Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, arranger, educator, and bandleader Ben Markley . On this episode, we discuss his outstanding 2026 big band release Tuesday Morning Feeling , a recording that showcases his evolving artistic vision, masterful compositions, and distinctive approach to modern jazz orchestration. Ben's musical journe...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Kansas City jazz saxophonist, composer, educator, and bandleader Matt Otto . On this episode, we discuss his highly anticipated 2026 album Ephemeral , scheduled for release on June 26, 2026. Even before its release, the project has already received recognition for its stunning album artwork created by acclaimed visual artist Phil...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Billboard-charting artist, author, musician, and podcaster Miist . On this episode, we discuss the launch of her inspiring 2026 initiative, The Love Project , including the new single and video Love Will Show Us Our Way , along with her remarkable journey through music, writing, and personal transformation. Miist's story is one o...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring South Korea-based jazz bassist, composer, educator, and bandleader Sean Pentland . On this episode, we discuss the powerful 2026 release Windward , recorded by The Pentland/Bergonzi Quartet , featuring legendary saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi , Sean Pentland, pianist Julian Shore , and drummer Jongkuk Kim . More than just a recording...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Ukraine-based jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Carlo Muscat . This marks Carlo's third appearance on Neon Jazz, and it is always a privilege to document another chapter in the evolution of one of contemporary European jazz's most compelling voices. On this episode, we discuss his powerful 2026 release, That's About It ,...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Orlando-based rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter Alex Kilroy . On this episode, we dive deep into Alex's powerful debut 2026 album, Break My Chains , a project rooted in freedom, persistence, self-discovery, and finding his own authentic voice. Alex's story is as compelling as his music. Growing up in the Transylvan...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring San Francisco-based independent jazz artist, vocalist, composer, and recording artist Eki Shola. In this episode, we discuss her captivating 2026 album Dare to Love Free and the remarkable life experiences that have shaped her music and artistic vision. Born in London to Jamaican parents and raised in a musical family, Eki later...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Canadian jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader Emie R. Roussel. In this episode, we catch up with Emie to discuss the beautiful and thought-provoking 2026 album TERR. Rooted in our shared humanity and collective history, TERR explores the connections that unite us while reflecting on both the strength and fragility of...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Chicago-based jazz trumpeter, composer, educator, and rising star Ella Grace. In this episode, we discuss her remarkable debut album, Figments, released through Shifting Paradigm Records. The project features seven original contemporary jazz compositions that showcase Ella's distinctive voice as both a composer and bandleader. Jo...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz organist, composer, songwriter, and recording artist Larry Goldings. In this episode, we discuss the highly anticipated 2026 album Rhombus, featuring Larry's legendary trio with guitarist Peter Bernstein and drummer Bill Stewart. After 35 years of musical collaboration, the trio continues to set the standard for mo...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Shawn Lovato. In this episode, we discuss his acclaimed 2026 release, Biotic, a bold and imaginative project that redefines the possibilities of the chordless tenor trio. Joining Shawn on the album are celebrated tenor saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and drummer Henry Mermer. Together, they crea...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and creative visionary Maria Grand. In this episode, we discuss her powerful and deeply personal 2026 release, Both Sides, along with her artistic journey, live performances, creative process, and perspectives on music and culture in 2026. As her fourth full-length album, Both Sid...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Cory Combs, Executive Director of the Stanford Jazz Workshop, discussing the highly anticipated 54th Annual Stanford Jazz Festival. In this conversation, Cory takes us through his journey from Wichita to one of the most respected positions in jazz education and presents a comprehensive look at the six-week celebration of music, c...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Brooklyn-based jazz pianist, composer, improviser, and sonic explorer Luke Marantz. In this episode, we discuss his mesmerizing 2026 release, Echoes, and take a deep dive into his journey through jazz, improvisation, composition, and modern music. Created alongside bassist and guitarist Simon Jermyn, Echoes presents a c...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Los Angeles-based jazz vocalist, songwriter, performer, and recording artist Sylvia Brooks. In this episode, we dive into her sixth album, Soliloquy, and explore a remarkable creative journey shaped by music, acting, storytelling, and artistic expression. Raised by parents who were both musicians and artists, Sylvia gre...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring married jazz collaborators, guitarist Al Schulman and vocalist Stacey Schulman. In this episode, we dive into their thought-provoking new 2026 album, Crazy World, and explore their shared journey through music, creativity, collaboration, and life together. Created during a period marked by cultural upheaval, rapid technological c...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist, songwriter, bandleader, entrepreneur, and former club owner Marcus Goldhaber. In this episode, we discuss his outstanding 2026 album, The Promise of You, along with his fascinating journey through the world of jazz, performance, songwriting, and club ownership. On his sixth recording as a leader, Marcus p...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, bandleader, educator, and longtime New York jazz fixture Dave Schumacher. In this episode, we dive into the new 2026 Cubeye album, Agua Con Gas, while exploring Dave's remarkable four-decade journey through the world of jazz. For more than 40 years, Dave Schumacher has been a vital...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Pittsburgh-based jazz and world music composer, vocalist, songwriter, and cultural explorer Laura Chu Wiens, better known as AurallaurA. In this episode, we discuss her fascinating 2026 release, The Critique of Capital: An Engaging Revue, along with her unique path into music, composition, performance, and global cultural explora...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring accomplished Florida-based jazz composer, educator, and recording artist Scott Lee. In this episode, we discuss his ambitious and genre-defying 2026 album, Greetings from Florida: Postcards from Paradise, a compelling musical exploration of the myths, realities, beauty, and contradictions that define Florida. This innovative song...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz trombonist, composer, educator, and bandleader Ron Wilkins along with trombone virtuoso, composer, and collaborator Rebecca Patterson. In this deeply moving and inspiring conversation, we discuss their powerful 2026 album, The Vigil and The Sleeping Giant, a project that explores the nature of time, resilience, hea...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed Philadelphia-based jazz vocalist Eddie Bruce. We caught up with Eddie to discuss his first full big band recording, For Dreamers and Their Dreams , a project that represents a major milestone in a career dedicated to great songs, great performances, and the timeless spirit of swing. The album features the 17-piece Ed Ve...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Pete Mills. We caught up with Pete to discuss his outstanding 2026 album, This Is Now , a recording that reunites a working group whose musical chemistry has been developing for more than two decades. Joining Pete on this remarkable project are guitarist Pete McCann, bassist Ma...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Danish-born guitarist, composer, and global musical storyteller Jacob Gurevitsch. We caught up with Jacob to discuss his beautiful 2026 release, Dream Catcher, along with his fascinating musical journey, creative philosophy, and the wisdom gained through a lifetime of exploration, travel, and artistic discovery. Over the years, J...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed Chicago-based jazz guitarist Bobby Broom. We caught up with Bobby to discuss his moving 2026 release, Notes of Thanks, a heartfelt tribute to his mentor and jazz giant Sonny Rollins. The album reunites Bobby with longtime trio collaborators Dennis Carroll and Kobie Watkins as they explore and celebrate the rich musical...