Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series  with  Toronto-based jazz guitarist, composer, and storyteller David Riddel , also known as  Dr. Purgatory . We explore his hauntingly creative new 2025 album,  The Consumption: A Tragic Folktale in Six Parts —a conceptual jazz work that blends folklore, emotion, and deep musical storytelling. Since graduating from the  University of Toro...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on  Cuba-born, Vermont-based Jazz Historian, World Music Expert, and Radio/TV Host Toni Basanta . A passionate voice for global music, Toni has been on a mission to bridge cultures through sound since his arrival in  Vermont in 2006 . As the vibrant host of  The Cuban Bridge  on  WWPV 92.5 FM “The M...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. We reconnect with  Paris-based, Kansas City-bred jazz guitarist Michael McClintock  to talk about his brand-new 2025 release,  Here and There . Originally interviewed in 2021 while still living in Kansas City, Michael has since  relocated to Paris, France , embracing a new chapter in life and music. His latest album marks a creative mil...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series  with  New York City-based jazz vocalist Susan Hinkson . In this episode, we explore the story behind her stunning  debut album,  Just in Time  — a project that marks her official entry into the jazz world after an impressive career in city planning and real estate policy. With a powerhouse lineup of jazz greats— Bruce Barth (piano & prod...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with Italian jazz talents  Tommaso Perazzo (piano)  and  Marcello Cardillo (drums) . We talk about their powerful new 2025 album  Portrait of a Moment  featuring legendary  bassist Buster Williams . Now based in Harlem, Tommaso and Marcello reflect on their beginnings in  Amsterdam , their shared Italian roots, and their musical evolutio...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  veteran jazz guitarist and spiritual improviser Tisziji Muñoz . In this revealing conversation, we dive into his prolific career and latest work as a member of  The Quantum Blues Quartet  on the 2025 album  Quantum Blues , featuring longtime friend and famed bandleader  Paul Shaffer . Recorded in a single day with  no charts or pre...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with acclaimed  jazz trombonist Reggie Watkins , diving into his powerful new 2025 album,  Rivers . Few cities rival the jazz legacy of  Pittsburgh , home to legends like  Art Blakey, Billy Strayhorn, Mary Lou Williams, and Ahmad Jamal . For over two decades, Reggie Watkins has carried that torch—performing with jazz greats like  Orrin E...

Welcome to a fresh edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  with  Kansas City-based blues powerhouse Brody Buster . In this episode, we dive deep into his compelling journey through music — from  child prodigy to international blues artist  — and explore his brand-new 2025 album,  Redemption . Released on  Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025 , with a live show at Kansas City's iconic  BB’s Lawnside B...

In this episode of  Neon Jazz , we talk with acclaimed  jazz bassist, bandleader, and educator Rodney Jordan  about his powerful new 2025 release,  Memphis Blue  – a heartfelt tribute to the  soulful people and rich musical legacy of Memphis, Tennessee . Now based in  Tallahassee, Florida , Rodney reflects on his deep musical roots growing up in Memphis, where his journey began with playing bass i...

In this episode of the  Neon Jazz  interview series, we spotlight rising star  Nanami Haruta  – a gifted  Japanese-born, Michigan-based jazz trombonist  making waves with her debut album,  The Vibe . Originally from Japan, Nanami moved to the U.S. to study under acclaimed trombone master  Michael Dease , who now serves as her mentor at  Michigan State University . Her new release,  The Vibe , show...

In this episode, we talk with  writer and jazz historian Con Chapman , author of the new book  Don Byas: Sax Expat . Originally from  St. Louis, Missouri  and now based in  Boston , Con dives deep into his lifelong love of  jazz history  and explains why he chose to spotlight the often-overlooked saxophone legend  Don Byas . Through  Sax Expat , Con brings Don Byas back into the conversation, show...

In this episode, we reconnect with  Asheville, NC-based jazz bassist Quinn Sternberg  to talk about his deeply personal new album,  Pleasant Returns  — set for release in  2025 . This marks  Quinn’s fifth full-length album , and his most introspective work to date, featuring  seven original compositions  recorded in  New Orleans —his former home—with a stellar cast of long-time collaborators: 🎷 ...

