Neon Jazz Interviews

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...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz pianist Ted Rosenthal. We dive into his 2026 release  The Good Old Days , part of his ambitious  “Trios in 4 Acts”  series—an expansive collection of recordings featuring his two working trios. These sessions were recorded in the summer of 2024 and released in installments beginning in March...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with Italian jazz pianist Federica Colangelo. We caught up with her from Rome to discuss her latest work with her trio  Acquaphonica , including their fourth album  Forward . Her music is defined by continuous exploration—blending jazz with 20th-century European and American classical influences, along with the...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with big band leader, orchestrator, arranger, and film & TV composer Dave Slonaker. Based in Los Angeles, Dave has built a dynamic career creating music for film, television, and the jazz world. We dive into his 2026 album  Shifty Paradigms , a project that showcases his deep understanding of big band arranging...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, and scholar Dave Wilson. We dive into his 2026 release  When Evan Goes East , a project that continues his exploration of sound at the intersection of avant-garde jazz, experimental music, and groove-driven styles like R&B and electronic music. Dave’s work is known f...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with storied jazz pianist and vocalist James Judson. We dive into his powerful 2026 album  Songs of My Dreams , a project that marks an extraordinary return to music after a 30-year hiatus. James began performing at just five years old and quickly found success, winning singing contests and playing local venues...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with GRAMMY-winning jazz pianist, composer, and arranger John Beasley. We dive into his upcoming 2026 album  Invisible Piano , releasing May 8, 2026—a bold and immersive project that explores the creative mind of a composer and arranger, featuring the acclaimed SWR Big Band. John is also touring with his ensembl...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with jazz composer David Cieri about his work on the 2026 documentary  THOREAU . This highly anticipated film by legendary filmmaker Ken Burns premieres on March 30, 2026, and features an all-star cast including George Clooney as narrator, Jeff Goldblum as Henry David Thoreau, Meryl Streep as Margaret Fuller, an...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with New Orleans–based jazz clarinetist and composer Benjamin Cousins. We dive into his debut 2026 album  What We Dream It To Be , a forward-looking and reflective project that reconnects with the optimism of childhood while exploring the power of honoring dreams and realizing their full potential. From his root...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with Kansas City–based jazz saxophonist, singer, and songwriter Nneoma Lanea. We caught up with this rising jazz artist to talk about her Kansas City roots, musical influences, dreams, and what the future may hold. From her early passion for music to becoming part of the vibrant jazz culture of Kansas City, Nneo...