmosphere has made the club a favorite among jazz musicians, as well as jazz lovers who are looking to experience the genre in its most authentic form.

The Spirit of Live Jazz at The Improv Cafe

When you tune in to our station, you’re not just listening to a curated playlist of jazz tunes; you’re experiencing live recordings from iconic venues like The Village Vanguard. Every Tuesday night, we bring you five continuous hours of live jazz — music recorded directly from the stage of The Village Vanguard. These performances, rich with improvisation and raw emotion, capture the very essence of what live jazz is all about.

What makes The Village Vanguard so special is not just its acoustics or the world-class musicians who perform there. It’s the connection between the artist and the audience. In a venue as intimate as this, the energy is palpable. Whether it’s the crackle of the microphone, the distant murmur of the audience, or the occasional clink of a glass, all these incidental sounds blend into the perfect backdrop for live jazz. It’s a moment in time that can never be replicated — and that’s what makes it so magical.

Iconic Live Albums Recorded at The Village Vanguard

The Village Vanguard has been the birthplace of many iconic jazz albums, solidifying its place in the hearts of jazz lovers everywhere. Some of the most famous live albums ever recorded have come from the Vanguard, including:

A Night at the Village Vanguard by Sonny Rollins (1957) – The very first live recording at the club, this album is widely considered one of the most essential jazz recordings of all time.
Sunday at the Village Vanguard by Bill Evans Trio (1961) – Recorded just days before bassist Scott LaFaro’s tragic death, this live album captures a defining moment in modern jazz history, highlighting the power of improvisation and trio dynamics.
“Live” at the Village Vanguard by John Coltrane (1962) – A milestone in the evolution of avant-garde jazz, this live recording features Coltrane’s groundbreaking “Classic Quartet” and continues to inspire musicians to this day.
Live at the Village Vanguard by The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra (1967) – The Vanguard became a second home for big bands, and this recording from the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra is one of the best examples of live big band jazz.
Art of the Trio Volume Two by Brad Mehldau (1998) – Modern jazz musicians like Brad Mehldau have continued the Vanguard’s legacy by adding their own masterpieces to the club’s iconic recorded history.

Tune In Every Tuesday Night: A Journey Through Live Jazz

Every Tuesday night, we invite you to take a seat in our virtual jazz club and experience the magic of The Village Vanguard, right from the comfort of your home. For five continuous hours, we’ll take you on a journey through jazz history, showcasing the very best live recordings made at this legendary venue. It’s a tribute to the artistry, passion, and spontaneity of jazz music.

At The Improv Cafe, we understand that jazz is not just a genre of music; it’s a living, breathing art form that thrives in the moment. That’s why we’re committed to bringing you only the live versions of these iconic tracks — because live jazz is where the true magic happens.

So, whether you’re a lifelong jazz lover or just beginning to explore the genre, our station provides a front-row seat to some of the most captivating live jazz performances ever recorded. From the soothing sounds of vocal jazz to the exhilarating energy of Big Band and Swing, we’ve got something for every jazz fan. Tune in tonight, and let the live music take you to places you’ve never been before.

Experience Live Jazz Like Never Before. Tune in to The Improv Cafe.

Ukraine’s Jazz Resilience: Live Music Thrives Amid Adversity

At The Improv Cafe, our airwaves are dedicated exclusively to live Jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz. Every track you hear is a live performance, capturing the spontaneity, emotion, and raw energy that only live music can deliver. It’s in this spirit that we turn the spotlight to the vibrant and resilient Ukrainian jazz scene, a world that has evolved through decades of suppression, independence, and even war, yet continues to thrive with creativity and courage.

A Rich History, From Suppression to Independence

The story of jazz in Ukraine begins almost a century ago. The first recorded jazz concert took place in Kharkiv on December 29, 1925, marking the birth of a genre that would endure despite severe political repression. During the Soviet era, jazz was labeled “Western decadence,” heavily censored, and largely pushed underground. Musicians and enthusiasts had to navigate restrictions and risked persecution simply for performing or enjoying this “forbidden” music.

Following Ukraine’s independence in 1991, jazz culture experienced a renaissance. Kyiv became a hub for dedicated jazz enthusiasts, with grassroots shows, community circuits, and local ensembles taking root. International artists began touring Ukraine, bringing new influences and opening channels for collaboration, laying the foundation for a thriving modern jazz landscape.

