Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Stockholm-based Italian bassist and composer Ilaria Capalbo! We caught up with Ilaria to explore her new 2026 album, The Brightest Sun, her journey in music, and the life experiences that shaped this deeply personal project.

Inspired by the transformative experience of motherhood, The Brightest Sun emerged from fragmented composing sessions while Ilaria was expecting her child and during the early days of motherhood. The result is music with an experimental, exploratory quality, reflecting a creative process shaped by change, discovery, and a new perspective on life.

We discuss the inspiration behind the album, the realities of balancing motherhood and music, her evolving artistic voice, and the journey that brought this compelling new work to life. Join us for an engaging conversation about creativity, transformation, and the power of musical exploration.

🎧 Get the album, The Brightest Sun:
https://ilariacapalbo.bandcamp.com/album/the-brightest-sun

Subscribe for more Neon Jazz interviews featuring jazz musicians, composers, and adventurous artists from around the world. 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Jazz Composer, Arranger & Pianist Steve Rawlins. We get into his new 2026 release, Word on the Street, and a remarkable life spent in the world of music. After more than five decades composing, arranging, performing and helping other artists realize their musical visions, Steve Rawlins steps fully into the spotlight with Word on the Street. This vibrant ensemble recording brings together music from different chapters of his career while introducing fresh compositions shaped specifically for his wildly adventurous quintet.

Steve’s career spans an extraordinary range of musical experiences. He has arranged music for legendary recording artists including Smokey Robinson, Bette Midler and Chaka Khan. His work has also reached the stages of the Academy Awards and Emmy Award ceremonies, along with television productions including The Crazy Ones, 24 and Jeopardy!.

In this conversation, we explore Steve’s new album, his creative process, the evolution of his musical voice and the experiences that have shaped more than 50 years in the business. We dig into the art of jazz composition and arranging, working with celebrated artists, and finally bringing his own musical vision to the forefront with Word on the Street.

From a lifetime behind the scenes to a fresh chapter leading his own adventurous quintet, Steve Rawlins has a tremendous story to tell.

Enjoy this interview, celebrate a remarkable musical career, and discover the sounds of Word on the Street.

GET THE ALBUM & MORE: 
https://www.steverawlins.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz drummer and composer Phil Haynes, discussing his 2026 album Terra and the creative journey behind it. Since publishing his acclaimed 2023 memoir, Chasing the Masters, Phil has entered a prolific new chapter of his musical life. The writing process prompted him to revisit his past, reconnect with old friends, and reunite with longtime collaborators—including musicians he hadn't worked with in decades.

His new album, Terra, brings those threads together through a fresh musical collaboration that spans generations. Released on his own Corner Store Jazz imprint, the project features guitarist Ben Monder and revives a duo partnership that had been dormant for more than a quarter century.

In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind Terra, the lasting impact of musical relationships, the reflections sparked by Chasing the Masters, and how revisiting the past can open the door to new creative possibilities. We also dig into Phil's life as a drummer, composer, bandleader, and independent artist navigating an ever-evolving jazz landscape.

Terra is more than a new recording—it's a story of reconnection, musical discovery, and the enduring power of collaboration.

🎧 Get Phil Haynes' album Terra on Bandcamp:
https://philhaynesmusic.bandcamp.com/album/terra

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Tellkujira, the Italian avant-garde collective bringing together violist Ambra, guitarists Francesco and Stefano, and cellist Francesco. We dive into their 2026 album, La lucha es un poema colectivo, explore how the quartet came together, discuss why their creative chemistry works, and discover the ideas and musical instincts behind their distinctive sound.

Stylistically stateless and at times hypnotic, Tellkujira moves beyond conventional musical boundaries, creating a collective voice rooted in exploration, improvisation, and adventurous expression. In this wide-ranging conversation, all four members join us on one call to share their perspectives on the group, their music, and the journey behind this compelling new release.

🎧 Get the new album, La lucha es un poema colectivo:
https://tellkujira.bandcamp.com/album/la-lucha-es-un-poema-colectivo

If you love avant-garde jazz, experimental music, free improvisation, and artists who push beyond genre, this conversation is for you. 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with London-based award-winning instrumentalist, composer and producer Danny Keane. We catch up with Danny to explore his brand-new 2026 sophomore album, Kinesis, and the remarkable musical journey that has brought him to this point. Following his 2020 debut, this new project reflects the shape-shifting nature of his life and artistry, moving through musical worlds while carving out a sound all his own.

