Neon Jazz Interviews

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...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series featuring renowned Jazz Drummer, Bandleader, and Musical Director  Sherrie Maricle  of  The DIVA Jazz Orchestra . We dive into the powerful 2025 posthumous cast album,  A Celebration of Maurice Hines – Tappin’ Thru Life , honoring the life and legacy of the legendary entertainer  Maurice Hines . This heartfelt tribute features music from...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series featuring Toronto-based Jazz Guitarist and Composer  James Brown . We dive into his dynamic 2025 release  Anthem for Everyone  — his fifth album of original music, showcasing a compelling fusion of jazz and classical influences. This genre-blurring project features an eclectic lineup of Toronto talents, including violinist  Aline Homzy ,...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series featuring acclaimed Jazz Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Pianist, and Author  Jennifer Lee . We catch up with her to discuss her brand-new 2025 album  Glimpse  – a captivating release that marks a powerful evolution in her musical journey. Formerly rooted in the Bay Area and now living in rural Idaho, Jennifer opens up about her transform...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  Jazz Saxophonist, Composer, and Educator Jordan VanHemert . We dive into the release of his powerful new 2025 album,  Survival of the Fittest , marking his  fifth critically acclaimed  project. This release features a stellar lineup, including  Terell Stafford , producer  Michael Dease ,  Helen Sung ,  Rodney Whitaker , and  Lewis...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series.  In this episode, we speak with acclaimed  NYC-based Jazz Saxophonist and Composer Jed Levy  as he discusses his brand-new 2025 album,  Faces and Places , and reflects on a remarkable  40+ year career in jazz . A fixture on the  New York jazz scene , Jed has performed and recorded extensively as both a bandleader and sideman. His impres...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series.  In this episode, we talk with acclaimed  LA-based jazz singer Jeffrey Gimble  as he shares stories behind his brand-new 2025 album,  Brand New Key , and reflects on a rich, creative life shaped by music, theater, and family. Raised in a  jazz-loving household in Houston, Texas , Jeffrey grew up during the 60s and 70s surrounded by swin...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with acclaimed  Canadian Jazz Cellist George Crotty  about his 2025 album  Heart Music . A boundary-breaking artist, George has developed a distinct cello vocabulary that bridges jazz, world music, and chamber influences. Formed in 2019 in Brooklyn, the  George Crotty Trio (GC3)  creates multicultural chamber ja...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with  Jazz Woodwind Doubler, Composer, Arranger & Educator Saul Dautch  about his compelling new 2025 album  Music for the People  and his dedicated life in jazz. Currently based in the NYC/NJ area, Saul is best known for his mastery of the  baritone saxophone  and his versatility across woodwinds. A native of D...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with  Jazz Composer & Arranger Mike Thompson  about his debut 2025 album  6th Avenue  and his evolving journey in the world of jazz. Recorded at  Q Division Studios  in Cambridge, Massachusetts,  6th Avenue  showcases Mike’s big band leadership at just twenty-something years old. Drawing on connections made duri...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with jazz pianist/composer  Florian Hoefner , saxophonist  Mike Murley , and bassist  Jim Vivian  of the  Atlantic Jazz Collective  about their highly anticipated 2025 debut album,  Seascape . This stunning modern jazz release features the internationally renowned  vocalist Norma Winstone  and legendary  drummer...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with  Jazz Vocalist, Composer, Educator & Bandleader Raquel Marina . We dive into the making of her  debut album,  Kind Words  — a heartfelt blend of  jazz and folk influences , featuring original compositions inspired by her personal journey and deep musical roots. Raised with a foundation in  classical piano  ...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with  Andrew Richards  — Contemporary Jazz Vocalist, Composer, and Songwriter — about his new 2025 release,  A Wondrous Toy . A heartfelt blend of original compositions, folk melodies, and timeless standards, the album is a true labor of love that reflects his deep musical roots. Born and raised in  Vermont  and...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with Seattle-based jazz vocalist  Heather Ward  about her brand-new 2025 CD  Gilded and Silver . With a smokey, sultry alto and years of experience, Heather brings depth, elegance, and emotional nuance to every note she sings. We explore the artistry behind her latest album, her lifelong dedication to jazz, and...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. We talk with acclaimed jazz drummer  Joe Farnsworth  about his 2025 album  The Big Room  — a powerful tribute to the inspiration and wisdom passed down from jazz legends. The term “The Big Room” was first introduced to Joe by the great  Max Roach , during a memorable night at NYC’s famed Bradley’s, as they watched the incomparable  Bill...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we speak with Jazz Bassist, Composer, and Educator  Philip Ravita  of Ravita Jazz. We explore his new 2025 CD  Alice in Blue  and his dynamic career as one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most versatile and in-demand bassists. In addition to performing with jazz legends like  Jimmy Heath ,  Bobby Shew ,  Claudio Roditi , and  Rub...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with UK-based Jazz Singer and Songwriter  Hannah Brine  about her upcoming 2025 album,  Blue Sky Now . Rooted in modern jazz sensibilities, the album draws influence from iconic singer-songwriters like  Carole King ,  Norah Jones , and others, blending heartfelt lyrics with a contemporary jazz feel. We dive into...