Episodes

  • Caroline Davis Interview – Fallows (2026), Saxophone & Modern Jazz Innovation

    Caroline Davis Interview – Fallows (2026), Saxophone & Modern Jazz Innovation
    Mar 29 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with NYC-based jazz saxophonist and composer Caroline Davis. We caught up with her to discuss her 2026 album Fallows, along with her evolving creative process, upcoming tour, and what it means to make music in modern America. On this deeply personal and exploratory release, Caroline presents her debut solo work for saxophone and electronics—blending shadowed beauty with bold, subterranean textures across 12 immersive tracks. Her music invites listeners into a space where time softens, and the boundaries between sound, emotion, and imagination dissolve. Known for pushing the boundaries of jazz and improvisation, Caroline continues to shape a unique voice that bridges tradition with experimentation. In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind Fallows, her artistic philosophy, and the journey of bringing this project to life. Always great to catch up with her—dig this interview. 🎶 Get the album:https://carolinedavismusic.bandcamp.com/album/fallows 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • Jazz Drummer John Clay on His Career & Leading His First Album About Time (2026)

    Jazz Drummer John Clay on His Career & Leading His First Album About Time (2026)
    Mar 28 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with NYC-based veteran drummer, in-demand musician, and jazz leader John Clay. We caught up with John to discuss his first album as a leader, About Time (2026), along with his long and evolving journey through the world of jazz. Known for his creativity, fluid rhythmic feel, and ability to move seamlessly across musical styles, John has built a reputation as a go-to drummer on the New York scene. Originally from Louisville, he began playing in local bands at just 13 years old before relocating to New York City at 25—where he’s worked alongside some of the best in the business. After years of supporting other artists, John steps into the spotlight with About Time, marking a major milestone as a bandleader and creative force. In this conversation, we dive into his musical roots, artistic growth, and what it means to finally lead the charge. 🥁 Get the album & more:https://johnclaymusic.com/about-time/ 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • LehCats Interview – Karen & Norbert Stachel on Live at the Breakroom (2026)

    LehCats Interview – Karen & Norbert Stachel on Live at the Breakroom (2026)
    Mar 27 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with jazz couple and dynamic duo LehCats—featuring Karen Stachel and Norbert Stachel. We caught up with them to discuss their 2026 album Live at the Breakroom, recorded with legendary percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo. Norbert, a versatile saxophonist and multi-woodwind player, is known for his unique voice as both a soloist and ensemble musician across genres. Karen, a celebrated flutist and composer, blends innovation with deep roots in straight-ahead jazz—creating a sound that is both fresh and grounded. Together as LehCats, they bring a powerful musical connection and chemistry that shines through in every performance. In this interview, we explore their journey, creative process, and the story behind their latest release. 🎶 Get the album:https://lehcats.com/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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • Isabella Isherwood Interview – Jazz Vocals, Theater & The Sweetest Sounds (2026)

    Isabella Isherwood Interview – Jazz Vocals, Theater & The Sweetest Sounds (2026)
    Mar 26 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with Chicago-based actor, vocalist, pianist, music director, and conductor Isabella Isherwood. We caught up with her to discuss her debut 2026 album The Sweetest Sounds, and a promising career that continues to expand across stage, screen, and music. A dynamic and versatile performer, Isabella has trained at The Second City, Acting Studio Chicago, and the Jazz Institute of Chicago—bringing a rich blend of theatricality and musicality to her jazz artistry. In this conversation, we explore her journey, creative process, and the evolution of her sound as she steps into the spotlight with her first full-length release. This is a fresh and exciting voice in modern jazz. Dig this interview. 🎶 Get the album & more:https://www.isabellaisherwood.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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • Pianist Ted Rosenthal on 2026's Good Old Days & Honoring Ken Peplowski

    Pianist Ted Rosenthal on 2026's Good Old Days & Honoring Ken Peplowski
    Mar 25 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz pianist Ted Rosenthal. We dive into his 2026 release The Good Old Days, part of his ambitious “Trios in 4 Acts” series—an expansive collection of recordings featuring his two working trios. These sessions were recorded in the summer of 2024 and released in installments beginning in March 2025. A major highlight of this project is the presence of his close collaborator, the late clarinet master Ken Peplowski. In this conversation, we reflect on their musical history, Ken’s lasting impact on jazz, and the emotional depth behind this body of work. We also explore Ted’s approach to trio performance, recording, and sustaining the tradition while pushing it forward. This is a rich conversation rooted in jazz history, artistry, and legacy. Enjoy. 🎶 Get the album:https://www.tedrosenthal.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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 mins
  • Federica Colangelo Interview – Italian Jazz Piano & Forward (Acquaphonica Trio)

    Federica Colangelo Interview – Italian Jazz Piano & Forward (Acquaphonica Trio)
    Mar 24 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with Italian jazz pianist Federica Colangelo. We caught up with her from Rome to discuss her latest work with her trio Acquaphonica, including their fourth album Forward. Her music is defined by continuous exploration—blending jazz with 20th-century European and American classical influences, along with the intricate rhythmic traditions of South Indian Carnatic music. The result is a truly unique and global compositional voice. We also talk about her recent tour in India and how those experiences continue to shape her evolving sound. This is a deep dive into creativity, culture, and modern jazz expression. Enjoy this conversation. 🎶 Get the album:https://folderolrecords.bandcamp.com/album/forward 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • Dave Slonaker Interview – Big Band Jazz, Film Scoring & Shifty Paradigms (2026)

    Dave Slonaker Interview – Big Band Jazz, Film Scoring & Shifty Paradigms (2026)
    Mar 23 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with big band leader, orchestrator, arranger, and film & TV composer Dave Slonaker. Based in Los Angeles, Dave has built a dynamic career creating music for film, television, and the jazz world. We dive into his 2026 album Shifty Paradigms, a project that showcases his deep understanding of big band arranging and modern composition. Originally from Pittsburgh, Dave’s journey began with a fascination for big band sounds as a teenager—spending hours at the Carnegie Library studying how the music was constructed from the ground up. That curiosity evolved into a decades-long career scoring for film and television while continuing to push boundaries in jazz orchestration. In this conversation, we explore his musical roots, creative process, and the evolving world of composition across jazz and screen. Dig this insightful interview. 🎶 Get the album:https://originarts.com/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=82944 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    21 mins
  • Jazz Saxophonist Dave Wilson | When Evan Goes East & Modern Sound

    Jazz Saxophonist Dave Wilson | When Evan Goes East & Modern Sound
    Mar 22 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, and scholar Dave Wilson. We dive into his 2026 release When Evan Goes East, a project that continues his exploration of sound at the intersection of avant-garde jazz, experimental music, and groove-driven styles like R&B and electronic music. Dave’s work is known for bringing together unique configurations of collaborators—each project creating new musical conversations while expanding on past ideas. This album is no exception, pushing boundaries while staying rooted in expressive, evolving jazz traditions. In this conversation, we explore the creative process behind the album, the blending of genres, and perspectives on music and modern America. Dig this forward-thinking conversation. 🎶 Get the album:https://davewilsonmusic.bandcamp.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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 mins