Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with the Prince of Soul Jazz, international saxophonist and producer Nick Stefanacci, discussing his powerful new 2026 album Right Here, Right Now.We catch up with Nick from his base in New Jersey to talk about this new project, live performances, independent music production, and what it means to make music in America in 2026. This marks our return conversation with Nick after first speaking with him in 2023.His fifth studio album, Right Here, Right Now, is a deeply personal project that Nick wrote, arranged, mixed, mastered, and produced entirely himself. The record features former Santana frontman Tony Lindsay and Bruce Springsteen trombonist Ozzie Melendez, adding even more soul and musicianship to an already stellar project.We also talk about the single “Midnight Affair,” where Nick channels some of the magic and spirit associated with legendary producer and arranger Quincy Jones. The song and album serve as a conversation starter about artistry, independence, creativity, and the continuing legacy of soul jazz.In this interview, we cover Right Here, Right Now, saxophone, soul jazz, Quincy Jones, live shows, music production, independent artists, the state of music in 2026 America, Nick's creative process, his evolution as an artist, and the future of the soul jazz tradition.From New Jersey to the world, Nick Stefanacci is making music on his own terms. Dig this interview.Listen to Right Here, Right Now:Nick Stefanacci – Right Here, Right Now on Apple MusicFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with guitarist Giulio Cuppari and drummer Giosuè Consiglio of the Italy-based Psoas Trio.We take a deep dive into the trio's new 2026 album Satori, their beginnings, evolution, individual musical journeys, and the creative chemistry that has shaped their sound. Based in Milan, Psoas Trio also features tenor saxophonist Alessio Dal Checco, creating a distinctive contemporary jazz voice built around listening, interaction, risk, and constant musical dialogue.On Satori, the trio consolidates a musical path rooted in shared experiences while pushing themselves beyond preconceived ideas. Rather than following a fixed formula, Psoas Trio creates an open musical space where improvisation, communication, experimentation, and spontaneity help shape the music in real time.Rooted in contemporary jazz while incorporating elements of British rock, the trio explores new compositional possibilities and expands its musical language without losing a strong melodic foundation. The result is music that feels adventurous and exploratory while remaining deeply connected to melody, expression, and the chemistry between three musicians.In this conversation, we discuss Satori, the formation of Psoas Trio, the Milan jazz scene, contemporary European jazz, improvisation, composition, British rock influences, musical risk, ensemble interaction, developing a unique artistic identity, and the individual paths of Giulio Cuppari and Giosuè Consiglio.We also explore how a band builds trust, how musicians learn to listen to one another, and how continuous dialogue can become the foundation of a distinctive sound.From their base in Milan, we cover it all. Enjoy this interview.Get the album:Psoas Trio - Satori on BandcampFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz vocalist Jennifer Madsen, talking about her powerful 2026 album Girl Talk.This female producer-led big band jazz project reimagines the American Songbook through inventive arrangements, seasoned interpretation, big band storytelling and collaborative musical leadership. Jennifer sits at the center of a richly orchestrated ensemble, bringing classic material to life with contemporary energy and dynamic interplay between voice and band.A mentor, educator and headliner performing regularly at clubs, concert halls and festivals, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience and perspective to this project.We caught up with Jennifer initially in 2025, so it's great to reconnect with her in 2026 and dig deeper into Girl Talk, her performances, musical journey, leadership, education and the evolving world of jazz.🎧 Listen to Girl Talk: Apple Music For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Acclaimed Blues Songwriter & Guitar Veteran Fernando Noronha.Originally from Brazil and now living in America, Fernando celebrates an extraordinary 30 years in the blues with his powerful 2026 album Ain't No Hiding From the Blues.Fernando's story is one of international discovery, dedication, and a lifelong love for a uniquely American musical tradition. He discovered the blues far from its birthplace, embraced its language and spirit, and went on to become one of the most respected blues guitarists and ambassadors for the music on the international stage.Since forming Black Soul in 1995, Fernando has performed at major blues festivals and venues throughout North America, South America, and Europe, developing a reputation for his passionate guitar playing, songwriting, and authentic connection to the blues.On this new album, he reflects on three decades of musical exploration while honoring the musicians, traditions, and experiences that shaped his journey. Ain't No Hiding From the Blues is both a celebration and a statement — proof that the blues can travel across borders, cultures, and generations while retaining its emotional power.In this conversation, we get into Fernando's Brazilian roots, discovering the blues, Black Soul, 30 years of performing, blues guitar, songwriting, international festivals, moving to America, his 2026 album, and the enduring power of the blues.It's a fascinating story of following a musical calling across continents and building a life around the music you love.We cover the whole story. Enjoy this interview.All Things Fernando NoronhaFernando Noronha — Linktree For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City-based Jazz Organist Ken Lovern as we explore the remarkable 2026 Blind Boone Project.This ambitious project brings together music, history, a comic book, and a live on-stage production to tell the extraordinary story of John William “Blind” Boone, one of the first African American concert performers to achieve international recognition.Born in a Union Army camp near the end of the Civil War, Boone faced enormous barriers in a country defined by segregation, discrimination, and racism. Yet his extraordinary musical gifts — and the determination of the people who believed in him — helped him build a remarkable career as a concert pianist.A former Confederate general and town elder in Warrensburg, Missouri, helped arrange for Boone to receive an education at a school for the blind. Later, with the assistance of his loyal and savvy African American business manager John Lange Jr., Boone pursued an elite concert career that lasted from 1880 through 1927.His story is one of music, perseverance, entrepreneurship, racial barriers, friendship, education, and triumph, making Blind Boone an important — and sometimes overlooked — figure in American music history.Ken Lovern has brought together an impressive group of musicians and Kansas City-connected artists to help bring this history to life, including vocalist Madisen Ward, known as part of the acclaimed folk duo Madisen Ward and the Momma Bear.In this conversation, we explore the Blind Boone musical, the history behind the project, Kansas City connections, Blind Boone's incredible career, John Lange Jr., race and American music history, the comic book, live theatre, and the power of storytelling through music.This is much more than a jazz project. It's an effort to bring an extraordinary American story back into the spotlight.We get into the whole project. Enjoy this interview.All Things Blind BooneBlind Boone: The Musical — Official Website For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with International Pianist, Composer & Arranger Roy Mor on Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project's new album, New Day.We get into a deeply evocative musical journey where jazz becomes both vessel and invocation, bringing together Ethiopian Jewish liturgical traditions, pan-African rhythms, and modern improvisational language.New Day creates a fascinating meeting point between ancient memory and contemporary jazz, weaving cultural history, spirituality, rhythm, melody, and improvisation into music that feels both deeply rooted and timeless.Roy Mor's playing has been described as both melodic and energetic, reflecting an artistic journey that has taken some remarkable turns. Before dedicating his life to music, Roy studied acting, served as a military paratrooper, earned a university degree in Philosophy with honors, and worked as a software engineer at Microsoft.Eventually, he left that career behind, moved to New York City, and followed his true passion: music.In this conversation, we explore New Day, Ethiopian Jewish music, Ethiopian jazz, African rhythms, Jewish musical traditions, improvisation, spirituality, cultural memory, piano, composition, arranging, and Roy's extraordinary journey from technology and philosophy to a life in music.It's a story about following your calling, connecting ancient traditions with modern expression, and discovering how music can carry history across generations.We cover the whole story. Enjoy this interview.Get the Album & MoreOrigin Arts — Roy Mor / *New Day* For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Munich, Germany-based Vocalist & Composer Kilian Sladek.We get into his upcoming 2026 album Colorblind, set for release on October 9, 2026, along with his career and evolution as a creative force in contemporary jazz.With Colorblind, Kilian marks a clear shift toward a more song-driven approach. While his music remains rooted in jazz harmony, this new project moves into a vibrant space