Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Miami-based acclaimed jazz singer, educator, and performer Lisanne Lyons. We take a deep dive into her new 2026 release May I Come In along with her celebrated journey through the world of jazz.

Possessing a beautiful voice, a natural sense of swing, and a deep connection to the Great American Songbook tradition, Lisanne brings timeless jazz storytelling into a contemporary setting. For this project, she collaborated with arranger Mike Lewis to create lush orchestral arrangements performed by an outstanding jazz orchestra featuring some of Miami and New York’s finest musicians.

Lisanne’s professional career began immediately after high school as a featured vocalist for the United States Air Force Bands, where she traveled and performed around the world. Over the years, she has shared the stage with jazz legends and ensembles including the Woody Herman Orchestra, Maynard Ferguson Big Bop Nouveau, Arturo Sandoval, Larry Elgart, and many more.

In this interview, we discuss jazz vocals, big band music, swing, improvisation, the Great American Songbook, arranging, performance, jazz education, touring, collaboration, and the inspiration behind May I Come In.

She’s full of wisdom, musical insight, and unforgettable stories from decades in jazz. Enjoy this interview with Lisanne Lyons.

Get the album:
https://originarts.com/oa2/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=22248

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Montréal-based guitarist, composer, and bandleader Mike Bruzzese. We talked about his new 2026 album Another Space and his evolving career in the world of jazz.

This second album stands as a deeply collaborative and expressive project that captures the spirit of imagination, connection, improvisation, and shared artistry that shaped its creation. Another Space features an outstanding ensemble including Ben Solomon on tenor saxophone, Mike De Masi on bass, Adam Arruda on drums, and a special guest appearance by vocalist Laura Anglade performing Billy Strayhorn’s timeless classic Lush Life.

Born and raised in Montréal, Mike was surrounded by music from an early age and began playing guitar at the age of 12. By 17, he discovered a deep passion for jazz guitar, setting him on a path toward composition, performance, collaboration, and artistic exploration in contemporary jazz.

In this interview, we discuss jazz guitar, composition, improvisation, collaboration, recording, Montreal’s jazz scene, musical influences, storytelling through music, and the inspiration behind Another Space.

Enjoy the journey and this thoughtful conversation with Mike Bruzzese.

Get the album & learn more:
https://www.mikebruzzese.ca/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Boston-based Grammy-nominated Palestinian cellist, composer, educator, and innovator Naseem Alatrash. We take a deep dive into his debut and new 2026 album Bright Colors On A Dark Canvas along with his remarkable journey through the world of music.

Naseem Alatrash is a groundbreaking artist whose music bridges Arabic traditions, Western classical music, contemporary jazz, improvisation, and cinematic storytelling. Through his work, he reimagines the cello as a leading voice in Arabic music — an instrument capable of lyrical beauty, emotional depth, improvisation, and storytelling beyond conventional boundaries.

Throughout his career, he has toured internationally as a soloist and ensemble performer, collaborating with acclaimed artists and groups including the Global Messengers with Grammy-winning pianist Danilo Pérez and the renowned Turtle Island Quartet, which has toured alongside Grammy-winning composer and trumpeter Terence Blanchard.

In this interview, we discuss jazz composition, Arabic music, cultural fusion, improvisation, contemporary classical influences, education, artistic identity, collaboration, world music, and the inspiration behind Bright Colors On A Dark Canvas. We also explore his personal journey from Jerusalem to America and the experiences that shaped his artistic vision.

Enjoy this thoughtful, inspiring, and musically rich conversation with Naseem Alatrash.

Get the music & learn more:
https://www.alatrashmusic.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz bandleader, vocalist, and storyteller Shenel Johns. We take a deep dive into her highly anticipated debut album Stars, arriving in Summer 2026, along with her career, upcoming performances, and artistic evolution.

This debut project marks a major milestone in Shenel’s journey following years of celebrated work as a featured jazz vocalist, ensemble leader, and performer with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Produced by Grammy-winning artist Kamau Kenyatta, the new release showcases her powerful voice, emotional storytelling, and bold artistic identity.

On May 16, Shenel celebrates the release of her new EP with a debut performance at the La Jolla Music Society in San Diego, California, followed by an official album release celebration on August 20, 2026, at the legendary Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, Shenel was first drawn to jazz as a form of rebellion against her strict religious upbringing in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Since then, she has built an extraordinary career that includes earning the #1 spot on BBC Classical Radio as a vocalist in a jazz ensemble, while The Boston Globe described her as “history in the making.”

In this interview, we discuss jazz vocals, bandleading, creativity, live performance, faith, personal growth, storytelling, contemporary jazz, artistic freedom, collaboration, and the inspiration behind Stars.

We cover the whole story. Enjoy this inspiring and powerful conversation with Shenel Johns.

More Shenel Johns:
https://www.sheneljohns.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Boston-based veteran jazz guitarist, composer, and educator Phil Sargent. We got into his new 2026 album Slow Motions and his fascinating life in the world of jazz.

This new solo guitar album is less about technical display and more an invitation into stillness, reflection, and deep listening. Slow Motions reimagines jazz standards and original compositions through the lens of classical counterpoint, chromatic harmony, improvisation, and subtle emotional storytelling — capturing the guitar as a complete, breathing ensemble rather than a single instrument.

Over the course of his career, Phil has worked with acclaimed musicians including Dave Liebman, Antonio Sanchez, Jerry Bergonzi, and many others. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, he leads his own group whose music draws from a wide range of influences including modern jazz improvisation, odd meters, and the Eastern tonalities of Balkan music traditions.

