Neon Jazz Interviews

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

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. Jazz Vocalist Sachal Vasandani on Neon Jazz – 2025 Album Best Life Now

    1D AGO

    Jazz Vocalist Sachal Vasandani on Neon Jazz – 2025 Album Best Life Now

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we catch up with renowned jazz vocalist Sachal Vasandani to discuss his 2025 album Best Life Now—a dynamic project featuring drumming powerhouse Nate Smith. This new release also showcases special guest vocalists Gretchen Parlato and Shayna Steele, alongside an all-star band:🎷 Dayna Stephens – Saxophone, EWI🎹 Jon Cowherd – Piano, Keyboard🎸 Charles Altura – Guitar🎻 Brian Cockerham – Bass In addition to diving into the making of Best Life Now, we also talk about Sachal’s visit to Kansas City, upcoming performances, and more. 🎶 Get the album here: Best Life Now on Bandcamp For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh The Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:              https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

    13 min
  2. Paul Vornhagen on His 2025 Album Live at the Blue Llama

    3D AGO

    Paul Vornhagen on His 2025 Album Live at the Blue Llama

    🎷 Welcome to another edition of the Neon Jazz interview series! This time, we head to Ann Arbor, Michigan to connect with the renowned Detroit-native jazz saxophonist, flautist, and vocalist Paul Vornhagen. 🔥 His latest release, Live at the Blue Llama (2025), captures the magic of a working jazz combo in full swing, recorded live at Ann Arbor’s premier jazz venue. The album delivers an electrifying set filled with masterful improvisation and dynamic chemistry. 🏆 With six Detroit Music Awards to his name, Vornhagen has been a force in the jazz scene for decades. He began his journey in 1972 as a flute accompanist for the University of Michigan dance department, evolving into a self-taught multi-instrumentalist with a rich and storied career. 🎶 In this exclusive interview, we explore:✅ The inspiration behind Live at the Blue Llama✅ His deep Detroit jazz roots and influences✅ The evolution of his career as a saxophonist, flautist, and vocalist✅ His experiences performing in vibrant jazz clubs & festivals 🎧 Listen & get the album here: Paul Vornhagen – Live at the Blue Llama For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh The Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:              https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

    19 min
  3. Anita Dixon-Brown on Kansas City Jazz, UNESCO & 90 Years of Count Basie’s Swing

    4D AGO

    Anita Dixon-Brown on Kansas City Jazz, UNESCO & 90 Years of Count Basie’s Swing

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series, featuring Kansas City jazz advocate, local historian, and leader of the "90 Years of Count Basie’s Swing" events, Anita Dixon-Brown. In this exclusive interview, we discuss her role in preserving KC's jazz legacy, her contributions as a UNESCO Creative Cities Network member, and Kansas City’s distinction as the first and only UNESCO Creative City of Music since 2017. This International Jazz Day 2025, Anita is at the helm of America’s biggest jazz celebration, the 90 Years of Count Basie’s Swing event on April 30 at The Music Hall in Downtown Kansas City. Experience an unforgettable night featuring: 🎶 The world-renowned Count Basie Orchestra – Showtime at 7 PM🎟️ VIP Reception (5–7 PM) – Meet jazz legends & honorees🎷 After-Party Jam Session (10 PM–1 AM) – At the iconic Lonny’s Reno Club (Ambassador Hotel) We dive deep into the significance of UNESCO’s recognition, Kansas City’s place on the international jazz stage, Count Basie’s enduring influence, and much more. 🎟️ Get tickets and event details here: kccreativecity.com/count-basie  For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh The Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:              https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

    21 min
  4. Jacob Wick on His 2025 Album & Queer-Inspired Jazz Innovation

    5D AGO

    Jacob Wick on His 2025 Album & Queer-Inspired Jazz Innovation

    🎷 Welcome to another edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. This time, we head to Mexico City to catch up with jazz improviser, composer, writer, and artist Jacob Wick. 🔥 His new 2025 album, a veces me veo en el espejo y pienso en ti (Sometimes I look in the mirror and think of you), is a love letter to jazz, blending rich improvisation with deeply personal and political themes. 🏳️‍🌈 Wick’s career is profoundly influenced by queer feelings and queer politics, shaping his collaborations across the global jazz scene. Currently, he leads both a sextet and a quartet, performing innovative compositions that reimagine jazz standards and introduce fresh originals. 🎶 In this conversation, we explore:✅ The inspirations behind his latest album✅ His experiences as a jazz artist in Mexico City✅ The intersection of music, identity, and activism✅ His collaborations with diverse artists worldwide 📢 Dive into this compelling interview & experience Wick’s sonic world. For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh The Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:              https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

