As January 2026 rolls forward, the global jazz scene is anything but quiet. From packed clubs and marathon festival sets to international celebrations already on the calendar, the music is thriving—and at The Improv Café Radio, we remain fully locked into the heartbeat of it all. As always, our station plays only live jazz, big band, swing, and vocal jazz. Every track you hear is a live performance—no studio cuts, no exceptions—because jazz, at its core, is meant to be experienced in the moment.

That philosophy feels especially fitting right now, as major jazz hubs across the country and around the world are alive with energy.

Jazz Festivals Setting the Winter Pace

New York City’s Winter Jazzfest is closing out its ambitious, month-long “Still We Rise” season, a sprawling celebration that turned Manhattan and Brooklyn into nightly destinations for adventurous listeners. Marathon performances, late-night improvisation, and boundary-pushing collaborations reminded everyone why New York remains a global epicenter for live jazz culture.

Out west, the Tucson Jazz Festival continues through January 24, welcoming a diverse lineup that bridges modern groove and classic sophistication. Performers like Cory Wong, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Bill Charlap are delivering sets that feel as much like celebrations as concerts—exactly the kind of performances that define today’s live jazz revival.

Later this month, jazz quite literally takes to the seas with The Jazz Cruise ’26, setting sail from Fort Lauderdale on January 27. With icons like Ron Carter, Emmet Cohen, and Paquito D’Rivera on board, it’s a floating reminder that live jazz has no boundaries—not geographic, not stylistic, and certainly not creative.

Looking further ahead, anticipation is already building for International Jazz Day 2026 on April 30. Chicago has been announced as the Global Host City, and official countdowns are underway for what promises to be a worldwide celebration of the music’s past, present, and future.

Clubs Where the Music Is Happening Right Now

Beyond the festivals, legendary clubs are continuing their tradition of presenting unforgettable live performances.

At New York’s iconic Blue Note, drummer Antonio Sánchez is in the middle of a powerful weekend run through January 24, followed by a GroundUP Music Showcase on January 25—proof that rhythm-forward jazz remains as compelling as ever.

Uptown at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club, pianist Cyrus Chestnut is taking the stage tonight, January 23, delivering the kind of soulful, swinging performance that reminds listeners why live piano jazz resonates so deeply.

On the West Coast, Yoshi’s continues to blur genre lines, recently hosting hip-hop legends DJ Quik and Spice 1 backed by live bands—another example of how jazz remains a living, evolving art form.

Meanwhile, beneath The Roxy Hotel at The Django, upcoming dates include the Gabriel Guerrero Trio on January 27 and the Michael Blake Quartet on January 31, offering intimate, late-night sessions that echo the golden age of underground jazz rooms.

Honoring the Legends We’ve Lost

This season also carries moments of reflection. The jazz world continues to mourn the loss of drummer Jack DeJohnette, who passed away in October 2025 at age 83. A true innovator, his influence on modern jazz rhythm is immeasurable. More recently, beloved American Songbook vocalist Rebecca Kilgore passed on January 20, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, elegance, and timeless swing. Their live recordings continue to inspire—and you’ll hear them honored on our airwaves.

A Global Jazz Year Ahead

The 2026 international festival calendar is already shaping up to be extraordinary. Montreux Jazz Festival Miami arrives February 27 through March 1 with Jon Batiste and Nile Rodgers headlining. The Montreal International Jazz Festival follows June 25 through July 4, featuring Diana Krall and Melody Gardot, while the Seoul Jazz Festival takes place May 22–24, underscoring jazz’s truly global reach.

Tonight on The Improv Café Radio: Swing With the Big Bands

If you’re looking for something special to kick off your Friday night, we’ve got you covered. Tonight, tune in to our “Swing With the Big Bands” radio show, where we spin legendary live performances from the greatest big band artists in history. Expect explosive brass sections, driving rhythm, and the kind of swing that makes it impossible to sit still.

As always, every song played is a live recording—authentic big band energy captured exactly as it happened. Whether you’re dancing in your living room, bopping along in the car, or just letting the music wash over you, it’s the perfect soundtrack for a Friday night.

At The Improv Café Radio, we don’t just play jazz—we preserve its spirit. Live. Always.

For high-energy Live Swing and Big Band recordings that capture the authentic atmosphere of a concert hall or jazz club, these essential albums are widely regarded as the best examples of the genre in a live setting, tuner in tonight on Swing With Big Bands.

Legendary Concert Recordings 

These albums are famous for revitalizing the careers of bandleaders or setting the gold standard for live jazz performance.