In this episode, we talk with  New York City jazz singer Naama  about her highly anticipated  2025 album  Dream With Me  — set for release on  June 6th, 2025 . This evocative new project invites listeners on a dream-themed journey through songs that explore dreams of all kinds:  big, small, sweet, and even unreachable . Dream With Me  features an exceptional lineup of jazz talent, including  Jeb P...

Welcome to a very special edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this moving episode, we talk with  Tracey Ostebo , daughter of  super jazz fan John McKergow , about their incredible journey to  Kansas City  for  International Jazz Day 2025 . Based in  Mountain View, California , Tracey has been streaming our podcast nightly to her father—who lives with dementia in  Cedar Park, Texas —usi...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we speak with  veteran jazz clarinetist and composer Sam Sadigursky  about his compelling new release,  The Solomon Diaries: Volumes IV & V . This deeply expressive project blends  Jewish spiritual and Klezmer traditions  with  post-minimalist classical ,  jazz , and elements of  American folk music . Collaborating with...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we chat with  jazz bassist, composer , and educator  Alex McLaughlin , as he shares insights into his new  2025 album  A Brand New State , his journey in music, and his evolving role as an artist and mentor. In addition to being a dynamic performer and composer, Alex was recently named  Jazz Program Director at Idyllwil...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series featuring  seasoned jazz drummer and composer Towner Galaher . In this episode, we explore his brand-new  2025 album  Brothers  — his  fifth release , and one that brings him back to his roots in  Portland, Oregon . Reuniting with longtime collaborators  organist Jimmy Sanders  and  bassist Randy Monroe , this album marks a soulful retur...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series featuring a special conversation with  UNESCO Treasurer James May . In celebration of  90 Years of Count Basie's Swing , we dive into the details of the  Count Basie 90 Celebration Events  happening on  April 30, 2025 – International Jazz Day  in  Kansas City . Broadcasting from his current home in Florida, James reflects on his Kansas C...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series, featuring Zurich-based tenor saxophonist  Christoph Irniger , leader of the acclaimed group  The Quintet Pilgrim . We dive into an in-depth conversation about their powerful sixth album,  "Human Intelligence Live" , released on  Intakt Records . Recorded live at the Red Horn District in Bad Meinberg, Germany, in November 2023, this albu...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series ! In this episode, we talk with  jazz saxophonist, bandleader, arranger, and educator Ryan Middagh  about his  2025 album  Tenor Madness  and his life dedicated to music. A heartfelt  tribute to the saxophone  and the rich community of  Nashville saxophonists ,  Tenor Madness  showcases Ryan’s deep artistry and respect for the tradition....

Welcome to a fresh edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series ! In this episode, we reconnect with acclaimed  Icelandic jazz pianist Ingi Bjarni Skúlason  to discuss his  seventh album as a leader,  Hope  (2025) . One year after our last conversation, we dive into the creative process behind  Hope , explore the evolving landscape of  jazz promotion , the return of  live performances , life in  Ice...

Welcome to a special edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series.  In this episode, we catch up with  Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II  to talk about the  90-year celebration of jazz icon Count Basie —happening on  International Jazz Day 2025  in  Kansas City . Titled  “90 Years of Count Basie’s Swing!” , the celebration promises an unforgettable evening of  live music, tributes, and rhythm  featurin...

Welcome to another edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series.  In this episode, we talk with acclaimed  jazz saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio  about his  12th album as a leader,  Stories, Dreams, Inspirations: For My Boy  (2025) . This heartfelt record unites  Cleveland’s top jazz musicians  in dynamic  large ensemble arrangements , painting a musical portrait of  parental joy and life’s experiences o...

🎹  Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series In this episode, we catch up with  renowned jazz pianist & composer Helen Sung  ahead of her highly anticipated  Folly Theater performance in Kansas City  with the  Bach Aria Soloists on April 5, 2025 . This  world-premiere event  is a groundbreaking collaboration where  jazz and classical music converge . The  Bach Aria Soloists  comm...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series! In this episode, we sit down with  Italian jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Emiliano Vernizzi  to explore his  musical journey  and latest 2025 release,  Good Morning World . From his base in Italy, Emiliano reflects on: 🎷  The inspiration behind his new album 🎶  His evolution as a musician and composer 🌍  The vibrant Itali...