Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with LA-based Jazz Tenor Saxophonist, Composer & Educator  Jeff Walton . We talk about his long-awaited 2025 debut album  Pack Animals , recorded at The Bunker in Brooklyn with pianist Santiago Leibson, bassist Eli Heath, and drummer Chase Elodia. A Massachusetts native and longtime Brooklyn educator, Jeff took an unconventional path to th...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with  Joanna Massey, Director of Learning & Engagement at Carnegie Hall , speaking on behalf of  NYO Jazz . We dive into their new 2025 CD  Life in Johannesburg  and explore how this remarkable ensemble of young musicians (ages 16–19) is shaping the future of American jazz. Led by Artistic Director  Sean Jones , NYO Jazz brings together to...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  Vermont-based Jazz Trumpeter & Composer Tom Gershwin . We explore his new 2025 CD  Wellspring  and his life in jazz. On this album, Tom draws inspiration from the ever-present reminder that energy and life flow all around us, waiting to be tapped into and transformed into vibrant creation. His music lives at the intersection of cha...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  Jazz Saxophonist & Bandleader Jeff Coffin  of the  Wild Iris Brass Band . We dive into his brand-new 2025 CD  Way Up  and life in today’s music world. Based in Nashville but deeply informed by the New Orleans tradition, Wild Iris Brass Band—co-founded with trombonist  Ray Mason —blends  compositional sophistication  with the raw en...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  NYC-based Jazz Trumpeter & Educator Dave Douglas . We dive into his  new 2025 CD  Alloy , his life in jazz, and his passion for teaching and community. This new release is a  warm, lyrical album  of original compositions showcasing the rich shades of brass. Designed to bring musicians together as one organic unit, it speaks to the...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with acclaimed Mexico City–based  Pianist, Composer, Arranger, Bandleader & Educator Erik Deutsch . We explore his brand-new 2025 release  This Was Then  and a storied, eclectic journey in music. This is his ninth full-length album, featuring his long-running NYC sextet with Tony Mason (drums), Jeff Hill (bass), Avi Bortnick (guitar), Mi...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Raleigh-based Jazz Guitarist, Percussionist & Educator  Doug Sours . We talk about his brand new 2025 CD  Dream World , a project blending jazz guitar influences with old-world rhythms, frame drums, and African percussion. Doug shares insights into his beginnings, creative process, musical influences, and what’s ahead on his journey....

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  with veteran journalist and author  Larry Tye . A longtime journalist with experience at the  Boston Globe ,  Anniston Star , and  Louisville Courier-Journal , Larry is also a Nieman Fellow at Harvard. His acclaimed books have covered everything from PR pioneer Edward L. Bernays and Negro Leagues legend Satchel Paige to Superman, the Jew...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  with Japanese-born, Chicago-based jazz pianist  Hana Fujisaki  of  Entre Amigos . We talk about the band’s brand-new 2025 album  Magpie – The Music of Joe Clark , her journey from Japan to the U.S., and her role in Chicago’s vibrant jazz scene. Entre Amigos  is a Chicago supergroup featuring saxophonist Roy McGrath, pianist Hana Fujisaki...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  with NYC-based jazz singer  Anaïs Reno . We talk about her brand-new 2025 album  Lady of the Lavender Mist  — a project that reflects her deep love of Duke Ellington, her evolution as an artist, and her unwavering connection to the jazz tradition. We first interviewed Anaïs back in 2021 during her high school years in the COVID era. Now,...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with pianist  Chris Grasso , vocalist  Lauren Scales , and saxophonist  Mike Flanagan . We caught up with this dynamic trio to discuss their brand-new 2025 debut album  Many Rivers  on  Truth Revolution Recording Collective  and the story behind their creative union. These three acclaimed artists, each from diverse musical backgrounds, a...

🎙  Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series.  In this episode, we talk with  Denver-based jazz pianist and composer Bob Schlesinger  about his much-anticipated  debut album as a leader,  Falling From Earth , and his charmed life in music. Conceived in 2018, this project weathered the pandemic’s delays and has now emerged as a fully realized artistic statement. The album features...

🎙  Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series.  In this episode, we talk with  New York City-based multi-genre vocalist, composer, and arranger Kieran Brown  about her  debut 2025 album  Loving You  and her journey through the jazz world. With a foundation in  jazz, R&B, and the American Songbook , Kieran brings a  fresh yet deeply rooted approach  to her music, blending a profound...

