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 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
July 30 · 24 min
Greenhouse Ensemble Interview | Mezzanine (2026) | Christophe Magnan-Bossé & Roxane Reddy on Contemporary Jazz
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/mezzanine If 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/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 29 · 29 min
Tamara Rivelle Interview | Love Letters (2026), Jazz, R&B & Music as a Path to Belonging
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/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 28 · 19 min
Dr. Scott Sadlon Interview | Songs from Thin Air (2026) | Jazz Drummer, Dentist & One-Take Improvisation
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-air 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
July 27 · 21 min
Ruthie Dineen & Andrew Lion Interview | Cycles I (2026) | Negative Press Project & Friction Quartet
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-i 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
July 26 · 12 min
Ted Rosenthal Interview | Trios in 4 Acts | Four Jazz Albums, Piano Trio & Improvisation
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 Standards The Ted Rosenthal Songbook Classics Reimagined: Impromptu The Good Old Days Together, 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/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 25 · 14 min
Gabriel Espinosa Interview | The Brazilian Project (2026) | Jazz Bass, Latin Jazz & Brazilian Music
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=82952 Subscribe 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/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 61–72 of 72 episodes