Neon Jazz Interviews

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...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  San Francisco-based vocalist, songwriter, and producer Masha Campagne . We caught up with Masha to talk about her beautiful new 2025 album,  Alegre Menina , and her journey through jazz and beyond. On her  fourth studio release , she delivers heartfelt tributes to legendary Brazilian songwriters and iconic singers, weaving her sign...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  Jazz Singer Paula Saunders  of  The Freedom Affair . We talk about their powerful new  2025 self-titled album , a record that sharpens their focus on a rich fusion of  Muscle Shoals and Memphis Soul , continuing their nearly decade-long journey rooted in vintage soul. The album is earning rave reviews for its bold vocals and passio...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  British-Nigerian singer & songwriter Ola Onabulé . We first caught up with Ola in April 2020. Now, he returns to talk about life back in the studio and on the road — this time celebrating the release of his powerful 2025 album,  Proof of Life . In collaboration with Swiss guitarist  Nicolas Meier ,  Proof of Life  explores rich, cu...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. We catch up with longtime friend of the show and internationally acclaimed  jazz trumpeter Hermon Mehari , now based in Paris but deeply rooted in  Kansas City’s jazz scene . In this episode, we talk about his  exciting 2025 , filled with  new music ,  live performances , and  creative collaborations . We dive into: 🎶  Soul Song  – his...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series featuring Italy-based jazz double bassist and composer  Pietro Paris . In this engaging conversation, we explore his dynamic new 2025 album  Folk Traffic —a bold blend of  jazz improvisation and theatrical composition , rooted in years of collaboration and creative exploration. This project showcases Pietro's unique voice in the modern j...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with  Minneapolis-based Jazz Bassist and Composer Ted Olsen . We dive into the details behind his latest 2025 album,  Violette , released on the hometown label  Shifting Paradigm Records . Violette  is described as an  ambitious fusion of jazz, chamber music, and songwriting —a project rich with  melody, harmoni...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with  Grammy-nominated Jazz Pianist, Composer, and Musical Innovator Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol . We caught up with this veteran artist to explore his compelling new 2025 release,  7 Shades of Melancholia —an album that features the brilliant  trumpeter Ingrid Jensen  and showcases his signature fusion of global influe...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with  rising jazz star, singer, and songwriter Paloma Dineli Chesky . Based in New York City, Paloma is making waves with her  debut album  Memory —a stunning collection that blends  jazz-inflected acoustic originals ,  classic covers , and a  voice that could stop traffic . The album features  six original song...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with  Bandleader and Saxophonist Carol Sudhalter  and  Vocalist Keeley Mitchell  of the  Jazz Jam All Stars . They join us to preview the  5th Annual Jazz Jam All Stars Concert  happening on  July 9  at  Flushing Town Hall  in New York City. This special concert will feature  ten outstanding jazz musicians , sel...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series with Joe Dimino . In this episode, we talk with veteran New York City jazz composer and saxophonist  Dave Anderson  about his reflective new 2025 release,  In Lieu of Flowers . Backed by his  NYC-based quartet , this heartfelt album honors the legacy of jazz icons  Wayne Shorter  and  Maria Schneider , while also paying tribute to the  mu...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series with Joe Dimino . In this episode, we talk with  Edmonton-based jazz pianist and composer Joshua Banks  about his exciting  2025 debut album,  Para Sayo . An  emerging voice in contemporary jazz , Joshua Banks has already begun making waves with his thoughtful compositions and dynamic style. The music on  Para Sayo  was  refined over two...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series with Joe Dimino . On this episode, we talk with  veteran jazz pianist Michael Cain  of the  Zoo Too Trio  about their genre-defying debut album  Poetry Legroom , out now on  Shifting Paradigm Records . From his part-time base in  Minnesota , Michael opens up about his collaborative work with  guitarist Keith Price  and  drummer Pheeroan a...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series with Joe Dimino . On this episode, we talk with acclaimed  jazz vocalist, songwriter, and arranger Kristina Koller  about her bold and creative 2025 album,  Walk on By . On this fourth album as a leader, Kristina offers a  fresh, genre-blending interpretation of the Burt Bacharach songbook , breathing new life into timeless hits while hon...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series  featuring the acclaimed  Grammy-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater  and decorated  jazz pianist Bill Charlap . We caught up with this powerhouse duo to discuss their stunning new 2025 collaborative album,  Elemental . As two of the most respected figures in modern jazz, their partnership showcases a masterful understanding of the jazz...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  award-winning NYC-based composer, drummer, bandleader, and educator John Sturino . We caught up with him in 2025 to discuss his dynamic new album  Blow Globe , a genre-blending work that fuses instrumental jazz, classical textures, electronic elements, and singer-songwriter sensibilities. The project— recipient of the 2024 Chamber...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  Montreal-based jazz vocalist Mira Choquette . We reconnect with Mira in 2025 to explore her stunning new album  Hier Encore —a rich and heartfelt collaboration with acclaimed  Armenian jazz pianist Samvel Gasparyan . A gifted  multilingual singer , Mira brings fresh life and global flair to timeless jazz classics, putting her own s...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  Portland-based jazz pianist and composer Mike Prigodich . We talk with Mike about his brand new 2025 album  Stage Magic  and the realization of a lifelong dream— becoming a jazz musician . Known for his  innovative compositions  and  high-energy performances , Mike’s music reflects deep influence from jazz greats like  Chick Corea...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  Boston-based jazz guitarist John Stein . We catch up with him in 2025 during a prolific chapter of his career, marked by the release of  two standout albums — Among Friends  and  Next Gen . These new recordings showcase Stein’s versatility, deep groove, and commitment to both honoring tradition and embracing fresh musical perspecti...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  award-winning jazz singer Candice Hoyes . We catch up with this Harlem-based visionary to talk about her brand new 2025 single  Far Away Star , released in the spirit of  Jazz Appreciation Month . The song pays heartfelt tribute to  Duke Ellington , blending classic jazz influences with a  contemporary sound . On this powerful trac...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  NYC-based, award-winning singer and actress Ute Lemper . We caught up with her to discuss her 2025 album  Pirate Jenny , a powerful tribute to composer  Kurt Weill  in honor of his  125th birthday . With this album, Ute aims to introduce Weill’s iconic music to a new generation, blending rich history with modern resonance. Renowned...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Canadian trombonist and composer  Nicholas Adema . We caught up with him to discuss his dynamic 2024 album  Urban Chaos —a bold and wide-ranging project that brings together his jazz quartet, guest  tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger , a string quartet, and a host of collaborators. Known for his versatility and sonic curiosity, Ade...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series featuring  Grammy-nominated saxophonist Antonio Hart . We talk with him ahead of his upcoming performance at the legendary  Flushing Town Hall  in Queens, NY on  Friday, June 20, 2025 . Teaming up with acclaimed vocalist  Antoinette Montague , this special show will celebrate jazz tradition while embracing bold improvisation and soulful...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring  Grammy-nominated/Grammy-winning trombonist Alan Ferber  and acclaimed  cellist/composer Jody Redhage Ferber . We caught up with this dynamic couple to dive into their heartfelt 2025 album  Confluence —a deeply personal and collaborative project that includes Alan’s brother,  Mark Ferber , on drums. The album captures the spirit...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz pianist, composer, and arranger Sujae Jung, alongside double bassist Wolf Robert Stratmann.  We caught up with this Korean-German contemporary jazz duo to talk about their latest 2025 release,  Tree Huggers  — their second EP together. The project features four original compositions that explore themes of nature and memory, all w...