Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Brooklyn-based jazz saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, educator, and performer Luke Norris. We caught up with Luke to discuss his new 2026 album, Moment from the Past, and his ongoing journey through the diverse worlds of jazz, Broadway, commercial music, composition, and education. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Berklee College of Music, Luke has built an impressive career as a versatile performer and creative artist. He maintains an active schedule performing across multiple musical genres while also operating a successful private teaching studio. As a sideman...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring accomplished jazz bassist, composer, arranger, and educator Matt Dwonszyk. We caught up with Matt to discuss his outstanding 2026 release, Live at the Side Door, and his remarkable journey through the world of jazz. Based in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, Matt has become one of the most sought-after bassists in New England. A graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz and holder of a master's degree from SUNY Purchase College, he has built a respected career as both a performer and educator. Today, he serves on the faculty of...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring veteran Delaware-based jazz pianist, composer, and improviser Ray Jozwiak. We caught up with Ray to discuss his latest 2025 album, Ray's Music, and his fascinating lifelong relationship with jazz, improvisation, and creative expression. The album features a collection of instrumental compositions filled with deep improvisation, adventurous musical ideas, and a personal artistic vision that reflects decades of musical exploration. While music was not his sole profession throughout his life, Ray has remained deeply committed to the art form and is now creating some of his most inspired work in...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Canadian jazz saxophonist, composer, educator, and researcher John Sweenie. We caught up with John to discuss his debut album, Mysticism for Intellectuals, and his unique journey through the worlds of jazz performance, composition, education, and scholarly research. Recorded live over two nights at the legendary The Yardbird Suite, the album features an all-star ensemble and captures the energy, spontaneity, and depth of modern jazz performance. Mysticism for Intellectuals exists at the fascinating intersection of rigorous study and intuitive expression, reflecting John's ongoing effort to reconcile analytical understanding with...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Brooklyn-based jazz pianist, composer, and improviser Yvonne Rogers. We caught up with Yvonne to discuss her compelling 2026 solo piano album The Button Jar, a deeply personal and imaginative recording inspired by childhood memories, creativity, and artistic exploration. Growing up in rural Maine, Yvonne often found herself immersed in nature and imagination, drawing inspiration from the world around her. One enduring image was the button jar kept by her artist mother—a collection of colorful, ordinary objects that could be transformed into endless creative possibilities. That powerful metaphor became th...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring legendary jazz keyboardist, composer, arranger, and bandleader Mark Adams. We caught up with Mark to discuss his acclaimed 2026 album This Is Neo-Soul, a powerful recording that celebrates the continuing evolution of soul, jazz, funk, and groove-based music while honoring the lasting influence of the late jazz-funk icon Roy Ayers. Released just over a year after Ayers' passing, This Is Neo-Soul brings together fifteen all-star musicians connected to the working bands of Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith, Luther Vandross, Gloria Gaynor, Gil Scott-Heron, and Chaka Khan. The project is...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Nashville-based jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Jon von Boehm. We caught up with this highly sought-after musician to discuss his remarkable new album Reflections, a project that stands as the culmination of decades of musical growth, artistic exploration, and personal storytelling. More than just an album, Reflections serves as a deeply personal statement, blending cinematic narratives, modern fusion, intricate compositions, and a desire to bring people together through the universal language of music. A masterclass in contemporary jazz fusion, the album showcases Jon's extraordinary bass work, layered...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with veteran Philadelphia-based jazz bassist, composer, and educator Peter Paulsen. We caught up with Peter to discuss the new 2026 TurksHeadKnot Quintet album Would'a...Could'a...Should'a... along with his long and fascinating journey through the worlds of jazz performance, composition, and education. The TurksHeadKnot Quintet has developed a distinctive musical identity by combining the discipline and structural precision of modern classical composition with the freedom, spontaneity, and expressive power of jazz improvisation. Their music creates a unique sonic landscape filled with adventurous interplay, sophisticated arrangements, and compelling original works. The...