🎤  Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series.  In this episode, we talk with  LA-based jazz vocalist and songwriter Susan Krebs  about her  2025 album  Little Did I Dream . Known as  The Jazz Gardener , Susan delivers her 10th album — a captivating blend of  jazz standards and original compositions  — performed with her  top-shelf Los Angeles band, The Local Outfit . With a caree...

🎷  Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series.  In this episode, we talk with  acclaimed jazz saxophonist Eric Alexander  about his  new 2025 album  with Vincent Herring,  Split Decision , and his  upcoming run of shows  at  New York City’s #1 jazz club — SMOKE Jazz Club . From  Wednesday to Sunday, August 13–17, 2025 , Eric and Vincent will headline a powerhouse band with  Mike L...

🎷  Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series.  In this episode, we talk with  legendary percussionist Bill Summers  of  The Headhunters  about their  2025 Kansas City trip —a monumental weekend of  jazz, funk, and soul . Bill, an  Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz percussionist  and multi-instrumentalist, has traveled the globe and spent  over 50 years with The Headhunters , shaping the...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Kansas City-based jazz bassist  Sebastian Arias . Fresh off a  scorching live performance at Westport Theater in July 2025 , we caught up with this dynamic musician to talk about his compelling journey — from his roots in  Costa Rica , through his time in  Utah , and ultimately to the  vibrant, historic Kansas City jazz scene . I...

🎧  Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Veteran Jazz Drummer Mike Clark of The Headhunters  🥁 We caught up with  jazz and funk legend Mike Clark  to talk about his highly anticipated  2025 trip to Kansas City with The Headhunters . Billed as a  legendary weekend of jazz, funk, and soul , this two-day celebration is set to be unforgettable. 🎷  Kansas City Events with T...

🎷  Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Musician, Performer, Composer & Educator Rob Scheps  🎶 In this episode, we catch up with veteran jazz saxophonist  Rob Scheps  to talk about his  Summer and Fall 2025 Kansas City performances , upcoming recordings, and life as a touring jazz artist in the modern world. 📅  Catch Rob Scheps Live in Kansas City : 🎵  Saturday,...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with San Francisco-based veteran jazz drummer  Brian Melvin , best known for his work with  Beatlejazz . We caught up with Brian to talk about his brand-new 2025 release,  Reunion , a powerful collaboration with pianist  Dave Kikoski . This long-awaited return revisits Beatles classics through a fresh jazz lens—full of groove, creativity...

🎷  Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Acclaimed Jazz Soprano Saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom.  In this episode, we catch up with  GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom  to discuss her fascinating 2025 release,  Songs in Space  — a groundbreaking collection of  duets and trios designed specifically for immersive surround sound listening . 🚀🎶 Known for her lyrical to...

🎙️  Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Vocalist, Educator, Arranger & Songwriter Jamie Shew In this episode, we sit down with the acclaimed  Los Angeles jazz vocalist Jamie Shew  to talk about her dynamic new 2025 album,  Spicy Classy and a Little Sassy , and a remarkable journey through music and education. 🎶 With over two decades in the LA jazz scene, Jamie is...

We caught up with the multi-talented  Deb Bowman  in Atlanta to discuss her brand-new 2025 album,  Reflection  — a powerful, genre-spanning tribute to iconic songwriters across the decades. 🎶 From her early days in New York City to her vibrant career in Atlanta, Deb has carved out a unique artistic path as a  jazz vocalist, stage actress, and screen performer . Known for her commanding presence a...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring GRAMMY-nominated writer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and session bassist Billy Mohler.  We caught up with him to dive into his brand-new 2025 release  The Eternal  and explore his dynamic journey across the music world. From collaborating with icons like  Dolly Parton, Macy Gray, Lady Gaga, Mavis Staples, Kelly Clarkson, Ste...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series featuring  veteran jazz bassist Dave Sharp . We talk with him about his new 2025 release,  Catalyst: The Music of Gregg Hill , performed by the  Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet  featuring  Elden Kelly . This dynamic world jazz ensemble—celebrating a decade together—includes  Dave Sharp  (bass),  Hendrik Karapetyan  (violin),  Igor Houwat  (oud...