• Duke Ellington: Ellington at Newport(1956)
  • This is arguably the most famous live big band recording in history.
  • The centerpiece is a 27-chorus tenor sax solo by Paul Gonsalves on “Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue” that nearly caused a riot and single-handedly revitalized Ellington’s career.
• Benny Goodman: The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert
  • Recorded on January 16, 1938, this was the first time jazz was presented as a serious art form at Carnegie Hall.
  • It features the definitive, high-energy live version of “Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)”.
• Frank Sinatra & Count Basie: Sinatra at the Sands(1966)
  • Captured at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, this album features the Count Basie Orchestra conducted by Quincy Jones.
  • Sinatra is at his peak here, backed by one of the hardest-swinging big bands ever recorded. 

Hard-Swinging Club & Broadcast Sets

These recordings offer a more intimate but equally powerful “live” feel, often captured in nightclubs or via radio broadcasts. 

• Count Basie: Breakfast Dance and Barbecue(1959)
  • Recorded live at a 2:00 AM DJ convention in Miami, this album captures the “Atomic” era Basie band in a loose, high-energy late-night setting.
• Count Basie: Live in Berlin 1963
  • An original master concert recording from the Sportpalast Berlin, featuring the classic Basie rhythm section and innovations like “split” tenor saxophones.
• Thad Jones & Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra: All My Yesterdays: The Debut 1966 Recordings at the Village Vanguard
  • This album documents the birth of one of the most influential modern big bands.
  • The recording captures their first Monday night at the Village Vanguard, showcasing a modern, inventive, yet hard-swinging style.
• Buddy Rich: Big Swing Face(1967)
  • Recorded live at The Chez in Hollywood, this album showcases the incredible power and speed of the Buddy Rich Big Band. 

Essential Live Big Band List

Looking for an unforgettable Friday night vibe? The Improv Cafe invites you to tune into Swing with the Big Bands, where every song played is a live version—pure, unfiltered, and bursting with the energy of legendary jazz, swing, and big band performances. From the soaring horns to the snapping rhythm section, you’ll hear the music exactly as it was performed on stage, capturing the magic of an era when swing ruled the dance floors. Tonight, let the sounds of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and more transport you to a golden age of American music.

Swing and Big Bands: More Than Music

Swing and big band clubs were pivotal in 1930s and 1940s America, shaping not only music but also social culture. These venues were much more than places to dance—they were vital social spaces that offered escape, uplifted spirits, and fostered integration in a segregated society.

Escapism and Morale: During the Great Depression, the upbeat rhythms of swing provided Americans with relief from economic hardships. The Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, and other dances brought energy and joy to crowded dance halls. During World War II, big bands like the Glenn Miller Orchestra performed for troops overseas through USO shows and V-Discs, spreading morale across battlefields and home front alike.

A Unifying Force: Swing music’s infectious energy transcended social and economic divides. People from different backgrounds came together to enjoy live music, connect through dance, and experience shared joy. The vibrant energy of these performances—captured today on The Improv Cafe—reminds us why swing music remains timeless.

Challenging Racial Segregation: While society struggled with segregation, swing music became a subtle yet powerful tool for social progress. Integrated bands challenged norms: Benny Goodman hired Black musicians like Teddy Wilson and Lionel Hampton, while Artie Shaw featured Billie Holiday. These live performances weren’t just entertainment—they were statements, blending artistry with social change.

Economic Impact: Big bands created new opportunities for musicians, arrangers, and vocalists during times of widespread unemployment. Swing music not only energized audiences but also provided livelihoods for hundreds of artists, reinforcing its role as both cultural and economic force.

Legendary Clubs and Their Stories

The history of swing is inseparable from the venues that nurtured it:

Savoy Ballroom – Dubbed the “Home of Happy Feet,” the Savoy in Harlem was famous for its racial integration. Patrons danced the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug to live performances from top bands, with the music spilling onto the streets during sweltering summers. The ballroom even employed two bands simultaneously, ensuring the music never stopped.

Cotton Club – While the audience was largely restricted to whites, the club showcased legendary Black performers such as Duke Ellington, highlighting the complex racial dynamics of the era where live music could cross boundaries even if social norms could not.

The Palomar Ballroom – The Palomar in Los Angeles is often cited as the birthplace of the Swing Era. In August 1935, Benny Goodman’s “hot” swing captivated an enthusiastic young crowd, changing the course of American music history. Tragically, the ballroom burned down in 1939, immortalized in Charlie Barnet’s song “All Burned Up”.

Roseland Ballroom – An elegant dance hall in New York City, the Roseland hosted top-tier bands and dancers, inspiring the design of later venues like the Savoy. Its live performances defined the sophistication and rhythm of swing music, primarily serving white audiences but leaving a lasting legacy of big band excellence.