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz organist Pat Bianchi on his powerful new 2026 album Confluence. We originally caught up with Pat back in 2018 following a memorable performance at The Blue Room in Kansas City, and now we reconnect in 2026 to dive into a thrilling new chapter in his musical journey. Confluence is a high-energy organ trio recording that captures the raw immediacy and fearless creativity of three master musicians pushing themselves to the edge. Joined by two of New York City’s finest — saxophonist Troy Roberts and drummer Colin Stranahan — the album channe...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Russian-born, NYC-based jazz vocalist Anna Kolchina. We caught up with this rising jazz vocalist to discuss her beautiful new 2026 album Reach for Tomorrow and her remarkable journey through the world of jazz music. Born in the Soviet Union nearly 18 hours from Moscow, Anna’s early life was shaped by a deep fascination with horses — symbols of strength, grace, movement, and poetic freedom that would later influence her artistic voice and musical expression. Her path led through the music conservatory in St. Petersburg and eventually to Italy, where a life...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with up-and-coming Chicago-based jazz pianist, writer, and composer Julian Davis Reid. We dive deep into his outstanding 2026 album Vocation and his evolving journey in the world of jazz. Known for his acclaimed work with The Ju Ju Exchange and Isaiah Collier, Julian is steadily building a powerful artistic identity of his own through music that blends jazz, gospel, spirituality, storytelling, and emotional depth. Vocation is an immersive and richly layered exploration of sound and narrative rooted in jazz while reaching deeply into gospel traditions and collective human experience. The...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with veteran Faroe Islands-based jazz bassist and composer Arnold Ludvig. We caught up with Arnold to discuss the 2025 release of his quintet album Live @ Maggies '18, his remarkable journey through the music world, and winning the 2026 Faroese Music Award for Special Release of the Year. This powerful live recording documents music Arnold Ludvig composed across different chapters of his life, with songs written between 1993 and 2014 in Reykjavik, Montreal, Copenhagen, and Torshavn. The album beautifully weaves together Celtic folk traditions, modern Nordic jazz, blues influences, and African-American jazz into a...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz trombonist Joey Devassy of the Interplay Jazz Orchestra. We caught up with Joey to talk about the orchestra’s outstanding new 2026 album Bite Your Tongue, his personal journey into jazz, and the continuing evolution of the Interplay Jazz Orchestra. Formed in 2013 as an offshoot of the Hofstra Alumni Jazz Orchestra, the Interplay Jazz Orchestra emerged from a shared desire to create a more composer-driven vision for the modern jazz orchestra. Led by Joey Devassy and Gary Henderson, the ensemble operates as a true collective — showcasing original compositions and...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Matt Fillingham of the Back Alley Brass Band on their 2026 album Some Bright Morning. The popular Kansas City-based brass band returns with another vibrant and energetic project filled with music they’ve performed and developed over the last several years. Rooted in the spirit and swagger of New Orleans brass band tradition, Some Bright Morning captures the infectious live energy, soulful grooves, and celebratory atmosphere that has helped Back Alley Brass Band become one of the Midwest’s rising live music acts. In this conversation, Matt reflects on the...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and Kansas City jazz mainstay Alex Abramovitz on the new 2026 album Jumpin’ on Grand Live at Black Dolphin with his Swing’n Kansas City Jazz Band. We caught up with this veteran KC musician to discuss the rich Kansas City jazz scene, his longtime performances at iconic venues like the Green Lady Lounge and Black Dolphin, the making of this exciting live album, and the deep tradition of swing jazz that continues to thrive in KCMO. Recorded live at Black Dolphin on October 18, 2025 during one of t...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Mark Wade on his 2026 release New Stages with his trio on Dot Time Records. This latest project marks not only a brand-new album, but also a major turning point in Mark’s creative evolution — a moment where years of innovation, artistry, and experience merge with exciting future ambitions. New Stages is a collection of original jazz works inspired by treasured classical music that Mark has developed a deep personal connection with over many years, now reimagined through the lens of modern jazz trio...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Illinois-based jazz guitarist, composer, educator, and Fulbright Scholar Mark Tonelli. We got into his new 2026 album Brasiliana and his fascinating path through the world of jazz and Brazilian music. This breakthrough release blends the vibrant rhythms, melodies, and spirit of Brazilian music with the creativity and improvisation of contemporary jazz. Featuring an all-star Brazilian cast of musicians, Brasiliana is the result of years of cultural immersion, collaboration, travel, and musical exploration. Between 2022 and 2025, Mark made thirteen trips to Brazil. His first visit came as a Fulbright Scholar teaching...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz professor, musician, author, interviewer, and podcast host David Schroeder. We are honored to welcome David back to the show to discuss his moving new 2026 album A Kind of Gentle Light along with his fascinating work interviewing some of the most important figures in jazz history.

