Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with award-winning Bulgaria-based jazz vocalist, poet, composer, and educator Gergana Velinova. In this episode, we dive into her remarkable musical journey and her powerful new 2026 album, Free.

Now her seventh album, Free is a deeply personal project shaped by motherhood, resilience, transformation, and the search for freedom through music. Gergana blends contemporary jazz with bossa nova, blues, Brazilian music, and lyrical ballads, creating an intimate and soulful listening experience that invites the listener into her world.

Gergana believes that a song truly begins its...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Bay Area bassist, guitarist, arranger, composer, producer, and recording engineer Frank Swart, the creative force behind the acclaimed jazz fusion band Funkwrench Blues.

In this episode, Frank joins us to discuss his exciting 2026 album, This Is the One! (raison d'être), a vibrant recording co-produced with Brian Brinkerhoff that blends jazz, funk, blues, rock, and improvisational music into a bold and expressive listening experience. The album showcases the band's adventurous spirit, dynamic musicianship, and commitment to pushing creative boundaries.

Frank also reflects on h...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed Brazilian jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader Sergio Pereira. In this episode, we explore his outstanding 2026 album, Colors of Time, along with his remarkable musical journey from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to New York City, where he has continued to shape his distinctive voice in contemporary jazz.

Born and raised in Rio, Sergio began playing acoustic guitar at just eight years old, inspired by his older brother and immersed in the rich musical traditions of bossa nova, samba, and Brazilian jazz. Growing up during the...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring legendary New York City-based jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Tom Kennedy. One of the most respected bassists in modern jazz, Tom returns to the show to discuss his outstanding 2026 album, The Summit, released on Autumn Hill Records.

On his seventh solo recording, Tom presents an exciting collection of original compositions and arrangements that showcase an expansive range of grooves, styles, and contemporary jazz influences. The Summit features an all-star lineup of musicians, including Dave Weckl, Terell Stafford, Stu Mindeman, Bob Franceschini, Ryan Devlin, and many...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger, and bandleader Rich Willey. In this episode, Rich returns to the show to discuss his vibrant new 2026 album, Laid Back, Vol. 1, along with his recent move from North Carolina to West Virginia, the creative process behind the record, life as a working jazz musician in America today, and what's next on his musical journey.

Laid Back, Vol. 1 is an uplifting and genre-crossing release that seamlessly blends modern jazz, reggae, Latin grooves, world music, and sophisticated big band arrangements into a...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring UK-based jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Michael Bede Dunlop.

In this episode, we dive into Michael's debut album as a leader, Bede (2026)—a beautifully crafted recording that bridges the rich traditions of Northumbrian folk music with the adventurous spirit of Scandinavian-influenced contemporary jazz.

Recorded at The Old Church Studios in the quiet village of Thropton, Northumberland, Bede was born from an unexpected period of reflection during the COVID-19 lockdown. Returning to his native Northeast England, Michael immersed himself in centuries-old Northumbrian tune books, in...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Los Angeles-based composer, actor, producer, and arranger Laurent Ziliani.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into Laurent Ziliani's remarkable 2026 album, Anyone Can Whistle: A Sondheim Journey—a stunning jazz reimagining of Stephen Sondheim's timeless love songs. Drawing music from nine of Sondheim's legendary Broadway musicals, the album blends big band jazz, intimate vocal performances, lush orchestration, and sophisticated harmonies into a heartfelt tribute to one of musical theater's greatest composers.

The project also marks several major milestones in Laurent's career. It is...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Montréal-based drummer, composer, and producer Alexis Martin.

In this episode, we dive into Alexis Martin's 2026 debut as a bandleader, Les pôles Volume 1, a stunning instrumental jazz recording that marks the beginning of an ambitious new series of albums. Long celebrated for his work in film and television scoring, Alexis brings a cinematic vision to modern jazz, creating music that is atmospheric, emotional, and deeply personal.

The title Les pôles Volume 1 reflects the idea of transformation. Much like the Earth's magnetic pol...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring musician, producer, DJ, and Jazztronica creator Samir (FKAjazz) Zarif.

