Looking for something fresh, fiery, and fantastically live this Friday night? Step into the glowing warmth of The Improv Cafe’, where the vibe is always vibrant and the music? Always live. That’s right—every track we spin is the real deal, from the stage, not the studio. No overdubs, no remasters—just the raw, unfiltered brilliance of live Jazz, Big Band, Swing, and Vocal Jazz as it was meant to be heard.
And if you’re craving something truly electric to set your weekend in motion, don’t miss our crowd-favorite radio show, Swing with the Big Bands, broadcasting every Friday night exclusively at The Improv Cafe’. This isn’t just a show—it’s a full-on time-traveling swing party. From the golden horns of the ‘30s to modern-day big band juggernauts, each performance is a celebration of live music at its most soulful and sizzling.
🎺 TONIGHT’S LINEUP: A SWING SPECTACULAR
We’re pulling out all the stops this Friday with an expanded setlist that’ll keep you dancing till the final downbeat. The highlight? A newly added performance from the world-renowned WDR Big Band, featuring Darol Anger and Mike Marshall. This one-of-a-kind bluegrass-meets-big-band performance, conducted by the legendary Bob Mintzer, brings an earthy, infectious twist to the jazz stage. Expect punchy brass, dazzling solos, and rhythmic grooves that defy categories. It’s a live radio recording you won’t hear anywhere else.
But that’s just the beginning.
Here’s what else you’ll be swinging to tonight on Swing with the Big Bands:
💥 SWING Music Live Tonight Could Include:
- “In the Mood” – Glenn Miller Orchestra (1940)
The anthem of swing. There’s no warming up—this classic sets the night ablaze from the first note. - “Why Me?” – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Brassy, bold, and bursting with swagger, this high-energy blast is always a crowd favorite. - “Plus Je T’embrasse” – Blossom Dearie
Cool, intimate, and impossibly smooth. Blossom’s airy vocals float like smoke in a jazz lounge. - “Bright Lights Late Nights” – The Speakeasies’ Swing Band! (2012)
A modern spin on vintage swing, live and unapologetically groovy. - “St. James Infirmary” – Cab Calloway and His Orchestra (1943)
Macabre, moody, and unforgettable. Cab delivers pure, theatrical swing. - “Jump Jive an’ Wail” – The Brian Setzer Orchestra (1998)
Turn it up, clear the floor, and let loose—this one’s made for high-octane footwork. - “Hold That Tiger (Tiger Rag)” – The Swing Ninjas (2013)
An electrifying burst of energy, vintage swagger with a touch of mischief. - “It Don’t Mean a Thing” – Ella Fitzgerald
If it ain’t got that swing… Ella’s live rendition has it all—effortless vocal acrobatics and iconic rhythm. - “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” – Duke Ellington
The live version oozes elegance and nostalgia, a perfect breather before the next dance floor banger. - “Why Don’t You Do Right?” – Peggy Lee
Sultry, sly, and dripping with attitude—Peggy Lee owns the stage. - “Chattanooga Choo Choo” – Glenn Miller Orchestra (1940)
Full steam ahead on this crowd-pleasing classic. You’ll be humming it for days. - “Vintage Jazz” – Jazz Instrumentals (2016)
A warm interlude of pure instrumental bliss—live, of course. - “All or Nothing at All” – Frank Sinatra
Young Sinatra, live and emotionally raw, crooning his heart out under the spotlight. - “Ciribiribin” – Henry James Williams
Lush arrangements and a whirlwind of brass, all performed with vintage flair. - “Amapola” – Glenn Miller Orchestra (1986)
Romantic, sweeping, and exquisitely performed. Glenn Miller’s legacy lives on. - “Sing, Sing, Sing (With a Swing)” – Benny Goodman (1958)
The definition of a showstopper. Goodman’s live drumming and clarinet work? Unmatched. - “Take The ‘A’ Train” – Duke Ellington
The sound of a moving city. Duke and his band bring their signature style to life. - “Begin the Beguine” – Artie Shaw and His Orchestra (1939)
Smooth and dramatic, this one builds like a storm on the horizon. - “Back Bay Shuffle” – Artie Shaw
Live and exhilarating—proof that swing never stops evolving. - “Cherokee” – Charlie Barnet
A technical marvel, this performance captures the fire of big band soloing. - “Woodchoppers Ball” – Woody Herman
It’s a foot-stomping, horn-blasting masterpiece that proves Woody was a master of the groove. - “She’s Crazy with the Heat” – International Sweethearts of Rhythm (2013)
All-female and all fire—this group’s live cut is empowering, fierce, and oh-so-funky. - “Caldonia” – Woody Herman and His Orchestra (1955)
Blues meets swing in a powerhouse performance that’s as fun as it is fiery.
💃 FEEL THE BEAT. LIVE THE MUSIC.
At The Improv Cafe’, we don’t just play music—we live it. From high-flying horns to sultry vocals, every single track is a live performance that captures the magic of the moment. Whether it’s a smoky club in 1941 or a concert hall last year, these recordings bring the energy, passion, and spontaneity that only a live set can deliver.
So tonight, pour yourself something smooth, clear the living room floor, and tune in.
Let Swing with the Big Bands transport you through time with a hand-picked collection of the greatest live big band performances ever recorded.
🎶 Only on The Improv Cafe’ – Where Live Jazz Lives.
👉 Explore the full show lineup here
Dancing shoes not required—but highly recommended.