Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz saxophonist and flutist Steve Wilson about his 2026 album  Enduring Sonace . On this beautiful new project, Steve reflects on a lifetime of lyrical and deeply felt songs drawn from jazz, pop, and film—music that lingers in the imagination long after the final note fades. The album features an...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with educators and musicians from the acclaimed Meridian Arts Ensemble — Daniel Grabois and Tom Curry. We take a deep dive into their fascinating new release  The Zappa House Concert , a historic recording that captures a private 1996 performance by the Meridian Arts Ensemble at the Los Angeles home of legendary...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series . On this episode, we talk with acclaimed Austin, Texas–based jazz trumpeter Jeff Lofton. We caught up with Jeff to talk about his 2026 album  ATX Rhythm  and his remarkable journey in the world of jazz. This new project is a love letter to his adopted home state of Texas, blending original compositions with collaborations and interpretat...

In honor of the big 950th Episode of Neon Jazz, Show Engineer and long-time friend John Christopher chimes in on the 15 years of radio and interviews. The true maestro and pilot of The Neon Beat has some thoughts, stories and reflections. Neon Jazz is a radio show and interview series created and distributed since 2011. Hatched & Hosted by Joe Dimino out of Kansas City, Missouri. The series has be...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring seasoned singer, guitarist, and composer Billy Brandt. We caught up with Billy to talk about his 2025 album  The Lucky Hustle & The Side Show Shuffle  and his long journey in music. His sound carries a working-class appeal that radiates grit, charm, and a storyteller’s soul. With a voice often described as  dark roasted coffee...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring acclaimed jazz guitarist Dave Stryker. We caught up with Dave to talk about his 2026 album  Blue Fire: The Van Gelder Session , a powerful new recording that captures his trio at the legendary Van Gelder Studio for the first time. Dave first made his mark in jazz working with icons like Jack McDuff and Stanley Turrentine before...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring Ottawa-based bandleader, vocalist, and trombonist Steve Berndt. We caught up with Steve to talk about his new 2026 album  Heart of Hearts , a project that explores themes of  love, honesty, and emotional connection  through jazz. The eleven-track release features  eight original compositions  along with inventive jazz interpret...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring South Florida–based jazz guitarist  Tom Lippincott . We caught up with Tom to talk about his new 2026 album  Ode to the Possible  and his journey through the world of jazz guitar, education, and musical discovery. Tom’s path in music began at the age of 17 when his first guitar teacher,  Randy Wimer , introduced him to both cla...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring Philadelphia-based jazz pianist and composer  James Fernando . We caught up with this prodigiously talented artist — known for equal parts mischief and mastery — to talk about his 2026 album  Philly 3  and his adventurous life in music. This is James’ sixth album overall and his powerful debut recording with his working trio. T...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring Chicago-based jazz trumpeter and bandleader  Sam Robinson . We caught up with Sam on February 27, 2026 — release day for his brand-new album  Chasin’ the Dream . The record is out now on  Miles High Records , the label founded by jazz musician, author and educator  Mark Sherman . Chasin’ the Dream  features: Sam Robinson – Trum...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Jazz Vocalist, Composer and Bandleader Katie Bull discussing her powerful 2026 album The Hope Etudes. We reconnect with Katie more than a decade after her first 2015 appearance on Neon Jazz to explore a project shaped by survival, reflection and profound artistic evolution in a post-pandemic world. Set for release on April 10, 20...

