Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Los Angeles-based jazz vocalist, songwriter, performer, and recording artist Sylvia Brooks.

In this episode, we dive into her sixth album, Soliloquy, and explore a remarkable creative journey shaped by music, acting, storytelling, and artistic expression.

Raised by parents who were both musicians and artists, Sylvia grew up immersed in a world of creativity and performance. That rich artistic foundation has informed a career marked by authenticity, elegance, and a deep commitment to meaningful storytelling through song.

On Soliloquy, Sylvia delivers a powerful collection of four jazz standards and four original compositions that explore the many dimensions of the human experience. The album examines life's joys, challenges, heartbreaks, triumphs, compassion, resilience, romance, and beauty through vivid lyrics and expressive performances.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind the album, songwriting, jazz vocals, acting, creativity, artistic growth, performance, and the lessons learned throughout her career in music and entertainment.

Sylvia shares insights into her creative process, her passion for connecting with audiences, and how personal experiences have shaped the emotional depth found throughout Soliloquy.

This is a thoughtful and engaging discussion for jazz fans, vocal music enthusiasts, songwriters, performers, and anyone who appreciates compelling storytelling through music.

Get the album and learn more:
Sylvia Brooks Official Website

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring married jazz collaborators, guitarist Al Schulman and vocalist Stacey Schulman.

In this episode, we dive into their thought-provoking new 2026 album, Crazy World, and explore their shared journey through music, creativity, collaboration, and life together.

Created during a period marked by cultural upheaval, rapid technological change, and uncertainty, Crazy World captures the feeling of living in an era where familiar foundations often seem to be shifting beneath our feet. Rather than offering easy answers, the album embraces the complexity of the modern moment—examining questions of truth, perception, authenticity, and human connection.

The project features an exceptional lineup of musicians, including legendary drummer Jeff Watts, bassist Corcoran Holt, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Dante Pope, and acclaimed pianist, arranger, and producer Gil Goldstein.

Beyond the music, we discuss how Al and Stacey first met, their evolution as artists and partners, the creative process behind the album, and the unique experience of building a musical life together.

This is an engaging conversation about jazz, relationships, artistic expression, collaboration, and finding meaning through music in a rapidly changing world.

Get the album:
Crazy World on Amazon Music

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist, songwriter, bandleader, entrepreneur, and former club owner Marcus Goldhaber.

In this episode, we discuss his outstanding 2026 album, The Promise of You, along with his fascinating journey through the world of jazz, performance, songwriting, and club ownership.

On his sixth recording as a leader, Marcus presents a compelling collection that balances original compositions with timeless jazz standards. The album reflects both artistic growth and a renewed commitment to music after an important chapter in his life as the founder and owner of Room 623, a beloved Harlem listening room that became known for intimate performances and a deep appreciation of jazz artistry.

While operating Room 623 was a labor of love, it also required Marcus to place much of his recording career on hold. After closing the club, he returned his focus fully to creating music, resulting in the heartfelt and sophisticated recordings found on The Promise of You.

Co-produced with acclaimed pianist Art Hirahara, the album features a stellar ensemble including bassist Michael O'Brien and drummer Alvester Garnett, along with special guest appearances from GRAMMY-nominated guitarist Paul Bollenback, saxophonist and clarinetist Jay Rattman, trumpeter Summer Camargo, and three-time GRAMMY-winning percussionist Keita Ogawa.

We discuss the making of the album, jazz vocals, songwriting, entrepreneurship, running a music venue, artistic reinvention, and the experiences that shaped Marcus's unique path through the jazz world.

This is an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, creativity, and the enduring power of great music.

Get the album and learn more:
The Promise of You on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, bandleader, educator, and longtime New York jazz fixture Dave Schumacher.

In this episode, we dive into the new 2026 Cubeye album, Agua Con Gas, while exploring Dave's remarkable four-decade journey through the world of jazz.

For more than 40 years, Dave Schumacher has been a vital presence on the New York jazz scene. As a freelance baritone saxophonist, he has performed in over 465 cities across 41 countries on five continents, building a truly international career through performance, collaboration, composition, and education.

Dave toured extensively throughout the Americas and Europe as a member of Lionel Hampton's orchestra during the 1980s, helping carry on the legacy of one of jazz's most celebrated big bands. One of his career highlights came in 1987 when he traveled to Japan with the Art Blakey Big Band to perform at the renowned Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival.

In 1990, Dave became an original member of Harry Connick Jr.'s orchestra, adding another significant chapter to a career filled with memorable performances and collaborations.

We discuss the inspiration behind Agua Con Gas, life on the road, the evolution of jazz, international touring, arranging, composing, teaching, and the experiences that shaped one of the most respected baritone saxophonists working today.

This conversation is packed with stories from decades on the bandstand and offers a fascinating look into the life of a dedicated jazz artist who has seen the music from every angle.

Get the album and learn more:
Dave Schumacher Bandcamp Page

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Pittsburgh-based jazz and world music composer, vocalist, songwriter, and cultural explorer Laura Chu Wiens, better known as AurallaurA.

In this episode, we discuss her fascinating 2026 release, The Critique of Capital: An Engaging Revue, along with her unique path into music, composition, performance, and global cultural exploration.

Raised in a Chinese-American household and shaped by extensive international experiences, Laura has developed an artistic voice that transcends borders and genres. Fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, she has immersed herself in musical traditions around the world, studying and performing folk music in Chiapas, Mexico, township jazz in Cape Town, South Africa, Roma music in Belgrade, Serbia, and Lisu minority folk music in Yunnan, China.

