Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Yelena Eckemoff.

Known for her richly imaginative musical storytelling, Yelena returns with her 2026 album Rosendals Garden—a stunning trio project inspired by the natural beauty, history, and quiet magic of Sweden.

Set for worldwide release on March 27, 2026, this 11-track album marks her 23rd release since 2010. Recorded with some of Sweden’s most prominent musicians, the project goes beyond capturing picturesque landscapes—it dives deep into emotion, memory, and the composer’s personal reflections on the natural world.

Inspired by her travels and the serene sanctuary of Rosendals Garden, the album blends sophisticated jazz improvisation with a deeply expressive narrative. Adding another artistic layer, the cover features Yelena’s own painting, further connecting her visual and musical creativity.

In this interview, we explore the album, her creative process, inspirations, and her ongoing evolution as one of modern jazz’s most distinctive voices.

Enjoy this immersive and inspiring conversation.

🎶 Get the album:
https://yelenaeckemoff.bandcamp.com/album/rosendals-garden

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with trumpeter and advocate Jeffrey Nussbaum and celebrated drummer Bobby Sanabria.

We dive into the powerful story behind the 2026 album From My Shiny Imagination: Music by Sam Baum, a project that brings heart, purpose, and extraordinary musicianship together.

Jeffrey shares the inspiring journey of his son Sam, an autistic jazz pianist and composer who has forged a path into the professional music world. Through his nonprofit Special Audiences and Musicians, Jeff is helping create real performance opportunities for musicians with autism and disabilities—building a community rooted in inclusion and artistic excellence.

The album, released on April 3, 2026, aligns with World Autism Awareness Day and National Autism Awareness Month, amplifying its message of awareness and empowerment.

Joining Bobby on this project is an incredible lineup, including Dan Block and the legendary David Amram, who appears on penny whistle.

In this conversation, we explore the making of the album, the mission behind the music, and the profound impact of creating opportunities for all artists.

Enjoy this moving and meaningful interview.

🎶 Get the album:
https://specialaudiencesandmusicians.bandcamp.com/album/from-my-shiny-imagination-tunes-by-sam-baum

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with Latin Grammy Award-winning percussionist and composer Samuel Torres.

Born in Bogotá, Samuel has built an extraordinary international career, blending Latin rhythms with jazz sophistication and classical textures.

We caught up with him to discuss his 2024 album A Dance for Birds, a deeply personal and visionary project brought to life by his Latin Chamber Ensemble and featuring the acclaimed Bergamot String Quartet.

This album showcases a rich fusion of styles—where rhythm, melody, and orchestration meet to create a unique and immersive musical experience.

In this interview, we dive into his journey, inspirations, the making of the album, and his evolution as an artist on the global stage.

Dig into this vibrant and powerful conversation.

🎶 Get the album & more:
https://www.samueltorres.com/latin-chamber-ensemble-members

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with musicians Kyle Nasser and Nick Jost of the Brooklyn-based trio Triple Blind.

Formed during the COVID-19 lockdown, Triple Blind brings together longtime collaborators Kyle Nasser, Nick Jost, and drummer Peter Kronreif—musicians who had been performing together in various settings for over a decade before officially launching the group.

Following their 2021 debut, the trio returns with their 2026 sophomore release Cold Walk, featuring Dov Manski on keys. The album captures the spirit of modern jazz with a deep sense of interplay, improvisation, and the pulse of contemporary life.

We caught up with them from Brooklyn to talk about the new album, their creative evolution, touring, and navigating music in today’s world.

Dig this insightful and forward-looking jazz conversation.

🎶 Get the album:
https://tripleblind.bandcamp.com/album/cold-walk

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with Boston-based jazz guitarist Matt Greenwood. We caught up with Matt to talk about his 2026 album, Daybreak, and his life in his new American home of Boston.

Matt’s sophomore release builds on the artistic promise of his 2023 debut, Atlas, showcasing his growth as a composer and guitarist. The nine-track album blends modern jazz harmonies, subtle world-music influences, blues-rock guitar lines, and ambient cinematic soundscapes.