influenced by neo-soul, R&B, contemporary songwriting, and modern jazz, placing voice, melody, and lyrics firmly at the center.Kilian's music is distinguished by the emotional intensity of his artistic expression and his willingness to explore unconventional musical techniques. Extended vocal techniques, scatting, improvisation, and jazz-based vocal experimentation become tools for creating music that is both sophisticated and accessible.The result is a sound that bridges jazz tradition and contemporary popular music, opening the door to a wider audience while maintaining a strong improvisational identity.In this conversation, we explore Colorblind, Kilian's musical journey, contemporary jazz vocals, neo-soul, R&B, songwriting, improvisation, scatting, vocal experimentation, emotional expression, and the changing landscape of jazz in 2026.We get into the whole story. Enjoy this interview.More Kilian SladekKilian Sladek — Official WebsiteFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Vocalist, Seasoned Actress & 25-year Stanford Lecturer in Business and Theatre Kay Kostopoulos.As the creative force behind Black Olive Jazz, Kay brings together a remarkable mix of music, theatre, storytelling, and emotional expression. We get into her new 2026 album All This Is Possible and a decorated career dedicated to the arts.Kay's musical style is impossible to put into just one box. She blends swing, jazz standards, blues, bebop, Latin rhythms, and original compositions, bringing a distinctive Mediterranean influence and theatrical sensibility to everything she performs.Her background as both a professional actress and jazz vocalist gives her music a uniquely dramatic and emotional quality. Every song becomes an opportunity for storytelling, character, atmosphere, and connection.Performing bicoastally in San Francisco and New York City, Kay has built a respected presence in the jazz world. She and legendary saxophonist Noel Jewkes have appeared at premier venues and jazz festivals throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.In this conversation, we explore All This Is Possible, Black Olive Jazz, Kay's journey through jazz and theatre, her years teaching at Stanford, the art of interpreting standards, Mediterranean influences, improvisation, songwriting, acting, storytelling, and the creative life.It's a fascinating look at an artist who refuses to separate music from theatre, emotion, culture, and human experience.We get into her career, this new album and so much more. Dig this interview.Get the Album & MoreBlack Olive Jazz — Official Website For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Grammy-affiliated Percussionist, Composer, Educator & Bandleader Kahlil Kwame Bell.For more than 30 years, Kahlil has built an extraordinary career as one of today's most dynamic percussionists, performing at legendary venues including Blue Note, Birdland, and Smalls Jazz Club, along with stages throughout the United States.His musical journey has placed him alongside some of the most influential artists in jazz, soul, R&B, and popular music, including Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Abbey Lincoln, Roy Hargrove, Roberta Flack, and Erykah Badu.But Kahlil's story goes far beyond performing.He is the founder of the Kahlil Kwame Bell Foundation and its Where Rhythm Meets Purpose initiative, bringing live jazz and rhythm-based wellness programs into hospitals, libraries, museums, schools, senior communities, and cultural spaces.He is also the author of Jazz Legends A–Z and is recognized for his innovative work with the Slapaphone, an inventive percussion instrument that reflects his lifelong passion for rhythm, education, and creative exploration.In this conversation, we get into Kahlil's remarkable musical journey, his experiences performing with jazz legends, the evolution of percussion, the Slapaphone, jazz education, rhythm-based wellness, community engagement, and the powerful connection between music, rhythm, and human wellbeing.From more than three decades in the music world to creating new ways for rhythm to serve communities, Kahlil Kwame Bell has built a career rooted in music, purpose, education, innovation, and connection.We dig into this incredible story. Enjoy this interview.More Kahlil Kwame BellKahlil Kwame Bell — Official WebsiteFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC-based, Dutch-born Artist, Vocalist, Composer & Producer Vivienne Aerts.We get into her latest 2026 album Current and the remarkable creative journey behind this innovative project.In the summer of 2025, Vivienne set sail across the Dutch waterways aboard a 1951 mahogany sailboat, transforming the tiny vessel into a floating recording studio over the course of two weeks. Along the way, she recorded new songs and soundscapes that blur the boundaries between jazz, improvisation, electronic music, environmental art, and experimental sound.It's an artistic process that perfectly reflects Vivienne's creative spirit—curious, adventurous, immersive, and deeply connected to place and experience.Her work reaches far beyond traditional jazz. She explores electronics, multi-sensory experience design, chocolate, sound, improvisation, and creative technology, while also bringing her background as a clinical psychologist and her work as faculty at Berklee College of Music into her creative life.In this conversation, we explore Current, the floating studio experience, Dutch waterways, jazz improvisation, electronic music, environmental sound, sensory experiences, psychology, creativity, and the many worlds Vivienne Aerts brings together through her art.This is a fascinating story about breaking creative boundaries and finding music in unexpected places.It's quite a story. Enjoy this interview.More Vivienne Aerts & CurrentVivienne Aerts — *Current*For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Netherlands-based pop duo Pomelo, featuring Luke Elliott and Wynnm Murphy.We caught up with this exciting duo to explore their debut album Loreless, new music, their collective creative energy, and the unique sonic world they are building together.Pomelo creates seductive, engaging art-pop that draws from its musical influences while remaining firmly forward-facing. Their sound blends avant-garde electronic techniques, watery resonant textures, atmospheric production, intimate songwriting, and sexy storytelling into something that feels both otherworldly and deeply human.Loreless is vulnerable, personal, experimental, and emotionally direct. Across the project, Luke Elliott and Wynnm Murphy create a sonic landscape where electronic experimentation meets organic feeling and storytelling.In this conversation, we get into the making of Loreless, the creative partnership behind Pomelo, electronic music, experimental pop, art-pop, songwriting, sonic textures, vulnerability, collaboration, and the inspiration behind their distinctive musical identity.It's a fascinating look at two artists creating music that feels connected to the present while pointing toward the sound of tomorrow.Dig their story.More Pomelo & LorelessPomelo — *Loreless* on BandcampFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Jazz Vocalist, Guitarist & Songwriter Allan Harris on his remarkable 2026 release Swingin’ Love Songs.More than two decades after it was originally recorded, Allan Harris brings this extraordinary collection of previously unreleased music into the world. What began with sessions in Miami eventually returned to New York, where Allan completely reimagined the material with a stellar cast of world-class jazz musicians.The result is a fascinating bridge between the past and present, preserving a remarkable chapter of Allan's musical journey that nearly disappeared into the vaults of jazz history.In this conversation, Allan takes us behind the making of Swingin’ Love Songs, the story of rediscovering and reshaping these recordings, his evolution as a vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, getting through the COVID era, and the long musical road that brought this project back to life.We get into jazz, songwriting, recording, perseverance, reinvention, New York, Miami, and the power of finally letting music that has been waiting for its moment be heard.Dig this interview.Get the AlbumAllan Harris — Swingin’ Love SongsFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with Detroit-based jazz pianist, bandleader, composer, and educator Zen Zadravec.We caught up with Zen to explore his new 2026 album, New Paradigm, and a remarkable musical career that has taken him across continents and through decades of contemporary jazz.With a rich international career as a bandleader, collaborator, and educator, Zadravec has developed a distinctive voice rooted in the belief that music is more than sound—it is a form of creative communication, an expressive language shaped by human experience, connection, and a deeply humanistic perspective.Throughout his career, Zen has performed and collaborated with some of the most respected figures in the international jazz community, including Ron Carter, Louis Hayes, Sean Jones, Steve Turre, and many others.Today, he leads two original projects that showcase different dimensions of his musical vision: the Zen Zadravec Quintet and the fusion-oriented ensemble Human Revolution.In this conversation, we get into New Paradigm, Zen's international journey, his Detroit roots, the philosophy behind his music, collaboration, improvisation, education, and the continuing evolution of jazz in the modern world.Zen Zadravec's story is one of musical exploration, international collaboration, education, and a lifelong commitment to using jazz as a language of human expression.From Detroit to stages around the world, his work continues to connect tradition with innovation while exploring where contemporary jazz can go next.Listen