Welcome to a new edition of the  Neon Jazz Interview Series  featuring acclaimed pianist, composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist  Lionel Cole . We caught up with Lionel in Australia to talk about his latest independent release  Small Town, Vol. 2  — a deeply personal, genre-blending journey of jazz, soul and storytelling. Lionel comes from one of America’s most iconic musical families. He is...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Atlanta-based jazz multi-instrumentalist  Larry Douglas . He returns in 2026 with a bold and unique EP,  Music Speaks for Me , blending electric jazz, R&B, and both new and old school hip-hop into a dynamic sonic vision. Rooted in his philosophy of “sound painting,” Larry creates layered, expressive compositions that reflect both pers...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Michigan-based jazz pianist, composer, performer and educator Rick Roe. In this engaging episode, we dive into a dynamic 2025 that saw the release of two standout albums,  Wake Up Call  and  Tribute , the latter celebrating the music of Gregg Hill. A respected force in the southeastern Michigan jazz community, Rick Roe continues...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Kansas City-based Jazz Singer, Drummer and Radio Host David Basse discussing his powerful 2025 live album  War Within . Recorded at the iconic Kulak's Woodshed, this intimate and emotionally charged performance captures David on drums and vocals alongside pianist Stuart Elster and acoustic bassist Lester Hughes. The idea to bring...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring veteran Los Angeles-based jazz singer and pianist Mark Christian Miller. In this in-depth conversation, we explore his fourth album as a leader,  Strange Meadowlark , a richly textured and emotionally resonant release that builds on the momentum of his critically acclaimed 2022 album  Music in the Air . On  Strange Meadowlark , M...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview series. We caught up with Austin-based award-nominated multi-instrumentalist, vibraphonist, percussionist, and composer Carolyn Trowbridge to talk about her debut 2026 album  Found Memories  and her dynamic life in music and education. A vital force in the Austin, Texas music scene, Carolyn’s new release features her regular quartet, expanded wit...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. We talk with Toronto jazz vocalist, composer, and arranger Alex Samaras about his 2025 Juno-nominated album  Alex Samaras Meets Judy Garland  and his remarkable journey in the music world. As a child, Alex spent hours in the basement of his family home singing along to Judy Garland recordings. The intensity and emotional power of  Judy Ga...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. We talk with jazz trumpeter and composer Dave Douglas during a historic blizzard in New York about his powerful 2026 album  Transcend , out April 24, 2026 via Greenleaf Music. This new release continues Douglas’ deep exploration of legacy, spirituality, and ensemble innovation. The album features his all-star GIFTS Quintet, including Down...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring UK pianist  Paul Edis  and San Francisco-based vocalist  Noa Levy . We dive into their 2026 album  Portrait in Evans , out March 20, 2026 via  Dot Time Records —a lyrical reimagining of the music of  Bill Evans . Rather than simply interpreting Evans’ compositions as standards repertoire, the duo transforms some of his most harmo...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with NYC-based jazz trumpeter and composer  Glenn Makos . We caught up with this seasoned New York player to talk about his new 2025 CD  Arrowsic , released on  Stop Time Records , and his lifelong journey through the world of jazz. Inspired by Glenn’s passion for coffee roasting,  Arrowsic  reflects the distinctive flavors of beans source...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring cultural historian, educator, and author  John Gennari . We dive into his 2025 book  The Jazz Barn: Music Inn, the Berkshires, and the Place of Jazz in American Life . Dr. Gennari is a Professor of English and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at the University of Vermont and an American Studies–trained U.S. cultural historian spe...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Indiana-based, award-winning jazz pianist, composer, arranger and educator  Scott Routenberg . We dive into his 2025 release  Scott Routenberg Trio Live at Merriman’s Playhouse: Oscar Peterson Tribute , a powerful live recording honoring the legendary  Oscar Peterson  and celebrating the timeless swing and virtuosity that defined...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring British jazz guitarist  Joe Steels . We dive into his 2026 CD  A Blue Patch  and his evolving career in music. Rooted in the northern landscapes of Cumbria and Northumberland, this project draws deep inspiration from countryside heritage, tradition, and a strong sense of place. Joe continues to establish himself as one of the mos...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring saxophonist, clarinetist and composer  Aaron Irwin  discussing the 2026 album  Spark . The Aaron Irwin Trio brings together guitarist  Mike Baggetta  and drummer  Bill Campbell  in a unique bass-less trio format that prioritizes melody, space and texture. The group blends chamber-like intimacy with Americana-rooted language and m...