Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed roots, blues, and rock artist Matthew Curry about his 2026 Spring/Summer  One For The Ride  Tour and new album of the same name. The tour kicks off at Knuckleheads Saloon on May 21, 2026—launching a run of shows that celebrate a life built on the road and in the music. Born and raised in Bloomingt...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with Montreal-based, JUNO Award-winning jazz vocalist Dominique Fils-Aimé about her 2026 album  My World Is The Sun . This project marks the second chapter in a powerful trilogy that began with  Our Roots Run Deep  in 2023. Blending jazz, soul, and blues, the album reflects Dominique’s deep commitment to freedom...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with Austin, Texas-based singer, songwriter, and former Jitterbug Vipers leader Sarah Sharp. We dive into her upcoming 2026 album  Deja Vu , releasing May 15, a genre-blending project that weaves together jazz, folk, and Americana into a cinematic and emotionally rich soundscape. A staple of the Austin music sce...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with nine-time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton about her 2026 album  Spring , a beautiful voice-and-piano collaboration with acclaimed pianist Tamir Hendelman. Widely regarded as one of the most expressive voices in contemporary jazz, Tierney is known for her masterful storytelling and deep connect...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with Latin musician, percussionist, bandleader, songwriter, and producer Tito Puente Jr.. As the son of the legendary Tito Puente—known as “El Rey de los Timbales” and “The King of Latin Music”—he continues a powerful musical legacy. Tito Puente Jr. brings a high-energy fusion of jazz, Latin, salsa, merengue, an...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with Andover, Massachusetts-based jazz composer, songwriter, and pianist Ron Rieder. We dive into his 2026 album  Compositions in Blues and Other Hues , a collection of eleven straight-ahead jazz tunes brought to life by an inspired group of musicians. Known for his work as a pianist, Ron has expanded into compo...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with San Diego-based jazz keyboardist and composer Hindy Bare. We dive into her debut 2026 album  Jillo , a powerful and personal project inspired by Jill Ker Conway, the first female president of Smith College. Hindy shares her journey through jazz and blues, including her work with guitarist Fuzzy Watkins and...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz  interview series. On this episode, we talk with award-winning jazz conductor, composer, producer, and radio host Mitch Glickman. His diverse career spans film, concerts, opera, and recordings. He is the founder and music director of the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra and serves as Director of Music Programs for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. We dive int...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz singer, songwriter, actress, and charismatic entertainer Rachel Sutton. We dive into her brand-new 2026 album  Realms , a project that captures the magic of her live performances while adding rich studio nuance and musical depth. Rachel shares insights into her journey through jazz, her work on international stages, and how her t...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with international jazz pianist, composer, and humanitarian Monika Herzig about her 2026 album  Transparent . Known for blending artistry with purpose, Monika continues her tradition of using music as a platform for meaningful expression.  Transparent  is a deeply personal and powerful instrumental project that co...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer Jeff Lederer about his 2026 album  There’s a Yearnin’ . In a career defined by bold artistic choices, this project stands as one of his most ambitious statements — a powerful convergence of jazz and notated music that brings important, under-heard works back into the spo...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed pianist Alex Wilson and guitarist Omar Rios about their 2026 album  The Art of the Deep Connection . This standout debut from an exceptional acoustic duo brings together Alex Wilson — a celebrated pianist, producer, and composer — with London-based Nicaraguan master guitarist and composer Omar Rios....

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Argentina-born, New York-based pianist, composer, and bandleader Emilio Solla. A Latin GRAMMY Award winner and six-time GRAMMY nominee, Emilio dives into his 2026 album  Handmade  — a powerful statement on the value of human creativity in an age of artificial convenience. More than just a collection of songs,...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Minneapolis-based jazz vocalist and songwriter Leslie Vincent. We dive into her 2026 album  Little Black Book , a captivating release that showcases her lyrical imagination, warm alto tone, and magnetic presence as one of today’s most distinctive jazz voices. Her award-winning songs explore modern-day questions while staying deep...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring respected orchestral double bassist and composer Sue Cahill. We catch up with Sue to discuss her 2026 album  Evanstonia , a compelling debut that bridges the worlds of classical structure and jazz freedom. Known for her work on the classical recital stage, she has also emerged as a jazz composer gaining attention across Colorado...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring NYC-based jazz songwriter, arranger, producer, and bandleader Dewey Huang. We dive into his latest single  “With A Touch” , a beautifully layered neo-soul / R&B love song centered on intimacy, vulnerability, and the emotional complexity of modern romance. The track features expressive vocals from Doria Li, bringing depth and nuan...

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,...