Tune in Tonight: Swing with the Big Bands

Friday nights come alive on The Improv Cafe with Swing with the Big Bands. Every performance featured is live, capturing the authenticity, improvisation, and high-energy interaction that defined the swing era. From legendary horn sections to smooth vocal jazz, every song is played as it was meant to be heard—live, vibrant, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re an aficionado of jazz history, a dancer looking to swing, or simply someone who loves the sound of live big band and vocal jazz, tonight’s show delivers it all. Let the music take over, and feel the energy that once lifted an entire nation.

Tune in to The Improv Cafe tonight and dance, bop, and swing with the giants of jazz and big band music. Remember—on The Improv Cafe, every song played is the live version, always.

There’s something magical about live jazz — that electric moment when the horns hit, the rhythm section locks in, and the vocalist’s voice fills the room with warmth and soul. At The Improv Café, we live for those moments. In fact, we only play them. That’s right — every song you hear on The Improv Café is a live performance, straight from the world’s most iconic jazz clubs, concert halls, and festival stages.

From Big Band powerhouses to Swing, Vocal Jazz, and the most intimate live jazz sessions, The Improv Café is the world’s first all-live jazz station. It’s the sound of real musicians, real audiences, and real emotion — every time you tune in.

🎺 Friday Nights: “Swing with the Big Bands” Radio Show

Looking for a little rhythm to kick off your weekend? Then Friday nights at The Improv Café are where you belong. Join us for “Swing with the Big Bands”, our weekly showcase of legendary live performances from the golden age of swing.

From Glenn Miller and Count Basie to Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and today’s torchbearers keeping the big band tradition alive, this show is your front-row ticket to the best of the best. Every track is a live performance — full of energy, crowd applause, and timeless swing.

So dust off your dancing shoes, clear some space in the living room, and get ready to dance, bop, and swing your way into the weekend with Swing with the Big Bands — tonight, only on The Improv Café.

🎙️ Signature Shows on The Improv Café

Every program on The Improv Café celebrates live music — no studio tricks, no overdubs, just pure onstage brilliance.

• Singing with Swing – A celebration of Big Band and Vocal Jazz classics, spotlighting the voices that defined eras and inspired generations.
• Live at the Village Vanguard – Experience the intimacy and atmosphere of one of New York’s most legendary jazz clubs with rare live sets recorded in-house.
• Live at the Blue Note – The pulse of jazz, captured in the heart of Manhattan, with performances from global icons and groundbreaking new talent.

At The Improv Café, if it isn’t live — it doesn’t play.

🎵 Live Jazz News & Events

TD James Moody Jazz Festival – Newark, NJ | November 8–23, 2025

New Jersey’s largest jazz celebration returns to Newark this fall with an all-star lineup featuring Christian McBride & His Big Band, Stanley Clarke, Arturo Sandoval, and more. Expect nearly two weeks of world-class performances and special tributes to the state’s rich jazz heritage.

Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival – Cape May, NJ | November 7–9, 2025

Cape May transforms into a live jazz paradise as international touring artists take over multiple venues across this seaside town. A perfect weekend escape for jazz lovers who crave both great music and great views.

“Jersey Jazz Live!” – Madison Community Arts Center | November 2, 2025

An evening that spotlights local excellence and future stars alike. Don Braden, Mariel Bildsten, and other NJ legends share the stage with the 2025 New Jersey Jazz Society Scholarship winners — a true celebration of the state’s next generation of jazz talent.

Adi Yeshaya & Jennifer Grimm – Live at the Dakota | Late October / Early November 2025

Arranger and composer Adi Yeshaya brings his new album “Produce” to life alongside vocalist Jennifer Grimm in a live performance that fuses sophisticated arranging with soulful delivery.

Jazz at Lincoln Center – New York, NY | November 7–8, 2025

Saxophonist Alexa Tarantino unveils her fifth album, “The Roar and the Whisper,” while percussion master Cyro Baptista celebrates his 75th birthday with a concert featuring Trey Anastasio, Cassandra Wilson, and other surprise guests.

🥁 Live Big Band Highlights

• The Jazz Crew Big Band – Catch them live at The Crab Tavern in Darby, Pennsylvania, on November 2, 2025.
• Clef Club Radiance Community Big Band – A joyful Holiday Swing Concert on December 14, 2025, at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts.
• Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass – Their “A Very Brassy Christmas” show blends big band jazz with orchestral flair, live in Spring, Texas, on November 29, 2025.
• Jason Lindner Big Band – Celebrating 30 years of innovation at The Jazz Gallery, November 12–15, 2025.

