Neon Jazz Interviews

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...

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...