Six years after our last conversation in the summer of 2020, Samir returns to Neon Jazz to discuss his captivating new 2026 EP, Intrepid Sun: You Are the Sun, Again, along with the evolution of his groundbreaking musical vision, becoming a father, creating in modern-day America, and what's next in his ever-expanding artistic journey.

As the founder of Jazztronica, Samir has developed a distinctive sound that blends jazz improvisation, electronic music production, cinematic storytelling, visual art...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring New York City-based jazz pianist, keyboardist, composer, and arranger Kevin Du.

In this episode, we catch up with one of jazz's exciting emerging voices to discuss his beautiful 2026 album, Somewhere, a Butterfly Sings, along with his remarkable musical journey that spans continents, cultures, and genres.

Born in Chicago and raised in China, Kevin discovered music at an early age as a powerful means of expression, connection, and storytelling. Today, he has become a highly versatile artist whose work effortlessly moves between jazz, classical...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring pianist Christophe Magnan-Bossé and vocalist Roxane Reddy of the acclaimed Montreal-based Greenhouse Ensemble.

In this episode, we dive into the making of the ensemble's captivating 2026 album, Mezzanine—a bold and immersive recording that pushes the boundaries of contemporary jazz through rich orchestration, collective composition, and genre-defying creativity.

Greenhouse Ensemble has developed a distinctive sound by blending voice, piano, violin, trumpet, and a dynamic rhythm section into a musical landscape that is both intimate and cinematic. Their music bridges contemporary jazz, classical music, folk tra...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring jazz singer, visual artist, and cultural architect Tamara Rivelle.

In this episode, we connect with Tamara from her home base in Nashville, Tennessee to discuss her upcoming 2026 album, Love Letters, her heartfelt single “My Superman,” and a remarkable creative journey spanning music, art, education, and community building.

“My Superman” is a deeply personal reflection on Tamara’s father following his recent diagnosis with Alzheimer’s disease, transforming love, memory, family, and resilience into a powerful musical expression.

Originally from Pittsburgh and now based in...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Phoenix-based jazz drummer, composer, and dentist Dr. Scott Sadlon.

In this episode, we dive into Scott's captivating 2026 album, Songs from Thin Air, an adventurous recording built entirely around the spirit of spontaneous improvisation. By day, Dr. Scott Sadlon practices dentistry after earning his bachelor's degree in biology and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from The Ohio State University. By night, he is one of Phoenix's most creative jazz musicians, performing with top local artists and producing imaginative recordings.

For Songs from Thin...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring pianist/composer Ruthie Dineen and bassist/composer Andrew Lion, the creative forces behind Negative Press Project.

In this episode, we reconnect with Ruthie and Andrew—whom we first interviewed back in 2018—to discuss their ambitious new 2026 album, Cycles I, created in collaboration with the acclaimed Friction Quartet. The project marks the fifth album from Negative Press Project and expands their musical vision into a stunning chamber-jazz experience that blends post-bop jazz, postmodern classical music, and fearless contemporary composition.

Andrew joins us from Bend, Oreg...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed New York City jazz pianist, composer, educator, and arranger Ted Rosenthal.

A longtime friend of Neon Jazz, Ted returns to discuss one of the most ambitious projects of his career—his remarkable four-album collection, Trios in 4 Acts. In this conversation, we take a deeper dive into the inspiration behind the complete series and the artistry that connects each recording.

The collection concludes with The Good Old Days, following the acclaimed releases:

...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Mexican-born jazz bassist, composer, arranger, vocalist, and educator Gabriel Espinosa.

From his home base in Iowa, Gabriel joins us to discuss his outstanding 2026 release, The Brazilian Project—a vibrant recording that celebrates the rich traditions of Brazilian music, Latin jazz, and contemporary jazz while showcasing his signature warmth, lyrical compositions, and world-class musicianship.

Born in Mérida, Mexico, Gabriel's musical journey began at the age of six on the guitar before switching to bass. As a teenager, he performed with his brothers Víctor...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz guitarist, composer, and returning guest Tomas Janzon.

