Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  Jazz Saxophonist, Composer, and Educator Jordan VanHemert . We dive into the release of his powerful new 2025 album,  Survival of the Fittest , marking his  fifth critically acclaimed  project. This release features a stellar lineup, including  Terell Stafford , producer  Michael Dease ,  Helen Sung ,  Rodney Whitaker , and  Lewis...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series.  In this episode, we speak with acclaimed  NYC-based Jazz Saxophonist and Composer Jed Levy  as he discusses his brand-new 2025 album,  Faces and Places , and reflects on a remarkable  40+ year career in jazz . A fixture on the  New York jazz scene , Jed has performed and recorded extensively as both a bandleader and sideman. His impres...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series.  In this episode, we talk with acclaimed  LA-based jazz singer Jeffrey Gimble  as he shares stories behind his brand-new 2025 album,  Brand New Key , and reflects on a rich, creative life shaped by music, theater, and family. Raised in a  jazz-loving household in Houston, Texas , Jeffrey grew up during the 60s and 70s surrounded by swin...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with acclaimed  Canadian Jazz Cellist George Crotty  about his 2025 album  Heart Music . A boundary-breaking artist, George has developed a distinct cello vocabulary that bridges jazz, world music, and chamber influences. Formed in 2019 in Brooklyn, the  George Crotty Trio (GC3)  creates multicultural chamber ja...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with  Jazz Woodwind Doubler, Composer, Arranger & Educator Saul Dautch  about his compelling new 2025 album  Music for the People  and his dedicated life in jazz. Currently based in the NYC/NJ area, Saul is best known for his mastery of the  baritone saxophone  and his versatility across woodwinds. A native of D...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with  Jazz Composer & Arranger Mike Thompson  about his debut 2025 album  6th Avenue  and his evolving journey in the world of jazz. Recorded at  Q Division Studios  in Cambridge, Massachusetts,  6th Avenue  showcases Mike’s big band leadership at just twenty-something years old. Drawing on connections made duri...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with jazz pianist/composer  Florian Hoefner , saxophonist  Mike Murley , and bassist  Jim Vivian  of the  Atlantic Jazz Collective  about their highly anticipated 2025 debut album,  Seascape . This stunning modern jazz release features the internationally renowned  vocalist Norma Winstone  and legendary  drummer...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with  Jazz Vocalist, Composer, Educator & Bandleader Raquel Marina . We dive into the making of her  debut album,  Kind Words  — a heartfelt blend of  jazz and folk influences , featuring original compositions inspired by her personal journey and deep musical roots. Raised with a foundation in  classical piano  ...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with  Andrew Richards  — Contemporary Jazz Vocalist, Composer, and Songwriter — about his new 2025 release,  A Wondrous Toy . A heartfelt blend of original compositions, folk melodies, and timeless standards, the album is a true labor of love that reflects his deep musical roots. Born and raised in  Vermont  and...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with Seattle-based jazz vocalist  Heather Ward  about her brand-new 2025 CD  Gilded and Silver . With a smokey, sultry alto and years of experience, Heather brings depth, elegance, and emotional nuance to every note she sings. We explore the artistry behind her latest album, her lifelong dedication to jazz, and...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. We talk with acclaimed jazz drummer  Joe Farnsworth  about his 2025 album  The Big Room  — a powerful tribute to the inspiration and wisdom passed down from jazz legends. The term “The Big Room” was first introduced to Joe by the great  Max Roach , during a memorable night at NYC’s famed Bradley’s, as they watched the incomparable  Bill...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we speak with Jazz Bassist, Composer, and Educator  Philip Ravita  of Ravita Jazz. We explore his new 2025 CD  Alice in Blue  and his dynamic career as one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most versatile and in-demand bassists. In addition to performing with jazz legends like  Jimmy Heath ,  Bobby Shew ,  Claudio Roditi , and  Rub...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with UK-based Jazz Singer and Songwriter  Hannah Brine  about her upcoming 2025 album,  Blue Sky Now . Rooted in modern jazz sensibilities, the album draws influence from iconic singer-songwriters like  Carole King ,  Norah Jones , and others, blending heartfelt lyrics with a contemporary jazz feel. We dive into...