Neon Jazz Interviews

Neon Jazz Interviews - The Finest Jazz Musicians From All Over the Globe

Neon Jazz is a radio show and interview series created and distributed since 2011. Hatched & Hosted by Joe Dimino out of Kansas City, Missouri. The series has been Engineered and generously supported by John Christopher over thirteen years, hundreds of episodes and thousands of interviews. We celebrate the glory days right on into the innovations of modern players. The aim is to tell the rich story of jazz through the voice of the musician and provide an enticing kaleidoscope of sound and stories. We are always celebrating one of America's finest inventions .. Jazz. Dig in ..

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August 19 · 21 min
Amber Weekes Interview | To Oscar with Love (2026) | Celebrating Oscar Brown Jr.
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 Love https://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/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 18 · 18 min
Hannah Marks Interview | Feed the Fire (2026) | NYC Jazz Bassist, Composer & Educator
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 ahead Feed 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-1 For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/ Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 17 · 25 min
NicoleYvette Interview | Say Yes (2026) | Jazz, Gospel Roots, Prince & Finding Her Voice
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/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 16 · 27 min
Luiza Girardello Interview | Brazilian Jazz, Cancer Survival, Immigration & Finding Her Voice
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/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 15 · 14 min
Jonathan Karrant Interview | Full Circle with Diane Schuur (2026) | Jazz, Mentorship & Legacy
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/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 14 · 22 min
Rafael Greco Interview | Verses Under My Shadow, Venezuelan Jazz & Guaco
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 Album Rafael Greco — Verses Under My Shadow | Blue Canoe Records For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/ Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 13 · 26 min
Lawrence Udeigwe Interview | Four Lemmas, Jazz, Mathematics & the Meaning of Music
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 More Lawrence Udeigwe — Official Music & Website For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/ Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 12 · 24 min
George Cotsirilos Interview | In The Wee Hours, Solo Jazz Guitar & a Remarkable Career
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 Website For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/ Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 11 · 17 min
Ben Rosenblum Interview | The Longest Way Round, Jazz Piano, Accordion & World Music
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 Round For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/ Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 10 · 22 min
Marsha Bartenetti Interview | New York Minute, Jazz, Voice Over & a Remarkable Music Career
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/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 9 · 20 min
Gergana Velinova Interview | Free, New 2026 Jazz Album, Motherhood & Musical Transformation
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 More https://www.gerganavelinova.com/ For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/ Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 8 · 29 min
Frank Swart Interview | Funkwrench Blues – This Is the One! (raison d'être) | Jazz Fusion 2026
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/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 7 · 27 min
Sergio Pereira Interview | Colors of Time (2026) | Brazilian Jazz Guitar, Bossa Nova & New York Journey
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/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 6 · 19 min
Tom Kennedy Interview | The Summit (2026) | Jazz Bass Legend on New Album, Dave Weckl & Modern Jazz
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/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 5 · 18 min
Rich Willey Interview | Laid Back, Vol. 1 (2026) | Jazz Trumpeter Blends Big Band, Reggae & World Music
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/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 4 · 22 min
Michael Bede Dunlop Interview | Bede (2026) | UK Jazz Bassist Blends Folk & Contemporary Jazz
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/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 3 · 17 min
Laurent Ziliani Interview | Anyone Can Whistle: A Sondheim Journey (2026) | Jazz Meets Stephen Sondheim
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/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 2 · 28 min
Alexis Martin Interview | Les pôles Volume 1 (2026) | Montréal Jazz Drummer, Composer & Producer
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-1-2 If 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/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
August 1 · 18 min
Samir Zarif (FKAjazz) Interview | Intrepid Sun: You Are the Sun, Again | Jazztronica & Modern Jazz
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-again If 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/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER
July 31 · 29 min
Kevin Du Interview | Somewhere, a Butterfly Sings (2026) | Jazz Pianist, Composer & Arranger
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. Enjoy this inspiring conversation! Listen to the album: https://open.spotify.com/album/2Z8puSPY9Rwro7AMKO5Ck5 Follow Kevin Du: https://www.instagram.com/_kevinduu/?hl=en If 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/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

Showing 21–40 of 46 episodes