Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Jazz Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Pianist, and Author Jennifer Lee. We catch up with her to discuss her brand-new 2025 album Glimpse – a captivating release that marks a powerful evolution in her musical journey.

Formerly rooted in the Bay Area and now living in rural Idaho, Jennifer opens up about her transformation from an arranger and interpreter to a deeply expressive composer. Born in Redwood City and raised in Menlo Park, her journey through the jazz world is full of insight, reinvention, and authenticity.

In this episode, we also explore her upcoming children’s book, creative process, and thoughts on staying inspired in today’s music scene.

🎧 Listen to Jennifer Lee’s new album Glimpse: https://music.apple.com/us/album/glimpse/1810018226

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Saxophonist, Composer, and Educator Jordan VanHemert. We dive into the release of his powerful new 2025 album, Survival of the Fittest, marking his fifth critically acclaimed project. This release features a stellar lineup, including Terell Stafford, producer Michael Dease, Helen Sung, Rodney Whitaker, and Lewis Nash—a true all-star ensemble.

Born in Korea and raised in Michigan, Jordan VanHemert brings a bold, politically conscious voice to modern jazz, using the genre as a tool for dialogue on race, identity, and social justice. Rooted in the jazz tradition and infused with contemporary urgency, his music speaks with purpose and fire.

We talk about his creative process, musical influences, and the deeper meaning behind this standout new album.

🎧 Listen to the album: Survival of the Fittest – Origin Records

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we speak with acclaimed NYC-based Jazz Saxophonist and Composer Jed Levy as he discusses his brand-new 2025 album, Faces and Places, and reflects on a remarkable 40+ year career in jazz.

A fixture on the New York jazz scene, Jed has performed and recorded extensively as both a bandleader and sideman. His impressive resume includes long-standing collaborations with jazz greats like Jaki Byard, Don Patterson, Jack McDuff, and Headhunters drummer Mike Clark.

We dive deep into the stories behind the music, the evolution of his sound, and what continues to inspire his journey through the ever-changing jazz landscape. It’s a rich and insightful conversation with one of jazz’s most respected voices.

🎷 Get the new album – Faces and Places:
https://jedlevyquartet.bandcamp.com/album/faces-places

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with acclaimed LA-based jazz singer Jeffrey Gimble as he shares stories behind his brand-new 2025 album, Brand New Key, and reflects on a rich, creative life shaped by music, theater, and family.

Raised in a jazz-loving household in Houston, Texas, Jeffrey grew up during the 60s and 70s surrounded by swing, bebop, and soul. With a bandleader father, Maynard Gimble, he spent his childhood going to gigs and digging into a massive family jazz record collection that laid the foundation for his unique sound.

After 20 years in New York City as a stage and film actor, Jeffrey transitioned to Los Angeles, where he found his voice as a jazz vocalist and recording artist. His musical storytelling is infused with theatrical flair, heartfelt emotion, and a lifelong love of the jazz tradition.

🎶 Check out his new album – Brand New Key:
https://jeffreygimble.bandcamp.com/album/brand-new-key

🎧 Tune in now to hear the story behind the voice and the music.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with acclaimed Canadian Jazz Cellist George Crotty about his 2025 album Heart Music. A boundary-breaking artist, George has developed a distinct cello vocabulary that bridges jazz, world music, and chamber influences.

Formed in 2019 in Brooklyn, the George Crotty Trio (GC3) creates multicultural chamber jazz that’s cinematic, improvisational, and emotionally resonant. Their latest release, Heart Music, serves as a transatlantic travelogue inspired by sessions in Copenhagen, Delft, Berlin, Toronto, and Brooklyn. Infused with European jazz, Hindustani raga, and contemporary classical textures, the album showcases Crotty’s expansive musical vision. We dive into the making of this album, his journey through genres, and the evolving role of the cello in modern jazz. Enjoy this compelling conversation.

🎻 Get the album: https://georgecrotty.bandcamp.com/album/heart-music 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with Jazz Woodwind Doubler, Composer, Arranger & Educator Saul Dautch about his compelling new 2025 album Music for the People and his dedicated life in jazz.

Currently based in the NYC/NJ area, Saul is best known for his mastery of the baritone saxophone and his versatility across woodwinds. A native of Delray Beach, Florida, he began his musical journey early and has cultivated a career filled with creative expression, education, and performance. From powerful compositions to deeply rooted jazz traditions, Saul brings both passion and perspective. We dive into the inspiration behind his latest release, artistic evolution, and more. Enjoy the listen.

🎷 Get the album: https://sauldautchmusic.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-the-people

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with Jazz Composer & Arranger Mike Thompson about his debut 2025 album 6th Avenue and his evolving journey in the world of jazz.

Recorded at Q Division Studios in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 6th Avenue showcases Mike’s big band leadership at just twenty-something years old. Drawing on connections made during his time at Berklee College of Music, he assembled a talented lineup of veteran Boston-area jazz musicians to bring his dynamic arrangements to life. Since graduating in 2021, Mike has continued shaping his voice as a modern composer and arranger. We dive into his creative process, influences, and ambitions. Enjoy this conversation.

🎶 Get the album: https://www.mjthompsonmusic.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with jazz pianist/composer Florian Hoefner, saxophonist Mike Murley, and bassist Jim Vivian of the Atlantic Jazz Collective about their highly anticipated 2025 debut album, Seascape.

This stunning modern jazz release features the internationally renowned vocalist Norma Winstone and legendary drummer Joe LaBarbera, weaving together original compositions with poetic, vocal reimaginings. Recorded in the scenic setting of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Seascape is a powerful example of collaborative artistry and musical storytelling. We dive into the creative process, inspirations, and evolution behind this memorable project.

🎶 More on the album: https://dlmediamusic.com/artists/atlantic-jazz-collective-seascape/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with Jazz Vocalist, Composer, Educator & Bandleader Raquel Marina. We dive into the making of her debut album, Kind Words — a heartfelt blend of jazz and folk influences, featuring original compositions inspired by her personal journey and deep musical roots.

Raised with a foundation in classical piano and choral singing, Raquel’s path led her to earn a Bachelor’s in Jazz Comprehensive Studies from the University of Toronto in 2022. With a thoughtful, expressive style, her music reflects a devotion to both storytelling and sonic exploration. From her academic background to her emergence as a rising voice in jazz, we cover her full artistic evolution.

🎶 Get the album & more: https://raquelmarina.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with Andrew Richards — Contemporary Jazz Vocalist, Composer, and Songwriter — about his new 2025 release, A Wondrous Toy. A heartfelt blend of original compositions, folk melodies, and timeless standards, the album is a true labor of love that reflects his deep musical roots.

Born and raised in Vermont and now based in New York City, Andrew draws heavily from American Traditional Music, with Jazz, Folk, and Blues serving as foundational influences. We dive into his musical upbringing, the creative process behind the album, and the ongoing journey of finding one’s voice as an artist.

🎶 Stream the album: A Wondrous Toy on Apple Music

🎧 Tune in for a warm, thoughtful conversation on songwriting, tradition, and personal artistry. 

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