Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with New York City Jazz Guitarist Charlie Apicella .. He grew up in New York and these days he is promoting his newest 2018 CD – One Night Only – A tribute to Jack McDuff .. His love of guitars came in 1977 with a Starfire IV that was signed by his idol BB King – From there, he studied improvisation and composition with Pat Martino, Yusef Lateef, Archie Sheep, and Dave Stryker .. He is the  founder of the band IRON CITY and he had plenty to say about his jazz walk ..

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Drum Legend Peter Erskine .. He took some time to speak about a wide range of projects he is involved with these days .. from new albums to apps to books and teaching .. Peter is always a force in music .. On April 6, 2018 he is set to release 'On Call' – his 3rd album with The Dr. Um Band, a double-CD package with six studio and five 'live' tracks, featuring keyboardist/arranger John Beasley, saxophonist Bob Sheppard, bass phenom Benjamin Shepherd – he also talked about jazz these days and much more ..

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City Jazz Pianist Max Groove .. He is a Kansas City institution and of the pioneers of the smooth jazz style that has thrilled listeners for years - He has twelve internationally released CDs, three in the top twenty Billboard Jazz and over the years he has been on national tour appearances with the likes of Joe Sample & the Crusaders, the Temptations, Four Tops, Peabo Bryson, and Count Basie – In 2007, Governor Blunt called him a “Missouri State Jazz Treasure” –

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Vocalist Michelle Coltrane .. There just released her 2nd CD - 2017's Awakening … So, she was born in Paris, France, and is the only daughter of Alice and John Coltrane – As that backdrop to her life, she was always surrounded by music and encouraged to get involved .. She would go on to live in Japan and work as a DJ – along with performing arranging background vocals for prominent artists – Over time, she has toured the US and France as a soloist and has performed with such artists as Kenny Kirkland, Jeff Watts, Ronnie Laws, Billy Childs, Jack DeJohnette – and so many others .. Even with the Coltrane name, she has established her own jazz lore and she has many stories to impart ..

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Guitarist Abe Ovadia .. In 2017 he released his hit single, "Afro Blue" and there is more to come .. He spoke with Neon Jazz about his childhood in New Jersey .. He has a  bachelor's degree from Berklee College of Music and a master's from New York University – To date, he has 3 albums under his belt and has gained the respect of his peers and jazz veterans alike, such as Grammy-award winning trumpeter Brian Lynch, who said, "It has been very enjoyable to play with him, as well as to perform his original music. He is playing at a world-class level."

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Trumpeter Dave Scott .. He talked about a recent recording session .. about about growing up in Kansas City .. Living in Los Angelse for 11 years and going to school at USC .. He currently lives in New York and has been composing for and performing with his own jazz quintet and also has a new project featuring violin, piano, guitar, bass and drums. He is recognized in the New York jazz community as a prolific composer – He is also a clinician and a very seasoned jazz cat with much to say ..

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Saxophonist, Composer -& Educator Dafnis Prieto .. He has a new album – 2018’s Back to the Sunset and it’s a great new album .. he’s originally Cuba where his revolutionary drumming techniques and compositions had a powerful impact on the Latin and Jazz music scene – He came to New York in 1999 and has played wit the best since then .. like Henry Threadgill, Steve Coleman, Eddie Palmieri, Chucho Valdez, Bebo Valdez, Roy Hargrove, and Andrew Hill .. He is also the founder of the independent music company Dafnison Music

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Guitar Legend Pat Martino .. We caught up with him to discuss his 2017 CD  Formidable and so many other things .. He discussed his in Philadelphia and how he was first exposed to jazz through his father, Carmen "Mickey" Azzara, who sang in local clubs and briefly studied guitar with Eddie Lang. He began playing guitar when he was twelve years old - eft school in tenth grade to devote himself to music and became actively involved with the early rock scene in Philadelphia, alongside stars like Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon and Bobby Darin. An icon before his eighteenth birthday, Pat was signed as a leader for Prestige Records when he was twenty. Pat has had a hugely interesting career and lifeline .. his survival has been the key to his success ..

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Veteran Kansas City Jazz Guitarist Rod Fleeman .. He is always a busy cat on the KC scene .. whether with Deborah Brown, Bram at the Majestic or as a part of the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra .. He developed a love for jazz while a freshman at Southwest High School growing up in KC and would go on to attend  the University of Utah and the University of Miami .. Over the years, he has performed with the best .. like Marilyn Maye, Karrin Allyson, Jay McShann, Claude Williams and many more .. He’s got great tales and a good story to tell ..

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Lead Guitarist and Vocalist James ‘Jimbo’ Mathus of the Swing Revial Jazz Band The Squirrel Nut Zippers .. They are gearing up to release a brand new album .. their first new studio album in 18 years - slated for March 23, 2018 via their own label Southern Broadcasting called Beasts of Burgundy .. And will kick off a huge tour .. and live music is their thing .. This band stormed the jazz and music world in the late 90’s with a swing revival .. The band's music is a fusion of Delta blues, gypsy jazz, 1930s–era swing, klezmer, New Orleans Jazz and more has given them a legion of fans .. They hit it big and performed at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and at President Clinton's second inaugural ball – along with much more .. After a break and new band line up, they are back and ready to roar ..