For more live music near you, Cherry Hill and Philadelphia venues like Chris’ Jazz Café, The Cunningham Piano Company, and The Black Squirrel Club host regular live jazz and big band performances throughout the season.

🎶 The Sound That Never Sleeps

At The Improv Café, jazz isn’t background music — it’s live history in motion. From the timeless swing of the 1930s to the soulful improvisations lighting up stages today, every performance tells a story that deserves to be heard as it happened.

Whether you’re tuning in for the sophisticated croon of a jazz vocalist, the thunder of a brass section, or the intimacy of a trio deep in the groove, The Improv Café brings it all to life — live, authentic, and unforgettable.

So pour yourself a drink, dim the lights, and turn up the dial.
The Improv Café — where every song is live, and every night swings.

🎧 Tonight: Don’t miss “Swing with the Big Bands” — only on The Improv Café, your home for Live Jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz.

If you love jazz, swing, and big band music, The Improv Café is your ultimate live music destination. On this station, every song played is the live version, featuring the authentic energy of live jazz, big band, swing, and vocal jazz performances. From the first trumpet note to the last bass line, listeners experience the same vibrancy and spontaneity as if they were sitting front row in a historic jazz club.

Tonight, join us for the Swing with the Big Bands Radio Show, where the sounds of legendary big band artists come alive. Tune in, dance, bop, and swing to the rhythm as we spotlight unforgettable live performances from the icons of jazz history. Every Friday night, this show delivers a celebration of live music—perfect for both seasoned swing dancers and newcomers eager to feel the beat.

Upcoming Big Band and Live Swing Music Events

The world is alive with big band and swing music, offering both performances and festivals for fans across the globe. Here’s a snapshot of what’s coming up:

North America:

• The Music of Glenn Miller, Quincy Jones, & Benny Goodman: October 26, 2025
• Holiday Music of Frank Sinatra & Friends: November 30 & December 21, 2025
• Liberty Swing Dance Championships, East Brunswick, NJ: Premier West Coast Swing event with workshops and competitions at the Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick
• Clef Club Radiance Community Big Band, Philadelphia, PA: Holiday concert featuring classic swing, December 14, 2025
• New Hampshire Jazz Orchestra: “Swingin’ to Victory” (November 9), Swing Dance Night Series (November 23), Holiday POPS (December 14)
• Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York, NY: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis performing Duke in Africa, mid-January 2026
• The Big Band Sound, Poughkeepsie, NY: Regular live performances throughout the Hudson Valley

Europe:

• BBC Big Band, Oxford, UK: Performing Simply Swing at the Oxford Festival of the Arts
• Swing Craze Festival, Montesilvano, Italy: November 28–30, 2025, featuring top swing bands and competitions
• 3rd Cyprus Swing Festival, Troodos, Cyprus: Live swing bands, workshops, and social dancing, November 28–30, 2025
• Lindy Cats Festival, Graz, Austria: October 17–19, 2025, with workshops and live performances
• 100 Club, London, UK: Denmark Street Big Band and swing DJs, October 27, 2025

Asia:

• 2025 Jeju Swing Camp, Jeju Island, South Korea: October 24–26, celebrating 20 years of live swing music
• Shanghai Lindy Festival, Shanghai, China: December 12–14, 2025
• Cheek to Cheek Swing Festival, Taiwan: January 9–11, 2026

Australia:

• The Postmodern Mixtape, Perth: Swing Shift Big Band and small group Split Shift performing modern jazz arrangements of 80s rock tunes and classic swing, October 24, 2025
• Jazz on the Terrace, Port Macquarie: Jordan Jive Swing Band, November 2, 2025
• Simply Adelaide West Coast Swing, Adelaide: November 6–9, 2025, featuring competitions and social dancing

Experience the Improv Café Difference

At The Improv Café, live jazz isn’t just heard—it’s felt. Our station is dedicated to preserving the energy and spontaneity of live performances, whether it’s the soaring trumpet solos of a big band, the sultry vocals of a jazz singer, or the infectious rhythm of swing dancers moving across the floor. Every broadcast, including tonight’s Swing with the Big Bands Radio Show, delivers the unmatched thrill of live jazz to your home, car, or mobile device.

Whether you’re tuning in to relive classic performances or discovering new live talent, The Improv Café is your front-row ticket to the best in jazz, big band, swing, and vocal jazz—every song played is live, always.

For fans of authentic live jazz, big band, and swing, The Improv Cafe is your ultimate destination. Unlike other stations, we play only live recordings—every song is performed live, capturing the electric energy, the improvisational brilliance, and the infectious rhythm of the musicians and their audiences. Whether you’re a devoted jazz aficionado or a casual swing dancer, this is the station where vocal jazz, big bands, and swing come alive every Friday night.