While rooted in jazz, Kinesis reaches into experimental, electronic and progressive music, creating a listening experience that is cerebral, hypnotic and meditative. The album also pays homage to the non-Western jazz musicians who have mentored and influenced Danny throughout his career, reflecting a broad musical perspective and a willingness to push beyond familiar boundaries.

The Anglo-Irish artist is regularly called upon to collaborate with some of the most renowned musicians of our time. With Kinesis, he steps into the role of visionary, bringing together the musicians around him to realize his own distinctive musical ideas.

In this conversation, we get into the inspirations behind Kinesis, Danny's evolution as an artist, the influence of his mentors, the creative process and his life in the ever-changing world of music.

Dig into a fascinating conversation about experimentation, collaboration and the limitless possibilities of contemporary jazz.

Featuring: Danny Keane
2026 Album: Kinesis
Based in: London, England
Background: Anglo-Irish instrumentalist, composer and producer
Topics: Contemporary Jazz, Experimental Jazz, Electronic Music, Progressive Music, Meditative Music, Musical Collaboration, Jazz Composition and Creative Evolution.

Get the album — Kinesis:
https://dannyiskeane.bandcamp.com/album/kinesis

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Nashville-based guitarist and composer Harry Bartlett and Toronto-based electronic music producer Kurtis Perrie as we explore their 2026 album, This Is Living. Over two weeks in Ontario, these two artists brought their distinct compositional voices together to create something unexpected. With a limited understanding of each other’s musical worlds but a shared curiosity and willingness to explore, Harry and Kurtis discovered a creative connection that became greater than the sum of its parts.

This Is Living unfolds as a hypnotic conversation between two musical traditions. Ethereal textures, captivating melodies, a distant pulse and nostalgic reflections combine to create a sound that draws listeners into an atmospheric and immersive experience. The result is music that pushes and pulls between guitar-driven composition and electronic experimentation, finding beauty in the space between genres.

In this conversation, we get into the collaboration, the creative process, the musical ideas behind the album and what happens when two artists step outside their familiar territory to build something new together.

From unexpected chemistry to ambient soundscapes and melodic exploration, Harry Bartlett and Kurtis Perrie make some musical magic on This Is Living.

Artists: Harry Bartlett & Kurtis Perrie
2026 Album: This Is Living
Harry Bartlett: Nashville-based guitarist and composer
Kurtis Perrie: Toronto-based electronic music producer
Topics: Experimental Jazz, Jazz Guitar, Electronic Music, Musical Collaboration, Ambient Music, Improvisation, Atmospheric Soundscapes and Contemporary Music.

Get the album — This Is Living:
https://harrybartlettkurtisperrie.bandcamp.com/

Enjoy this interview on Neon Jazz with Joe Dimino. Dig the jazz, my friends. 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Florida-based Pianist, Vocalist, Organist and Educator Dr. Gianni Bianchini. We dig into his brand-new 2026 album, A Study in Songbook, a deeply personal project inspired by the songs his father loved and shaped by Gianni’s understanding of jazz, its traditions and its early days. This album brings together musical history, family memories and a lifelong passion for the art of jazz.

Gianni has built an impressive career as a performer, recording artist and educator, playing, recording or studying with an extraordinary range of jazz artists, including Jason Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval, Joshua Redman, Jeff “Tain” Watts, John Scofield, Stefon Harris and Kenny Werner.

Beyond the bandstand, Gianni is dedicated to passing the music on to the next generation. He currently serves as Director of Jazz Studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University, bringing his experience and knowledge to aspiring musicians.

In this conversation, we explore A Study in Songbook, the family connections behind the music, the influence of jazz history, his career as a pianist, vocalist and organist, and the many experiences that have shaped his musical voice.

From honoring the songs of his father to carrying jazz traditions forward, Gianni offers a fascinating look at the music, the memories and the journey behind it all.

Featuring: Dr. Gianni Bianchini
2026 Album: A Study in Songbook
Based in: Florida
Role: Director of Jazz Studies, Palm Beach Atlantic University
Topics: Jazz Piano, Jazz Organ, Jazz Vocals, Jazz Standards, The Great American Songbook, Jazz Education, Jazz History and Contemporary Jazz.