In this interview, we discuss jazz guitar, improvisation, composition, solo performance, harmony, creative process, contemporary jazz, world music influences, live performance, and the inspiration behind Slow Motions.

It’s a thoughtful and inspiring conversation filled with insight into artistry, creativity, and the evolving language of jazz guitar. Enjoy this interview with Phil Sargent.

Get the album & learn more:
https://www.philsargentmusic.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Brazilian jazz pianist, composer, and fusion artist Henrique Mota. We caught up with him from his base in Brazil to talk about his new 2026 release Waning Moon and his life in the world of music.

Waning Moon presents an intimate and contemporary approach to solo jazz piano, blending lyrical themes with rhythmic subtlety, harmonic depth, improvisation, and emotional storytelling. Henrique brings together influences from jazz, classical music, Brazilian rhythms, and fusion to create a deeply expressive and modern musical experience.

Henrique holds a degree in Classical Piano and has earned growing recognition within the Brazilian instrumental music scene, particularly in jazz and fusion. Throughout his career, he has performed and recorded with internationally respected artists including Bob Mintzer, David Binney, Rachel Therrien, Seamus Blake, and many others.

He has released six original albums, all receiving strong acclaim from respected jazz publications and music critics worldwide. In this interview, we discuss solo piano performance, composition, improvisation, Brazilian jazz, fusion, creativity, recording, collaboration, and the inspiration behind Waning Moon.

Dig this thoughtful and inspiring story with Henrique Mota.

More music from Henrique Mota:
https://www.instagram.com/henriquemotamusic/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring jazz vocalist Sivan Arbel and pianist Andrea Goretti.

We dive into their 2026 album Bazrima, a deeply expressive duo recording that captures the beauty of musical connection and creative flow. This marks Sivan’s first duo album with the acclaimed Italian pianist, creating an intimate and fluid sonic dialogue.

Bazrima means “flow” in Hebrew — a perfect reflection of the natural musical exchange between the two artists as they move seamlessly between composition and improvisation.

Their music explores both the tension and tenderness of modern life, embracing complexity while ultimately leaning toward unity, balance, and emotional clarity.

In this interview, we cover:

🎧 Listen to the album:
https://open.spotify.com/album/6RFjc5Y66Rl2TnsMxVHrdl

If you love vocal jazz, intimate duo recordings, and emotionally rich improvisation, this is a must-watch.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City jazz organist, composer, and bandleader Chris Hazelton. We caught up with this very busy musician to talk about his new 2026 album In Rotation, his work with the Cory Weeds Duo covering Huey Lewis tunes, live performances, and much more.

Following up his acclaimed 2023 release After Dark, In Rotation explores time, texture, groove, improvisation, and mood through a distinctive instrumental lineup featuring Hammond B-3 organ, vibraphone, saxophone, and drums. The album showcases an exceptional lineup of Kansas City jazz talent including Brett Jackson on tenor and baritone saxophone, Peter Schlamb on vibraphone, and John Kizilarmut on drums.

Known for his soulful Hammond organ sound, inventive improvisation, and energetic live performances, Chris Hazelton continues to be a major force in the Kansas City jazz scene and beyond.

In this interview, we discuss jazz organ, composition, live performance, modern jazz, improvisation, Kansas City music, collaboration, recording, touring, Huey Lewis reinterpretations, and the inspiration behind In Rotation.

We dig into all of it and more. Enjoy this interview with Chris Hazelton.

More Chris Hazelton & music:
https://chrishazelton.bandcamp.com/album/chris-hazelton
https://www.chrishazelton.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with UK-based jazz vocalist, pianist, songwriter, and performer Jeremy Sassoon. We caught up with him to talk about his new 2026 album Older and Wiser and his remarkable musical journey.

In the beginning, Jeremy attended medical school while continuing to play music — but ultimately music became his true destiny. Since launching his solo career in 2011, he has developed a distinctive and evocative style that blends jazz, blues, soul, storytelling, and heartfelt emotion. He is widely acclaimed for his soulful voice, dynamic piano playing, engaging stage presence, and entertaining repartee as a frontman.

Over the years, Jeremy has headlined sold-out performances at legendary venues including Ronnie Scott’s, The 606 Club, and The Jazz Café. His latest project, Older and Wiser, is a deeply personal storytelling album, with many of the songs reflecting emotional challenges, life transitions, growth, relationships, and the wisdom gained through experience.

In this interview, we discuss songwriting, jazz performance, storytelling through music, blues, soul, career evolution, live performance, creativity, emotional expression, and the inspiration behind Older and Wiser.

Enjoy this insightful and soulful conversation with Jeremy Sassoon.

Get the album and learn more:
https://jeremysassoon.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with award-winning guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader Derrick Dove of The Peacekeepers.

We dive into his musical roots, the beginnings of the band, their evolution over the years, and their upcoming performance at Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. After years of building a strong grassroots following, Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers are having a major breakthrough moment, coming off top honors at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, where Derrick also earned the prestigious “Best Guitarist” award.

His musical story began on a bandstand in South Georgia, playing drums in his father’s band at just ten years old — long before stepping into the spotlight as a guitarist and vocalist. After spending time in Nashville and touring with various groups, he eventually returned home and formed The Peacekeepers around 2010, building a sound rooted in blues, soul, Southern rock, groove, and authentic storytelling.

In this interview, we discuss blues music, songwriting, touring life, live performance, guitar playing, Kansas City, Memphis blues, Southern music roots, band leadership, new music, and the growing momentum behind The Peacekeepers.

Dig this powerful and soulful conversation with Derrick Dove.

Shows, music & more:
https://derrickdove.com/

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