Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Atlanta-based Jazz Vocalist Karla Harris. We talk about her brand new 2025 album Merge and her long, decorated life in jazz. With over four decades of performing across the globe, from Portland to Provence, Karla reflects on her journey from her St. Louis roots to becoming a celebrated voice in jazz. A rich conversation on music, artistry, and evolution. Enjoy this interview.

Get the album – https://karlaharris.bandcamp.com/album/merge

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with LA-based Jazz Tenor Saxophonist, Composer & Educator Jeff Walton. We talk about his long-awaited 2025 debut album Pack Animals, recorded at The Bunker in Brooklyn with pianist Santiago Leibson, bassist Eli Heath, and drummer Chase Elodia. A Massachusetts native and longtime Brooklyn educator, Jeff took an unconventional path to this moment as a late-blooming artist. We cover his journey, music, and vision. Dig in.

Get the album → https://jeffwalton.bandcamp.com/album/pack-animals 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Joanna Massey, Director of Learning & Engagement at Carnegie Hall, speaking on behalf of NYO Jazz. We dive into their new 2025 CD Life in Johannesburg and explore how this remarkable ensemble of young musicians (ages 16–19) is shaping the future of American jazz. Led by Artistic Director Sean Jones, NYO Jazz brings together top talent from across the U.S. for intensive training at Purchase College, annual concerts at Carnegie Hall, and tours across the globe. We discuss their mission, impact, and the exciting evolution of this powerhouse youth ensemble. Enjoy!

All things NYO Jazz → https://www.carnegiehall.org/Education/Programs/National-Youth-Ensembles/NYO-Jazz 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Vermont-based Jazz Trumpeter & Composer Tom Gershwin. We explore his new 2025 CD Wellspring and his life in jazz. On this album, Tom draws inspiration from the ever-present reminder that energy and life flow all around us, waiting to be tapped into and transformed into vibrant creation. His music lives at the intersection of chamber detail, jazz, and spontaneous improvisation. After over a decade of performing in New York and Denver, he relocated to Vermont to focus on composing—producing a body of work rich with patient melodies, layered textures, and fearless group improvisation. Dig into this conversation.

🎶 Get the album & more → http://www.tomgershwin.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Saxophonist & Bandleader Jeff Coffin of the Wild Iris Brass Band. We dive into his brand-new 2025 CD Way Up and life in today’s music world.

Based in Nashville but deeply informed by the New Orleans tradition, Wild Iris Brass Band—co-founded with trombonist Ray Mason—blends compositional sophistication with the raw energy of the street. Their music reflects decades of experience across jazz, funk, pop, and global traditions, creating a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. Born during the COVID-19 pandemic and tied to a special 50th birthday celebration, Way Up carries a powerful backstory that Jeff shares with depth and passion.

His main gig is with the Dave Matthews Band, but he is always innovating in the jazz world and beyond. Always a pleasure to welcome Jeff back on the show. Dig this conversation.

🎶 Get the album → https://www.earuprecords.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC-based Jazz Trumpeter & Educator Dave Douglas. We dive into his new 2025 CD Alloy, his life in jazz, and his passion for teaching and community.

This new release is a warm, lyrical album of original compositions showcasing the rich shades of brass. Designed to bring musicians together as one organic unit, it speaks to the need for harmony, creativity, and collective spirit.

We talk about his love of Miles Davis, his role in educating young players, an upcoming book, and much more.

🎶 Get the album: https://davedouglas.bandcamp.com/album/alloy

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Mexico City–based Pianist, Composer, Arranger, Bandleader & Educator Erik Deutsch. We explore his brand-new 2025 release This Was Then and a storied, eclectic journey in music.

This is his ninth full-length album, featuring his long-running NYC sextet with Tony Mason (drums), Jeff Hill (bass), Avi Bortnick (guitar), Mike McGinnis (reeds), and Brian Drye (trombone). In between full-time touring with The Black Crowes, leading multiple projects, and recording with a wide range of artists, Erik continues to evolve.

He’s widely known for collaborations with Charlie Hunter, Leftover Salmon, Dixie Chicks, Shooter Jennings, Citizen Cope, and many others.

🎶 Get the album: This Was Then – Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Raleigh-based Jazz Guitarist, Percussionist & Educator Doug Sours. We talk about his brand new 2025 CD Dream World, a project blending jazz guitar influences with old-world rhythms, frame drums, and African percussion. Doug shares insights into his beginnings, creative process, musical influences, and what’s ahead on his journey.

🎶 Get the album: Dream World on Bandcamp

Enjoy this deep dive into the life and music of an artist dedicated to the craft.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with veteran journalist and author Larry Tye.

A longtime journalist with experience at the Boston Globe, Anniston Star, and Louisville Courier-Journal, Larry is also a Nieman Fellow at Harvard. His acclaimed books have covered everything from PR pioneer Edward L. Bernays and Negro Leagues legend Satchel Paige to Superman, the Jewish diaspora, and the Pullman porters.

His latest book, The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America (2024), offers a sweeping and powerful look at how these three jazz giants overcame racism and adversity to become global icons and shape American culture.

In this conversation, Larry reflects on his journalism career, his approach to biography, and the legacy of jazz’s greatest bandleaders.

All things Larry: https://larrytye.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with Japanese-born, Chicago-based jazz pianist Hana Fujisaki of Entre Amigos.

We talk about the band’s brand-new 2025 album Magpie – The Music of Joe Clark, her journey from Japan to the U.S., and her role in Chicago’s vibrant jazz scene.

Entre Amigos is a Chicago supergroup featuring saxophonist Roy McGrath, pianist Hana Fujisaki, bassist Kitt Lyles, and drummer Gustavo Cortiñas. While on tour across Asia, the band performed Joe Clark’s music nightly in China and South Korea, making this recording a natural next step.

In this conversation, Hana reflects on her early love of jazz, studying in Tennessee, and her emergence as a vital voice on the Chicago scene.

More on the album: https://lydialiebman.com/index.php/project/entre-amigos/

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