We welcome back a good friend of the show to discuss his remarkable 2026 album, Jazz Diary—a deeply personal project that captures the everyday creative process behind his music.

The inspiration for Jazz Diary came from early morning practice sessions, late-night musical discoveries, and quiet coffee breaks where Tomas would sketch melodic ideas with a 2B pencil onto the same four-sided sheets of paper he carries wherever he travels. Over time, these handwritten musical jo...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz pianist and composer David Janeway.

In this episode, we talk with David about his outstanding 2026 live album, Live at the Blue Llama Jazz Club, featuring an all-star trio with legendary bassist Robert Hurst and master drummer Billy Hart. Recorded live at Ann Arbor, Michigan's renowned Blue Llama Jazz Club in June 2024, the album captures Janeway at the height of his artistry, blending deep swing, blues, lyricism, and modern jazz into a powerful live performance.

Born and raised in Detroit, David Janeway...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Kansas City-based jazz musician, composer, vocalist, and creative visionary E.E. Pointer. We caught up with E.E. to discuss his compelling new 2026 album, Downstream Impressions, an imaginative collaboration with poet and storyteller James Benger, along with new music planned for later in 2026 and his ever-evolving creative journey.

Downstream Impressions blends original jazz compositions with the rich poetry of James Benger, whose thought-provoking words explore humanity, nature, and the cosmos. Their artistic partnership began years ago while performing together with the River Cow Cosmic Orchestra...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Indianapolis-based saxophonist, composer, arranger, and bandleader Sean Imboden.

In this exclusive interview, Sean discusses his ambitious 2026 album, Uncharted Realms, the highly anticipated follow-up to his ensemble's acclaimed debut, Communal Heart. After earning widespread praise—including a 4-star review from All About Jazz—Sean and his remarkable big band return with a bold new collection that pushes the boundaries of contemporary large ensemble jazz.

Uncharted Realms reflects the continued evolution of Sean's kaleidoscopic compositional style and the extraordinary chemistry of an ensemble committed to inno...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed Brazilian jazz pianist, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Ricardo Bacelar.

In this exclusive interview, Ricardo discusses his inspiring 2026 album, Maracanós, a remarkable collaboration with legendary Brazilian percussionist and composer Airto Moreira. Bringing together two of Brazil's most celebrated musical voices, Maracanós blends the rich traditions of Brazilian music, jazz, Latin rhythms, and contemporary improvisation into a vibrant and unforgettable listening experience.

Ricardo's musical journey began at an early age, shaped by influences ranging from classical music and jazz to the diverse so...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed Bay Area jazz vocalist Faye Carol, one of the most respected and enduring voices in American jazz, blues, and gospel.

In this exclusive interview, we celebrate the release of her outstanding 2026 album, Forever Dynamic—a 20-song collection that showcases the depth, soul, and emotional power that have made Faye Carol a treasured musical force for decades. Blending jazz, blues, gospel, soul, and the Great American Songbook, Forever Dynamic is a fitting milestone in a remarkable career that continues to inspire audiences.

Though sh...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and educator Helen Sung, celebrating the release of her stunning 2026 album Oracles.

Marking her big band recording debut, Oracles is a sweeping musical statement of freedom, unity, gratitude, and hope. At a time when the world faces division and uncertainty, Helen channels the enduring spirit of jazz—a music built on inclusion, collaboration, and creative expression. Through richly orchestrated compositions and inspired improvisation, Oracles reminds us that every voice has a place at the table.

The album also serves as...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with Colombian jazz pianist, composer, and visionary Holman Alvarez, discussing his stunning 2026 album Uarli’s Bones. This bold new recording blends mythology, memory, and contemporary jazz into a deeply expressive musical journey, featuring an all-star quartet with Patricia Brennan (vibraphone), John Hébert (bass), and Kate Gentile (drums).

