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. 1 day ago

    Nick Stefanacci Talks New Album Right Here, Right Now & Much More

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with the Prince of Soul Jazz, international saxophonist and producer Nick Stefanacci, discussing his powerful new 2026 album Right Here, Right Now. We catch up with Nick from his base in New Jersey to talk about this new project, live performances, independent music production, and what it means to make music in America in 2026. This marks our return conversation with Nick after first speaking with him in 2023. His fifth studio album, Right Here, Right Now, is a deeply personal project that Nick wrote, arranged, mixed, mastered, and produced entirely himself. The record features former Santana frontman Tony Lindsay and Bruce Springsteen trombonist Ozzie Melendez, adding even more soul and musicianship to an already stellar project. We also talk about the single “Midnight Affair,” where Nick channels some of the magic and spirit associated with legendary producer and arranger Quincy Jones. The song and album serve as a conversation starter about artistry, independence, creativity, and the continuing legacy of soul jazz. In this interview, we cover Right Here, Right Now, saxophone, soul jazz, Quincy Jones, live shows, music production, independent artists, the state of music in 2026 America, Nick's creative process, his evolution as an artist, and the future of the soul jazz tradition. From New Jersey to the world, Nick Stefanacci is making music on his own terms. Dig this interview. Listen to Right Here, Right Now:Nick Stefanacci – Right Here, Right Now on Apple Music 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

    Nick Stefanacci Talks New Album Right Here, Right Now & Much More
  2. 2 days ago

    Giulio Cuppari & Giosuè Consiglio of Psoas Trio Talks New Album Satori | Italian Contemporary Jazz

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with guitarist Giulio Cuppari and drummer Giosuè Consiglio of the Italy-based Psoas Trio. We take a deep dive into the trio's new 2026 album Satori, their beginnings, evolution, individual musical journeys, and the creative chemistry that has shaped their sound. Based in Milan, Psoas Trio also features tenor saxophonist Alessio Dal Checco, creating a distinctive contemporary jazz voice built around listening, interaction, risk, and constant musical dialogue. On Satori, the trio consolidates a musical path rooted in shared experiences while pushing themselves beyond preconceived ideas. Rather than following a fixed formula, Psoas Trio creates an open musical space where improvisation, communication, experimentation, and spontaneity help shape the music in real time. Rooted in contemporary jazz while incorporating elements of British rock, the trio explores new compositional possibilities and expands its musical language without losing a strong melodic foundation. The result is music that feels adventurous and exploratory while remaining deeply connected to melody, expression, and the chemistry between three musicians. In this conversation, we discuss Satori, the formation of Psoas Trio, the Milan jazz scene, contemporary European jazz, improvisation, composition, British rock influences, musical risk, ensemble interaction, developing a unique artistic identity, and the individual paths of Giulio Cuppari and Giosuè Consiglio. We also explore how a band builds trust, how musicians learn to listen to one another, and how continuous dialogue can become the foundation of a distinctive sound. From their base in Milan, we cover it all. Enjoy this interview. Get the album:Psoas Trio - Satori on Bandcamp 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

    Giulio Cuppari & Giosuè Consiglio of Psoas Trio Talks New Album Satori | Italian Contemporary Jazz
  3. 3 days ago

    Fernando Noronha Interview | 30 Years of Blues & Ain't No Hiding From the Blues

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Acclaimed Blues Songwriter & Guitar Veteran Fernando Noronha. Originally from Brazil and now living in America, Fernando celebrates an extraordinary 30 years in the blues with his powerful 2026 album Ain't No Hiding From the Blues. Fernando's story is one of international discovery, dedication, and a lifelong love for a uniquely American musical tradition. He discovered the blues far from its birthplace, embraced its language and spirit, and went on to become one of the most respected blues guitarists and ambassadors for the music on the international stage. Since forming Black Soul in 1995, Fernando has performed at major blues festivals and venues throughout North America, South America, and Europe, developing a reputation for his passionate guitar playing, songwriting, and authentic connection to the blues. On this new album, he reflects on three decades of musical exploration while honoring the musicians, traditions, and experiences that shaped his journey. Ain't No Hiding From the Blues is both a celebration and a statement — proof that the blues can travel across borders, cultures, and generations while retaining its emotional power. In this conversation, we get into Fernando's Brazilian roots, discovering the blues, Black Soul, 30 years of performing, blues guitar, songwriting, international festivals, moving to America, his 2026 album, and the enduring power of the blues. It's a fascinating story of following a musical calling across continents and building a life around the music you love. We cover the whole story. Enjoy this interview. All Things Fernando NoronhaFernando Noronha — Linktree  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

    Fernando Noronha Interview | 30 Years of Blues & Ain't No Hiding From the Blues
  4. 5 days ago

    Ken Lovern Interview | The Blind Boone Project, Kansas City Jazz & a Remarkable American Story