Tonight on The Improv Cafe: Swing with the Big Bands

If you’re looking for a lively, toe-tapping start to your Friday evening, tune into our Swing with the Big Bands radio show. Each week, we bring you handpicked live recordings from the greatest big bands in history—performances that defined an era, shaped music for generations, and got everyone out of their seats dancing. Make sure to swing, bop, and dance along as we feature legendary bands and vocalists, all performed live with the raw energy that only a true concert setting can deliver.

The Roots of Big Band and Swing

The energy and excitement of the Swing Era weren’t just about the music—they were about movement, community, and cultural transformation. Big bands evolved from early jazz styles but were designed specifically for dancing, making them the pop music of their time. Where early jazz ensembles were small combos relying on collective improvisation, big bands featured 12 to 25 musicians, with trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and rhythm sections arranged to create a structured yet swinging sound.

The big band’s primary purpose was to get people moving. Ballrooms filled with dancers performing high-energy routines, like the Lindy Hop, turned jazz into a national craze. These dances weren’t just entertainment—they were a social statement, offering joy and escape during the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II.

A Historical Milestone: Louis Armstrong and Fletcher Henderson

On September 20, 1924, Louis Armstrong joined Fletcher Henderson’s orchestra in New York, a pivotal moment for big bands. Armstrong’s improvisational brilliance transformed Henderson’s arrangements, laying the groundwork for the Swing Era. This fusion of improvisation, rhythm, and danceable arrangements set the stage for what would become a cultural phenomenon, bringing jazz and swing to mainstream audiences across America.

Big Band vs. Early Jazz: More Than Just Size

Big bands were more than just large jazz ensembles—they were carefully orchestrated social experiences.

This combination of precision and spontaneity made big bands ideal for both listening and dancing, solidifying swing as a dominant force in American culture.

Legendary Ballrooms and Live Venues

Many historic venues were instrumental in shaping the big band sound:

• New York City: The Savoy Ballroom in Harlem was the “Home of Happy Feet,” famed for its integrated dance floors and vibrant energy. The Roseland Ballroom offered a glamorous counterpart, eventually hosting integrated nights.
• Chicago: The Aragon Ballroom and Grand Terrace Cafe became epicenters for high-energy big band performances.
• St. Louis: The Casa Loma Ballroom drew top bands including Benny Goodman and the Dorsey brothers.
• Los Angeles: The Palomar Ballroom launched Benny Goodman to nationwide fame, earning him the title “King of Swing.”
• Other notable venues: The Dreamland Ballroom (Little Rock), the Famous Ballroom (Baltimore), and the Roof Garden Ballroom (Okoboji, Iowa) hosted countless big bands and dancers, helping the music flourish across America.

Even internationally, swing thrives today. Cities like Istanbul, Barcelona, London, Berlin, and Melbourne host modern swing festivals, drawing dancers and live bands from around the globe. The Bosphorus Swing Festival in Istanbul, for example, is an annual celebration with workshops, social dances, and live performances scheduled for March 26–29, 2026.

Why The Improv Cafe is Your Live Music Destination

At The Improv Cafe, we believe live performance is where music truly comes alive. From vocal jazz standards to big band classics, from Harlem-inspired swing to modern interpretations, our playlists are 100% live recordings, giving listeners the authentic concert experience from the comfort of home.

Every Friday night, our Swing with the Big Bands radio show curates a special collection of legendary performances. Whether you’re a dancer looking for a lively beat, a jazz fan craving improvisation, or someone who just loves great music, tonight’s show is the perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of live big band music.

So pour yourself a cocktail, clear some space for dancing, and tune in to The Improv Cafe, where every song is live, every beat swings, and every Friday night is a celebration of jazz history and performance.

Friday Night on the Sunset Radio Network: Live Jam, JamFest, MetalMania Live, Tomorrowland Live, Dead Set Live & The Improv Café

Source: Friday on the Sunset Radio Network: Live Jam, JamFest, MetalMania Live, Tomorrowland Live, Dead Set Live & The Improv Café

Welcome to the Friday Night Sunset Radio Network! Here’s what’s airing tonight across our stations, bringing you the best in live music.

Source: Welcome to the Friday Night Sunset Radio Network! Here’s what’s airing tonight across our stations, bringing you the best in live music.

