🎷 Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Musician, Performer, Composer & Educator Rob Scheps 🎶

In this episode, we catch up with veteran jazz saxophonist Rob Scheps to talk about his Summer and Fall 2025 Kansas City performances, upcoming recordings, and life as a touring jazz artist in the modern world.

📅 Catch Rob Scheps Live in Kansas City:
🎵 Saturday, August 30, 2025 – Performing at Corvino with the Roger Wilder Trio featuring Sam Copeland
🎵 Sunday, September 21, 2025 – Appearing at the Westport Coffeehouse Theater with the Brad Gregory Sextet, featuring original compositions by Rob Scheps

We also dive into Rob’s thoughts on the vitality of live music today, the special energy of the Kansas City jazz scene, and details about a new recording session in KC for his upcoming album.

🎼 Featured Music: “Church Bells of a Home Away from Home” – Originally recorded by Walt Weiskopf
🎧 Listen: Spotify Track Link
🔗 More on Rob Scheps: https://www.robschepsmusic.com/
🍷 Corvino Supper Club: https://corvino.com/
🎭 Westport Coffeehouse Theater: https://westportkcmo.com/business/westport-coffee-house-theater/For More Famous Interviews:

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🎷 Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Jazz Musician, Performer, Composer & Educator Rob Scheps 🎶

We caught up with the ever-busy Rob Scheps to preview his exciting Summer/Fall 2025 Kansas City jazz gigs and dive into his life as a touring musician, composer, and educator.

Catch Rob live in Kansas City at:
📍 Corvino – Saturday, August 30, 2025, with a top-tier trio featuring Sam Copeland and Roger Wilder from 8:30–10:00 p.m.
📍 Westport Coffeehouse Theater – Sunday, September 21, 2025, with the Brad Gregory Sextet performing Rob’s original compositions.

In this episode, Rob talks about upcoming recording projects, the magic of Kansas City’s jazz scene, and his enduring journey in the world of jazz.

🔗 All Things Rob Scheps: https://www.robschepsmusic.com/
🎵 Corvino Supper Club: https://corvino.com/
🎭 Westport Coffeehouse Theater: https://westportkcmo.com/business/westport-coffee-house-theater/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with San Francisco-based veteran jazz drummer Brian Melvin, best known for his work with Beatlejazz. We caught up with Brian to talk about his brand-new 2025 release, Reunion, a powerful collaboration with pianist Dave Kikoski. This long-awaited return revisits Beatles classics through a fresh jazz lens—full of groove, creativity, and soul.

In this interview, Brian reflects on how The Beatles inspired his musical journey back in 1964, his formative mentorship with jazz drumming legend Al Foster, and the incredible experiences that have shaped his dynamic career. From jazz fusion to global rhythms, this conversation is filled with rhythm, history, and heart.

🎶 Listen to the album: Reunion – Brian Melvin & Dave Kikoski

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🎷 Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Acclaimed Jazz Soprano Saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom. In this episode, we catch up with GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom to discuss her fascinating 2025 release, Songs in Space — a groundbreaking collection of duets and trios designed specifically for immersive surround sound listening. 🚀🎶

Known for her lyrical tone and deep musical vision, Jane once again pushes sonic boundaries alongside a stellar lineup: pianist Dominic Fallacaro, bassist Mark Helias, and drummer Bobby Previte. This album explores motion, melody, and atmosphere — taking listeners on a space-inspired journey through sound.

Fun fact: An asteroid (6083janeirabloom) was named in her honor, recognizing her long-standing collaboration with NASA and her pioneering fusion of jazz and science.

🌌 Listen to the album Songs in Space here:
👉 http://www.crossovermedia.net/artists/jane-ira-bloom/projects/songs-in-space 

For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
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🎙️ Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Vocalist, Educator, Arranger & Songwriter Jamie Shew

In this episode, we sit down with the acclaimed Los Angeles jazz vocalist Jamie Shew to talk about her dynamic new 2025 album, Spicy Classy and a Little Sassy, and a remarkable journey through music and education. 🎶

With over two decades in the LA jazz scene, Jamie is celebrated for her distinct vocal style—blending the grace of classic jazz with a modern, sassy twist. Born and raised in the Tri-Cities region of Washington State, Jamie began her musical path at age four with classical piano and has evolved into a powerhouse vocalist, composer, and jazz educator.

