Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with the sultry NYC Jazz Vocalist Molly Ryan .. On the heels of her newest 2015 album called Let’s Fly Away, she discussed a great many things during our interview .. From growing up in Rosevile, California and learning jazz tricks from a family friend .. Bob Ringwald .. the father of actress and jazz singer Molly Ringwald .. These days, she is living in New York City with husband and the producer of her albums – Dan Levinson .. Over the course of our interview, both Molly and Dan discuss this new album, and she talks about her heroes, what is in store for her – and I caught up with her mentor and good friend – Bob Ringwald – the father of actress/singer and jazz singer Molly Ringwald .. he talked about Molly’s talent and what it was like to teach her ..

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Legendary Jazz pianist Harold Mabern .. Over the course of our conversation, this brilliant jazz legend discussed his roots in a town celebrated for bringing the world quality musicians .. Memphis, Tennessee .. He talked about moving on to Chicago the New York City and all the cats that influenced him and those he played with along the way .. No one held a greater influence than the great Phineas Newborn Jr. .. He discussed playing with Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery and most of the jazz luminaries that were a part of the 50s and 60s New York City .. For the past 35 years he has been a jazz educator and continues to make that memorable jazz .. He’s a testament to longevity, consistency and being one of the nicest cats on the planet ..

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with modern day jazz drummer Matt Wilson .. Over the course of our conversation,  he discussed a very long, adventurous jazz journey that he has penned, thus far .. On the heels of a new Christmas album, he talked about at gig at the White House, interviewing Dave Brubeck, playing with many legends over the years, what projects are on the horizon, along with much more ..

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City jazz vocalist Molly Hammer  - Over the course of our interview, she discussed her career in the thriving Kansas City jazz scene and plans to release some recordings in 2016 .. These days she is active at jazz houses like the Green Lady Lounge and loves what she does .. She’s a cancer survivor, part comedian and has some serious jazz pipes .. Take a listen and get to know Molly ..

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with  Jazz Superstar Bassist Christian McBride  ..  He’s always on the verge of something new .. and now it happens to be 2017’s  CD Bringin’ It .. He was raised in a city steeped in soul – Philadelphia and in 1989 he moved to New York to pursue classical studies at the Juilliard School – Since then, he has produced a massive body of work – as a recording artist, radio host, collaborator and ultimate jazz force ..

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Legendary New Orleans Jazz Trumpeter, Singer and Composer Kermi Ruffins .. Along with gigs and constant activity, he’s promoting 2017’s A Beautiful World with Irvin Mayfield – He spent his childhood in New Orleans influenced by Louis Armstrong and Louis Jordan and would go on to be the co-founder of the Rebirth Brass Band in 1983 and the original founder of the Barbecue Swingers in 1992 – Over the years he’s done some many projects like playing himself in the HBO Series Treme and he has  over fifteen albums to his credit including live albums -

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Musician, Composer & Painter Gerald Cannon .. Born in Racine, Wisconsin his father Benjamin was a guitarist and bought him his first electric bass at10 – from there, he went to the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse where he met jazz great Milt Hinton and it changed his life .. He’s on the heels of releasing 2017’s CD Combinations and his life is a string of dreams realized .. he wen to New York at 28 and since then has played with the likes of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Dexter Gordon, Cedar Walton Trio, Jimmy Smith, and so many others .. He’s quite an accomplished painter ..

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with  Veteran Jazz Saxophonist Vincent Herring .. On the heels of a new 2017 CD Hard Times .. life is good .. He grew up in Hopkinsville, Kentucky and started playing saxophone at the age of 11 in school bands – He went on to play in the Military Academy Band at West Point and would work with Cedar Walton for more than 20 years – that led to gigs with the likes of Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Hayes, Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers and Horace Silver Quintet over a career that has produced over 20 titles as a leader and over 250 as a sideman .. This interview was a long time comin’ ..

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series NYC Jazz Saxophonist, Flutist and Composer Steve Slagle.. He was born in Los Angeles, raised in Philadelphia and has called New York City his home for quite some time .. He just released 2017’s Dedication and it’s another gem in his discography .. After going to the Berklee College of Music and getting a master's degree in Music From Manhattan School of Music – he would play with the best in the business like Lionel Hampton, Brother Jack McDuff, Carla Bley, along with traveling and performing with Woody Herman and Cab Calloway .. His career path has taken him around the world and has been a very good one .. full of stories and wisdom ..

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Drummer Barry Altschul .. He is now promoting his latest 2017 CD - The 3Dom Factor Live in Krakow and it’s a great album .. He is a self taught musician who has learned a lot from stellar mentors over the years .. Like Charlie Persip during the 1960s – Then performing with the likes of Paul Bley, Chick Corea amd Dave Holland .. He talked openly about the world of jazz today, at 74 – what is left to accomplish and much more ..