Recorded at East Side Sound Studio in Manhattan on May 30, 2024, the album was engineered by Rocky Russo and mixed and mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Marc Urselli. Uarli’s Bones explores ancient narratives and modern tensions through adventurous impro...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring co-authors Robert Pallitto and John Melendez, discussing their acclaimed 2026 book, Whistle Stop: The Life of Kenny Dorham.

In this fascinating conversation, we take a deep dive into the first full-length biography of legendary jazz trumpeter Kenny Dorham—one of the most influential yet often overlooked architects of modern jazz. From his roots in rural Texas to the forefront of the bebop revolution, Dorham's remarkable story is finally given the depth and attention it deserves.

Political science professor Robert Pallitto joins forces with his so...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with South Carolina-based jazz trumpeter, composer, educator, and cultural documenter Matt White.

In this episode, we dive into his captivating 2026 album Dolly, a self-produced recording that reimagines the timeless songs of Dolly Parton through the lens of modern jazz. The project bridges Southern musical traditions with adventurous improvisation, offering a fresh perspective on one of America's greatest songwriters while highlighting the enduring connection between jazz, folk, country, and Appalachian musical heritage.

Beyond the recording, Matt discusses his multifaceted career as Chair of Jazz Studies...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed pianist, educator, jazz advocate, and club owner Spike Wilner.

In this special episode, Spike gives us an exclusive tour of Jazz Cultural, one of New York City's newest and most exciting jazz venues, located on legendary Restaurant Row just steps from Times Square. More than just a jazz club, Jazz Cultural is a vibrant performance space, community gathering place, and educational hub dedicated to preserving and advancing the rich tradition of jazz.

Inspired by the legendary Barry Harris and his beloved Jazz...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with North Carolina-based jazz guitarist, composer, and educator Adam Rose.

In this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 album Holler Serenade, a bold recording that brings together Asheville's vibrant jam band spirit with the sophistication of straight-ahead jazz. Recorded live in a single day with minimal preparation, the album embraces spontaneity, groove, and musical interaction, capturing the excitement of musicians creating in the moment.

Built around dance-driven rhythms, adventurous improvisation, and melodic storytelling, Holler Serenade showcases Adam's unique musical voice—one shaped by more th...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Toronto and New York-based jazz guitarist Vladimir Redzic.

On this episode, we dive into his impressive debut 2026 album, First Time Around, and explore the musical journey that led to this exciting first release as a bandleader.

Rooted in the jazz tradition while embracing a fresh, contemporary voice, First Time Around showcases Vladimir's expressive guitar playing, thoughtful compositions, and deep appreciation for musical conversation. The album features acclaimed pianist Steve Ash, whose masterful performances add depth, swing, and sophistication throughout the recording.

...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Los Angeles-based pianist, composer, producer, and Latin Grammy-nominated artist Joachim Horsley.

On this episode, we dive into his captivating new 2026 single, "Havana Prelude," the first release leading up to his highly anticipated new album arriving later in 2026. The recording marks the first time Joachim has reimagined the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff through the vibrant rhythms and traditions of Caribbean music, continuing his acclaimed mission of blending classical masterpieces with Afro-Caribbean musical languages.

Since a life-changing trip to Cuba in 2015, Joachim has developed a...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Brooklyn-based jazz pianist, improviser, and composer Phillip Golub.

Phillip returns to Neon Jazz after our first conversation in April 2020 to discuss his compelling new 2026 album, Partisan Ship. Emerging from the transformative experiences of the past several years, the album is a deeply imaginative work that blends contemporary jazz, free improvisation, modern classical influences, and adventurous composition into a sound world that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant.

Partisan Ship is an extraordinary recording—systematic yet spontaneous, grounded yet otherworldly. Its intricate mu...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with New Jersey-based fusion jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader Adam De Lucia.

On this episode, we dive into his ambitious new 2026 project, The Man Who Would Be King, a recording that brings together decades of musical study, performance, composition, and artistic reflection into one fully realized statement.

Adam's path into jazz fusion began not simply through the genre itself, but through an exploration of musical structure, harmony, rhythm, and improvisation. During a decade of one-on-one study beginning in 1995, he immersed himself in a musical...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with veteran jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader Jeff Cosgrove.