Following a landmark year spent in intimate conversations with 95-year-old jazz icon Sonny Rollins, the families of Duke Ellington and Stan Getz, and the inner circle of David Sanborn, this NYU Professor of Jazz Studies continues to bridge music, st...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Miami-based acclaimed jazz singer, educator, and performer Lisanne Lyons. We take a deep dive into her new 2026 release May I Come In along with her celebrated journey through the world of jazz.

Possessing a beautiful voice, a natural sense of swing, and a deep connection to the Great American Songbook tradition, Lisanne brings timeless jazz storytelling into a contemporary setting. For this project, she collaborated with arranger Mike Lewis to create lush orchestral arrangements performed by an outstanding jazz orchestra featuring some of Miami and Ne...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Montréal-based guitarist, composer, and bandleader Mike Bruzzese. We talked about his new 2026 album Another Space and his evolving career in the world of jazz.

This second album stands as a deeply collaborative and expressive project that captures the spirit of imagination, connection, improvisation, and shared artistry that shaped its creation. Another Space features an outstanding ensemble including Ben Solomon on tenor saxophone, Mike De Masi on bass, Adam Arruda on drums, and a special guest appearance by vocalist Laura Anglade performing Billy Strayhorn’s timeles...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Boston-based Grammy-nominated Palestinian cellist, composer, educator, and innovator Naseem Alatrash. We take a deep dive into his debut and new 2026 album Bright Colors On A Dark Canvas along with his remarkable journey through the world of music.

Naseem Alatrash is a groundbreaking artist whose music bridges Arabic traditions, Western classical music, contemporary jazz, improvisation, and cinematic storytelling. Through his work, he reimagines the cello as a leading voice in Arabic music — an instrument capable of lyrical beauty, emotional depth, improvisation, and storytelling beyond conventional boundaries.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz bandleader, vocalist, and storyteller Shenel Johns. We take a deep dive into her highly anticipated debut album Stars, arriving in Summer 2026, along with her career, upcoming performances, and artistic evolution.

This debut project marks a major milestone in Shenel’s journey following years of celebrated work as a featured jazz vocalist, ensemble leader, and performer with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Produced by Grammy-winning artist Kamau Kenyatta, the new release showcases her powerful voice, emotional storytelling, and bold artistic identity.

On May 16, She...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Boston-based veteran jazz guitarist, composer, and educator Phil Sargent. We got into his new 2026 album Slow Motions and his fascinating life in the world of jazz.

This new solo guitar album is less about technical display and more an invitation into stillness, reflection, and deep listening. Slow Motions reimagines jazz standards and original compositions through the lens of classical counterpoint, chromatic harmony, improvisation, and subtle emotional storytelling — capturing the guitar as a complete, breathing ensemble rather than a single instrument.

Over the course of his...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Brazilian jazz pianist, composer, and fusion artist Henrique Mota. We caught up with him from his base in Brazil to talk about his new 2026 release Waning Moon and his life in the world of music.

Waning Moon presents an intimate and contemporary approach to solo jazz piano, blending lyrical themes with rhythmic subtlety, harmonic depth, improvisation, and emotional storytelling. Henrique brings together influences from jazz, classical music, Brazilian rhythms, and fusion to create a deeply expressive and modern musical experience.

Henrique holds a deg...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring jazz vocalist Sivan Arbel and pianist Andrea Goretti.

We dive into their 2026 album Bazrima, a deeply expressive duo recording that captures the beauty of musical connection and creative flow. This marks Sivan’s first duo album with the acclaimed Italian pianist, creating an intimate and fluid sonic dialogue.

Bazrima means “flow” in Hebrew — a perfect reflection of the natural musical exchange between the two artists as they move seamlessly between composition and improvisation.

Their music explores both the tension and tenderness of modern lif...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City jazz organist, composer, and bandleader Chris Hazelton. We caught up with this very busy musician to talk about his new 2026 album In Rotation, his work with the Cory Weeds Duo covering Huey Lewis tunes, live performances, and much more.