to New ParadigmZen Zadravec — *New Paradigm* on Apple MusicFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with veteran Austin, Texas-based saxophonist Elias Haslanger.We caught up with this longtime fixture of the Central Texas jazz scene to talk about his ninth album, Legacy, and the remarkable 30-year journey that has made him one of the enduring voices in Texas jazz.Legacy is deeply personal.The album is dedicated to the great mentors who have influenced Elias throughout his musical life, and it serves as an all-original program celebrating the people, experiences, lessons, and musical traditions that helped shape his sound.For this special recording, Elias assembled an exceptional group of musicians from across the country, including his longtime partner Mike Sailors on trumpet and flugelhorn.Over the course of his three-decade career, Elias Haslanger's playing and writing have drawn comparisons to jazz giants including John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Ben Webster, and Wayne Shorter. He has also performed, recorded, and toured with numerous world-class musicians, including legendary New Orleans pianist and educator Ellis Marsalis and acclaimed bandleader and trumpeter Maynard Ferguson.In this conversation, we explore Legacy, the mentors who shaped Elias' musical identity, his evolution as a saxophonist and composer, the Austin jazz scene, and what it means to continue creating original music after 30 years in the business.At its heart, Legacy is about more than music.It's about the people who teach us, inspire us, challenge us, and leave something behind in us that continues long after the lesson is over.Elias Haslanger brings three decades of experience, an impressive musical résumé, and a deep respect for the jazz tradition into this fascinating conversation about mentorship, composition, performance, Austin jazz, and the continuing evolution of his sound.Get the Album & MoreElias Haslanger Official Website For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with Brooklyn-based jazz flutist/composer Michel Gentile and drummer/composer Rob Garcia as we explore two exciting new 2026 albums from Connection Works Records.Released worldwide on May 29, 2026, these two recordings offer different perspectives on contemporary jazz while sharing a deep commitment to composition, improvisation, collaboration, and creative exploration.First up is Light of Day by Michel Gentile FLOW—Gentile's debut recording as a leader. The project features Gentile on flute, alto flute, bass flute, and piccolo, joined by Michael McGinnis on clarinet, Jacob Garchik on trombone, Chris Lightcap on bass, and Tom Rainey on drums. The music moves between carefully constructed compositions and open-ended improvisation, creating an adventurous chamber-jazz sound filled with texture and interaction.Then we get into **Rob Garcia's Sizzle Ensemble, a new group featuring Garcia on drums with Noah Preminger on tenor saxophone, Shane Endsley on trumpet, Gary Versace on piano/electric piano, and Kim Cass on bass. The album combines Garcia's original compositions with inventive interpretations of music by artists including Thelonious Monk, Marcus Miller, and Herbie Hancock.Both artists are deeply connected to Connection Works, the Brooklyn artist-run nonprofit they co-direct with pianist/composer Daniel Kelly. The organization has been supporting new jazz and creative music in Brooklyn since 2007.In this conversation, we explore the creative thinking behind both albums, the Brooklyn jazz community, composition and improvisation, building ensembles, the relationship between structure and freedom, and what it means to create adventurous jazz in 2026.It's a special dual-album conversation with two important voices in the Brooklyn jazz community—and two musicians who continue to push their music forward through collaboration, curiosity, and fearless creativity.Get the AlbumsConnection Works Records — Michel Gentile & Rob Garcia releasesFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with Washington, DC–based baritone saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Leigh Pilzer.On this episode, we dive into Leigh's compelling new 2026 album, Keep Holding On, released on Strange Woman Records. The project finds Pilzer exploring intimate trio and quartet settings, creating an environment where composition, improvisation, interaction, phrasing, and musical structure can breathe.Leigh brings a distinctive compositional philosophy to the record. Rather than simply placing her baritone saxophone within an ensemble, she approaches instrument, composition, arrangement, and collaboration as one unified expressive system.The result is music where every detail matters—from the shape of a melody and the architecture of an arrangement to the spontaneous interaction between musicians.In this conversation, Leigh and Joe also explore what it means to create meaningful music in 2026 America, the evolving role of the jazz composer and bandleader, her approach to ensemble design, and the possibility of bringing her music to Kansas City in the near future.Keep Holding On is a fascinating look at what can happen when composition, musicianship, improvisation, and ensemble chemistry become inseparable.This is a conversation about the architecture of jazz—and the freedom that can emerge when great musicians know exactly when to follow the structure and when to break away from it.Leigh Pilzer — Keep Holding Onhttps://leighpilzer.bandcamp.com/album/keep-holding-onFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with Jazz Trumpeter & FONT Music Organizer Allison Philips. On this episode, we get deep into the roots, history, mission, and activities surrounding the Festival of New Trumpet Music (FONT Music)—one of the most adventurous and important organizations dedicated to expanding the possibilities of the trumpet in contemporary music.Now entering its 24th season, FONT Music will take place September 14–20, 2026, with performances and educational events happening across New York City, Brooklyn, Jersey City, and online.Founded in 2003 by legendary trumpeters Dave Douglas and Roy Campbell Jr., FONT Music has become the world's leading presenter dedicated exclusively to new trumpet music.The festival brings together artists working across jazz, improvised music, contemporary composition, electronics, experimental music, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, creating a space where musicians can push the trumpet far beyond traditional boundaries.In this conversation, Allison Philips takes us inside the story of FONT Music, its evolution, its community, and the incredible range of artists helping shape the future of the instrument.The 2026 festival brings together an international community of established innovators and emerging voices, showcasing the extraordinary diversity of approaches being applied to the trumpet today.A major centerpiece of this year's festival will be the presentation of the FONT Music Award of Recognition to legendary trumpeter, composer, educator, and cultural visionary Ahmed Abdullah on September 15 at The New School.FONT Music is about more than a festival. It is about creating a community around experimentation, innovation, education, and the limitless possibilities of one of music's most powerful instruments.From New York City to the international jazz community, this is a fascinating look at the people and ideas helping push trumpet music into the future.Everything FONT Music Festival 2026FONT Music Official WebsiteFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with rising UK jazz vocalist, composer, and arranger Freddie Benedict.On this episode, we dive into Freddie's 2026 debut single, Colours, and the remarkable musical journey that has taken him from the lockdown-era writing of an original song about first love to performances on some of the UK's most prestigious stages.Freddie began his professional career as the lead male singer with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, launching a path that has seen him perform throughout the UK at celebrated venues including Ronnie Scott's, The Ritz, The Savoy, and The Maine.At the heart of this conversation is Colours, an original composition that uses the spectrum of colors and emotions to explore the highs and lows of first love through jazz and scat. Written during lockdown, the song captures both youthful emotion and Freddie's developing voice as a composer and performer.His growing musical résumé includes coaching from jazz luminary Emma Smith and sharing the stage with legendary vocalist Jacqui Dankworth. Those experiences have helped shape an artist equally comfortable honoring the jazz tradition while developing his own contemporary sound.This is a conversation about young jazz talent, songwriting, improvisation, first love, musical education, and finding your own voice within a great musical tradition.Freddie Benedict is an artist with plenty of road ahead—and Colours offers an intriguing first glimpse at where that road may lead.