Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Canadian jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader James McGowan.

On this episode, we explore his stunning new 2026 album Threads of Fate, the tenth recording as a leader and the third featuring the acclaimed James McGowan Ensemble (JME)—a dynamic 14-piece group that seamlessly blends horns, strings, and rhythm section into a cinematic modern jazz experience.

Building on the ambitious musical vision established with Reaching In (2023) and Reaching Out (2024), Threads of Fate takes listeners even deeper into narrative composition. Inspired by the timeless Greek myth of the Three Fates, the project was developed alongside KingDom Theatre as part of an innovative physical theatre production that premiered at Canada's National Arts Centre in Ottawa in 2025.

The album combines orchestral textures, contemporary jazz, dramatic storytelling, and expressive improvisation into a powerful artistic statement that bridges jazz, theater, mythology, and modern composition.

During our conversation, James discusses composing for large ensembles, collaborating across artistic disciplines, bringing mythology into contemporary jazz, leading a 14-piece ensemble, his creative process, Canadian jazz, and the evolution of one of today's most imaginative large-group composers.

Whether you're a fan of big band jazz, contemporary composition, orchestral jazz, or cinematic storytelling through music, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album and learn more:
https://jamesmcgowan.ca/threads_of_fate

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed New York-based vocalist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader Basya Schechter of Pharaoh's Daughter.

On this episode, we dive into her remarkable 2026 album Songs of Desire, released on John Zorn's legendary Tzadik Records. More than an album, Songs of Desire is the culmination of an extraordinary 18-year creative journey that transforms the biblical Song of Songs into a deeply personal exploration of sacred love, longing, spirituality, and cross-cultural musical expression.

Known for her pioneering work at the crossroads of Jewish music, world music, jazz, experimental composition, and global traditions, Basya has spent decades creating music that transcends genres and borders. On Songs of Desire, she blends Hebrew, Arabic, Yiddish, French, Spanish, and English lyrics with jazz-informed improvisation, Middle Eastern influences, devotional music, avant-garde composition, and deeply emotional storytelling.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind the album, the long creative process, working with Tzadik Records, John Zorn's influence, Jewish musical traditions, global music, improvisation, songwriting, spirituality, travel, and the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music.

This is a fascinating conversation about artistic courage, cultural connection, sacred expression, and one of the most ambitious releases of 2026.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
https://pharaohsdaughterband.bandcamp.com/album/songs-of-desire

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, and bandleader Erica von Kleist.

On this episode, we dive into her groundbreaking 2026 album Picc Pocket, an innovative recording that boldly places the piccolo flute front and center in a modern straight-ahead jazz setting. While the piccolo has occasionally appeared in jazz history, it has rarely served as the primary voice of a small ensemble. With Picc Pocket, Erica expands that tradition, presenting an exciting collection of original, high-energy compositions that showcase the instrument's expressive range, technical brilliance, and lyrical beauty.

Known for her versatility as a saxophonist, flutist, piccolo specialist, composer, arranger, and educator, Erica continues pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz while remaining deeply rooted in the tradition. Picc Pocket demonstrates how imagination, exceptional musicianship, and fearless creativity can redefine an instrument's role in modern jazz.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind the album, composing for piccolo flute, jazz arranging, improvisation, education, recording, performing, the evolution of today's jazz scene, and the creative process behind one of 2026's most unique jazz releases.

Whether you're a jazz musician, flutist, educator, or simply a fan of adventurous modern jazz, this conversation offers fascinating insights into artistry, innovation, and musical exploration.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album and learn more:
https://www.ericavonkleist.com/piccpocket

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Chicago-based jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Stephen Parisi Jr..

On this episode, we dive into his outstanding debut 2026 album Buddy!, a deeply personal recording that pays tribute to the mentors, family members, musical communities, and experiences that helped shape his artistic voice.

Originally from Buffalo, Stephen built a strong reputation as one of Western New York's most sought-after bassists before relocating to Chicago, where he continues to immerse himself in one of America's richest jazz traditions. Along the way, he developed a distinctive sound rooted in tradition while embracing the creative possibilities of modern jazz.

Produced by Buffalo jazz piano legend and longtime mentor George Caldwell, Buddy! features an exciting ensemble of emerging musicians performing a collection of original compositions that showcase Stephen's abilities as both a bassist and composer.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of Buddy!, mentorship, family influences, composition, the transition from Buffalo to Chicago, building a career in jazz, working with George Caldwell, and the importance of community in artistic growth.

The result is a heartfelt debut that celebrates friendship, gratitude, artistic development, and the people who help shape a musician's path.

We cover the whole story.

Enjoy.

Get the album:
Buddy! on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz guitarist, educator, author, and clinician Barry Greene.

On this episode, we sit down with the Jacksonville, Florida-based guitarist to discuss his outstanding 2026 release Giants, a deeply personal recording that honors the legendary musicians who helped shape his artistic voice and lifelong relationship with jazz.

Giants serves as a heartfelt tribute to some of the most influential guitarists in jazz history, including Pat Martino, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, and Russell Malone. Through organ trio performances, modern ensemble arrangements, and intimate solo guitar explorations, Barry celebrates their influence while showcasing his own distinctive musical identity.

Known throughout the jazz world for his exceptional musicianship and decades of dedication to music education, Barry has inspired generations of students through teaching, clinics, masterclasses, instructional materials, and performances. His approach combines deep respect for jazz tradition with a highly personal and expressive artistic voice.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of Giants, the legacy of the guitar masters who inspired him, jazz education, improvisation, technique, mentorship, performing, recording, and the lessons learned from a lifetime devoted to music.

We also explore his journey from New Jersey to an internationally respected career as one of today's most admired jazz guitar educators and performers.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
Giants on Origin Records

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring veteran guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, composer, and longtime SiriusXM personality Early Times.