Ukrainian Jazz Today: A Fusion of Traditions

Modern Ukrainian jazz is extraordinarily diverse, blending the improvisational flair of American jazz, the sophistication of European classical, the edge of rock, and the distinct melodies of Ukrainian folk music. This mix has produced a sound that is uniquely Ukrainian—dynamic, expressive, and continually evolving.

Major Festivals Keep Jazz Alive

Despite the challenges, the live jazz scene in Ukraine continues to flourish through festivals that celebrate improvisation and collaboration:

Leopolis Jazz Fest, held annually in Lviv since 2011, is one of Europe’s premier jazz festivals, drawing international stars and more than 100,000 attendees each year.
Jazz Bez, founded in 2001, bridges Ukraine and Poland, fostering cultural dialogue through jazz performances across multiple cities.
Am I Jazz?, launched in Kyiv in 2016, showcases experimental, avant-garde, and improvised music.
Jazz Kolo, ongoing since 2007, promotes Ukrainian improvised music through a dedicated concert series.

Even in wartime, these festivals—though some, like Odesa Jazz Fest, have been forced to pause—serve as a testament to the scene’s resilience and the commitment of Ukrainian musicians to live performance.

The Resilience of Live Performance Amid War

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has reshaped the country’s jazz landscape. While some venues have closed, live music persists in remarkable ways. Musicians perform for soldiers on the frontlines, hold impromptu concerts in bomb shelters, and continue regular gigs in cities like Odesa. Each performance becomes an act of cultural resistance, a statement that music and freedom endure even in the darkest times.

Notable Ukrainian Jazz Musicians

Ukraine’s jazz talent spans multiple instruments and styles, each contributing to a rich live music tradition:

Dennis Adu – Trumpeter with a bold, expressive voice
Alina Bzhezhinska – Harpist merging jazz with ethereal tones
Danylo Vinarikov – Saxophonist blending modern improvisation with Ukrainian motifs
Kateryna Ziabliuk – Pianist celebrated for intricate live performances

These musicians, among many others, ensure that Ukrainian jazz remains alive, creative, and globally relevant.

International Outreach and Recognition

Ukrainian jazz has gained international visibility through organizations like the Ukrainian Institute, which sponsored a “Jazz from Ukraine” delegation at the jazzahead! 2025 conference in Germany. Such initiatives foster global collaborations and spotlight Ukraine’s contributions to the world of live jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz.

Jazz as a Symbol of Freedom

The ongoing war has intensified the symbolism of jazz in Ukraine. A genre defined by improvisation, creativity, and freedom, jazz has become a metaphor for Ukraine’s struggle for independence. Each live performance, whether in a concert hall, festival, or underground venue, embodies resilience, courage, and cultural pride. Jazz in Ukraine is no longer just music—it’s an act of defiance, a celebration of identity, and a living testament to human creativity.

At The Improv Cafe, we celebrate this spirit by playing only live recordings of Jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz—because the energy of live music is what connects listeners to the resilience and soul of the musicians. Ukrainian jazz is living proof that even under immense pressure, creativity finds a way to flourish, reminding us that music is both a refuge and a rallying cry.

To explore more about live jazz and celebrate artists around the world, keep tuning in to The Improv Cafe, where every song is live, every note is alive, and every performance tells a story.

#UkrainianJazz #LiveJazz #BigBand #Swing #VocalJazz #CulturalResilience #JazzFromUkraine

Sunset Radio Network: Today’s Live Music Lineup Across Every Station – JamFest, Live Jam, MetalMania Live, Tomorrowland Live, Dead Set Live, The Improv Cafe’, Electric Daisy Carnival Live, Ultra Music Festival Live

The Sunset Radio Network continues to bring live music experiences directly to listeners around the globe, offering everything from jazz and rock to EDM

Source: Sunset Radio Network: Today’s Live Music Lineup Across Every Station – JamFest, Live Jam, MetalMania Live, Tomorrowland Live, Dead Set Live, The Improv Cafe’, Electric Daisy Carnival Live, Ultra Music Festival Live

The Improv Café: Celebrating Vocal Jazz in 2025

At The Improv Café, we do jazz differently. Every track you hear on our station is performed live—whether it’s classic Big Band swing, timeless vocal jazz, or smooth jazz standards, the one rule we live by is simple: only live versions make the cut. That’s what makes listening here an experience rather than just background noise. Every night, the music breathes, swings, and unfolds as if you’re sitting in the front row of the concert hall.

