Neon Jazz Interviews

Neon Jazz Interviews - The Finest Jazz Musicians From All Over the Globe

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 been Engineered and generously supported by John Christopher over thirteen years, hundreds of episodes and thousands of interviews. We celebrate the glory days right on into the innovations of modern players. The aim is to tell the rich story of jazz through the voice of the musician and provide an enticing kaleidoscope of sound and stories. We are always celebrating one of America's finest inventions .. Jazz. Dig in ..

  1. 7h ago

    Luca Falomi & Anaïs Drago: Exploring the 2026 Album ¡Gracia! & Their Career

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Italy-based guitarist Luca Falomi and violinist Anaïs Drago! We caught up with these acclaimed musicians to explore their 2026 album, ¡Gracia!, the story behind their musical partnership, and the creative vision that brought their new trio together. Joined by accordionist Fausto Beccalossi, Falomi and Drago make their debut as a trio with a distinctive sound that draws from jazz, classical music, and diverse folk traditions. The result is a project that feels both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly contemporary. On a poetic level, ¡Gracia! takes inspiration from Federico García Lorca, the celebrated Spanish poet associated with the cultural ferment of the early twentieth-century avant-garde—a time when music, poetry, and visual art came together in visionary and revolutionary ways. In this conversation, we explore the origins of the trio, the making of ¡Gracia!, their diverse musical influences, and the ideas that shape this compelling collaboration. It's a fascinating meeting of musical worlds, artistic expression, and creative imagination. 🎧 Get the album ¡Gracia!:https://anaisdrago.bandcamp.com/album/gracia  For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Luca Falomi & Anaïs Drago: Exploring the 2026 Album ¡Gracia! & Their Career

  2. 1d ago

    Guitarist & Oudist Mustafa Dill on Love Unfold the Moon & the Art of Free Improvisation

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with guitarist and oudist Mustafa Dill, returning to the show with new music from the 2026 project Love Unfold the Moon: Hidden Promises in Joined Terrains, Apex Emerging. We caught up with Mustafa about a year ago, and now he's back with fresh material and new ideas to explore. This conversation takes us inside a fascinating musical world where free jazz, open improvisation, and collective creativity come together in unexpected ways. Working within the lineage of free jazz, this semi-acoustic improvising ensemble embraces a distinctly process-oriented approach to music. Rather than imposing a fixed structure from the beginning, the musicians start with open improvisation and allow composed material to emerge organically through sustained listening, interaction, and discovery. Mustafa Dill first emerged in the mid-1990s with acoustic solo work that brought together flamenco and free improvisation. His continuing musical evolution reflects a restless creative spirit and a willingness to explore the spaces between tradition, experimentation, and spontaneous expression. In this return visit to Neon Jazz, we discuss the new project, his ongoing artistic journey, the relationship between composition and improvisation, and the musical conversations that unfold when musicians truly listen to one another. If you're drawn to adventurous guitar, the expressive voice of the oud, experimental jazz, and music that refuses to stand still, this is an interview to dig into. 🎧 Get the album:https://loveunfoldthemoon.bandcamp.com/album/hidden-promises-in-joined-terrains-apex-emerging For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Guitarist & Oudist Mustafa Dill on Love Unfold the Moon & the Art of Free Improvisation

  3. 2d ago

    Acclaimed Jazz Veteran Jerry Z on Break Allegro, Hammond B3 Soul & Jazz-Funk Grooves