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_freddiebenedict/?hl=enFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with Boston-based pianist Yoko Miwa and vocalist Mikayla Shirley.On this episode, we dive into their beautiful new 2026 debut album, The Midnight Hour—a recording born from late-night performances, intimate musical chemistry, and a shared love for great songs.Last year, Yoko and Mikayla began performing together during The Mad Monkfish's Midnight Sessions in Cambridge, Massachusetts. What started as intimate duo performances gradually developed into a remarkable musical collaboration, creating what has become one of the Boston jazz scene's hidden treasures.Their debut recording captures the atmosphere and spirit of those late-night sessions, showcasing two musicians who move effortlessly across musical boundaries.The repertoire travels from jazz standards and Broadway songs to Brazilian music, classic pop, and contemporary songwriting. But rather than being defined by genre, the project is united by something much simpler—and much more powerful:A great song.Yoko Miwa and Mikayla Shirley bring their individual voices together in a setting that leaves plenty of room for intimacy, spontaneity, conversation, and musical discovery.The Midnight Hour is a celebration of songs, atmosphere, musical chemistry, and the magic that can happen when two artists simply sit down together and listen to each other.This is a wonderful conversation about the art of the duo, the Boston jazz community, and why sometimes the most powerful music happens long after the sun goes down.Yoko Miwa & Mikayla Shirley — The Midnight Hourhttps://store.spinneymedia.com/products/yoko-miwa-mikayla-shirley-the-midnight-hour-cd For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with acclaimed Los Angeles-based jazz singer Amber Weekes.On this episode, we reconnect with Amber to explore her powerful new 2026 album, To Oscar with Love—a deeply personal tribute to the late, great Oscar Brown Jr., the legendary singer-songwriter, poet, storyteller, and Civil Rights activist.For Amber, this project is much more than a tribute album. It represents the fulfillment of a musical destiny that began when she was a young girl and first heard Oscar Brown Jr.'s iconic song “The Snake” playing on the car radio during a family trip.That moment sparked her imagination.Oscar's music, personality, storytelling, wit, and unique ability to illuminate the lived experience of Black Americans stayed with Amber throughout her life. Nearly five decades later, she has turned that lifelong fascination into To Oscar with Love—a collection of Oscar Brown Jr.'s songs that demonstrates just how relevant his music and message remain today.The album also arrives as part of the celebration surrounding Oscar Brown Jr.'s centennial, with October 10, 2026 marking what would have been his 100th birthday.Amber and Joe also reconnect after previously speaking before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, making this a particularly meaningful return to the Neon Jazz program. This is a conversation about jazz, history, storytelling, Black American culture, musical legacy, social consciousness, and the remarkable power of one artist's work to inspire another generation decades later. Amber Weekes brings her own voice and perspective to Oscar Brown Jr.'s remarkable catalog, creating a tribute that is both deeply respectful and completely alive in the present.Amber Weekes — To Oscar with Lovehttps://amberweekes.com/to-oscar-with-love/For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with NYC-based jazz bassist, composer, and educator Hannah Marks.We originally caught up with Hannah back in 2019, before she made the trip to Kansas City to promote her debut album. Now, years later, she returns to Neon Jazz with a major new chapter in her musical journey—her 2026 album Feed the Fire.On her second release, Hannah makes a monumental creative leap, leading a fierce, adventurous acoustic jazz quartet featuring Nathan Reising on alto saxophone, Lex Korten on piano, and Steven Crammer on drums.The music brings together modern jazz, straight-ahead jazz, and avant-garde influences, creating a sound that is both rooted in tradition and fearless in its exploration.Produced by acclaimed jazz pianist and bandleader Jason Moran, Feed the Fire captures Hannah's passion for jazz in its many forms. The album is a statement of artistic independence, musical curiosity, and the freedom to explore, experiment, take risks, and grow alongside trusted bandmates.For Hannah, the project represents another important step in staking her claim as a New York City bassist and composer while embracing the unpredictable and rewarding musical journey aheadFeed the Fire is ultimately about passion, freedom, experimentation, and refusing to put limits on where jazz can go.It's wonderful to reconnect with Hannah and hear how much her artistry has evolved since that first conversation in 2019.Hannah Marks Official Website:https://www.hannahmarksbass.com/hannah-marks-quartet-1For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with acclaimed jazz vocalist and composer NicoleYvette. On this episode, we dive into her powerful 2026 debut recording, Say Yes, and the remarkable life in music that led her to this moment.Say Yes is a deeply personal and fully realized jazz statement—one that explores identity, faith, resilience, transformation, self-discovery, and the journey from the dark night of the soul to the dawn of the self.NicoleYvette's debut features an extraordinary collection of artists, including Kurt Elling, Terri Lyne Carrington, Joel Ross, J. Ivy, Keyon Harrold, and Paul Cornish. The album was produced by three-time GRAMMY® Award winner Sara Gazarek, bringing together an exceptional group of musicians around NicoleYvette's distinctive artistic vision.But Say Yes isn't simply about the impressive names surrounding the recording. At its heart is NicoleYvette's story—her gospel roots, her relationship with music, her love of Prince, and the experiences that shaped her voice as both a vocalist and composer.The album feels like a lifetime of departures and arrivals, capturing the emotional process of leaving one version of yourself behind and stepping fully into another.This is a conversation about jazz, soul, gospel, faith, Prince, personal transformation, and the courage it takes to finally say yes to yourself.NicoleYvette's debut is more than an introduction—it is a declaration.NicoleYvette Official Website:https://nicoleyvettemusic.com/ For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with award-winning Brooklyn-based singer and songwriter Luiza Girardello.In this deeply personal conversation, we catch up with a young and rising artist whose music is shaped by a life lived between worlds. Born in Brazil, educated at Berklee College of Music in Boston, and now based in New York City, Luiza has spent much of her life navigating questions of identity, belonging, culture, and artistic expression.Those experiences have become central to her music.Luiza's sound draws from Brazilian rhythms, jazz, alternative rock, and contemporary songwriting, creating a musical identity that refuses to fit neatly into a single genre.Her journey has also included an extraordinary personal challenge. Before earning international recognition by winning the Jazz/Blues category at the New England Songwriting Competition, Luiza survived an aggressive form of ovarian cancer that temporarily affected her coordination and voice and forced her to relearn how to sing.Now in remission, she has transformed those experiences into music that reflects the perspective of a Brazilian immigrant, cancer survivor, educator, songwriter, and artist.This is a conversation about music, identity, immigration, resilience, survival, creativity, and finding your voice after life forces you to begin again.Luiza Girardello is an artist with a fascinating story—and her music reflects the complexity of a life lived across cultures, genres, and experiences.Official Website:https://www.luizagirardello.com/For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with acclaimed jazz vocalist Jonathan Karrant. In this special conversation, we dive into Jonathan's powerful 2026 album, Full Circle, a deeply personal collaboration with Grammy-winning jazz vocalist and pianist Diane Schuur.The album represents far more than a collection of songs. It is a celebration of friendship, mentorship, musical legacy, and the passing of the torch from one generation of jazz artists to the next.Jonathan and Diane have shared a close friendship and deep musical connection for many years. Diane's influence and mentorship have played an important role in Jonathan's artistic journey, and following her retirement from touring and live performance, Jonathan was inspired to honor their relationship and her extraordinary contribution to jazz through this project.Full Circle becomes an especially meaningful recording because it represents a symbolic moment in both artists' careers. It celebrates Diane's legacy while highlighting her belief in Jonathan as one of the next generation of jazz vocalists.The project also carries profound historical significance as Diane Schuur's final studio recording, making this collaboration an especially poignant chapter in her remarkable career.Jonathan Karrant has become a regular and much-loved voice around these Neon Jazz parts, and this conversation offers a fascinating look at the personal relationships, musical traditions, and artistic connections that keep jazz moving forward.Full Circle is ultimately a story about where jazz has been, where it is going, and what happens when an iconic artist passes her wisdom and musical spirit to someone she believes in deeply.Jonathan Karrant Official Website:https://www.jonathankarrant.com/ For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Venezuelan-born jazz saxophonist, composer, singer, producer, and arranger Rafael Greco. In this episode, we take a deep dive into his compelling new 2026 album, Verses Under My Shadow, his love of jazz, his Venezuelan roots, and an extraordinary career in music.Released by Blue Canoe Records in April 2026, Verses Under My Shadow is Rafael's sophomore release for the label and features a remarkable cast of musicians, including Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jimmy Haslip, Anton Fig, Scott Kinsey, Charles Altura, Luisito Quintero, Mark Ferber, and others.The album moves through a fascinating blend of contemporary jazz, Afro-Latin rhythms, groove, experimental textures, vocals, electronics, percussion, and deeply personal storytelling. Across