She has held a faculty position at Fullerton College for 22 years, mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians while actively performing and recording. Her new album is a showcase of wit, elegance, and artistic depth.

🔥 Get the new album Spicy Classy and a Little Sassy here:
👉 https://jamieshewmusic.com/album/3058531/spicy-classy-and-a-little-sassy-digital-download

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We caught up with the multi-talented Deb Bowman in Atlanta to discuss her brand-new 2025 album, Reflection — a powerful, genre-spanning tribute to iconic songwriters across the decades. 🎶

From her early days in New York City to her vibrant career in Atlanta, Deb has carved out a unique artistic path as a jazz vocalist, stage actress, and screen performer. Known for her commanding presence and genre versatility, she’s embraced jazz, pop, gospel, Broadway, and Latin styles throughout her career.

🎭 Deb has appeared in films, television, and theater productions, while also delivering show-stopping performances with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra and in intimate cabaret settings. Her latest project, Reflection, captures the richness of her artistry and honors the timeless craft of great songwriting.

🔥 Listen & support Deb Bowman’s new album here:
👉 https://debbowman.bandcamp.com/album/reflection 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring GRAMMY-nominated writer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and session bassist Billy Mohler. We caught up with him to dive into his brand-new 2025 release The Eternal and explore his dynamic journey across the music world.

From collaborating with icons like Dolly Parton, Macy Gray, Lady Gaga, Mavis Staples, Kelly Clarkson, Steven Tyler, and Jon Brion to his elite training at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz—where he was one of only five selected students under the mentorship of Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter—Billy has carved out a remarkable and multifaceted career.

Based in Southern California, Billy is also an avid skateboarder who served as musical director for Tony Hawk’s Boom Boom Huck Jam Tour and many other genre-spanning projects. This wide-ranging conversation touches on his creative process, genre fluidity, and the stories behind The Eternal.

🎧 Listen to the new album The Eternal: https://billymohler.bandcamp.com/album/the-eternal

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring veteran jazz bassist Dave Sharp. We talk with him about his new 2025 release, Catalyst: The Music of Gregg Hill, performed by the Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet featuring Elden Kelly.

This dynamic world jazz ensemble—celebrating a decade together—includes Dave Sharp (bass), Hendrik Karapetyan (violin), Igor Houwat (oud), and Mike List (percussion). Known for blending global rhythms and textures with deep jazz roots, the group continues to push boundaries while honoring the compositional brilliance of Gregg Hill.

In this episode, we explore Dave’s life in music, the origins and evolution of his genre-defying quartet, and the collaborative spirit behind Catalyst.

🎶 Get the album: https://www.gregghilljazz.com/product-page/catalyst 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring renowned Jazz Drummer, Bandleader, and Musical Director Sherrie Maricle of The DIVA Jazz Orchestra. We dive into the powerful 2025 posthumous cast album, A Celebration of Maurice Hines – Tappin’ Thru Life, honoring the life and legacy of the legendary entertainer Maurice Hines.

This heartfelt tribute features music from the award-winning stage show Tappin’ Thru Life and showcases original cast members John Manzari and Leo Manzari (tap dancers and vocalists), Sherrie and The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, plus special guests — Grammy-nominated vocalist Clint Holmes and Tony-nominated vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway.

In this conversation, we explore the magic of Maurice Hines, the making of this extraordinary album, and the joy of bringing his story to life through music and performance.

🎶 Get the album: https://divajazz.com/product/tappin-thru-life-a-celebration-of-maurice-hines/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Toronto-based Jazz Guitarist and Composer James Brown. We dive into his dynamic 2025 release Anthem for Everyone — his fifth album of original music, showcasing a compelling fusion of jazz and classical influences.

This genre-blurring project features an eclectic lineup of Toronto talents, including violinist Aline Homzy, bassist Clark Johnston, and vocalist/pianist Hannah Barstow. Known for his innovative style and technical prowess, James Brown continues to push the boundaries of modern jazz composition.

In this conversation, we explore the making of the album, the evolving role of music in today’s world, and the powerful messages behind Anthem for Everyone.

🎧 Listen to the album on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jamesbrown-scmusic/anthem-for-everyone

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