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed veteran Hammond B3 organist and composer Jerry Z. Dig this conversation as we explore Break Allegro, Jerry Z’s debut album as a leader, released in 2026, and the colorful musical journey behind a career fueled by soulful grooves, fiery improvisation, and a deep connection to jazz, blues, and funk. Jerry Z is a seasoned musician whose story runs through some exciting corners of the music world. After spending many years based in New York, where he became a familiar presence on the city’s jazz scene, he now calls Austin, Texas, home. Along the way, he has established himself as both a compelling bandleader and a sought-after collaborator. He is particularly known for his work with The Headhunters and guitarist Oz Noy, and his musical résumé spans an impressive range of jazz, funk, soul, and blues artists. His collaborations and performances have included Mike Clark, Melvin Sparks, Delbert McClinton, Mark Whitfield, NEA Jazz Master Donald Harrison, and many more. In this interview, we get into the making of Break Allegro, his Hammond B3 approach, years of experience on the New York jazz scene, international touring with his own trio, and the musical connections that have shaped his remarkable career. From deep-pocket grooves to adventurous solos, Jerry Z brings the kind of organ-driven energy that keeps jazz swinging and evolving. 🎹 More Jerry Z:https://www.jerryzmusic.com/ For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Acclaimed Jazz Veteran Jerry Z on Break Allegro, Hammond B3 Soul & Jazz-Funk Grooves

  4. 3d ago

    NYC Rising Jazz Vocalist Ekep Nkwelle on Caged Bird, Maya Angelou & Her Jazz Journey

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC-based rising jazz vocalist, composer, and bandleader Ekep Nkwelle. Dig into the story behind Caged Bird, her powerful debut album of 2026, and discover the personal journey, musical roots, and artistic vision shaping one of jazz’s exciting emerging voices. Inspired by Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Caged Bird explores the journey from sorrow toward inspiration. Its themes of human suffering, resilience, freedom, and the pursuit of a better future give this project a deeply meaningful emotional foundation. Ekep’s ability to move and inspire audiences began early. At just 12 years old, she was already leading worship, developing the expressive power that would become central to her artistry. Her love of jazz grew while attending Washington, D.C.’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts, where classical vocal training helped shape her musicianship and distinctive approach to performance. In this conversation, we explore her early influences, the road from gospel and classical training into jazz, the inspiration behind Caged Bird, and the experiences that have shaped her growing career as a singer, composer, and bandleader. This is a conversation about music with meaning, the courage to find your voice, and the transformative power of jazz. 🎙️ Learn more about Ekep Nkwelle:https://www.ekepnkwelle.com/ For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    NYC Rising Jazz Vocalist Ekep Nkwelle on Caged Bird, Maya Angelou & Her Jazz Journey

  5. 4d ago

    Saxophonist & Bandleader Victor Solano on Sundate, Jazz Messengers & Brooklyn Jazz

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Brooklyn-based jazz tenor saxophonist and bandleader Victor Solano. Dig this conversation as we explore Victor’s 2026 album, Sundate, his journey through the world of jazz, and his emergence as a bandleader with a sound and vision all his own. Born and raised in the Marcy Houses in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, Victor brings his roots, musical instincts, and deep appreciation for jazz tradition to the forefront. Sundate marks his debut as a bandleader, adding a fresh voice to today’s evolving jazz landscape. Leading a dynamic sextet inspired by Art Blakey’s 1981 Jazz Messengers, Victor pairs catchy, memorable horn lines with an adventurous, step-up-and-show-out approach to improvisation. The result is a group built for bold solos, tight ensemble playing, and the kind of energy that keeps jazz moving forward. Victor Solano’s sextet features: Victor Solano — tenor saxophone | Alfredo Colon — alto saxophone | Carter Yasutake — trumpet | Jonathan Paik — piano | Steve Williams — bass | Justin Henry — drums We talk about his Brooklyn upbringing, his musical development, the making of Sundate, the influence of jazz legends, and what it means to build a career in today’s jazz world. If you love hard bop, swinging sextets, powerhouse horn lines, and the next generation of jazz artists, this is an interview to dig into. 🎷 Get the music and follow Victor Solano: Website and album information: https://victorsolanomusic.com/new-page Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vic_escobar_/ Listen to the music: https://orcd.co/zayin For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Saxophonist & Bandleader Victor Solano on Sundate, Jazz Messengers & Brooklyn Jazz

  6. 4d ago

    Olya Prohorova of Fugu Dugu Interview | Bucky Wanko and The Legend of Baba Yaga (2026)