On this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 release Border Crossings, a dynamic recording that seamlessly blends jazz, blues, Latin rhythms, and American roots music into a vibrant and soulful musical statement.

What makes Border Crossings especially compelling is the way it was recorded—captured live in a single session with an all-star ensemble featuring legendary drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Luques Curtis, pianist Zaccai Curtis, and saxophonist Craig Handy. The result is a recording filled with spontaneity, chemistry, and world-class musicianship.

Beyond his recording career, Early Times is a familiar voice to music lovers across North America as a foundational on-air personality at SiriusXM, where he is widely recognized for his work on B.B. King's Bluesville and Deep Tracks. His decades-long career has connected him to countless artists, recordings, and musical traditions.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of Border Crossings, working with legendary musicians, the evolution of blues and jazz, songwriting, recording live in the studio, radio broadcasting, and a lifetime dedicated to music.

We cover the whole story.

Enjoy.

Get the album and learn more:
Early Times Official Page

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, arranger, educator, and bandleader Ben Markley.

On this episode, we discuss his outstanding 2026 big band release Tuesday Morning Feeling, a recording that showcases his evolving artistic vision, masterful compositions, and distinctive approach to modern jazz orchestration.

Ben's musical journey began in rural Kansas and traveled through the rich jazz traditions of Kansas City and Denver before leading him to his current home in Wyoming. Along the way, he has established himself as one of the most respected voices in contemporary jazz composition, arranging, and performance.

With Tuesday Morning Feeling, Ben takes another significant step forward as a composer and bandleader. The album features seven original compositions alongside imaginative new arrangements of music by jazz giants Thelonious Monk and Cedar Walton. The recording balances strong melodic concepts with open-ended frameworks that encourage interaction, spontaneity, risk-taking, and collective creativity.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the making of the album, the art of big band writing, arranging jazz standards, composition, improvisation, education, leadership, and the lifelong pursuit of artistic growth.

We also discuss his influences, career path, and the creative lessons learned from a life dedicated to jazz.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
Tuesday Morning Feeling on Origin Records

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Kansas City jazz saxophonist, composer, educator, and bandleader Matt Otto.

On this episode, we discuss his highly anticipated 2026 album Ephemeral, scheduled for release on June 26, 2026. Even before its release, the project has already received recognition for its stunning album artwork created by acclaimed visual artist Philip Burke.

Ephemeral is a deeply personal and artistically ambitious recording that showcases Matt's distinctive compositional voice while celebrating family, friendship, creativity, and the rich musical community of Kansas City. The album includes a special piece written as a 50th birthday gift for his sister-in-law, along with musical acknowledgments to legendary creative music pioneer Wadada Leo Smith and other important influences.

The recording also features an impressive lineup of Kansas City jazz talent, including Peter Schlamb, Roger Wilder, Ben Leifer, and many other outstanding musicians contributing to the project.

In this conversation, we explore the making of Ephemeral, the Kansas City jazz scene, composition, improvisation, collaboration, artistic inspiration, album artwork, and Matt's ongoing journey as one of the Midwest's most respected modern jazz voices.

We also discuss life in Kansas City, creative growth, and the future of jazz.

Enjoy this interview.

Learn more about Matt Otto and Ephemeral:
Matt Otto Official Website
Ephemeral Album Artwork Feature

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Billboard-charting artist, author, musician, and podcaster Miist.

On this episode, we discuss the launch of her inspiring 2026 initiative, The Love Project, including the new single and video Love Will Show Us Our Way, along with her remarkable journey through music, writing, and personal transformation.

Miist's story is one of resilience, hope, and reinvention. Abandoned at the age of five, later facing a life-threatening health crisis in her late twenties, she discovered songwriting in her thirties despite having no formal musical training. That discovery became a turning point that transformed her life and inspired a creative mission centered on connection, compassion, and healing.

Within just a few years, Miist wrote more than 100 songs and became the first native Chinese artist to chart on Billboard's Pop/AC chart. Her work continues to inspire audiences worldwide through music, storytelling, and messages of hope.

We also discuss her new book, Make Me Smile with Miist, a unique short-form, music-integrated experience that explores how simple daily actions can positively impact mindset, deepen human connection, and create meaningful change.

From her home base in San Francisco, we dive into her music career, songwriting process, creative inspiration, personal challenges, new projects, and her mission to spread love and positivity through art.

This is an uplifting conversation about perseverance, creativity, healing, and the power of human connection.

Enjoy.

Learn more about Miist:
Miist Official Website

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring South Korea-based jazz bassist, composer, educator, and bandleader Sean Pentland.

On this episode, we discuss the powerful 2026 release Windward, recorded by The Pentland/Bergonzi Quartet, featuring legendary saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, Sean Pentland, pianist Julian Shore, and drummer Jongkuk Kim.

More than just a recording project, Windward was born from profound loss. The album was inspired by the tragic and unexpected passing of friend and colleague Sebastian Nay, with whom Jerry and Sean had planned to reunite on a German tour. Dedicated to his memory, the music serves as both tribute and reflection, seeking to give voice to his spirit and the emotions that continue to resonate through those he touched.

Sean's musical journey spans multiple continents. Having lived and performed throughout Great Britain, Germany, and South Korea, he has developed a unique international perspective that informs both his bass playing and compositions. His career has led him to perform alongside some of the most respected names in modern jazz, including Don Braden, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jim Snidero, and Jerry Bergonzi.

In this conversation, we discuss Windward, jazz composition, international touring, collaboration, mentorship, loss, creativity, and the universal language of music that connects artists and audiences across cultures and generations.

We cover the whole story.

Enjoy.

Get the album and learn more:
Sean Pentland Official Website

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

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