Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Mexican-born jazz bassist, composer, arranger, vocalist, and educator Gabriel Espinosa.

From his home base in Iowa, Gabriel joins us to discuss his outstanding 2026 release, The Brazilian Project—a vibrant recording that celebrates the rich traditions of Brazilian music, Latin jazz, and contemporary jazz while showcasing his signature warmth, lyrical compositions, and world-class musicianship.

Born in Mérida, Mexico, Gabriel's musical journey began at the age of six on the guitar before switching to bass. As a teenager, he performed with his brothers Víctor and Patricio in the family group Los Deltons, laying the foundation for an extraordinary international career.

In 1976, Gabriel moved to Iowa to attend Central College in Pella before continuing his studies at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Since then, he has become one of the leading voices in Latin jazz, recording acclaimed albums, performing around the world, and inspiring generations of musicians as an educator.

Gabriel Espinosa's career reflects the beautiful intersection of Mexican heritage, Brazilian rhythms, Latin jazz, and contemporary improvisation, making him one of today's most distinctive and respected jazz artists.

Get The Brazilian Project:
https://originarts.com/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=82952

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz guitarist, composer, and returning guest Tomas Janzon.

We welcome back a good friend of the show to discuss his remarkable 2026 album, Jazz Diary—a deeply personal project that captures the everyday creative process behind his music.

The inspiration for Jazz Diary came from early morning practice sessions, late-night musical discoveries, and quiet coffee breaks where Tomas would sketch melodic ideas with a 2B pencil onto the same four-sided sheets of paper he carries wherever he travels. Over time, these handwritten musical journals evolved into a compelling collection of original compositions, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the mind of an improvising artist.

In this conversation, Tomas shares how daily discipline, travel, observation, and spontaneous inspiration shape his music. We also discuss creativity, the current cultural landscape, America today, jazz composition, and the lifelong pursuit of artistic expression.

As always, it's a pleasure catching up with one of today's most thoughtful and inventive jazz guitarists.

Get the album:
https://tomasjanzon.bandcamp.com/album/jazz-diary

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz pianist and composer David Janeway.

In this episode, we talk with David about his outstanding 2026 live album, Live at the Blue Llama Jazz Club, featuring an all-star trio with legendary bassist Robert Hurst and master drummer Billy Hart. Recorded live at Ann Arbor, Michigan's renowned Blue Llama Jazz Club in June 2024, the album captures Janeway at the height of his artistry, blending deep swing, blues, lyricism, and modern jazz into a powerful live performance.

Born and raised in Detroit, David Janeway carries forward one of America's richest jazz traditions. Influenced by decades of mentorship and the city's remarkable musical legacy, his playing honors jazz history while embracing fresh ideas and contemporary expression.

David offers thoughtful insights into his musical journey, the energy of live performance, and what continues to inspire him after decades of performing and recording.

Enjoy this engaging conversation with one of today's most accomplished jazz pianists.

Get the album and learn more:

• https://www.davidjaneway.com/forward-motion-david-janeway-1
• https://bluellamaclub.com/event/david-janeway-trio/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Kansas City-based jazz musician, composer, vocalist, and creative visionary E.E. Pointer. We caught up with E.E. to discuss his compelling new 2026 album, Downstream Impressions, an imaginative collaboration with poet and storyteller James Benger, along with new music planned for later in 2026 and his ever-evolving creative journey.

Downstream Impressions blends original jazz compositions with the rich poetry of James Benger, whose thought-provoking words explore humanity, nature, and the cosmos. Their artistic partnership began years ago while performing together with the River Cow Cosmic Orchestra, eventually leading to the creation of this unique recording that seamlessly merges spoken word, music, and improvisation into a deeply immersive listening experience.

As always, it's a pleasure catching up with E.E. Pointer, one of Kansas City's most adventurous musical voices. Enjoy this fascinating conversation about creativity, collaboration, jazz composition, poetry, and the stories behind this remarkable new release.

If you enjoy interviews with today's leading jazz artists, composers, and innovators, please subscribe, like this video, and share it. New jazz interviews are released regularly.

All things E.E.:
https://www.eepointer.net/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed Brazilian jazz pianist, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Ricardo Bacelar.

In this exclusive interview, Ricardo discusses his inspiring 2026 album, Maracanós, a remarkable collaboration with legendary Brazilian percussionist and composer Airto Moreira. Bringing together two of Brazil's most celebrated musical voices, Maracanós blends the rich traditions of Brazilian music, jazz, Latin rhythms, and contemporary improvisation into a vibrant and unforgettable listening experience.

Ricardo's musical journey began at an early age, shaped by influences ranging from classical music and jazz to the diverse sounds of Brazil. At just 17 years old, he joined the iconic Brazilian pop-rock band Hanoi Hanoi, launching a career that has since expanded into internationally acclaimed solo recordings, producing, composing, and cross-cultural collaborations.

Whether you're a fan of Brazilian music, Latin jazz, world music, contemporary jazz, or exceptional musicianship, this interview offers fascinating insights into one of Brazil's leading musical artists.