On this episode, we discuss the launch of Two Jeffs, the first installment in an ambitious four-part digital album series scheduled for release over the next year. The project celebrates longtime friendships, creative partnerships, and the spirit of improvisation through a stellar ensemble featuring Jeff Lederer on saxophone, clarinet, flute, and vocals, Mark Lysher on bass, and Tom Teasley on percussion.

Unlike many jazz artists who settle in major music centers, Jeff has intentionally built...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Diana Fernandez, YMU Studio Manager and Internship Coordinator in Miami, Florida.

On this episode, we explore the inspiring work happening at YMU Studio, a one-of-a-kind multimedia recording studio that gives students across Miami-Dade County free access to professional music production, recording, and real-world music industry education.

As YMU Studio Manager, Diana oversees every step of the student recording experience—from studio sessions and production to electronic press kits (EPKs), music distribution, publishing rights, and industry internships. What makes the program truly unique is it...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City-based jazz French horn player, pianist, composer, and improviser Loren Broaddus.

On this episode, we dive into his compelling 2026 album Blackout and explore his evolving musical journey in one of America's greatest jazz cities.

Originally from Springfield, Missouri, Loren began playing piano at age six before discovering the French horn at eleven. Since relocating to Kansas City in 2023, he has quickly become an active presence on the local jazz scene, performing at renowned venues including The Blue Room, Corvino, Vine Street Brewing...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Los Angeles-based vocalist, composer, producer, and multidisciplinary artist Sharada Shashidhar.

On this episode, we dive into her captivating 2026 album A Foot on the Ground and explore her unique artistic journey through jazz, Indian classical music, experimental sound, and contemporary composition.

Released on Colorfield Records, A Foot on the Ground was recorded at Lucy's Meat Market Studio with engineer Pete Min and features an outstanding lineup of collaborators, including acclaimed pianist Benny Bock, Grammy-winning drummer Mark Guiliana, and saxophonist Devin Daniels.

Sharada's...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed St. Louis-based guitarist, composer, and recording artist Todd Mosby and Grammy Award-winning producer Jeff Weber.

On this episode, we take a deep dive into the ambitious and inspiring 2026 album American Heartland, a musical journey designed to capture the soul, spirit, beauty, and character of Missouri through a remarkable blend of contemporary jazz, folk, New Age, acoustic guitar, blues, and jazz-rock influences.

Created with a vision of assembling world-class musicians to tell a uniquely American story, American Heartland features an extraordinary cast of...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed New Jersey-based jazz trumpeter, composer, educator, and bandleader Ted Chubb.

On this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 live album, Live at the Statuary – Jersey City, and explore a remarkable career devoted to performance, education, and building a thriving jazz community.

For more than two decades, Ted Chubb has been a driving force in the Jersey City jazz scene. As a bandleader, composer, artistic director, educator at Princeton University, and co-owner of The Statuary, he has helped create a vibrant home for li...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Finland-based composer, arranger, and bandleader Jussi Lampela.

On this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 album, Common Ground, an immersive musical journey that blends contemporary jazz, ambient music, and electronica into a rich and cinematic listening experience. The album showcases Lampela's unique compositional voice, seamlessly combining atmospheric textures, sophisticated jazz harmony, orchestral sensibilities, and modern production.

Known for his work across film, television, and the concert stage, Jussi has built an impressive career composing, orchestrating, and arranging music for ensembles of every...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with India-born, New York City-based jazz vocalist Jaana Narsipur. On this episode, we explore her captivating new 2026 album, The Re-Collection, a fresh and imaginative jazz interpretation of beloved 1980s pop classics. Featuring inspired arrangements of songs by Kate Bush, Eurythmics, Joe Jackson, and other iconic artists, Jaana transforms familiar favorites into sophisticated modern jazz performances filled with swing, improvisation, and emotional depth.

Following her acclaimed 2022 debut album, Better Than Anything, which showcased original arrangements honoring jazz legends Horace Silver and Bob Dorough, Jaana continues to establish...