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  San Francisco-based vocalist, songwriter, and producer Masha Campagne . We caught up with Masha to talk about her beautiful new 2025 album,  Alegre Menina , and her journey through jazz and beyond. On her  fourth studio release , she delivers heartfelt tributes to legendary Brazilian songwriters and iconic singers, weaving her sign...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  Jazz Singer Paula Saunders  of  The Freedom Affair . We talk about their powerful new  2025 self-titled album , a record that sharpens their focus on a rich fusion of  Muscle Shoals and Memphis Soul , continuing their nearly decade-long journey rooted in vintage soul. The album is earning rave reviews for its bold vocals and passio...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  British-Nigerian singer & songwriter Ola Onabulé . We first caught up with Ola in April 2020. Now, he returns to talk about life back in the studio and on the road — this time celebrating the release of his powerful 2025 album,  Proof of Life . In collaboration with Swiss guitarist  Nicolas Meier ,  Proof of Life  explores rich, cu...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. We catch up with longtime friend of the show and internationally acclaimed  jazz trumpeter Hermon Mehari , now based in Paris but deeply rooted in  Kansas City’s jazz scene . In this episode, we talk about his  exciting 2025 , filled with  new music ,  live performances , and  creative collaborations . We dive into: 🎶  Soul Song  – his...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series featuring Italy-based jazz double bassist and composer  Pietro Paris . In this engaging conversation, we explore his dynamic new 2025 album  Folk Traffic —a bold blend of  jazz improvisation and theatrical composition , rooted in years of collaboration and creative exploration. This project showcases Pietro's unique voice in the modern j...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with  Minneapolis-based Jazz Bassist and Composer Ted Olsen . We dive into the details behind his latest 2025 album,  Violette , released on the hometown label  Shifting Paradigm Records . Violette  is described as an  ambitious fusion of jazz, chamber music, and songwriting —a project rich with  melody, harmoni...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with  Grammy-nominated Jazz Pianist, Composer, and Musical Innovator Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol . We caught up with this veteran artist to explore his compelling new 2025 release,  7 Shades of Melancholia —an album that features the brilliant  trumpeter Ingrid Jensen  and showcases his signature fusion of global influe...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with  rising jazz star, singer, and songwriter Paloma Dineli Chesky . Based in New York City, Paloma is making waves with her  debut album  Memory —a stunning collection that blends  jazz-inflected acoustic originals ,  classic covers , and a  voice that could stop traffic . The album features  six original song...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with  Bandleader and Saxophonist Carol Sudhalter  and  Vocalist Keeley Mitchell  of the  Jazz Jam All Stars . They join us to preview the  5th Annual Jazz Jam All Stars Concert  happening on  July 9  at  Flushing Town Hall  in New York City. This special concert will feature  ten outstanding jazz musicians , sel...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series with Joe Dimino . In this episode, we talk with veteran New York City jazz composer and saxophonist  Dave Anderson  about his reflective new 2025 release,  In Lieu of Flowers . Backed by his  NYC-based quartet , this heartfelt album honors the legacy of jazz icons  Wayne Shorter  and  Maria Schneider , while also paying tribute to the  mu...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series with Joe Dimino . In this episode, we talk with  Edmonton-based jazz pianist and composer Joshua Banks  about his exciting  2025 debut album,  Para Sayo . An  emerging voice in contemporary jazz , Joshua Banks has already begun making waves with his thoughtful compositions and dynamic style. The music on  Para Sayo  was  refined over two...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series with Joe Dimino . On this episode, we talk with  veteran jazz pianist Michael Cain  of the  Zoo Too Trio  about their genre-defying debut album  Poetry Legroom , out now on  Shifting Paradigm Records . From his part-time base in  Minnesota , Michael opens up about his collaborative work with  guitarist Keith Price  and  drummer Pheeroan a...