its 12 tracks, Rafael draws inspiration from literature, family, memory, friendship, loss, humor, history, and the world around him.Born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Rafael graduated from the prestigious José Luis Paz Conservatory and was an integral member of the National Youth Orchestra of his home state of Zulia. After moving to Caracas in 1988, he continued his advanced musical studies with masters including Gerry Weil, Álvaro Cordero, and Olegario Díaz.Rafael went on to enjoy a distinguished career with Guaco, Venezuela's influential, multi-Latin Grammy-winning group. For decades, he toured internationally with the band, bringing the unique rhythmic spirit and musical perspective of Venezuela to audiences around the world.In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore Venezuelan jazz, Latin jazz, Afro-Latin rhythms, composition, saxophone, vocals, production, arranging, Guaco, world music, touring, creativity, storytelling, and the inspiration behind Verses Under My Shadow.It's a fascinating journey through Venezuelan music, jazz, literature, memory, and a lifetime spent creating across borders.Get the AlbumRafael Greco — Verses Under My Shadow | Blue Canoe RecordsFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Nigerian-born, New York-based artist Lawrence Udeigwe, a fascinating musician, composer, vocalist, pianist, mathematician, educator, and interdisciplinary thinker.In this episode, we dive into his remarkable new 2026 album, Four Lemmas, and the extraordinary intersection of jazz, mathematics, neuroscience, music, teaching, perception, identity, and human expression.Four Lemmas is an eight-track concept project built around mathematical ideas including orthogonality, sparse matrices, local maxima, and stable equilibrium. Rather than simply translating mathematics into music, Udeigwe uses these structures as lenses through which to explore emotion, identity, perception, clarity, independence, growth, and meaning.Udeigwe's artistic and academic worlds are deeply connected. He works as a Professor of Mathematics at Manhattan University, while his creative life encompasses music, composition, vocals, piano, keyboards, writing, performance, and interdisciplinary exploration. His work is guided by the idea that structure shapes perception—and perception becomes expression.On Four Lemmas, Lawrence performs alongside Steph Clement and Wayne Tucker on trumpet, Josh Green on drums, and Rade Bema on bass, with mixing and mastering by Dave Darlington. The album brings together modern jazz, soul, African influences, groove, poetry, and mathematical concepts into a singular musical vision.In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore jazz and mathematics, music and neuroscience, Nigerian musical influences, composition, creativity, teaching, cognition, philosophy, identity, improvisation, perception, and the creative thinking behind Four Lemmas.It's a fascinating journey through the mind of an artist who refuses to put music and intellectual inquiry into separate boxes.Get the Album & Learn MoreLawrence Udeigwe — Official Music & Website For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Bay Area jazz guitarist and composer George Cotsirilos. In this episode, we take a deep dive into his remarkable career and his beautiful new 2026 album, In The Wee Hours.On his seventh recording, George returns to the intimate sound of solo nylon-string jazz guitar, bringing beloved jazz standards and two original compositions to life with patience, warmth, subtlety, and extraordinary depth.Recorded largely in unedited first takes over several years, In The Wee Hours captures the spontaneous character and emotional honesty of George's playing. Rather than relying on elaborate production, the album allows the guitar, the compositions, and the spaces between the notes to tell the story.Originally from Chicago, George has been an important part of the San Francisco Bay Area jazz community for many years. His extensive career has placed him alongside an extraordinary range of musicians, from Bay Area jazz fixtures such as Mark Levine to internationally celebrated artists including blues legend Etta James and jazz icon Pharoah Sanders.In this fascinating conversation, George and Joe Dimino explore solo jazz guitar, nylon-string guitar, jazz standards, original compositions, improvisation, recording techniques, first-take performances, the San Francisco jazz scene, Chicago roots, Etta James, Pharoah Sanders, Mark Levine, and the evolution of a lifelong musical voice.In The Wee Hours is an intimate portrait of an artist who understands that sometimes the most powerful musical statement comes from simplicity, space, and letting the music breathe.It's a story you need to hear. Dig this interview with George Cotsirilos!More George Cotsirilos:George Cotsirilos Official WebsiteFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz pianist, accordionist, composer, and bandleader Ben Rosenblum. In this episode, we take a deep dive into his exciting new 2026 album, The Longest Way Round, his Nebula Project, touring, composition, and the many global musical influences that shape his sound.The Longest Way Round marks an important milestone for Ben Rosenblum: it is his first album consisting entirely of original compositions. The album features a three-part suite and showcases the chemistry of his regular band, including Wayne Tucker on trumpet, Jasper Dutz on saxophone, clarinet and flute, Rafael Rosa on guitar, Marty Jaffe on bass, Ben Zweig on drums, and Ben Rosenblum on piano and accordion.The music reflects Ben's fascination with sounds and traditions from around the world. Drawing on influences including Dominican merengue, Japanese J-Pop, Irish reels and jigs, salsa, West African rhythmic traditions, Jamaican reggae, and jazz, the album creates a distinctive musical world that moves freely between genres and cultures.The recording followed a nine-concert U.S. tour in 2024, giving the musicians an opportunity to develop the music on the road and deepen the chemistry that ultimately became The Longest Way Round.In this conversation, Ben and Joe Dimino explore jazz piano, accordion, composition, world music, jazz fusion, touring, improvisation, cultural influences, the Nebula Project, original music, and the creative process behind one of Ben's most ambitious recordings yet.Ben has also become a good friend of the Neon Jazz family, making this a particularly enjoyable return to the show.Get the album:Ben Rosenblum – The Longest Way RoundFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz singer and voice-over artist Marsha Bartenetti. In this episode, we explore her remarkable career in music, voice-over, recording, and broadcasting, along with her new 2026 single, "New York Minute," and her upcoming album arriving later this year.Marsha is a smooth, rich, and expressive vocalist whose heartfelt delivery brings authenticity to every lyric. Her ability to connect emotionally with a song allows her vocals to transport the listener directly into the story.Her musical journey began in the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1960s, during a vibrant era filled with extraordinary musicians and opportunities. Performing with her band alongside her then-husband, Marsha opened for notable acts including The Youngbloods and performed at legendary venues such as the Troubadour in Los Angeles.Although she eventually stepped away from the stage for a period of time, Marsha never left music behind. She continued working extensively in the recording studio, lending her voice to national advertising jingles for major companies including Bank of America and Chevron.One of the most fascinating chapters of her career came through Octel Communications, a pioneering voice-messaging company serving businesses around the world. Marsha became the American English voice of Octel, meaning her voice was heard by millions of people across the globe.Now, Marsha is returning to her passion for recording and performing with new music that showcases the depth, warmth, and authenticity developed throughout her extraordinary career.In this conversation, we explore jazz singing, vocal performance, voice-over work, recording studios, advertising jingles, San Francisco's music scene, the Troubadour, Octel Communications, songwriting, her new single "New York Minute," her upcoming 2026 album, and the stories behind a lifetime in music.It's a fascinating story of an artist who has experienced multiple eras of the music and voice-over industries—and continues to create.Marsha Bartenetti:https://www.marshabartenetti.com/For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with award-winning Bulgaria-based jazz vocalist, poet, composer, and educator Gergana Velinova. In this episode, we dive into her remarkable musical journey and her powerful new 2026 album, Free.Now her seventh album, Free is a deeply personal project shaped by motherhood, resilience, transformation, and the search for freedom through music. Gergana blends contemporary jazz with bossa nova, blues, Brazilian music, and lyrical ballads, creating an intimate and soulful listening experience that invites the listener into her world.Gergana believes that a song truly begins its life when it quietly finds its way into someone's world and becomes part of their own story. That philosophy is at the heart of her music and helps explain the emotional depth and warmth found throughout Free.A Bulgarian-Canadian creative force, Gergana is recognized for her luminous voice and soulful fusion of contemporary jazz, pop, and Brazilian influences. Beyond her work as a performer and composer, she is also an accomplished music educator and founder of an award-winning Bulgarian children's school, extending her passion for music to the next generation.In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore jazz, motherhood, creativity, resilience, transformation, songwriting, poetry, Brazilian music, bossa nova, music education, and the journey behind Free.This is a beautiful story about an artist embracing change, finding strength through life's experiences, and allowing music to become a vehicle for connection and freedom.Get the Album & Learn Morehttps://www.gerganavelinova.com/For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Bay Area bassist, guitarist, arranger, composer, producer, and recording engineer Frank Swart, the creative force behind the acclaimed jazz fusion band Funkwrench Blues.In this episode, Frank joins us to discuss his exciting 2026 album, This Is the One! (raison d'être), a vibrant recording co-produced with Brian Brinkerhoff that blends jazz, funk, blues, rock, and improvisational music into a bold and expressive listening experience. The album showcases the band's adventurous spirit, dynamic musicianship, and commitment to pushing creative boundaries.Frank also reflects on his remarkable musical journey—from forming Funkwrench Blues in Boston to helping shape alternative rock history by recording the first-ever demos for the Pixies. Along the way, he has built a diverse career as a performer, composer, arranger, producer, and engineer while championing music as a force for creativity, inclusion, and cultural connection.During our conversation, we explore the making of This Is the One! (raison d'être), the evolution of jazz fusion, improvisation as a social art form, the current state of music in America, and Frank's vision of creating multicultural, inclusive musical experiences that inspire interaction, reflection, and community.If you're a fan of jazz fusion, funk, blues, progressive jazz, improvisation, instrumental music, independent artists, and behind-the-scenes music stories, this interview is packed with insight and inspiration.Get the album:https://funkwrenchblues.bandcamp.com/album/this-is-the-one-raison-d-tre For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed Brazilian jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader Sergio Pereira. In this episode, we explore his outstanding 2026 album, Colors of Time, along with his remarkable musical journey from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to New York City, where he has continued to shape his distinctive voice in contemporary jazz.Born and raised in Rio, Sergio began playing acoustic guitar at just eight years old, inspired by his older brother and immersed in the rich musical traditions of bossa nova, samba, and Brazilian jazz. Growing up during the vibrant musical landscape of the 1960s and 1970s profoundly influenced the rhythmic energy, melodic sophistication, and soulful grooves that define his music today.After relocating to New York in the 1980s, Sergio expanded his musical horizons, deepened his knowledge of jazz harmony and guitar, and developed a signature sound that beautifully blends Brazilian rhythms, modern jazz improvisation, Latin influences, and expressive storytelling.In this engaging conversation, Sergio discusses the inspiration behind Colors of Time, his creative process, the influence of Brazil's legendary musicians, his evolution as a guitarist and composer, and what continues to inspire him as an artist. It's a fascinating look inside the life and music of one of today's most compelling Brazilian jazz musicians.If you love Brazilian jazz, bossa nova, Latin jazz, jazz guitar, contemporary jazz, world music, and artist interviews, this episode is for you.Get the album:http://www.sergiopereira.world/colors-of-time.html For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring legendary New York City-based jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Tom Kennedy. One of the most respected bassists in modern jazz, Tom returns to the show to discuss his outstanding 2026 album, The Summit, released on Autumn Hill Records.On his seventh solo recording, Tom presents an exciting collection of original compositions and arrangements that showcase an expansive range of grooves, styles, and contemporary jazz influences. The Summit features an all-star lineup of musicians, including Dave Weckl, Terell Stafford, Stu Mindeman, Bob Franceschini, Ryan Devlin, and many more, creating a dynamic and deeply musical listening experience.During this engaging conversation, Tom takes us inside the making of the album, his writing and arranging process, collaborating with world-class musicians, the evolution of jazz bass, and what inspires him as an artist in today's musical landscape. We also discuss life in 2026, the modern jazz scene, and his remarkable career performing with some of the greatest musicians in the world.Whether you're a bassist, jazz musician, educator, or simply a fan of exceptional contemporary jazz, this interview offers fascinating insights from one of the genre's true masters.Get the album:https://tomkennedymusic.com/ For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger, and bandleader Rich Willey. In this episode, Rich returns to the show to discuss his vibrant new 2026 album, Laid Back, Vol. 1, along with his recent move from North Carolina to West Virginia, the creative process behind the record, life as a working jazz musician in America today, and what's next on his musical journey.Laid Back, Vol. 1 is an uplifting and genre-crossing release that seamlessly blends modern jazz, reggae, Latin grooves, world music, and sophisticated big band arrangements into a fresh, melodic sound. The album features an outstanding ensemble, including renowned trumpeter John Swana performing on the Electronic Valve Instrument (EVI), adding a unique sonic dimension to the project.During this engaging conversation, Rich takes us inside the recording sessions, discusses the musicians who helped shape the album, reflects on his evolution as an artist, and shares why creating music that is both accessible and artistically rich remains at the heart of his work.If you're a fan of modern jazz, big band music, jazz trumpet, jazz composition, contemporary instrumental music, reggae influences, Latin jazz, world music, and insightful artist interviews, this episode is for you.Enjoy another great conversation from Neon Jazz.Get the album:https://store.spinneymedia.com/products/rich-willey-laid-back-vol-1-cd?srsltid=AfmBOoqbIS0rwcKM0uUWrzNQRSY0kooFqVV4pSS5-zgNbGpEjHq5zaHX For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring UK-based jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Michael Bede Dunlop.In this episode, we dive into Michael's debut album as a leader, Bede (2026)—a beautifully crafted recording that bridges the rich traditions of Northumbrian folk music with the adventurous spirit of Scandinavian-influenced contemporary jazz.Recorded at The Old Church Studios in the quiet village of Thropton, Northumberland, Bede was born from an unexpected period of reflection during the COVID-19 lockdown. Returning to his native Northeast England, Michael immersed himself in centuries-old Northumbrian tune books, initially exploring the melodies for enjoyment before transforming them into fresh, modern jazz compositions performed in an intimate trio and quartet setting.The result is a compelling debut that honors musical heritage while embracing improvisation, lyrical storytelling, and contemporary jazz expression.If you're a fan of modern jazz, European jazz, folk-jazz fusion, contemporary improvisation, and original compositions, this conversation offers an inspiring look into one of the UK's emerging creative voices.Get the album:https://michaelbede.bandcamp.com/If you enjoy interviews with today's leading jazz musicians, composers, and innovators, please subscribe, like, and share for more exclusive conversations from Neon Jazz. For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Los Angeles-based composer, actor, producer, and arranger Laurent Ziliani.In this episode, we take a deep dive into Laurent Ziliani's remarkable 2026 album, Anyone Can Whistle: A Sondheim Journey—a stunning jazz reimagining of Stephen Sondheim's timeless love songs. Drawing music from nine of Sondheim's legendary Broadway musicals, the album blends big band jazz, intimate vocal performances, lush orchestration, and sophisticated harmonies into a heartfelt tribute to one of musical theater's greatest composers.The project also marks several major milestones in Laurent's career. It is his debut as a featured vocalist on a full-length album, his first large-scale big band recording, and his first self-produced release—a deeply personal artistic statement created entirely from inspiration rather than commercial expectations.Although many know Laurent for his acclaimed work composing music for film, television, video games, and commercial media, Anyone Can Whistle: A Sondheim Journey represents a bold new creative chapter that showcases his love for jazz, storytelling, and the enduring brilliance of Sondheim's songwriting.Whether you're a fan of jazz, Broadway, Stephen Sondheim, big band music, film scores, or contemporary vocal jazz, this conversation offers fascinating insight into one of today's most versatile composers and performers.Get the album:https://www.laurentziliani.com/en/release/anyonecanwhistle/If you enjoy interviews with today's leading jazz musicians, composers, arrangers, and creative artists, please subscribe, like, and share for more exclusive conversations from Neon Jazz.For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Montréal-based drummer, composer, and producer Alexis Martin.In this episode, we dive into Alexis Martin's 2026 debut as a bandleader, Les pôles Volume 1, a stunning instrumental jazz recording that marks the beginning of an ambitious new series of albums. Long celebrated for his work in film and television scoring, Alexis brings a cinematic