Welcome back to The Improv Cafe, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee always mixes perfectly with the sound of pure, unadulterated live jazz. That’s right, here at The Improv Cafe, and especially on our dedicated radio station, we believe in keeping the music alive and authentic. Every single note you hear, from the sultry crooning of a vocal jazz legend to the powerful blast of a big band horn section, is a live version. We’re talking about the real deal – spontaneous, vibrant, and full of the energy that only a live performance can deliver. So, whether you’re joining us for a latte or tuning in from home, prepare to be immersed in the unparalleled magic of live Jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz, 24/7.

Tonight’s Highlight: Swing with the Big Bands Radio Show!

Looking for some fun on Friday nights? You’ve found your perfect evening destination! Tune into our ‘Swing with the Big Bands’ radio show, where you’ll hear nothing but legendary live performances from the top big band artists throughout history! Make sure to dance, bop, and swing to the beat as you indulge in these incredible, vibrant performances. It’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend with a burst of energy and timeless music, all brought to you live!

A Sultry Summer Night with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and John Pizzarelli

Just last week, on a sultry summer night, the Geffen Stage at Kaufmann Concert Hall at 92NY in New York City played host to a truly unforgettable evening of live jazz as part of the Jazz in July festival. The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, featuring the incomparable John Pizzarelli, delivered exactly what jazz aficionados crave on a warm Tuesday evening: a short, swinging, and utterly delightful big band performance. And yes, it was air-conditioned – a crucial element for maximizing enjoyment of such a vibrant show!

This was a concert designed for pure enjoyment, a direct and amiable big band experience that prioritized a good time over an overly long one. In just over an hour, the 19-piece Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (CHJO) showcased their unwavering dedication to the art of swing. There were no convoluted time signatures or moody, extended suites here; just a relentless, joyful commitment to the groove. They kicked off their set with a punchy, energetic arrangement of “Georgia On My Mind,” immediately demonstrating the band’s sharp dynamics and that signature, creamy brass sound that sends shivers down your spine.

The Los Angeles-based ensemble, celebrating 40 years of making incredible music, is firmly anchored by its co-leaders, both of whom remain remarkably youthful in their early 70s. Drummer Jeff Hamilton, a true master of timekeeping, might easily be underestimated. His rhythmic style, often described as “rub-a-dub,” is more supportive than assertive, laying down a percussive carpet that allows the music to soar without drawing undue attention to his own playing. An exception to this subtle mastery was his remarkable solo on “Back Home Again in Indiana,” performed almost entirely on brushes – an impressive feat when driving such a powerful big band.

Co-leader John Clayton spent much of the set conducting the orchestra, a permanent grin plastered across his face. He moved gracefully in front of the band’s crisp white CHJO music stands, employing emphatic gestures to guide what were largely his own brilliant arrangements. His blend of goofy charm and undeniable elegance made his repertoire of signals – like pulling a hand from his jacket and firing a faux pistol to initiate a powerful brass blast – utterly entertaining rather than a distraction.

Clayton also showcased his impressive multi-genre talents on bass, a skill honed during his tenure as principal bassist of the Amsterdam Philharmonic. He traded turns on bowed bass with lead alto player Keith Fiddmont during a captivating arrangement of “And So It Goes,” one of Billy Joel’s more affecting ballads, demonstrating the band’s versatility and musical depth.

The band’s first special guest of the evening was the renowned John Pizzarelli, a long-time collaborator with the CHJO. Their shared history includes extensive touring and the 2006 album “Dear Mr. Sinatra,” a heartfelt tribute to the Chairman of the Board. Pizzarelli possesses a relatively small voice, which truly shines in more intimate settings like his own trio in cozy cabarets. While his vocals were undeniably charming, they occasionally struggled to fully assert themselves against the CHJO’s swaggering, powerful brass. However, Pizzarelli, the son of string stalwart Bucky Pizzarelli, is also an incredibly solid guitarist – in fact, as accomplished an instrumentalist as he is a singer. The evening’s brief program, however, featured only a few concise choruses of his impressive soloing.

Much like John Clayton, Pizzarelli’s warmth and wit truly brightened the night. At one point, he fondly recalled an 85th birthday celebration for his father held in the very same auditorium, noting that January would mark Bucky’s 100th birthday. “He’ll be back for that [celebration], by the way,” Pizzarelli quipped, a poignant and humorous nod to his father, who passed away in 2020. It was a moment that reminded everyone of the deep personal connection musicians have to their craft and their predecessors.

While many capable solos emerged from within the CHJO ranks – including a wonderfully fluid outing from trombonist Stephen Warren Baxter – the two standout solo performances of the night came from special guests. Trumpeter Terell Stafford delivered a blistering yet remarkably controlled solo on the wonderfully titled “Squatty Roo,” a Johnny Hodges composition that Jeff Hamilton himself had played during his years in the Ray Brown Trio. Then, the artistic director of 92NY’s Jazz in July, Aaron Diehl, took over the piano to bring the set home, with Pizzarelli rejoining the stage.

