Neon Jazz Interviews

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

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Ukraine-based jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Carlo Muscat.

This marks Carlo's third appearance on Neon Jazz, and it is always a privilege to document another chapter in the evolution of one of contemporary European jazz's most compelling voices. On this episode, we discuss his powerful 2026 release, That's About It, his eighth album as a leader and one of his most significant artistic statements to date.

A veteran of the Paris and Mediterranean jazz scenes, Carlo has consistently demonstrated a distinctive compositional voice. However, That's About It represents a profound shift in artistic direction. Recorded in Kyiv during the ongoing war in Ukraine, the album features a collaboration with an exceptional ensemble of Ukrainian musicians and stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and artistic persistence.

The music embraces melodic economy, harmonic depth, subtle interaction, and what Carlo describes as a form of compositional stillness—a thoughtful and restrained approach created amidst extraordinary circumstances. The result is a deeply moving and reflective work that captures both tension and beauty.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of the album, recording in Kyiv, the realities facing artists during wartime, the contemporary European jazz scene, live performance, composition, collaboration, and the role of music in an increasingly complex world.

This is an insightful discussion about jazz, creativity, perseverance, and the enduring power of artistic expression.

Enjoy this installment.

Get the album:
Carlo Muscat Bandcamp Page

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Orlando-based rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter Alex Kilroy.

On this episode, we dive deep into Alex's powerful debut 2026 album, Break My Chains, a project rooted in freedom, persistence, self-discovery, and finding his own authentic voice.

Alex's story is as compelling as his music. Growing up in the Transylvanian town of Bistrița, he hung an American flag above his bed and told his mother that he was only visiting Romania. Decades later, after years of pursuing the music that inspired him, he fulfilled that dream and built a life in America centered around his passion for rock, blues, and guitar-driven music.

Born into a musical family, Alex was surrounded by music from an early age. His father was a guitarist before moving into management, and his aunt became a nationally recognized singer who competed in Romania's Eurovision selection process. These influences helped shape the artist he is today.

We discuss the making of Break My Chains, his immigration journey, artistic development, songwriting process, blues and rock influences, and the experiences that fueled this remarkable debut release.

The album was produced by Tres Sasser, recorded in Florida with a handpicked band, mixed in Nashville by Joe Costa, and mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound.

This is a story of perseverance, dreams, music, and the pursuit of freedom through art.

Enjoy the interview.

Listen to Break My Chains:
Break My Chains on Apple Music

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring San Francisco-based independent jazz artist, vocalist, composer, and recording artist Eki Shola.

In this episode, we discuss her captivating 2026 album Dare to Love Free and the remarkable life experiences that have shaped her music and artistic vision.

Born in London to Jamaican parents and raised in a musical family, Eki later emigrated to the United States in 1987. Her path as a recording artist gained momentum in 2016 when personal grief inspired the release of her debut album, Final Beginning. The following year, after surviving the devastating 2017 Sonoma County wildfires, she found an even deeper commitment to creating music that speaks to healing, resilience, and transformation.

We discuss Dare to Love Free, recording in Japan, creativity, overcoming adversity, artistic evolution, independent music, jazz influences, and the experiences that continue to shape her journey.

This is a fascinating conversation with a truly original voice in contemporary independent jazz.

Get the album:
https://ekishola.bandcamp.com/album/dare-to-love-free

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Canadian jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader Emie R. Roussel.

In this episode, we catch up with Emie to discuss the beautiful and thought-provoking 2026 album TERR. Rooted in our shared humanity and collective history, TERR explores the connections that unite us while reflecting on both the strength and fragility of our place in the universe.

Moving through fertile soundscapes, dynamic rhythms, moments of reflection, and bursts of energy, the album creates a musical refuge where shadow and light coexist. It is a project that invites listeners to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with the world around them.

After more than 15 years of artistic collaboration, the Emie R. Roussel Trio unveils its sixth album, drawing from years of musical exploration, growth, and shared creative experiences. The trio continues to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz while maintaining the chemistry and trust that can only develop over time.

This interview is especially meaningful as Emie first joined Neon Jazz in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic. Six years later, we revisit her evolving artistic vision, discuss the making of TERR, the growth of the trio, composition, touring, creativity, and the ongoing journey of creating meaningful music.

Enjoy this conversation with one of Canada's most compelling contemporary jazz voices.

Get the album and learn more:
Emie R. Roussel Trio - TERR Information Page

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Chicago-based jazz trumpeter, composer, educator, and rising star Ella Grace.

In this episode, we discuss her remarkable debut album, Figments, released through Shifting Paradigm Records. The project features seven original contemporary jazz compositions that showcase Ella's distinctive voice as both a composer and bandleader.

Joining her on the album is an exceptional cast of young Chicago musicians, including drummer Jayden Richardson, bassist Marion Mallard, pianist Aval Stanley, saxophonist Garret Munz, and vocalist Julia Danielle.