vision to modern jazz, creating music that is atmospheric, emotional, and deeply personal.The title Les pôles Volume 1 reflects the idea of transformation. Much like the Earth's magnetic poles gradually shift over time, Alexis explores an ever-changing emotional and musical landscape where perspectives evolve, boundaries dissolve, and improvisation opens new pathways.For more than 35 years, Alexis Martin has been a respected fixture on the Quebec, Francophone, and Canadian music scenes. Known for his airy touch, precision, and musical sensitivity, he has performed and recorded with many of Canada's leading artists while building a reputation as one of the country's most versatile drummers and producers.If you're a fan of contemporary jazz, cinematic composition, modern improvisation, Canadian jazz, and innovative instrumental music, this conversation offers an insightful look into one of Canada's most accomplished musicians.Get the album:https://alexismartin1.bandcamp.com/album/les-p-les-volume-1-2If you enjoy interviews with today's leading jazz musicians, composers, producers, and creative artists, please subscribe, like, and share for more exclusive conversations from Neon Jazz. For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring musician, producer, DJ, and Jazztronica creator Samir (FKAjazz) Zarif.Six years after our last conversation in the summer of 2020, Samir returns to Neon Jazz to discuss his captivating new 2026 EP, Intrepid Sun: You Are the Sun, Again, along with the evolution of his groundbreaking musical vision, becoming a father, creating in modern-day America, and what's next in his ever-expanding artistic journey.As the founder of Jazztronica, Samir has developed a distinctive sound that blends jazz improvisation, electronic music production, cinematic storytelling, visual art, and narrative-driven composition into an immersive multimedia experience. His latest five-track EP expands the universe introduced in Prelude to Descent, the first chapter of the TV Box Saga, inviting listeners deeper into a richly imagined musical world.If you're a fan of contemporary jazz, electronic music, experimental composition, or boundary-pushing creative artists, this conversation is filled with insight and inspiration.Get the new EP:https://jazztronica.substack.com/p/intrepid-sun-you-are-the-sun-againIf you enjoy interviews with today's most innovative jazz musicians, producers, composers, and independent artists, please subscribe, like, and share for more exclusive conversations from Neon Jazz.For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring New York City-based jazz pianist, keyboardist, composer, and arranger Kevin Du.In this episode, we catch up with one of jazz's exciting emerging voices to discuss his beautiful 2026 album, Somewhere, a Butterfly Sings, along with his remarkable musical journey that spans continents, cultures, and genres.Born in Chicago and raised in China, Kevin discovered music at an early age as a powerful means of expression, connection, and storytelling. Today, he has become a highly versatile artist whose work effortlessly moves between jazz, classical, R&B, pop, metal, musical theater, and beyond. No matter the setting, Kevin brings a distinctive musical voice, technical mastery, and heartfelt authenticity to every performance.Somewhere, a Butterfly Sings showcases Kevin's lyrical approach to composition, rich harmonic language, and fearless creativity, blending modern jazz with cinematic textures and deeply personal storytelling.Kevin Du represents a new generation of musicians who embrace limitless creativity while honoring the traditions that inspired them.Listen to the album:https://open.spotify.com/album/2Z8puSPY9Rwro7AMKO5Ck5Follow Kevin Du:https://www.instagram.com/_kevinduu/?hl=enIf you enjoy interviews with today's leading jazz musicians, composers, and creative artists, please subscribe, like, and share for more exclusive conversations from Neon Jazz. For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring pianist Christophe Magnan-Bossé and vocalist Roxane Reddy of the acclaimed Montreal-based Greenhouse Ensemble.In this episode, we dive into the making of the ensemble's captivating 2026 album, Mezzanine—a bold and immersive recording that pushes the boundaries of contemporary jazz through rich orchestration, collective composition, and genre-defying creativity.Greenhouse Ensemble has developed a distinctive sound by blending voice, piano, violin, trumpet, and a dynamic rhythm section into a musical landscape that is both intimate and cinematic. Their music bridges contemporary jazz, classical music, folk traditions, bluegrass, and improvised music, creating an organic listening experience filled with harmonic depth and ethereal textures.With Mezzanine, the group builds upon the musical world introduced on their previous release, unveiling years of collaborative composition and sonic exploration. The album reflects the ensemble's shared vision, where every member contributes unique influences that shape a vibrant and evolving collective voice.If you're a fan of adventurous jazz, chamber ensembles, and music that defies easy categorization, this conversation offers an inside look at one of Canada's most creative contemporary groups.Get the album:https://greenhouseensemble.bandcamp.com/album/mezzanineIf you enjoy interviews with today's leading jazz musicians, composers, and innovative ensembles, please subscribe, like, and share for more exclusive conversations from Neon Jazz.For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring jazz singer, visual artist, and cultural architect Tamara Rivelle.In this episode, we connect with Tamara from her home base in Nashville, Tennessee to discuss her upcoming 2026 album, Love Letters, her heartfelt single “My Superman,” and a remarkable creative journey spanning music, art, education, and community building.“My Superman” is a deeply personal reflection on Tamara’s father following his recent diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease, transforming love, memory, family, and resilience into a powerful musical expression.Originally from Pittsburgh and now based in Nashville, Tamara Rivelle creates a unique sound that blends jazz, R&B, and pop influences into a soulful and timeless musical experience. Beyond being a performer, she is a creator and connector whose work is built around a rare ability to inspire belonging and bring people together.For more than three decades, Tamara has designed spaces that cultivate resilience, creativity, and character—first through classrooms and communities, and now through stages, visual art, and creative platforms.Tamara Rivelle’s story is one of artistry, compassion, and connection—a reminder that music can preserve memories, honor relationships, and create spaces where people feel seen.Learn more about Tamara Rivelle:https://www.tamaracreates.com/If you enjoy interviews with jazz musicians, vocalists, composers, visual artists, and creative storytellers, please subscribe, like, and share for more exclusive conversations from Neon Jazz. For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Phoenix-based jazz drummer, composer, and dentist Dr. Scott Sadlon.In this episode, we dive into Scott's captivating 2026 album, Songs from Thin Air, an adventurous recording built entirely around the spirit of spontaneous improvisation. By day, Dr. Scott Sadlon practices dentistry after earning his bachelor's degree in biology and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from The Ohio State University. By night, he is one of Phoenix's most creative jazz musicians, performing with top local artists and producing imaginative recordings.For Songs from Thin Air, Scott assembled an outstanding trio featuring acclaimed keyboardist Rachel Eckroth and renowned bassist Tim Lefebvre. Every performance on the album was recorded in one take, beginning with either a drum groove, bass line, or keyboard motif before allowing the music to unfold naturally through collective improvisation.The result is a deeply organic recording that captures the excitement, risk, and beauty of creating music entirely in the moment.Whether you're a jazz fan, musician, or simply fascinated by creative people balancing multiple careers, this conversation offers an inspiring look into a unique musical life.Get the album:https://scottsadlon1.bandcamp.com/album/songs-from-thin-airIf you enjoy interviews with today's leading jazz musicians, composers, and innovators, please subscribe, like, and share for more exclusive conversations from Neon Jazz.For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring pianist/composer Ruthie Dineen and bassist/composer Andrew Lion, the creative forces behind Negative Press Project.In this episode, we reconnect with Ruthie and Andrew—whom we first interviewed back in 2018—to discuss their ambitious new 2026 album, Cycles I, created in collaboration with the acclaimed Friction Quartet. The project marks the fifth album from Negative Press Project and expands their musical vision into a stunning chamber-jazz experience that blends post-bop jazz, postmodern classical music, and fearless contemporary composition.Andrew joins us from Bend, Oregon, while Ruthie checks in from California's East Bay. Together, they discuss the creative process behind Cycles I, surviving the COVID era, composing in America today, and continuing to evolve as artists in an ever-changing musical landscape.The result is a bold, cinematic recording that balances sophisticated composition with improvisational freedom, making it both the group's most adventurous and most accessible release to date.Enjoy this fascinating conversation with two outstanding composers and innovators.Get the album:https://negativepressproject.bandcamp.com/album/cycles-iIf you enjoy interviews with today's leading jazz