Following up his acclaimed 2023 release After Dark, In Rotation explores time, texture, groove, improvisation, and mood through a distinctive instrumental lineup featuring Hammond B-3 organ, vibraphone, saxophone, and drums. The album showcases an exceptional lineup of Kansas City jazz talent including Brett Jackson on teno...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with UK-based jazz vocalist, pianist, songwriter, and performer Jeremy Sassoon. We caught up with him to talk about his new 2026 album Older and Wiser and his remarkable musical journey.

In the beginning, Jeremy attended medical school while continuing to play music — but ultimately music became his true destiny. Since launching his solo career in 2011, he has developed a distinctive and evocative style that blends jazz, blues, soul, storytelling, and heartfelt emotion. He is widely acclaimed for his soulful voice, dynamic piano playing, engaging stage presence, and ente...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with award-winning guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader Derrick Dove of The Peacekeepers.

We dive into his musical roots, the beginnings of the band, their evolution over the years, and their upcoming performance at Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. After years of building a strong grassroots following, Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers are having a major breakthrough moment, coming off top honors at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, where Derrick also earned the prestigious “Best Guitarist” award.

His musical story began on a ba...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Israeli composer, jazz pianist, arranger, songwriter, and independent producer Gregory Golub. From his base in Israel, we talk about his latest 2025 release, African and Other Jazz Passions, and his lifelong journey through the world of music.

This new album is an original world-inflected jazz fusion project created independently through his label, Gregory Golub Music Concept. His music stands at the crossroads of jazz, contemporary instrumental music, fusion, and genre-crossing composition, blending rich melodies, rhythmic exploration, and global influences into a deeply personal artistic statement.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Spanish-born, Sweden-based pianist, vocalist, and composer Alicia Lazaro about her debut 2026 album There is No End to Anything Round.

Her work blends piano, voice, and electronics with immersive visual elements, creating powerful soundscapes that explore the emotional connection between sound, space, and imagery. The result is a unique artistic experience that lives between neoclassical, art pop, and electronic music.

Alicia has premiered her work at renowned venues including National Concert Hall and Auditorio 400 at the Museo Nacional Reina Sofía.

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with jazz pianist and composer Darren Litzie about his 2026 album On My Own Time.

With over fifteen years of professional experience, Darren has performed in a wide range of musical settings and collaborated with world-renowned artists. From 2009–2010, he toured as a keyboardist with Andrew Strong, known for his role in The Commitments.

He has appeared on multiple recordings as a sideman and released acclaimed projects as a bandleader on Summit Records. On My Own Time stands as a powerful reflection o...

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we welcome back jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader Russ Spiegel to talk about his 2026 album Timepieces. After our first conversation in Spring 2025, Russ returns with a fresh collection of modern jazz compositions built around intricate rhythms and odd meters.

Featuring collaborators Tal Cohen, Vincent Dupont, and Brandon Lee Lewis, Timepieces showcases Russ’s signature approach as a composer, arranger, and producer.

Beyond this release, Russ has built a diverse career—performing everything from solo guitar to leading a 17-piece jazz orchestra, composing for...

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 Bloomington, Matthew picked up the guitar at age four, was performing live by eight, and leading his own band by eleven. His powerful blend of blues...

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, creativity, and spiritual exploration—delivered through breathtaking vocals and deeply personal lyricism.

We explore her artistic evolution, the creative process behind this new work, and her desire to create from a place of hon...

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 scene, Sarah is a three-time Austin Music Awards winner for “Best Jazz,” known for her expressive voice and deeply personal songwriting.

We explore her journey through music, her evolution as an artist, and the creati...

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 connection to the Great American Songbook. Over her career, she has interpreted works by legends such as George Gershwin, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Bill Evans, as well as modern icons like Sting and Joni Mitchell.

Spring marks her 17th album as a l...

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, and mambo to audiences around the world, keeping the spirit of his father alive while forging his own path.

We dive into his work with the YMU Jazz Collective in Miami, along wi...

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 composition, building on earlier projects like Latin Jazz Sessions. This new release reflects a deep love of jazz, collaboration, and musical storytelling.

We also explore his unique journey balancing a life in sc...

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 her evolution as a solo artist. After raising a family, she returned to school during the pandemic to earn a master’s degree in jazz—proving it’s never too late to pursue your pa...

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 into the highly anticipated “Tribute to Maurice White,” honoring the legendary founder of Earth, Wind & Fire. These special concerts will premiere new symphonic jazz arrangements by Marshall Gilkes, John Clayton, Derrick Hodge, and Vince Men...