At The Improv Cafe, we believe jazz isn’t just music—it’s a living, breathing experience. That’s why our station exclusively plays live versions of jazz, big band, swing, and vocal jazz—every track you hear is performed live, capturing the spontaneity and brilliance that studio recordings can’t replicate. From legendary classics to fresh discoveries, we bring the global jazz scene straight to your ears. Here’s what’s happening in jazz around the world.
Major Festivals and Global Jazz Events
London Jazz Festival – November 14–23, 2025
The UK’s most prestigious jazz festival returns this November with a stellar lineup. Fans can look forward to Mulatu Astatke’s ethereal Ethio-jazz, Camilla George’s soulful arrangements, and Nubya Garcia’s dynamic saxophone performances. True to The Improv Cafe’s ethos, every set is live—and the festival promises nothing less than authentic, electrifying performances.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival – October 17–26, 2025
Over ten days in Australia, the Melbourne International Jazz Festival will showcase the genius of Bill Frisell, the vocal power of Gregory Porter, and the funk-fueled grooves of Lettuce. Listeners tuning in to The Improv Cafe can rest assured that every track from this festival’s recordings preserves the raw energy of the live stage.
Blue Note Jazz Festival, Japan – September 27–28, 2025
Japan welcomes jazz fans for a weekend of brilliance, featuring Norah Jones’ velvety vocals, the smooth funk of Incognito, and Ne-Yo’s cross-genre flair. Every live version played on our station lets you feel as if you’re right there in the crowd, soaking in the atmosphere of this international celebration.
Jarasum Jazz Festival – October 17–19, 2025
Gapyeong-gun, South Korea, comes alive with the sounds of Ibrahim Maalouf and the Dresch Quartet. These live performances exemplify the improvisational spirit that The Improv Cafe prides itself on broadcasting—every note unscripted, every rhythm spontaneous.
Global Jazz Workshop Festival – August 2025, Austin, Texas
This collaborative festival at Monk’s Jazz Club brought together ensembles from São Paulo, Brazil, and Miami. The Improv Cafe ensures that the vibrancy and interplay of these workshops are preserved, delivering each live performance exactly as it unfolded on stage.
Live Jazz Performances You Can’t Miss
Kieran Brown – Philadelphia, March 7, 2026
Chris’ Jazz Cafe hosts Kieran Brown, a rising star in the global jazz community. Brown’s live performance is a must-hear, and of course, The Improv Cafe will spin only the live renditions of his set.
Jane Monheit – Newtown, PA, December 19, 2025
Renowned blues and jazz vocalist Jane Monheit graces the Zlock Performing Arts Center with her iconic voice. Our station brings these live performances directly to your speakers, preserving every subtle nuance and improvised flourish.
Arturo Sandoval – Camden, NJ, September 27, 2025
The Grammy-winning trumpeter Arturo Sandoval will light up the Walter K. Gordon Theater with his virtuosic live performance. On The Improv Cafe, every trumpet solo is presented live, capturing the intensity and emotion Sandoval is famous for.
Nicholas Krolak – Philadelphia, October 3–4, 2025
Celebrating the fifth anniversary of Voice = Power, Krolak’s two-night engagement at the Black Squirrel Club promises a rich, soulful experience. Each live recording is a masterclass in improvisation—exactly what our live-jazz-only listeners crave.
Jazz Bridge Presents: Jimmy Lopez and Friends – Collingswood, NJ, October 9, 2025
This vibrant ensemble, featuring Jimmy Lopez, Bill Murray, Jorge Perez, Tony Perez, Papo Buda, and Hector Rios, delivers a show full of energy and artistry. Every live track is captured and shared by The Improv Cafe, ensuring fans experience the magic in its purest form.
Aubrey Logan – Swarthmore, PA, November 16, 2025
Versatile vocalist and trombonist Aubrey Logan performs at Swarthmore College, and our station guarantees listeners the thrill of her live artistry—the kind that recordings alone can’t replicate.
First Fridays Norristown – October 3, 2025
The Centre Theater in Norristown, PA, kicks off a live jazz season that we at The Improv Cafe broadcast exclusively in live formats, keeping every improvised passage and spontaneous riff alive.
New Album Releases
Bill Laurance – Lumen, September 26, 2025
Keyboardist Bill Laurance delivers his latest album, and we play every live version of his compositions, highlighting the nuances of his improvisational genius.
Quadro Nuevo – Inside the Island, October 24, 2025
This German jazz quartet’s latest work is brought to life exclusively in live performance on our station, preserving the authentic energy and interaction of the musicians.
Emma Rawicz – Inkyra, October 31, 2025
Saxophonist Emma Rawicz’s new album showcases bold improvisations and expressive live performance, perfectly aligned with The Improv Cafe’s dedication to live jazz.
several new jazz and big band albums have been released or are scheduled for release in late 2025 and 2026. Here are some noteworthy examples:
Upcoming album releases
- Orchestrator Emulator by The 8-Bit Big Band
- Release Date: July 18, 2025.
- Style: This is the 5th full-length album from the big band that blends the energy of a big band with music from classic video games.
- Golden Lady by Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra
- Style: A soulful and ambitious album that features Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield. It blends gospel, R&B, and jazz big band energy.
Notable 2025 albums (released)
- Bitter Orange by Emma Smith
- Style: This award-winning jazz vocalist’s latest album is known for its humor, deep pocket, and powerful interpretations of classics.
- Lumen by Bill Laurance
- Release Date: September 26, 2025.
- Style: Keyboardist Bill Laurance released this solo album just before the end of September.
- Inside the Island by Quadro Nuevo
- Release Date: October 24, 2025.
- Style: An album from the German-based jazz quartet.
- Inkyra by Emma Rawicz
- Release Date: October 31, 2025.
- Style: Saxophonist Emma Rawicz is releasing this album in late October.
New live album releases
- Nicholas Krolak: Voice = Power (5th Anniversary)
- Style: The two-night anniversary celebration and performance of this cult-classic jazz album took place in Philadelphia in October 2025.
- The Tim Brey Trio: “Unwrap” (10-Year Celebration and Holiday Album)
- Style: The trio’s holiday album was released during a 10-year celebration performance at Chris’ Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia in December 2025.
At The Improv Cafe, we celebrate the vibrancy and immediacy of live jazz, swing, big band, and vocal jazz. Every song you hear is a live performance, capturing the improvisational spirit that defines jazz worldwide. Whether tuning in from home, the car, or at work, our listeners experience the magic of live jazz exactly as it was played.
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