musicians, composers, and creative artists, please subscribe, like, and share for more exclusive conversations from Neon Jazz.For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed New York City jazz pianist, composer, educator, and arranger Ted Rosenthal.A longtime friend of Neon Jazz, Ted returns to discuss one of the most ambitious projects of his career—his remarkable four-album collection, Trios in 4 Acts. In this conversation, we take a deeper dive into the inspiration behind the complete series and the artistry that connects each recording.The collection concludes with The Good Old Days, following the acclaimed releases:High StandardsThe Ted Rosenthal SongbookClassics Reimagined: ImpromptuThe Good Old DaysTogether, these recordings celebrate Ted's lifelong passion for jazz piano, the piano trio tradition, American standards, original compositions, and the endless possibilities of improvisation. Each album offers a unique perspective while honoring the rich legacy of jazz.Ted Rosenthal continues to be one of today's most respected jazz pianists, blending virtuosity, creativity, and deep musical tradition into every performance.Learn more about Ted Rosenthal:https://www.tedrosenthal.com/If you enjoy interviews with today's leading jazz musicians, composers, and innovators, please subscribe, like, and share for more exclusive conversations from Neon Jazz. For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Mexican-born jazz bassist, composer, arranger, vocalist, and educator Gabriel Espinosa.From his home base in Iowa, Gabriel joins us to discuss his outstanding 2026 release, The Brazilian Project—a vibrant recording that celebrates the rich traditions of Brazilian music, Latin jazz, and contemporary jazz while showcasing his signature warmth, lyrical compositions, and world-class musicianship.Born in Mérida, Mexico, Gabriel's musical journey began at the age of six on the guitar before switching to bass. As a teenager, he performed with his brothers Víctor and Patricio in the family group Los Deltons, laying the foundation for an extraordinary international career.In 1976, Gabriel moved to Iowa to attend Central College in Pella before continuing his studies at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Since then, he has become one of the leading voices in Latin jazz, recording acclaimed albums, performing around the world, and inspiring generations of musicians as an educator.Gabriel Espinosa's career reflects the beautiful intersection of Mexican heritage, Brazilian rhythms, Latin jazz, and contemporary improvisation, making him one of today's most distinctive and respected jazz artists.Get The Brazilian Project:https://originarts.com/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=82952Subscribe to Neon Jazz for exclusive interviews with the world's leading jazz musicians, composers, educators, and innovators.For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz guitarist, composer, and returning guest Tomas Janzon.We welcome back a good friend of the show to discuss his remarkable 2026 album, Jazz Diary—a deeply personal project that captures the everyday creative process behind his music.The inspiration for Jazz Diary came from early morning practice sessions, late-night musical discoveries, and quiet coffee breaks where Tomas would sketch melodic ideas with a 2B pencil onto the same four-sided sheets of paper he carries wherever he travels. Over time, these handwritten musical journals evolved into a compelling collection of original compositions, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the mind of an improvising artist.In this conversation, Tomas shares how daily discipline, travel, observation, and spontaneous inspiration shape his music. We also discuss creativity, the current cultural landscape, America today, jazz composition, and the lifelong pursuit of artistic expression.As always, it's a pleasure catching up with one of today's most thoughtful and inventive jazz guitarists.Get the album:https://tomasjanzon.bandcamp.com/album/jazz-diaryIf you enjoy interviews with today's leading jazz musicians, composers, and creative artists, please subscribe, like, and share for more exclusive conversations from Neon Jazz.For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz pianist and composer David Janeway.In this episode, we talk with David about his outstanding 2026 live album, Live at the Blue Llama Jazz Club, featuring an all-star trio with legendary bassist Robert Hurst and master drummer Billy Hart. Recorded live at Ann Arbor, Michigan's renowned Blue Llama Jazz Club in June 2024, the album captures Janeway at the height of his artistry, blending deep swing, blues, lyricism, and modern jazz into a powerful live performance.Born and raised in Detroit, David Janeway carries forward one of America's richest jazz traditions. Influenced by decades of mentorship and the city's remarkable musical legacy, his playing honors jazz history while embracing fresh ideas and contemporary expression.David offers thoughtful insights into his musical journey, the energy of live performance, and what continues to inspire him after decades of performing and recording.Enjoy this engaging conversation with one of today's most accomplished jazz pianists.Get the album and learn more:https://www.davidjaneway.com/forward-motion-david-janeway-1https://bluellamaclub.com/event/david-janeway-trio/If you enjoy interviews with today's leading jazz musicians, composers, and innovators, please subscribe, like, and share for more exclusive conversations from Neon Jazz. For more Neon Jazz interviews, artist features, and podcasts:https://www.youtube.com/@NeonJazzFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Kansas City-based jazz musician, composer, vocalist, and creative visionary E.E. Pointer. We caught up with E.E. to discuss his compelling new 2026 album, Downstream Impressions, an imaginative collaboration with poet and storyteller James Benger, along with new music planned for later in 2026 and his ever-evolving creative journey.Downstream Impressions blends original jazz compositions with the rich poetry of James Benger, whose thought-provoking words explore humanity, nature, and the cosmos. Their artistic partnership began years ago while performing together with the River Cow Cosmic Orchestra, eventually leading to the creation of this unique recording that seamlessly merges spoken word, music, and improvisation into a deeply immersive listening experience.As always, it's a pleasure catching up with E.E. Pointer, one of Kansas City's most adventurous musical voices. Enjoy this fascinating conversation about creativity, collaboration, jazz composition, poetry, and the stories behind this remarkable new release.If you enjoy interviews with today's leading jazz artists, composers, and innovators, please subscribe, like this video, and share it. New jazz interviews are released regularly.All things E.E.:https://www.eepointer.net/For more Neon Jazz interviews, artist features, and podcasts:https://www.youtube.com/@NeonJazzFor More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed Brazilian jazz pianist, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Ricardo Bacelar.In this exclusive interview, Ricardo discusses his inspiring 2026 album, Maracanós, a remarkable collaboration with legendary Brazilian percussionist and composer Airto Moreira. Bringing together two of Brazil's most celebrated musical voices, Maracanós blends the rich traditions of Brazilian music, jazz, Latin rhythms, and contemporary improvisation into a vibrant and unforgettable listening experience.Ricardo's musical journey began at an early age, shaped by influences ranging from classical music and jazz to the diverse sounds of Brazil. At just 17 years old, he joined the iconic Brazilian pop-rock band Hanoi Hanoi, launching a career that has since expanded into internationally acclaimed solo recordings, producing, composing, and cross-cultural collaborations.Whether you're a fan of Brazilian music, Latin jazz, world music, contemporary jazz, or exceptional musicianship, this interview offers fascinating insights into one of Brazil's leading musical artists.Learn more about Ricardo Bacelar:https://www.instagram.com/ricardo_bacelar/?hl=enSubscribe to Neon Jazz for exclusive interviews with today's leading jazz musicians, composers, producers, and innovators from around the world. For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed Bay Area jazz vocalist Faye Carol, one of the most respected and enduring voices in American jazz, blues, and gospel.In this exclusive interview, we celebrate the release of her outstanding 2026 album, Forever Dynamic—a 20-song collection that showcases the depth, soul, and emotional power that have made Faye Carol a treasured musical force for decades. Blending jazz, blues, gospel, soul, and the Great American Songbook, Forever Dynamic is a fitting milestone in a remarkable career that continues to inspire audiences.Though she has long been revered throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Faye Carol's extraordinary body of work deserves even greater national recognition. After moving from Mississippi to California as a teenager, she released her debut recording in 1967 and has since become one of the region's most influential vocalists, recording ten albums as a leader and appearing on numerous acclaimed collaborations.Faye Carol's voice, artistry, and commitment to uplifting others have made her one of the Bay Area's true cultural treasures. This is an inspiring conversation with a living legend whose music continues to resonate across generations.Get the album Forever Dynamic:https://fayecarol.bandcamp.com/Subscribe to Neon Jazz for exclusive interviews with the world's leading jazz musicians, composers, vocalists, and innovators.For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.