Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed Bay Area jazz vocalist Faye Carol , one of the most respected and enduring voices in American jazz, blues, and gospel. In this exclusive interview, we celebrate the release of her outstanding 2026 album, Forever Dynamic —a 20-song collection that showcases the depth, soul, and emotional power that have made Faye Carol a...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and educator Helen Sung , celebrating the release of her stunning 2026 album Oracles . Marking her big band recording debut , Oracles is a sweeping musical statement of freedom, unity, gratitude, and hope. At a time when the world faces division and uncertainty, Helen channels the enduring spirit of j...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with Colombian jazz pianist, composer, and visionary Holman Alvarez , discussing his stunning 2026 album Uarli’s Bones . This bold new recording blends mythology, memory, and contemporary jazz into a deeply expressive musical journey, featuring an all-star quartet with Patricia Brennan (vibraphone), John Hébert (bass), and Kate Gentile (dr...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with South Carolina-based jazz trumpeter, composer, educator, and cultural documenter Matt White . In this episode, we dive into his captivating 2026 album Dolly , a self-produced recording that reimagines the timeless songs of Dolly Parton through the lens of modern jazz. The project bridges Southern musical traditions with adventurous im...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed pianist, educator, jazz advocate, and club owner Spike Wilner . In this special episode, Spike gives us an exclusive tour of  Jazzcultural, one of New York City's newest and most exciting jazz venues, located on legendary Restaurant Row just steps from Times Square . More than just a jazz club,  Jazzcultural &...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with North Carolina-based jazz guitarist, composer, and educator Adam Rose . In this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 album Holler Serenade , a bold recording that brings together Asheville's vibrant jam band spirit with the sophistication of straight-ahead jazz . Recorded live in a single day with minimal preparation, the album...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Toronto and New York-based jazz guitarist Vladimir Redzic . On this episode, we dive into his impressive debut 2026 album, First Time Around , and explore the musical journey that led to this exciting first release as a bandleader. Rooted in the jazz tradition while embracing a fresh, contemporary voice, First Time Around showcases Vl...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Los Angeles-based pianist, composer, producer, and Latin Grammy-nominated artist Joachim Horsley . On this episode, we dive into his captivating new 2026 single, "Havana Prelude," the first release leading up to his highly anticipated new album arriving later in 2026. The recording marks the first time Joachim has reimagined the music...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Brooklyn-based jazz pianist, improviser, and composer Phillip Golub . Phillip returns to Neon Jazz after our first conversation in April 2020 to discuss his compelling new 2026 album, Partisan Ship . Emerging from the transformative experiences of the past several years, the album is a deeply imaginative work that blends con...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with New Jersey-based fusion jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader Adam De Lucia . On this episode, we dive into his ambitious new 2026 project, The Man Who Would Be King , a recording that brings together decades of musical study, performance, composition, and artistic reflection into one fully realized statement. Adam's path into jazz...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with veteran jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader Jeff Cosgrove . On this episode, we discuss the launch of Two Jeffs , the first installment in an ambitious four-part digital album series scheduled for release over the next year. The project celebrates longtime friendships, creative partnerships, and the spirit of improvisation through...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Diana Fernandez , YMU Studio Manager and Internship Coordinator in Miami, Florida. On this episode, we explore the inspiring work happening at YMU Studio , a one-of-a-kind multimedia recording studio that gives students across Miami-Dade County free access to professional music production, recording, and real-world music industry educ...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City-based jazz French horn player, pianist, composer, and improviser Loren Broaddus . On this episode, we dive into his compelling 2026 album Blackout and explore his evolving musical journey in one of America's greatest jazz cities. Originally from Springfield, Missouri , Loren began playing piano at age six before discoverin...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Los Angeles-based vocalist, composer, producer, and multidisciplinary artist Sharada Shashidhar . On this episode, we dive into her captivating 2026 album A Foot on the Ground and explore her unique artistic journey through jazz, Indian classical music, experimental sound, and contemporary composition. Released on Colorfield Records ,...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed St. Louis-based guitarist, composer, and recording artist Todd Mosby and Grammy Award-winning producer Jeff Weber . On this episode, we take a deep dive into the ambitious and inspiring 2026 album American Heartland , a musical journey designed to capture the soul, spirit, beauty, and character of Missouri through a remarkab...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed New Jersey-based jazz trumpeter, composer, educator, and bandleader Ted Chubb . On this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 live album, Live at the Statuary – Jersey City , and explore a remarkable career devoted to performance, education, and building a thriving jazz community. For more than two decades, Ted Chubb ha...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Finland-based composer, arranger, and bandleader Jussi Lampela . On this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 album, Common Ground , an immersive musical journey that blends contemporary jazz, ambient music, and electronica into a rich and cinematic listening experience. The album showcases Lampela's unique composition...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with India-born, New York City-based jazz vocalist Jaana Narsipur . On this episode, we explore her captivating new 2026 album, The Re-Collection , a fresh and imaginative jazz interpretation of beloved 1980s pop classics. Featuring inspired arrangements of songs by Kate Bush , Eurythmics , Joe Jackson , and other iconic artists, Jaana tra...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Grammy Award-winning jazz bassist, composer, educator, and bandleader Christian Dillingham . On this episode, we discuss his outstanding 2026 release, As It Relates to Now , an album featuring eight original compositions performed by a stellar trio with acclaimed alto saxophonist Greg Ward and drummer Jeremy Cunningham . Together, the...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Canadian jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader James McGowan . On this episode, we explore his stunning new 2026 album Threads of Fate , the tenth recording as a leader and the third featuring the acclaimed James McGowan Ensemble (JME) —a dynamic 14-piece group that seamlessly blends horns, strings, and rhythm sec...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed New York-based vocalist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader Basya Schechter of Pharaoh's Daughter . On this episode, we dive into her remarkable 2026 album Songs of Desire , released on John Zorn's legendary Tzadik Records . More than an album, Songs of Desire is the culmination of an extraordinary 18-year creat...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, and bandleader Erica von Kleist . On this episode, we dive into her groundbreaking 2026 album Picc Pocket , an innovative recording that boldly places the piccolo flute front and center in a modern straight-ahead jazz setting. While the piccolo has occasionally appeared in jazz...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Chicago-based jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Stephen Parisi Jr. . On this episode, we dive into his outstanding debut 2026 album Buddy! , a deeply personal recording that pays tribute to the mentors, family members, musical communities, and experiences that helped shape his artistic voice. Originally from Buffalo , Stephe...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz guitarist, educator, author, and clinician Barry Greene . On this episode, we sit down with the Jacksonville, Florida-based guitarist to discuss his outstanding 2026 release Giants , a deeply personal recording that honors the legendary musicians who helped shape his artistic voice and lifelong relationship with ja...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring veteran guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, composer, and longtime SiriusXM personality Early Times . On this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 release Border Crossings , a dynamic recording that seamlessly blends jazz, blues, Latin rhythms, and American roots music into a vibrant and soulful musical statement. What...