Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series with Joe Dimino . On this episode, we talk with acclaimed  jazz vocalist, songwriter, and arranger Kristina Koller  about her bold and creative 2025 album,  Walk on By . On this fourth album as a leader, Kristina offers a  fresh, genre-blending interpretation of the Burt Bacharach songbook , breathing new life into timeless hits while hon...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz interview series  featuring the acclaimed  Grammy-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater  and decorated  jazz pianist Bill Charlap . We caught up with this powerhouse duo to discuss their stunning new 2025 collaborative album,  Elemental . As two of the most respected figures in modern jazz, their partnership showcases a masterful understanding of the jazz...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  award-winning NYC-based composer, drummer, bandleader, and educator John Sturino . We caught up with him in 2025 to discuss his dynamic new album  Blow Globe , a genre-blending work that fuses instrumental jazz, classical textures, electronic elements, and singer-songwriter sensibilities. The project— recipient of the 2024 Chamber...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  Montreal-based jazz vocalist Mira Choquette . We reconnect with Mira in 2025 to explore her stunning new album  Hier Encore —a rich and heartfelt collaboration with acclaimed  Armenian jazz pianist Samvel Gasparyan . A gifted  multilingual singer , Mira brings fresh life and global flair to timeless jazz classics, putting her own s...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  Portland-based jazz pianist and composer Mike Prigodich . We talk with Mike about his brand new 2025 album  Stage Magic  and the realization of a lifelong dream— becoming a jazz musician . Known for his  innovative compositions  and  high-energy performances , Mike’s music reflects deep influence from jazz greats like  Chick Corea...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  Boston-based jazz guitarist John Stein . We catch up with him in 2025 during a prolific chapter of his career, marked by the release of  two standout albums — Among Friends  and  Next Gen . These new recordings showcase Stein’s versatility, deep groove, and commitment to both honoring tradition and embracing fresh musical perspecti...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  award-winning jazz singer Candice Hoyes . We catch up with this Harlem-based visionary to talk about her brand new 2025 single  Far Away Star , released in the spirit of  Jazz Appreciation Month . The song pays heartfelt tribute to  Duke Ellington , blending classic jazz influences with a  contemporary sound . On this powerful trac...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with  NYC-based, award-winning singer and actress Ute Lemper . We caught up with her to discuss her 2025 album  Pirate Jenny , a powerful tribute to composer  Kurt Weill  in honor of his  125th birthday . With this album, Ute aims to introduce Weill’s iconic music to a new generation, blending rich history with modern resonance. Renowned...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Canadian trombonist and composer  Nicholas Adema . We caught up with him to discuss his dynamic 2024 album  Urban Chaos —a bold and wide-ranging project that brings together his jazz quartet, guest  tenor saxophonist Noah Preminger , a string quartet, and a host of collaborators. Known for his versatility and sonic curiosity, Ade...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series featuring  Grammy-nominated saxophonist Antonio Hart . We talk with him ahead of his upcoming performance at the legendary  Flushing Town Hall  in Queens, NY on  Friday, June 20, 2025 . Teaming up with acclaimed vocalist  Antoinette Montague , this special show will celebrate jazz tradition while embracing bold improvisation and soulful...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring  Grammy-nominated/Grammy-winning trombonist Alan Ferber  and acclaimed  cellist/composer Jody Redhage Ferber . We caught up with this dynamic couple to dive into their heartfelt 2025 album  Confluence —a deeply personal and collaborative project that includes Alan’s brother,  Mark Ferber , on drums. The album captures the spirit...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz pianist, composer, and arranger Sujae Jung, alongside double bassist Wolf Robert Stratmann.  We caught up with this Korean-German contemporary jazz duo to talk about their latest 2025 release,  Tree Huggers  — their second EP together. The project features four original compositions that explore themes of nature and memory, all w...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series with Kansas City-based jazz violinist Adam Galblum of Hot Club KC. We last spoke with Adam back in 2019, and we're thrilled to reconnect in 2025 to talk about his brand-new album  Dream Dancing . With a fresh batch of performances at The Black Dolphin and a regular gig schedule around Kansas City, Adam continues to push boundaries with h...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series featuring Jazz Multi-Grammy-nominated bandleader Pete McGuinness discussing his 2025 album  Mixed Bag . With over two decades of collaboration, Pete and his jazz orchestra continue to explore a wide spectrum of styles and genres. This is the fourth CD from the ensemble, showcasing Pete’s deep love for musical diversity — from swing to mo...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with  Cincinnati-based jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and music educator Ben Tweedt . We caught up with Ben to discuss the release of his  2025 debut album "Life Cycle" , a compelling exploration of jazz through personal and musical evolution. From his early classical training in  Brunswick, Ohio , and  Counc...

 Welcome to a  very special edition  of the  Famous Interviews  &  Neon Jazz  series with  Multi-Grammy nominated bandleader, arranger, and jazz vocalist Pete McGuinness . Based in New York, Pete shares insights into his latest album  "Mixed Bag" , blending masterful jazz with bold innovation. 🎧  BONUS: A Hall of Fame-Worthy Conversation As the interview wraps, we dive into Pete’s deep love for t...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed  Brooklyn-based jazz vocalist and composer Sabeth Pérez  about her stunning 2025 album  Searching For Beauty  and her remarkable journey in the arts. Known for her  crystal-clear voice, emotive storytelling, and rich blend of jazz and South American folklore , Sabeth has performed with world-class...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with  renowned jazz vocalist Gillian Margot  and  Grammy-winning pianist Geoffrey Keezer . We dive into their creative partnership, the story of how they met, their journey through music and life together, and their  latest release —the fourth installment of their voice-piano duo project on their own imprint lab...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with  Renowned New York City-based Jazz Educator, Composer, Arranger, and Pianist Rich Shemaria . With decades of experience and collaborations with musical legends like  Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder , and  Michael & Randy Brecker , Rich has become a powerful creative force in the global jazz scene. We dive into his...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with  Veteran Bay Area Jazz Composer and Pianist Doug Wyatt  about his new 2025 release,  Days of Gypsy Nights , and his remarkable journey in the world of jazz. Known for  blending jazz and classical music into a transformative “third thing” , Doug’s latest album contrasts fiery improvisation on piano, saxophon...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series! On this episode, we talk with acclaimed  jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader Alex Chadsey  of  Duende Libre . We caught up with him to explore the band’s powerful 2025 album  Invocation , a soulful and globally inspired project that reflects on the vulnerability, universality, and resilience of the human experience. Duende Libre— thr...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series! In this episode, we speak with New York-based French-American jazz singer  Laura Anglade  about her brand-new 2025 release,  Get Out of Town  — an elegant, 11-track journey through the timeless world of American jazz standards. Recorded with some of the world’s finest musicians, this album revisits classics by  Cole Porter ,  Richard Ro...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with  critically-acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer Janie Barnett . We dive into her latest 2025 release,  Under My Skin: Cole Porter Reimagined  — a soulful tribute to the timeless music of  Cole Porter , and a heartfelt nod to the woman behind his genius, his mother  Kate Porter , who passionately supp...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with  Toronto-based jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader Steve Holt . A true veteran of the jazz scene, Steve shares insights into his latest project with  Steve Holt’s Jazz Impact Quintet  and their dynamic  2025 album  IMPACT . This bold new release is a  celebration of fresh, original jazz compositions , re...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. In this episode, we talk with  Swedish experimental singer, improviser, and composer Sofia Jernberg . Known internationally for her  avant-garde vocal techniques  and fearless exploration of sound, Sofia is redefining what the human voice can express. We caught up with her ahead of her appearance at the  Park Avenue Armory Artists Studi...