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City-based Jazz Organist Ken Lovern as we explore the remarkable 2026 Blind Boone Project. This ambitious project brings together music, history, a comic book, and a live on-stage production to tell the extraordinary story of John William “Blind” Boone, one of the first African American concert performers to achieve international recognition. Born in a Union Army camp near the end of the Civil War, Boone faced enormous barriers in a country defined by segregation, discrimination, and racism. Yet his extraordinary musical gifts — and the determination of the people who believed in him — helped him build a remarkable career as a concert pianist. A former Confederate general and town elder in Warrensburg, Missouri, helped arrange for Boone to receive an education at a school for the blind. Later, with the assistance of his loyal and savvy African American business manager John Lange Jr., Boone pursued an elite concert career that lasted from 1880 through 1927. His story is one of music, perseverance, entrepreneurship, racial barriers, friendship, education, and triumph, making Blind Boone an important — and sometimes overlooked — figure in American music history. Ken Lovern has brought together an impressive group of musicians and Kansas City-connected artists to help bring this history to life, including vocalist Madisen Ward, known as part of the acclaimed folk duo Madisen Ward and the Momma Bear. In this conversation, we explore the Blind Boone musical, the history behind the project, Kansas City connections, Blind Boone's incredible career, John Lange Jr., race and American music history, the comic book, live theatre, and the power of storytelling through music. This is much more than a jazz project. It's an effort to bring an extraordinary American story back into the spotlight. We get into the whole project. Enjoy this interview. All Things Blind BooneBlind Boone: The Musical — Official Website  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

    Ken Lovern Interview | The Blind Boone Project, Kansas City Jazz & a Remarkable American Story
  5. 6 days ago

    Roy Mor Interview | Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project, New Day & Ethiopian Jazz

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with International Pianist, Composer & Arranger Roy Mor on Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project's new album, New Day. We get into a deeply evocative musical journey where jazz becomes both vessel and invocation, bringing together Ethiopian Jewish liturgical traditions, pan-African rhythms, and modern improvisational language. New Day creates a fascinating meeting point between ancient memory and contemporary jazz, weaving cultural history, spirituality, rhythm, melody, and improvisation into music that feels both deeply rooted and timeless. Roy Mor's playing has been described as both melodic and energetic, reflecting an artistic journey that has taken some remarkable turns. Before dedicating his life to music, Roy studied acting, served as a military paratrooper, earned a university degree in Philosophy with honors, and worked as a software engineer at Microsoft. Eventually, he left that career behind, moved to New York City, and followed his true passion: music. In this conversation, we explore New Day, Ethiopian Jewish music, Ethiopian jazz, African rhythms, Jewish musical traditions, improvisation, spirituality, cultural memory, piano, composition, arranging, and Roy's extraordinary journey from technology and philosophy to a life in music. It's a story about following your calling, connecting ancient traditions with modern expression, and discovering how music can carry history across generations. We cover the whole story. Enjoy this interview. Get the Album & MoreOrigin Arts — Roy Mor / *New Day*  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

    Roy Mor Interview | Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project, New Day & Ethiopian Jazz
  6. 1 Sept

    Kilian Sladek Interview | Colorblind, Neo-Soul, R&B & the Future of Jazz Vocals

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Munich, Germany-based Vocalist & Composer Kilian Sladek. We get into his upcoming 2026 album Colorblind, set for release on October 9, 2026, along with his career and evolution as a creative force in contemporary jazz. With Colorblind, Kilian marks a clear shift toward a more song-driven approach. While his music remains rooted in jazz harmony, this new project moves into a vibrant space influenced by neo-soul, R&B, contemporary songwriting, and modern jazz, placing voice, melody, and lyrics firmly at the center. Kilian's music is distinguished by the emotional intensity of his artistic expression and his willingness to explore unconventional musical techniques. Extended vocal techniques, scatting, improvisation, and jazz-based vocal experimentation become tools for creating music that is both sophisticated and accessible. The result is a sound that bridges jazz tradition and contemporary popular music, opening the door to a wider audience while maintaining a strong improvisational identity. In this conversation, we explore Colorblind, Kilian's musical journey, contemporary jazz vocals, neo-soul, R&B, songwriting, improvisation, scatting, vocal experimentation, emotional expression, and the changing landscape of jazz in 2026. We get into the whole story. Enjoy this interview. More Kilian SladekKilian Sladek — Official Website 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

    Kilian Sladek Interview | Colorblind, Neo-Soul, R&B & the Future of Jazz Vocals
  7. 31 Aug

    Kay Kostopoulos Interview | All This Is Possible, Black Olive Jazz & Theatrical Jazz

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Vocalist, Seasoned Actress & 25-year Stanford Lecturer in Business and Theatre Kay Kostopoulos. As the creative force behind Black Olive Jazz, Kay brings together a remarkable mix of music, theatre, storytelling, and emotional expression. We get into her new 2026 album All This Is Possible and a decorated career dedicated to the arts. Kay's musical style is impossible to put into just one box. She blends swing, jazz standards, blues, bebop, Latin rhythms, and original compositions, bringing a distinctive Mediterranean influence and theatrical sensibility to everything she performs. Her background as both a professional actress and jazz vocalist gives her music a uniquely dramatic and emotional quality. Every song becomes an opportunity for storytelling, character, atmosphere, and connection. Performing bicoastally in San Francisco and New York City, Kay has built a respected presence in the jazz world. She and legendary saxophonist Noel Jewkes have appeared at premier venues and jazz festivals throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. In this conversation, we explore All This Is Possible, Black Olive Jazz, Kay's journey through jazz and theatre, her years teaching at Stanford, the art of interpreting standards, Mediterranean influences, improvisation, songwriting, acting, storytelling, and the creative life. It's a fascinating look at an artist who refuses to separate music from theatre, emotion, culture, and human experience. We get into her career, this new album and so much more. Dig this interview. Get the Album & MoreBlack Olive Jazz — Official Website  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

    Kay Kostopoulos Interview | All This Is Possible, Black Olive Jazz & Theatrical Jazz

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 ..

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