Originally emerging from the vibrant Twin Cities jazz scene, Ella relocated to Chicago in 2021 to pursue Jazz Studies at DePaul University. Immersed in one of America's most exciting jazz communities, she quickly established herself as both a compelling bandleader and in-demand collaborator. Her growing reputation was recognized through her selection to the 2024 Chicago Music Scene Fellowship.

We discuss the inspiration behind Figments, the creative process, jazz education, original composition, Chicago's thriving music scene, and the exciting future ahead for one of jazz's emerging voices.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
Figments on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz organist, composer, songwriter, and recording artist Larry Goldings.

In this episode, we discuss the highly anticipated 2026 album Rhombus, featuring Larry's legendary trio with guitarist Peter Bernstein and drummer Bill Stewart. After 35 years of musical collaboration, the trio continues to set the standard for modern organ jazz.

Scheduled for release on August 7, 2026 via Smoke Sessions Records, Rhombus showcases the chemistry, creativity, and deep musical connection that have made this ensemble one of the most respected groups in jazz. The trio will celebrate the release with performances at Smoke Jazz Club in New York City from August 19–23, 2026.

Widely praised by critics and fans alike, the trio has been recognized by The New York Times as one of the premier organ groups in contemporary jazz. Beyond his trio work, Larry Goldings has enjoyed a remarkable career collaborating with some of music's most influential artists, including James Taylor, Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, John Scofield, Maceo Parker, Jack DeJohnette, Jim Hall, Steve Gadd, and John Mayer.

We discuss the making of Rhombus, the longevity of the trio, organ jazz, touring, recording, collaboration, and a lifetime dedicated to musical excellence.

Dig this interview.

Listen to the album:
Rhombus on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Shawn Lovato.

In this episode, we discuss his acclaimed 2026 release, Biotic, a bold and imaginative project that redefines the possibilities of the chordless tenor trio.

Joining Shawn on the album are celebrated tenor saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and drummer Henry Mermer. Together, they create a sound that blends atmospheric textures, adventurous improvisation, punk-inspired energy, and deep jazz tradition.

Growing up outside New York City, Shawn's earliest influences came from punk, metal, and hip-hop rather than jazz. Those underground sounds helped shape his creative voice and ultimately informed his unique approach to improvised music. His path through jazz was unconventional, leading him to discover and reinterpret the legacy of chordless tenor ensembles through a modern lens.

We discuss the making of Biotic, composition, improvisation, musical influences, collaboration, jazz history, and the ongoing evolution of contemporary jazz.

Get the album:
Biotic on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and creative visionary Maria Grand.

In this episode, we discuss her powerful and deeply personal 2026 release, Both Sides, along with her artistic journey, live performances, creative process, and perspectives on music and culture in 2026.

As her fourth full-length album, Both Sides explores duality in both structure and storytelling. One side of the project features Maria's working quartet with bassist Rashaan Carter, percussionist Shakoor Hakeem, and drummer Miguel Russell, delivering the adventurous, expressive, and emotionally resonant music that has become her signature.

The album's other side expands beyond traditional performance through audio liner notes narrated by Jasmine Wilson, featuring Maria on saxophone alongside acclaimed pianist Angelica Sanchez. The result is a unique listening experience that merges music, reflection, narrative, and personal history.

Throughout this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind Both Sides, the evolution of her sound, the importance of storytelling in jazz, the realities of performing and creating in today's musical landscape, and her thoughts on America and the arts in 2026.

Maria Grand continues to emerge as one of the most compelling and original voices in contemporary jazz, and this interview offers a fascinating look into the mind of an artist unafraid to push boundaries while remaining deeply connected to personal truth and expression.

Get the album:
Both Sides on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Cory Combs, Executive Director of the Stanford Jazz Workshop, discussing the highly anticipated 54th Annual Stanford Jazz Festival.

In this conversation, Cory takes us through his journey from Wichita to one of the most respected positions in jazz education and presents a comprehensive look at the six-week celebration of music, culture, and learning taking place from June 21 through July 31, 2026.

Since its founding in 1972, the Stanford Jazz Festival has grown into one of America's premier jazz destinations, attracting thousands of music lovers from around the world to the beautiful campus of Stanford University. The 2026 edition celebrates jazz's rich history while showcasing its vibrant future through more than 25 performances, educational opportunities, world premieres, family-friendly events, and international collaborations.

Highlights include centennial celebrations honoring jazz legends Miles Davis and Jimmy Heath, featuring performances by acclaimed artists Jeremy Pelt, Jeb Patton, and David Wong.

The festival lineup also includes world-renowned performers such as Billy Childs, George Cables, Branford Marsalis, and Anat Cohen, alongside celebrated artists including The Westerlies, Nick Rossi, Nicolas Bearde, and Sasha Berliner.

We discuss jazz education, the importance of live performance, the festival's unique atmosphere, community impact, and why Stanford Jazz Festival remains one of the most exciting annual events on the jazz calendar.

For program details, artist updates, and tickets:
Stanford Jazz Festival Official Website

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