Diehl’s playing on the two closing numbers was simply gorgeous and economic. He moved effortlessly between lyrical and rhythmic modes, sometimes evoking the spare elegance of Count Basie, who was famously never averse to letting a lonely, perfectly placed chord linger. This Diehl-dominated finale provided the perfect transition to Jazz In July’s second big band program, promising even more live musical delights. Indeed, on July 26, Diehl himself will be the featured soloist with the Secret Society ensemble, led by his frequent collaborator Darcy James Argue.

So, whether you’re reminiscing about this incredible concert or looking forward to the next, remember that The Improv Cafe and our dedicated radio station are your constant companions for the very best in live Jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz. Tune in, dance, and let the pure energy of live music transport you!

At The Improv Cafe’, we’re not just a jazz station. We’re a sanctuary for the timeless pulse of live Big Band, Swing, Jazz, and Vocal Jazz. And we mean live — every song we spin is the live version, capturing the raw, spontaneous magic of the stage, the sweat of the bandstand, and the unfiltered electricity of the moment. It’s not background noise. It’s a full-body experience. And in 2025, we’re thrilled to see that the music we live for is still alive and swingin’ — across generations, genres, and even gaming consoles.

Here’s what’s making noise in the Big Band and Swing world this month:

🎺 Live from the ’40s: The New Deal Swing Band Brings WWII-Era Vibes to Provo

History swings back into the spotlight as the New Deal Swing Band headlines a free concert in Provo, Utah, hosted by the city’s Freedom Festival. This isn’t just a nod to nostalgia — it’s a full-blown celebration of the music that carried us through the war years.

Expect live renditions of Duke Ellington’s hypnotic orchestrations, Count Basie’s syncopated strut, and Glenn Miller’s unmistakable brass-driven bounce. With Lindy and the Hops setting the dance floor ablaze and the mesmerizing vocals of Kimberly Woods, this concert is a love letter to the 1930s and ‘40s — an era when the big bands ruled the airwaves and swing ruled the hearts.

It’s proof that the golden age of swing isn’t stuck in the past — it’s alive on the stage, breathing through every note, and ready for the next generation of fans.

🎸 Ana Popovic Turns Up the Heat with a Funked-Out Big Band Project

Blues-rock guitar queen Ana Popovic is stepping into the brass section with her new “Fantastafunk” Big Band Project, and it’s already turning heads on the festival circuit. Merging the soulful grit of funk with the classic wall-of-sound energy of a big band, Popovic is bringing a fresh, fiery twist to the genre — and doing it all live.

You can catch her ensemble lighting up stages this summer at major jazz festivals across the country. This is big band reimagined, not watered down. And with Ana leading the charge, it’s got swagger, substance, and a whole lot of swing.

🎮 The 8-Bit Big Band: Grammy-Winning Swing Meets Super Mario

What happens when jazz musicians reimagine video game soundtracks with the power and precision of a full big band? You get The 8-Bit Big Band, a collective of top-tier musicians flipping the script on game music.

They’ve already won a Grammy for their take on Meta Knight’s Revenge from Kirby Super Star, and they’re not slowing down. Their latest work continues to bring new audiences into the world of swing, proving once again that great arrangements and powerful brass sections know no genre boundaries. It’s a different kind of nostalgia — and a whole new gateway to the music we love here at The Improv Cafe’.

🕺 Swing Revival Still Kicking: From the ’90s to Now

If you remember the late-’90s swing explosion — Squirrel Nut Zippers, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy — you know the sound never truly disappeared. It just evolved. Those bands helped pull the genre out of the archives and back into the clubs and dance halls.

And now, decades later, that revival spirit continues with modern jazz orchestras, indie big band projects, viral swing dance videos, and college ensembles keeping the sound alive in packed halls across the country. It’s not just retro. It’s timeless. And it belongs just as much in 2025 as it did in 1945.

🗓️ Tonight on The Improv Cafe’: Swingin’ With Big Bands

Don’t miss tonight’s Swingin’ With Big Bands radio show — your front-row seat to the greatest live big band performances ever recorded. From Basie to Buddy Rich, Ella to Anita O’Day, it’s wall-to-wall brass, rhythm, and swing, all live and all night.

🎙️ Showtime: 8 PM EST
📡 Only on The Improv Cafe’ — where every track is the live version, the solos are spontaneous, and the energy is real.

