Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz pianist Ted Rosenthal. We dive into his 2026 release  The Good Old Days , part of his ambitious  “Trios in 4 Acts”  series—an expansive collection of recordings featuring his two working trios. These sessions were recorded in the summer of 2024 and released in installments beginning in March...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with Italian jazz pianist Federica Colangelo. We caught up with her from Rome to discuss her latest work with her trio  Acquaphonica , including their fourth album  Forward . Her music is defined by continuous exploration—blending jazz with 20th-century European and American classical influences, along with the...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with big band leader, orchestrator, arranger, and film & TV composer Dave Slonaker. Based in Los Angeles, Dave has built a dynamic career creating music for film, television, and the jazz world. We dive into his 2026 album  Shifty Paradigms , a project that showcases his deep understanding of big band arranging...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, and scholar Dave Wilson. We dive into his 2026 release  When Evan Goes East , a project that continues his exploration of sound at the intersection of avant-garde jazz, experimental music, and groove-driven styles like R&B and electronic music. Dave’s work is known f...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with storied jazz pianist and vocalist James Judson. We dive into his powerful 2026 album  Songs of My Dreams , a project that marks an extraordinary return to music after a 30-year hiatus. James began performing at just five years old and quickly found success, winning singing contests and playing local venues...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with GRAMMY-winning jazz pianist, composer, and arranger John Beasley. We dive into his upcoming 2026 album  Invisible Piano , releasing May 8, 2026—a bold and immersive project that explores the creative mind of a composer and arranger, featuring the acclaimed SWR Big Band. John is also touring with his ensembl...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with jazz composer David Cieri about his work on the 2026 documentary  THOREAU . This highly anticipated film by legendary filmmaker Ken Burns premieres on March 30, 2026, and features an all-star cast including George Clooney as narrator, Jeff Goldblum as Henry David Thoreau, Meryl Streep as Margaret Fuller, an...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with New Orleans–based jazz clarinetist and composer Benjamin Cousins. We dive into his debut 2026 album  What We Dream It To Be , a forward-looking and reflective project that reconnects with the optimism of childhood while exploring the power of honoring dreams and realizing their full potential. From his root...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with Kansas City–based jazz saxophonist, singer, and songwriter Nneoma Lanea. We caught up with this rising jazz artist to talk about her Kansas City roots, musical influences, dreams, and what the future may hold. From her early passion for music to becoming part of the vibrant jazz culture of Kansas City, Nneo...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz saxophonist and flutist Steve Wilson about his 2026 album  Enduring Sonace . On this beautiful new project, Steve reflects on a lifetime of lyrical and deeply felt songs drawn from jazz, pop, and film—music that lingers in the imagination long after the final note fades. The album features an...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with educators and musicians from the acclaimed Meridian Arts Ensemble — Daniel Grabois and Tom Curry. We take a deep dive into their fascinating new release  The Zappa House Concert , a historic recording that captures a private 1996 performance by the Meridian Arts Ensemble at the Los Angeles home of legendary...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with acclaimed Austin, Texas–based jazz trumpeter Jeff Lofton. We caught up with Jeff to talk about his 2026 album  ATX Rhythm  and his remarkable journey in the world of jazz. This new project is a love letter to his adopted home state of Texas, blending original compositions with collaborations and interpretat...

In honor of the big 950th Episode of Neon Jazz, Show Engineer and long-time friend John Christopher chimes in on the 15 years of radio and interviews. The true maestro and pilot of The Neon Beat has some thoughts, stories and reflections. 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 be...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring seasoned singer, guitarist, and composer Billy Brandt. We caught up with Billy to talk about his 2025 album  The Lucky Hustle & The Side Show Shuffle  and his long journey in music. His sound carries a working-class appeal that radiates grit, charm, and a storyteller’s soul. With a voice often described as  dark roasted coffee...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring acclaimed jazz guitarist Dave Stryker. We caught up with Dave to talk about his 2026 album  Blue Fire: The Van Gelder Session , a powerful new recording that captures his trio at the legendary Van Gelder Studio for the first time. Dave first made his mark in jazz working with icons like Jack McDuff and Stanley Turrentine before...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring Ottawa-based bandleader, vocalist, and trombonist Steve Berndt. We caught up with Steve to talk about his new 2026 album  Heart of Hearts , a project that explores themes of  love, honesty, and emotional connection  through jazz. The eleven-track release features  eight original compositions  along with inventive jazz interpret...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring South Florida–based jazz guitarist  Tom Lippincott . We caught up with Tom to talk about his new 2026 album  Ode to the Possible  and his journey through the world of jazz guitar, education, and musical discovery. Tom’s path in music began at the age of 17 when his first guitar teacher,  Randy Wimer , introduced him to both cla...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring Philadelphia-based jazz pianist and composer  James Fernando . We caught up with this prodigiously talented artist — known for equal parts mischief and mastery — to talk about his 2026 album  Philly 3  and his adventurous life in music. This is James’ sixth album overall and his powerful debut recording with his working trio. T...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring Chicago-based jazz trumpeter and bandleader  Sam Robinson . We caught up with Sam on February 27, 2026 — release day for his brand-new album  Chasin’ the Dream . The record is out now on  Miles High Records , the label founded by jazz musician, author and educator  Mark Sherman . Chasin’ the Dream  features: Sam Robinson – Trum...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Jazz Vocalist, Composer and Bandleader Katie Bull discussing her powerful 2026 album The Hope Etudes. We reconnect with Katie more than a decade after her first 2015 appearance on Neon Jazz to explore a project shaped by survival, reflection and profound artistic evolution in a post-pandemic world. Set for release on April 10, 20...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring acclaimed pianist, composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist  Lionel Cole . We caught up with Lionel in Australia to talk about his latest independent release  Small Town, Vol. 2  — a deeply personal, genre-blending journey of jazz, soul and storytelling. Lionel comes from one of America’s most iconic musical families. He is...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Atlanta-based jazz multi-instrumentalist  Larry Douglas . He returns in 2026 with a bold and unique EP,  Music Speaks for Me , blending electric jazz, R&B, and both new and old school hip-hop into a dynamic sonic vision. Rooted in his philosophy of “sound painting,” Larry creates layered, expressive compositions that reflect both pers...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Michigan-based jazz pianist, composer, performer and educator Rick Roe. In this engaging episode, we dive into a dynamic 2025 that saw the release of two standout albums,  Wake Up Call  and  Tribute , the latter celebrating the music of Gregg Hill. A respected force in the southeastern Michigan jazz community, Rick Roe continues...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Kansas City-based Jazz Singer, Drummer and Radio Host David Basse discussing his powerful 2025 live album  War Within . Recorded at the iconic Kulak's Woodshed, this intimate and emotionally charged performance captures David on drums and vocals alongside pianist Stuart Elster and acoustic bassist Lester Hughes. The idea to bring...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring veteran Los Angeles-based jazz singer and pianist Mark Christian Miller. In this in-depth conversation, we explore his fourth album as a leader,  Strange Meadowlark , a richly textured and emotionally resonant release that builds on the momentum of his critically acclaimed 2022 album  Music in the Air . On  Strange Meadowlark , M...