And tonight, Sundays take on a special glow with our Singing with Swing Radio Show. Designed for unwinding, reflecting, and simply enjoying great music, this program showcases some of the most spectacular vocal jazz artists of our time. It’s a night where artistry takes the spotlight—no studio tricks, just the pure brilliance of singers who know how to make a lyric soar. Pour a glass of wine, dim the lights, and let the power of live vocal jazz carry you into the week ahead.

Major Vocal Jazz Headlines in 2025

It’s been a landmark year for vocal jazz, with accolades, festivals, and education shaping the future of the art form. Let’s take a closer look at the headlines making waves across the jazz community.

🎶 Awards and Accolades

Samara Joy wins another GRAMMY: February 2025 brought another crowning moment for Samara Joy, who took home the GRAMMY Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album for her holiday project A Joyful Holiday. Already a star with her 2023 win for Best New Artist, Joy continues to define this generation of vocal jazz.
Sarah Vaughan Competition finalists revealed: By October 8, 2025, finalists for the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition were notified. The competition, held in Newark this August, remains one of the most prestigious stages for emerging vocal talent.
Lucía Gutiérrez Rebolloso takes home the SASSY Award: The Mexican vocalist claimed the top honor at the 11th Annual Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition in late August 2025. Her win cements her status as a rising international star.

🎤 Festivals and Competitions

Vocal Jazz Summit in Virginia Beach: June 2025 brought together some of the finest voices in the world at the International Vocal Jazz Summit. Grammy-nominated artists like Christie Dashiell and René Marie not only performed but also shared their expertise through workshops and masterclasses. The event partnered with the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation to honor the First Lady of Song.
Millikin Vocal Jazz Invitational: February 2025 marked the return of this beloved gathering, redesigned as a non-competitive festival. The focus shifted to clinics and masterclasses, creating a supportive atmosphere for vocalists and instrumentalists alike.
Concordia Vocal Jazz Festival: Looking ahead, Concordia College has announced its 2026 festival for January 31, featuring New York Voices, who will perform and lead clinics before their retirement year begins.
Seattle-Kobe Jazz Vocalist Audition returns: After a hiatus, the Seattle-Kobe Female Jazz Vocalist Audition came roaring back in 2025. The winner earned a trip to Japan to perform—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Caldera choir triumphs: In April 2025, Caldera’s ensemble made waves at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, showcasing the growing strength of vocal jazz ensembles on the competition circuit.

🎓 Educational Milestones and Performances

CSULB in Cuba: June 2025 was transformative for students of Cal State Long Beach’s Pacific Standard Time ensemble, who toured Cuba. Their cultural and musical exchange left a lasting impression, both on them and their audiences.
ASU adds Typhanie Monique Coller: Arizona State University strengthened its faculty in July 2024 by welcoming acclaimed recording artist Typhanie Monique Coller as a clinical associate professor of voice.
Sarah Gazarek at Eastman: April 2025 brought exciting news for Eastman School of Music as Grammy-winning vocalist Sarah Gazarek joined as associate professor of jazz voice, ensuring the next generation learns directly from one of today’s best.
New York Voices announce retirement: After decades of excellence, the legendary ensemble will retire at the end of 2026. Their influence on vocal jazz pedagogy and performance will live on.
UWSP Wausau Vocal Jazz Festival: April 2025 once again saw Wisconsin’s finest gather for clinics, performances, and community-building at this celebrated annual festival.

Why The Improv Café is the Home for Live Vocal Jazz

All of this excitement in the jazz world connects perfectly with what we do here at The Improv Café. Our programming ensures that you don’t just hear jazz—you feel its energy. With us, every performance is live, every note is authentic, and every singer’s interpretation is uniquely theirs in that moment. From the swing-era greats to today’s award-winning vocalists, this is where their voices find a living, breathing stage.

So as we celebrate the triumphs of Samara Joy, the breakthroughs of competitions like SASSY, and the energy of international festivals, remember—The Improv Café is where those same artists and their peers shine in their truest form. No polished studio edits. Just the raw, live brilliance of jazz as it was meant to be heard.

Tonight: Singing with Swing

Sundays deserve something special, and tonight’s Singing with Swing program delivers exactly that. Featuring vocal jazz legends and rising stars alike, this show creates a warm, inviting soundtrack for your evening. Lean back, relax, and immerse yourself in the artistry that only live vocal jazz can offer.

The Improv Café—where live jazz, big band, swing, and vocal jazz are always in the spotlight, and where every song is more than music—it’s an experience.