Learn more about Ricardo Bacelar:
https://www.instagram.com/ricardo_bacelar/?hl=en

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed Bay Area jazz vocalist Faye Carol, one of the most respected and enduring voices in American jazz, blues, and gospel.

In this exclusive interview, we celebrate the release of her outstanding 2026 album, Forever Dynamic—a 20-song collection that showcases the depth, soul, and emotional power that have made Faye Carol a treasured musical force for decades. Blending jazz, blues, gospel, soul, and the Great American Songbook, Forever Dynamic is a fitting milestone in a remarkable career that continues to inspire audiences.

Though she has long been revered throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Faye Carol's extraordinary body of work deserves even greater national recognition. After moving from Mississippi to California as a teenager, she released her debut recording in 1967 and has since become one of the region's most influential vocalists, recording ten albums as a leader and appearing on numerous acclaimed collaborations.

Faye Carol's voice, artistry, and commitment to uplifting others have made her one of the Bay Area's true cultural treasures. This is an inspiring conversation with a living legend whose music continues to resonate across generations.

Get the album Forever Dynamic:
https://fayecarol.bandcamp.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and educator Helen Sung, celebrating the release of her stunning 2026 album Oracles.

Marking her big band recording debut, Oracles is a sweeping musical statement of freedom, unity, gratitude, and hope. At a time when the world faces division and uncertainty, Helen channels the enduring spirit of jazz—a music built on inclusion, collaboration, and creative expression. Through richly orchestrated compositions and inspired improvisation, Oracles reminds us that every voice has a place at the table.

The album also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the legendary jazz masters who shaped Helen's artistic journey. Each composition honors one of the iconic mentors from the inaugural class of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance.

Helen Sung has earned international recognition as one of today's most innovative jazz pianists and composers, and Oracles stands as one of the year's most meaningful and ambitious jazz releases.

Listen and learn more:
https://helensung.bandcamp.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with Colombian jazz pianist, composer, and visionary Holman Alvarez, discussing his stunning 2026 album Uarli’s Bones. This bold new recording blends mythology, memory, and contemporary jazz into a deeply expressive musical journey, featuring an all-star quartet with Patricia Brennan (vibraphone), John Hébert (bass), and Kate Gentile (drums).

Recorded at East Side Sound Studio in Manhattan on May 30, 2024, the album was engineered by Rocky Russo and mixed and mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Marc Urselli. Uarli’s Bones explores ancient narratives and modern tensions through adventurous improvisation, modal harmony, and fearless compositional freedom, creating one of the most compelling modern jazz releases of 2026.

If you love adventurous jazz, modern composition, creative improvisation, and conversations with today's most innovative artists, this episode is for you.

Get the album here:
https://holmanalvarez.com/uarlis-bones/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with South Carolina-based jazz trumpeter, composer, educator, and cultural documenter Matt White.

In this episode, we dive into his captivating 2026 album Dolly, a self-produced recording that reimagines the timeless songs of Dolly Parton through the lens of modern jazz. The project bridges Southern musical traditions with adventurous improvisation, offering a fresh perspective on one of America's greatest songwriters while highlighting the enduring connection between jazz, folk, country, and Appalachian musical heritage.

Beyond the recording, Matt discusses his multifaceted career as Chair of Jazz Studies at the University of South Carolina, where he directs the acclaimed Left Bank Big Band, oversees the graduate jazz program, and teaches trumpet, improvisation, composition, and music technology. We also explore his passion for documenting Southern musical history and how that work informs his artistic voice.

Whether you're a fan of jazz, Dolly Parton, American roots music, or innovative musical interpretations, this conversation offers fascinating insights into creativity, education, and the rich musical traditions of the American South.

Get the album:
https://mattwhitejazz.bandcamp.com/album/dolly

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed pianist, educator, jazz advocate, and club owner Spike Wilner.

In this special episode, Spike gives us an exclusive tour of Jazzcultural, one of New York City's newest and most exciting jazz venues, located on legendary Restaurant Row just steps from Times Square. More than just a jazz club, Jazzcultural is a vibrant performance space, community gathering place, and educational hub dedicated to preserving and advancing the rich tradition of jazz.

Inspired by the legendary Barry Harris and his beloved Jazz Cultural Theater, which operated in Chelsea during the 1980s and 1990s, Spike has created a venue that honors Harris' lifelong commitment to jazz education, mentorship, and artistic excellence. The club combines a welcoming café and bar with a state-of-the-art, 90-seat performance room where some of the world's finest jazz musicians perform in an intimate setting.

During our conversation, Spike shares the vision behind Jazz Cultural, the importance of keeping New York City's jazz tradition thriving, the influence of Barry Harris, the challenges and rewards of opening a new jazz venue, and why creating an affordable home for musicians and audiences matters now more than ever.

Whether you're a lifelong jazz fan, planning a trip to New York City, or simply curious about the future of live jazz, this interview offers a fascinating look inside one of the city's newest cultural landmarks.

🌐 Jazz Cultural
https://www.jazzcultural.com/

📰 JazzTimes Feature
https://www.jazztimes.com/reviews/live/new-jazz-club-jazzcultural-launches-in-new-york/

📘 Spike Wilner on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/spikewilner/

📸 Spike Wilner on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/spikewilner/ 

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