Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Israeli composer, jazz pianist, arranger, songwriter, and independent producer Gregory Golub. From his base in Israel, we talk about his latest 2025 release, African and Other Jazz Passions, and his lifelong journey through the world of music.

This new album is an original world-inflected jazz fusion project created independently through his label, Gregory Golub Music Concept. His music stands at the crossroads of jazz, contemporary instrumental music, fusion, and genre-crossing composition, blending rich melodies, rhythmic exploration, and global influences into a deeply personal artistic statement.

Gregory began playing piano at the age of 12 and later received formal musical education in Russia and Ukraine. Early in his career, he participated in a jazz festival in Russia where he earned an excellence prize for best original jazz compositions. Since moving to Israel in 1990, he has built an expansive catalog spanning jazz, multi-genre instrumental music, songwriting, poetry, and independent production.

In this interview, we discuss jazz composition, world music influences, African-inspired rhythms, independent artistry, fusion music, piano performance, creative evolution, songwriting, arranging, and the inspiration behind African and Other Jazz Passions.

We cover the whole story. Enjoy this insightful and inspiring conversation with Gregory Golub.

More Gregory Golub:
https://gregorygolub.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Spanish-born, Sweden-based pianist, vocalist, and composer Alicia Lazaro about her debut 2026 album There is No End to Anything Round.

Her work blends piano, voice, and electronics with immersive visual elements, creating powerful soundscapes that explore the emotional connection between sound, space, and imagery. The result is a unique artistic experience that lives between neoclassical, art pop, and electronic music.

Alicia has premiered her work at renowned venues including National Concert Hall and Auditorio 400 at the Museo Nacional Reina Sofía.

We dive into her creative process, her global journey, and the inspiration behind this striking new release.

👉 More Alicia: https://www.alicialazaro.com/about-bio

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with jazz pianist and composer Darren Litzie about his 2026 album On My Own Time.

With over fifteen years of professional experience, Darren has performed in a wide range of musical settings and collaborated with world-renowned artists. From 2009–2010, he toured as a keyboardist with Andrew Strong, known for his role in The Commitments.

He has appeared on multiple recordings as a sideman and released acclaimed projects as a bandleader on Summit Records. On My Own Time stands as a powerful reflection of his musical voice and artistic journey.

We dive into the album, his career path, collaborations, and the evolution of his sound.

👉 Get the album: https://summitrecords.com/release/on-my-own-time-darren-litzie/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we welcome back jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader Russ Spiegel to talk about his 2026 album Timepieces. After our first conversation in Spring 2025, Russ returns with a fresh collection of modern jazz compositions built around intricate rhythms and odd meters.

Featuring collaborators Tal Cohen, Vincent Dupont, and Brandon Lee Lewis, Timepieces showcases Russ’s signature approach as a composer, arranger, and producer.

Beyond this release, Russ has built a diverse career—performing everything from solo guitar to leading a 17-piece jazz orchestra, composing for film, TV, and musicals, and touring extensively around the world.

We dive into the making of the album, his creative process, and what’s next as he hits the road to promote this new music.

👉 Get the album: https://russ-spiegel.bandcamp.com/album/timepieces

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed roots, blues, and rock artist Matthew Curry about his 2026 Spring/Summer One For The Ride Tour and new album of the same name.

The tour kicks off at Knuckleheads Saloon on May 21, 2026—launching a run of shows that celebrate a life built on the road and in the music.

Born and raised in Bloomington, Matthew picked up the guitar at age four, was performing live by eight, and leading his own band by eleven. His powerful blend of blues, rock, southern rock, and classic country has earned him a devoted global following.

Over the years, he has shared stages with legendary acts like The Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller Band, Peter Frampton, and Journey.

We dive into the new album, the tour, and the journey behind the music.

👉 Get tickets: https://knuckleheadskc.com/
👉 More Matthew: https://matthewcurry.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Montreal-based, JUNO Award-winning jazz vocalist Dominique Fils-Aimé about her 2026 album My World Is The Sun.

This project marks the second chapter in a powerful trilogy that began with Our Roots Run Deep in 2023. Blending jazz, soul, and blues, the album reflects Dominique’s deep commitment to freedom, creativity, and spiritual exploration—delivered through breathtaking vocals and deeply personal lyricism.

We explore her artistic evolution, the creative process behind this new work, and her desire to create from a place of honesty and vulnerability.

From her home base in Montreal, this conversation dives into her past, present, and what lies ahead in her musical journey.

👉 Album & more: https://domiofficial.com/en/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Austin, Texas-based singer, songwriter, and former Jitterbug Vipers leader Sarah Sharp.

We dive into her upcoming 2026 album Deja Vu, releasing May 15, a genre-blending project that weaves together jazz, folk, and Americana into a cinematic and emotionally rich soundscape.

A staple of the Austin music scene, Sarah is a three-time Austin Music Awards winner for “Best Jazz,” known for her expressive voice and deeply personal songwriting.

We explore her journey through music, her evolution as an artist, and the creative process behind this powerful new release.

👉 Get the album: https://sarahsharp.bandcamp.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with nine-time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton about her 2026 album Spring, a beautiful voice-and-piano collaboration with acclaimed pianist Tamir Hendelman.

Widely regarded as one of the most expressive voices in contemporary jazz, Tierney is known for her masterful storytelling and deep connection to the Great American Songbook. Over her career, she has interpreted works by legends such as George Gershwin, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Bill Evans, as well as modern icons like Sting and Joni Mitchell.

Spring marks her 17th album as a leader or co-leader and her first full voice-and-piano duo project. While the The Tierney Sutton Band has been a global force in jazz for nearly 30 years, this project highlights the intimacy, spontaneity, and freedom of a stripped-down setting.

From her base in Los Angeles, we explore her remarkable career, creative process, and the artistry behind this latest release.
👉 More Tierney: https://tierneysutton.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Latin musician, percussionist, bandleader, songwriter, and producer Tito Puente Jr.. As the son of the legendary Tito Puente—known as “El Rey de los Timbales” and “The King of Latin Music”—he continues a powerful musical legacy.

Tito Puente Jr. brings a high-energy fusion of jazz, Latin, salsa, merengue, and mambo to audiences around the world, keeping the spirit of his father alive while forging his own path.

We dive into his work with the YMU Jazz Collective in Miami, along with his journey through music, performance, and staying true to a legendary lineage.

This is a vibrant conversation about rhythm, legacy, and the future of Latin jazz.

👉 More Tito: https://www.instagram.com/titopuentejr/
👉 More YMU Jazz Collective: https://ymu.org/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Andover, Massachusetts-based jazz composer, songwriter, and pianist Ron Rieder. We dive into his 2026 album Compositions in Blues and Other Hues, a collection of eleven straight-ahead jazz tunes brought to life by an inspired group of musicians.

Known for his work as a pianist, Ron has expanded into composition, building on earlier projects like Latin Jazz Sessions. This new release reflects a deep love of jazz, collaboration, and musical storytelling.

We also explore his unique journey balancing a life in science with a career in music, and how those worlds intersect in his creative process.

👉 Get the music: https://ronrieder.bandcamp.com/

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