Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz clarinetist Todd Marcus of the Baltimore Jazz Collective. We dive into the formation of this powerful ensemble and their self-titled 2025 debut album — a project that captures the soul, swing, and spirit of one of America’s most musically rich cities. Founded by trumpeter Sean Jones, the group reflects the deep mus...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Vancouver-based jazz vocalist and songwriter Daphne Roubini. We dive into her 2026 album  Whiskey Scented Kisses , a beautifully crafted release that blends original compositions with timeless jazz standards. Inspired by the phrasing and harmonic richness of 1940s and ’50s vocal jazz, the album delivers a sound that feels classic...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Miami-based jazz producer and radio host Gene De Souza. We caught up with Gene to talk about his work with Gafieira Rio Miami and their vibrant 2026 album  Beleza Pura  — a title that translates to “Pure Beauty.” This exciting release, co-produced by Gene and Diogo Brown, features 10 tracks that capture the joyful, rhythmic, and...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City-based singer and songwriter Delynia Jannell. This rising artist began singing at just two years old and grew up in Kansas City, developing her voice in the church at Bethel Church of God in Christ, where her father later became pastor. With strong support from her parents, Elder James C. Bailey Jr. and Janet V. Bailey, Del...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Indianapolis-based jazz vocalist Rebecca Rafla. We dive into her 2025 album Fundamentally Unfinished and her evolving journey in the jazz world. Known for her warm tone, lyrical phrasing, and deep respect for tradition, Rebecca is quickly emerging as a compelling new voice in modern jazz. Drawing inspiration from classic vocalists whi...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC-based jazz pianist and composer Tom Oren. We dive into his 2026 album Dark Lights on Anzic Records, along with his roots in Tel Aviv and a rapidly rising international career. This trio recording showcases an extraordinary blend of boundary-pushing technique, deep musical imagination, and a rare ability to tell vivid, emotional st...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with multi-award-winning vocalist and saxophonist Vanessa Collier. This powerhouse blues artist is a 2026 Blues Music Awards Triple Nominee and brings her electrifying energy to the stage on her year-long  Keep It Saxy Tour . She recently rolled through Kansas City with a standout performance at Knuckleheads on April 9, 2026. In this inter...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz bassist, composer, and arranger Corcoran Holt. We dive into his powerful 2026 release  Freedom of Art , a deeply personal and expressive sophomore album that reflects transformation, family, and the enduring spirit of freedom at the heart of jazz. Throughout his career, Corcoran has performed...

Welcome to a special edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with a bit of a curveball. During the recording of Episode 953 on April Fool’s Day 2026, Neon Beat host and creator John Christopher flipped the script and asked Neon Jazz host & creator Joe Dimino to reflect on the lore, legacy, and lasting impact of legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk. What followed was an insightful, spontaneous,...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with legendary Kansas City-born, Los Angeles-based jazz singer, pianist, and composer Betty Bryant. At the remarkable age of 96, Betty returns with her 2026 album  Nothin’ Better to Do  — a recording that radiates the natural confidence of a seasoned club performance, where the music speaks for itself. With a storyteller’s instinct and dee...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Yelena Eckemoff. Known for her richly imaginative musical storytelling, Yelena returns with her 2026 album  Rosendals Garden —a stunning trio project inspired by the natural beauty, history, and quiet magic of Sweden. Set for worldwide release on March 27, 2026, this 11-t...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with trumpeter and advocate Jeffrey Nussbaum and celebrated drummer Bobby Sanabria. We dive into the powerful story behind the 2026 album  From My Shiny Imagination: Music by Sam Baum , a project that brings heart, purpose, and extraordinary musicianship together. Jeffrey shares the inspiring journey of his son...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with Latin Grammy Award-winning percussionist and composer Samuel Torres. Born in Bogotá, Samuel has built an extraordinary international career, blending Latin rhythms with jazz sophistication and classical textures. We caught up with him to discuss his 2024 album  A Dance for Birds , a deeply personal and visi...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with musicians Kyle Nasser and Nick Jost of the Brooklyn-based trio Triple Blind. Formed during the COVID-19 lockdown, Triple Blind brings together longtime collaborators Kyle Nasser, Nick Jost, and drummer Peter Kronreif—musicians who had been performing together in various settings for over a decade before off...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  with Boston-based jazz guitarist  Matt Greenwood . We caught up with Matt to talk about his  2026 album, Daybreak , and his life in his new American home of Boston. Matt’s sophomore release builds on the artistic promise of his 2023 debut,  Atlas , showcasing his growth as a composer and guitarist. The nine-track album blends  modern jaz...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  with acclaimed jazz saxophonist  Rob Scheps . We caught up with Rob to discuss a busy and exciting 2026, including his upcoming  Kansas City performance at Upcycle Piano Craft on Sunday May 17, 2026  with the Brad Gregory Sextet. Rob will be performing on soprano saxophone and flute, while also contributing original compositions to the s...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with San Francisco-based jazz trumpeter, composer, producer, and bandleader Cameron Washington of Lazy Californians. We caught up with Cameron to dive into his 2026 debut album  Back to San Francisco , a high-energy project that blends the spirit of New Orleans jazz and brass band traditions with the vibrant pul...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring acclaimed jazz pianist  Brian Haas  of the New Orleans band  Nolatet . We dive deep into their latest 2026 album,  Somethin’ to Relax With , exploring the laid-back vibes, swinging grooves, and the inspiration behind the music. Brian joins legendary musicians  Mike Dillon  (vibraphone),  James Singleton  (bass), and  Johnny Vid...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with emerging Harlem-based jazz and soul vocalist Alicia Waller. We caught up with Alicia to dive into her debut album  Louder Then , a dynamic project that blends jazz, soul, and R&B into a deeply expressive and modern sound. Co-produced by Marcos Varela—known for his work with the Mingus Big Band, Billy Hart,...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with veteran British jazz guitarist Mitch Dalton. Known as one of the U.K.’s most in-demand studio musicians, Mitch has built a remarkable career working alongside legends like Herbie Hancock, Ella Fitzgerald, Wayne Shorter, Peggy Lee, and Quincy Jones. We caught up with him just outside London to talk about his...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with Canadian jazz trombonist, vocalist, and composer Audrey Ochoa. We caught up with her to dive into her 2026 album  The Sorceress , a vibrant fusion of jazz, electronica, swing, and pop that reflects the many influences shaping her evolving sound. Having first connected during the uncertainty of 2020, Audrey...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with NYC-based jazz saxophonist and composer Caroline Davis. We caught up with her to discuss her 2026 album  Fallows , along with her evolving creative process, upcoming tour, and what it means to make music in modern America. On this deeply personal and exploratory release, Caroline presents her debut solo wor...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with NYC-based veteran drummer, in-demand musician, and jazz leader John Clay. We caught up with John to discuss his first album as a leader,  About Time  (2026), along with his long and evolving journey through the world of jazz. Known for his creativity, fluid rhythmic feel, and ability to move seamlessly acro...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with jazz couple and dynamic duo LehCats—featuring Karen Stachel and Norbert Stachel. We caught up with them to discuss their 2026 album  Live at the Breakroom , recorded with legendary percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo. Norbert, a versatile saxophonist and multi-woodwind player, is known for his unique voice as bo...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with Chicago-based actor, vocalist, pianist, music director, and conductor Isabella Isherwood. We caught up with her to discuss her debut 2026 album  The Sweetest Sounds , and a promising career that continues to expand across stage, screen, and music. A dynamic and versatile performer, Isabella has trained at T...