In this interview, we discuss:

🎵 Listen to Daybreak on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/5Km1xgP0mLHQUuWo0zi2aM

🎙️ Subscribe for more jazz interviews, album insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from contemporary jazz artists.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with acclaimed jazz saxophonist Rob Scheps. We caught up with Rob to discuss a busy and exciting 2026, including his upcoming Kansas City performance at Upcycle Piano Craft on Sunday May 17, 2026 with the Brad Gregory Sextet.

Rob will be performing on soprano saxophone and flute, while also contributing original compositions to the set. We also dive into his brand-new book, “Rob Scheps: 30 More Original Compositions,” along with his recent travels across the United States and his continued impact on the modern jazz scene.

This interview explores creativity, composition, life on the road, and the evolving world of jazz in 2026.

🎷 Learn more about Rob Scheps:
https://www.robschepsmusic.com/

🎹 Event Info – Upcycle Piano Craft (Kansas City):
https://www.upcyclepianocraft.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with San Francisco-based jazz trumpeter, composer, producer, and bandleader Cameron Washington of Lazy Californians.

We caught up with Cameron to dive into his 2026 debut album Back to San Francisco, a high-energy project that blends the spirit of New Orleans jazz and brass band traditions with the vibrant pulse of San Francisco.

Leading a dynamic nine-piece ensemble, Cameron brings bold arrangements, infectious rhythms, and a powerful sense of groove that captures the raw energy and charisma of live brass performance.

Rooted in his New Orleans influences and shaped by his experiences on the West Coast, Back to San Francisco is both a celebration of tradition and a fresh, modern take on jazz.

In this conversation, we explore his musical journey, influences, creative process, and the story behind this explosive debut.

Dig this interview.

🎶 Get the album & more:
https://www.lazycalifornians.com/

For More Neon Jazz:

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz pianist Brian Haas of the New Orleans band Nolatet. We dive deep into their latest 2026 album, Somethin’ to Relax With, exploring the laid-back vibes, swinging grooves, and the inspiration behind the music.

Brian joins legendary musicians Mike Dillon (vibraphone), James Singleton (bass), and Johnny Vidacovich (drums) to discuss life on the road, the creative process, and the rich jazz history that influenced this project, including nods to Chet Baker. We also talk about their upcoming Kansas City show at Greenwood Social Hall on Saturday, April 11, 2026.

If you love jazz, smooth grooves, and insightful artist interviews, this is a must-watch!

🎵 Get the album & support Nolatet:
Somethin’ to Relax With on Bandcamp
Somethin’ to Relax With at Royal Potato Family

🎷 See the show:
Greenwood Social Hall Events

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with emerging Harlem-based jazz and soul vocalist Alicia Waller.

We caught up with Alicia to dive into her debut album Louder Then, a dynamic project that blends jazz, soul, and R&B into a deeply expressive and modern sound.

Co-produced by Marcos Varela—known for his work with the Mingus Big Band, Billy Hart, and Tyshawn Sorey—the album showcases Alicia’s evolution as an artist.

Trained in opera’s bel canto tradition, she now channels that technique into vernacular Black American music, creating a lush, dreamlike vocal style paired with powerful contemporary soul energy.

Following her 2020 EP Some Hidden Treasure, Alicia continues to carve out a compelling voice in today’s jazz landscape.

In this conversation, we explore her journey, influences, creative process, and the making of Louder Then.

Enjoy this powerful and soulful story.

🎶 Get the album & more:
https://www.instagram.com/aliciawaller.music/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with veteran British jazz guitarist Mitch Dalton.

Known as one of the U.K.’s most in-demand studio musicians, Mitch has built a remarkable career working alongside legends like Herbie Hancock, Ella Fitzgerald, Wayne Shorter, Peggy Lee, and Quincy Jones.

We caught up with him just outside London to talk about his 2026 album Out of the Shadows, a project that sees this longtime sideman finally stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist.

Drawing from decades of session work and jazz performance, Out of the Shadows reflects Mitch’s deep love of jazz, rich musical history, and masterful guitar voice.

In this conversation, we explore his journey through the music industry, stories behind working with legends, and what it means to take center stage after years behind the scenes.

Dig this fascinating ride through the world of jazz.

🎶 Listen to the album:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/out-of-the-shadows/1833317822

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