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Chicago-based jazz violinist Olya Prohorova of Fugu Dugu! We catch up with one of the leaders of Chicago’s Wild East Punk band to explore their 2026 album, Bucky Wanko and The Legend of Baba Yaga, the band’s history, and the wild musical universe they’ve created. Set against the shadows of the Soviet occupation of East Germany, this album spins a bizarre, darkly imaginative tale: Siberian Cowboy Bucky Wanko becomes ensnared by the cannibalistic sorceress Baba Yaga before finding a questionable salvation through the “Romanov Dame,” Madame Broshkina. Fugu Dugu brings this story to life with explosive violin, electric guitar, old-world melodies, American roots, and punk-rock energy. Moving between Romanian, Ukrainian, Russian, and English, the band creates a sound that defies easy categorization—unpredictable, theatrical, and full of Eastern European spirit. We dig into the story behind the album, the band’s evolution, their genre-bending musical identity, and the inspiration behind this extraordinary project. Get ready for a conversation that takes jazz, folk, and punk somewhere wonderfully unexpected! 🎧 Get the album, Bucky Wanko and The Legend of Baba Yaga:https://fugudugu.bandcamp.com/album/bucky-wanko-and-the-legend-of-baba-yaga?from=discover_page&ui_context=results_grid For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Olya Prohorova of Fugu Dugu Interview | Bucky Wanko and The Legend of Baba Yaga (2026)

  7. 6d ago

    Saxophonist & Educator Dr. Justin Pierce Interview | Sway (2026) | Dallas Jazz, Saxophone & Musical Journey

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz saxophonist and educator Dr. Justin Pierce! We dive into his debut 2026 album, Sway, and explore his journey through the world of jazz, from his musical roots to building a career centered on performance, education, and connection. Based in Dallas, Justin brings together some of the area's most accomplished jazz musicians in an ensemble built on world-class talent, musical versatility, and Texas hospitality. With more than 15 years of experience and hundreds of performances across the country, Justin Pierce Music specializes in transforming ordinary events into unforgettable celebrations. We talk about the inspiration behind Sway, his life as a saxophonist and educator, the Dallas jazz scene, the art of live performance, and the experiences that have shaped his musical path. Join us for a wide-ranging conversation about jazz, dedication, and the power of bringing people together through music. 🎧 Discover the album, Sway:http://justinpiercemusic.com/sway For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Saxophonist & Educator Dr. Justin Pierce Interview | Sway (2026) | Dallas Jazz, Saxophone & Musical Journey

  8. Oct 22

    Chris Standring Interview | Time of Change (2026) | Retro-Soulful Jazz & Timeless Tunes

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Los Angeles-based jazz guitarist Chris Standring, returning for his third visit to the program. We dive into his 2026 album, Time of Change—a heartfelt collection of eleven inspired compositions that draws on the sounds, sophistication, and soulful spirit of a golden age. This retro-soulful project evokes a nostalgic era when lush arrangements, beautiful harmonies, and timeless musical craftsmanship were in fashion. Featuring a top-flight four-piece horn section and a rich palette of orchestral colors, Time of Change brings classic sensibilities into a fresh and compelling musical experience. Chris joins us to discuss the inspiration behind the album, the creative journey that brought it to life, release-day excitement, upcoming live shows, and much more. It's always a pleasure to welcome Chris back to Neon Jazz for another great conversation about music, artistry, and the stories behind the songs. 🎧 Get the album, Time of Change:https://chrisstandringjazz.bandcamp.com/album/time-of-change Subscribe for more Neon Jazz interviews featuring jazz vocalists, musicians, composers, and creative voices from around the world. For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                     https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Chris Standring Interview | Time of Change (2026) | Retro-Soulful Jazz & Timeless Tunes
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About

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 been Engineered and generously supported by John Christopher over thirteen years, hundreds of episodes and thousands of interviews. We celebrate the glory days right on into the innovations of modern players. The aim is to tell the rich story of jazz through the voice of the musician and provide an enticing kaleidoscope of sound and stories. We are always celebrating one of America's finest inventions .. Jazz. Dig in ..

Information

  • Creator
    Neon Jazz Interviews - The Finest Jazz Musicians From All Over the Globe
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.9K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Neon Jazz Interviews - The Finest Jazz Musicians From All Over the Globe
  • Show Website
    Neon Jazz Interviews