    24 min
  5. John Lentz & Harvey Diamond on Their 2025 Album "How Strange the Road Should Be So Easy"

    6D AGO

    John Lentz & Harvey Diamond on Their 2025 Album "How Strange the Road Should Be So Easy"

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we speak with veteran jazz musicians John Lentz & Harvey Diamond about their 2025 album, "How Strange the Road Should Be So Easy" on Orchard of Pomegranates Records. 🔹 Harvey Diamond – A Boston jazz legend, Harvey has been an unsung hero of the jazz scene since the 1960s and was one of the last students of the iconic Lennie Tristano.🔹 John Lentz – A respected jazz vocalist, John has long been a fixture in the New England jazz scene, earning admiration from legends like Sheila Jordan & Jay Clayton. This album showcases their deep musical chemistry, years of collaboration, and passion for jazz storytelling. In this conversation, we explore:✅ The inspiration & creative process behind the album✅ Harvey’s experiences studying under Lennie Tristano✅ John’s journey as a "singer’s singer" in the jazz world✅ Reflections on the New England jazz scene & beyond 📢 Get the album: How Strange the Road Should Be So Easy For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh The Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:              https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

    22 min
  6. Saxophonist Randal Despommier on South, New Orleans Roots & Jazz Evolution

    MAR 22

    Saxophonist Randal Despommier on South, New Orleans Roots & Jazz Evolution

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with New York-based jazz saxophonist & composer Randal Despommier about his new 2025 album, South, his deep musical roots, and his journey in jazz. Some of Randal’s earliest performances were at Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans, playing alongside his father—a drummer who studied under the legendary James Black and played in the Big Easy rock band South. Though raised just outside of New Orleans, Randal was immersed in the city’s signature sounds of funk, R&B, and jazz, later expanding his musical influences as his career evolved. In this fascinating interview, we explore:✅ The inspiration behind South & its connection to New Orleans✅ His transition from regional jazz roots to a broader musical landscape✅ The impact of his early influences, including James Black✅ His creative process as a saxophonist & composer 📢 Get the album & more: South by Randal Despommier For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh The Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:              https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

    27 min
  7. The Empress on Square One, Women in Jazz & Their Musical Chemistry

    MAR 21

    The Empress on Square One, Women in Jazz & Their Musical Chemistry

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we speak with members of the modern jazz group The Empress, a powerhouse ensemble that is redefining the jazz landscape. Their highly anticipated 2025 album, Square One, showcases their deep chemistry, innovative sound, and the vibrant movement of women in jazz. Produced by award-winning jazz artist Pureum Jin, the group features:🎷 Lauren Sevian – Two-time Grammy Award-winning baritone saxophonist🎷 Erena Terakubo – Internationally acclaimed rising jazz star🎷 Chelsea Baratz – A fixture in the New York jazz scene In this revealing interview, we discuss:✅ The inspiration behind Square One and their creative process✅ How they formed & built their unique chemistry✅ The evolving role of women in modern jazz✅ What’s next for The Empress 📢 Discover more & get the album: The Empress - Square One For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh The Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:              https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

    31 min
  8. Aaron Johnson on Jazz Radio & His New Book Jazz Radio America

    MAR 20

    Aaron Johnson on Jazz Radio & His New Book Jazz Radio America

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series, featuring Professor of Music and Author Aaron Johnson. His latest book, Jazz Radio America (2025), delves into the rise and decline of jazz on the airwaves. Currently an associate professor of music at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnson traces jazz radio from its roots in Black radio (1948) to its disappearance from commercial stations after 1980. He explores jazz’s role in shaping American culture, its classification as Black classical music, and its impact as the soundtrack of African American resistance. In this in-depth conversation, we discuss:✅ The evolution of jazz on the radio✅ The cultural and social significance of jazz broadcasting✅ The challenges and future of jazz in media 📖 Get the book: Jazz Radio America (University of Illinois Press) 🎧 Listen to the full interview & stay tuned for more Neon Jazz content For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh The Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:              https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

    41 min
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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 ..

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  • Creator
    Neon Jazz Interviews - The Finest Jazz Musicians From All Over the Globe
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2025
  • Episodes
    1.3K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Neon Jazz Interviews - The Finest Jazz Musicians From All Over the Globe
  • Show Website
    Neon Jazz Interviews

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