🎷 Why It Matters — And Why We’ll Never Stop Playing It Live

Big band and swing music aren’t relics. They’re living traditions — full of joy, struggle, improvisation, and legacy. Whether it’s a free concert in Utah, a funky reinvention by a blues icon, or a jazz orchestra covering Zelda themes, this genre continues to evolve without losing what made it special.

Here at The Improv Cafe’, we’ll keep doing our part: playing only live performances, celebrating every sizzling sax solo and every crackling high note, and spotlighting the legends and newcomers who make this music so thrilling.

So grab a drink, kick back, and tune in. The band is warming up. The floor is open. And the swing never stops.

🎶 Live Jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz — Only the Live Versions. Only on The Improv Cafe’.

Good evening, jazz aficionados and lovers of timeless music here in Cherry Hill Township and around the globe! Welcome to The Improv Cafe’, the only radio station where every single note you hear is a vibrant, spontaneous, and utterly captivating live version of Jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz. We believe there’s nothing quite like the energy of a live performance, that raw, unscripted magic that makes each rendition unique.

And tonight, we’re rolling out the red carpet and shining a spotlight on an era of unparalleled musical grandeur with our very special ‘Swing with the Big Bands’ Radio Show! Looking for some fun to kick off your Friday night? You’ve found it! Tune in as we transport you to the golden age of American music, featuring legendary live performances from the greatest big band artists throughout history. Make sure to clear some space, because you’ll want to dance, bop, and swing to the infectious beats as you indulge in these incredible, historical performances.

Tonight, we’re not just playing music; we’re taking a deep dive into the fascinating intersection of Big Band, Swing, and the iconic Cotton Club: A Historical Look! This journey takes us back to a time when music, culture, and even society itself were undergoing dramatic transformations.

The era of Prohibition, spanning from 1920 to 1933, might seem like a dark chapter in American history, but it inadvertently sparked an incredible explosion of creativity and helped popularize big band and swing music, particularly within the clandestine world of underground clubs known as speakeasies. With the nationwide ban on alcohol, thousands of hidden bars emerged, becoming vibrant, illicit havens for entertainment. These secret venues quickly became the hottest spots to enjoy live music and daring new dances, often featuring the very jazz legends who would shape generations to come, such as the incomparable Duke Ellington and the charismatic Louis Armstrong.

At the heart of this cultural phenomenon was The Cotton Club, a name synonymous with the glamour and intrigue of Prohibition-era Harlem. This renowned nightclub, a jewel of the Harlem Renaissance, played a pivotal role in showcasing Black entertainers, including many of the most celebrated jazz musicians of the time. While it primarily catered to a white audience, its stage was a powerful platform for incredible talent. It was here that Duke Ellington and his Orchestra held a groundbreaking residency, a period that not only catapulted his career to international fame but also helped popularize the distinctive “jungle style” of his early recordings. The reach of the Cotton Club extended even further, as its electrifying shows were frequently broadcast on the radio, spreading the fame of its performers and the irresistible “swing” style of music to ears across the nation.

The rise of big band music, characterized by its large ensembles, intricate arrangements, and powerful horn sections, truly hit its stride during the Swing Era of the 1930s and 1940s. This dynamic style, with its infectious, driving rhythms, became synonymous with social dancing, a form of collective joy and expression that swept the nation. During wartime, it even played a crucial role in boosting morale, providing an escape and a sense of unity.

Prohibition, in its strict effort to control vice, inadvertently fostered a nationwide underground club culture. This unexpected environment allowed jazz music to not only flourish but also to gain wider acceptance, pushing it from the fringes into the mainstream. Interestingly, some of these clandestine establishments, known as “black and tan” clubs, even fostered a degree of integration, providing rare spaces where people of different races could socialize and enjoy music together, a truly revolutionary concept for the time.

While the original Cotton Club eventually relocated, it ultimately closed its doors in 1940, struggling to maintain the incredible success and cultural impact of its earlier years. However, its legacy, along with the extraordinary artists who graced its stage, continues to be celebrated today. It is rightly recognized for its immense contributions to both jazz history and the rich tapestry of African American entertainment.

And while you might not find specific recent news directly linking big band or swing music to the Prohibition era, the enduring appeal of this music is undeniable. Events like the Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island in New York City are living proof of a continued, vibrant interest in the music, fashion, and effervescent atmosphere of that bygone era. It shows that the spirit of big band and swing, born in an age of underground revelry, continues to thrive and captivate audiences today.

So, dim the lights, perhaps mix up a non-alcoholic concoction in homage to the speakeasy spirit, and let the incredible live sounds of the Swing with the Big Bands Radio Show transport you to a time of elegance, excitement, and unforgettable music. Only on The Improv Cafe’ – where every song played is the live version, and the swing is always in full force!