Get the album and learn more about Gianni:
https://www.giannibianchini.com/

Enjoy this interview with Dr. Gianni Bianchini on Neon Jazz with Joe Dimino. Dig the jazz, my friends.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Argentine-born Vocalist, Guitarist, Songwriter & Arranger Tom Ricci. Tom joins us to talk about his brand-new 2026 album, Happening in Buenos Aires, his career in jazz, and the international musical journey that has shaped his sound. Born in Buenos Aires and of Italian descent, Tom now calls Southern California home, bringing a unique perspective to music that crosses borders and genres.

His music moves naturally through jazz, bossa nova, Latin American song, blues, singer-songwriter traditions, and the emotional directness of rock. In this conversation, we get into the whole ride — from his roots in Argentina to his life as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, arranger and jazz artist.

Dig into Tom Ricci’s story, his new music, his Buenos Aires connection and the many influences that continue to shape his artistic voice.

Enjoy this interview with Tom Ricci on Neon Jazz.

Featuring: Tom Ricci
Album: Happening in Buenos Aires (2026)
Topics: Tom Ricci, Argentine Jazz, Buenos Aires Music, Jazz Guitar, Jazz Vocals, Bossa Nova, Latin American Music, Blues, Singer-Songwriter, Contemporary Jazz, Southern California Jazz

More Tom & Music:
Tom Ricci Music 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Scotland-based Jazz Composer, Producer & Pianist Andy Alston as we dig into the exciting new Glasgow Speakeasy at the historic Glasgow Art Club. Andy joins us to talk about this brand-new monthly jazz club, designed to bring intimate live jazz to one of Glasgow’s historic cultural spaces. The first Speakeasy featured In Dreams, an intimate evening of live jazz, launching a new chapter for the Glasgow jazz scene.

We also get into Andy’s latest musical work, including his brand-new jazz album and a new album he wrote and produced for a young Dundee jazz guitar sensation. With decades of experience as a composer, pianist, producer and creative force, Andy gives us a fascinating look inside his musical world and what inspired this new Glasgow venture.

Dig this return of Andy Alston to Neon Jazz and get an inside look at the music, artists and ideas helping shape the contemporary Scottish jazz scene.

Featuring: Andy Alston
Based in: Scotland / Glasgow
Topics: Glasgow Jazz, Scottish Jazz, Jazz Piano, Jazz Composition, Jazz Production, Glasgow Speakeasy, Glasgow Art Club, New Jazz, Jazz Albums, Live Jazz, Dundee Jazz, Jazz Guitar

Check out the Glasgow Art Club and the new Speakeasy:
Glasgow Art Club

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City saxophonist Ernest Melton of Blue Devil Revival, presented through Mutual Musicians Music Group. We dig into the group's 2026 four-track EP, Birth of a Revival. This contemporary Kansas City jazz recording draws inspiration from the legendary Blue Devils and the enduring musical tradition of the Mutual Musicians Foundation. It's a project that honors the city's rich jazz heritage while bringing that sound and spirit forward through a new generation of musicians.

Joining Ernest on this release is an outstanding lineup of Kansas City talent: Desmond Mason, Tyree Johnson, Deandre Manning and Chalis O'Neal. Across four tracks, Birth of a Revival moves through bebop, blues, contemporary jazz and a warm, reflective ballad, showcasing the range and character of today's Kansas City jazz scene.

In this conversation, we fully dig into the EP, the musicians behind it, the influence of Kansas City's jazz legacy and the importance of keeping this living musical tradition moving forward. From the roots of the Blue Devils to the creative energy of today's artists, this is a look at the people and sounds helping shape the next chapter of KC jazz.

If you love Kansas City jazz history, saxophone-led jazz, bebop, blues and the next generation of jazz musicians, this one is for you.

Artist: Ernest Melton
Group: Blue Devil Revival
2026 Release: Birth of a Revival
Label: Mutual Musicians Music Group
Featured Musicians: Desmond Mason, Tyree Johnson, Deandre Manning and Chalis O'Neal

Get the album — Birth of a Revival:

Listen and buy on Bandcamp
https://mutualmusiciansmusicgroup.bandcamp.com/album/birth-of-a-revival

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