Her creative journey has also included writing and performing vocal music for four productions on BBC Radio 4, further expanding her reach as a composer and storyteller.

What makes Laura's story particularly compelling is that music was never originally intended to be her primary path. Yet through curiosity, travel, language, cultural exchange, and artistic exploration, it evolved into a deeply meaningful career and creative mission.

In this conversation, we discuss world music, jazz, composition, cultural influences, global travel, language, songwriting, performance, creativity, identity, and the inspiration behind The Critique of Capital: An Engaging Revue.

This is a rich and engaging discussion for jazz fans, world music enthusiasts, composers, travelers, and anyone interested in how art can connect cultures and experiences from around the globe.

Learn more about AurallaurA:
AurallaurA Facebook Page

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring accomplished Florida-based jazz composer, educator, and recording artist Scott Lee.

In this episode, we discuss his ambitious and genre-defying 2026 album, Greetings from Florida: Postcards from Paradise, a compelling musical exploration of the myths, realities, beauty, and contradictions that define Florida.

This innovative song-cycle project features acclaimed jazz vocalist and guitarist Camila Meza and draws lyrical inspiration from eight poems by Cuban-American poet Carolina Hospital. Together, they create a rich musical narrative that explores the tension between the dream of paradise and the lived experiences of those who call Florida home.

Known for blending jazz, classical influences, and contemporary popular music, Scott Lee has developed a distinctive compositional voice. His music often incorporates odd-meter grooves, interlocking rhythmic patterns, sophisticated harmonies, and a unique balance between intellectual complexity and emotional immediacy.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind Greetings from Florida: Postcards from Paradise, songwriting, composition, poetry, collaboration, jazz education, bass performance, creativity, and the evolving landscape of contemporary jazz.

Scott also reflects on his musical journey, artistic influences, teaching career, and the process of transforming poetry into powerful musical storytelling.

This is a fascinating conversation for jazz lovers, composers, musicians, educators, and anyone interested in the intersection of literature, culture, and music.

Get the album and learn more:
Scott Lee Official Website

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz trombonist, composer, educator, and bandleader Ron Wilkins along with trombone virtuoso, composer, and collaborator Rebecca Patterson.

In this deeply moving and inspiring conversation, we discuss their powerful 2026 album, The Vigil and The Sleeping Giant, a project that explores the nature of time, resilience, healing, and the human experience through the language of jazz.

At its core, the album examines how our perception of time shifts throughout life and how the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered that experience for people across the globe. More personally, the music tells the extraordinary story of Ron Wilkins' own battle with COVID.

After contracting the virus, Ron endured a life-threatening medical crisis that resulted in a medically induced coma lasting 32 days. Thirty-seven days later, he was finally able to come off a ventilator and breathe on his own once again. What followed was a remarkable journey of recovery, reflection, gratitude, and renewed creativity.

Through composition and performance, Ron and Rebecca transform this profound experience into a compelling musical narrative filled with emotion, courage, vulnerability, and hope.

In this interview, we discuss the making of the album, their musical partnership, the creative process, surviving COVID, recovery, resilience, jazz composition, trombone artistry, and the lessons learned from facing mortality and finding a renewed appreciation for life.

This is a powerful conversation about music, perseverance, healing, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Get the album:
The Vigil and The Sleeping Giant on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed Philadelphia-based jazz vocalist Eddie Bruce.

We caught up with Eddie to discuss his first full big band recording, For Dreamers and Their Dreams, a project that represents a major milestone in a career dedicated to great songs, great performances, and the timeless spirit of swing.

The album features the 17-piece Ed Vezinho and Jim Ward Big Band and showcases a collaboration built on decades of musical friendship, mutual respect, and shared artistic vision. The recording marks Eddie's first complete big band album and fulfills a longtime dream of bringing his vocal style together with the power and richness of a full jazz orchestra.

For years, Eddie balanced a successful career performing at weddings, special events, cabarets, and concert venues. Today, he is focused on projects that truly reflect his artistic passions. For Dreamers and Their Dreams captures that freedom, featuring classic interpretations, heartfelt storytelling, and arrangements crafted by longtime collaborator Ed Vezinho. The album includes beloved standards, fresh arrangements, and Eddie's original composition "Philly Is the City."

In this conversation, we discuss the making of the album, the chemistry of the band, the enduring appeal of the Great American Songbook, the evolution of his career, and why this chapter of his musical life feels especially rewarding.

This is a story about perseverance, passion, friendship, and the realization of a lifelong musical dream.

Get the album and learn more:
Eddie Bruce Official Website

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Pete Mills.

We caught up with Pete to discuss his outstanding 2026 album, This Is Now, a recording that reunites a working group whose musical chemistry has been developing for more than two decades.

Joining Pete on this remarkable project are guitarist Pete McCann, bassist Martin Wind, drummer Matt Wilson, and pianist Kenny Banks Jr.. Together, they create a sound that is relaxed, conversational, swinging, and deeply rooted in the spirit of modern jazz.

In this interview, Pete discusses why This Is Now may be his strongest project to date, the unique chemistry shared by the ensemble, the importance of long-term musical relationships, and how trust and experience allow great improvisers to create music that feels effortless while remaining deeply expressive.

We also dive into his career as a saxophonist, composer, and performer, along with the creative process behind bringing this exceptional group together in the studio.

If you appreciate jazz that balances sophistication, groove, spontaneity, and musical communication, this conversation offers an inside look at one of today's accomplished jazz artists and a band that truly understands how to play together.

Get the album and learn more:
Pete Mills Official Website

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

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