Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Belgium-based jazz pianist Milan Verbist. We dig into his debut 2025 album Time Change and explore a life shaped and inspired by music from an early age. With this first album, Milan takes another significant leap in a career that has felt destined since childhood.

Growing up in a vibrant musical environment—shaped deeply by his father, acclaimed bassist Piet Verbist—Milan absorbed a rich spectrum of influences, discipline, and artistic intuition. All of this is evident in the patient, dynamic, and remarkably mature approach his trio brings to this collection of mostly original compositions.

Milan began his musical journey at age five on the accordion before moving to the piano at seven, discovering the instrument that would ultimately define his artistic voice. Today, he is a highly sought-after musician throughout Antwerp and Belgium, known for his sensitivity, clarity of expression, and musical depth.

Dig this story.

Get the album: originarts.com/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=82932 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed LA-based jazz vocalist and lyricist Mark Winkler on his 2025 album HOLD ON. This prolific artist celebrates his 22nd album with a collection of mostly original tunes, complemented by a few tasteful standards. Each new project expands on the last, as Mark continues to explore fresh musical territory and new creative expressions through meaningful collaborations.

For HOLD ON, he teamed up with six exceptional pianists, creating a varied and dynamic sound palette. The album pulls you into Mark’s world, where swing, humor, sensitivity, and elegance combine into a thoroughly enjoyable and deeply musical experience. Full of wit, charm, and emotional richness, this album is a testament to Mark’s continued evolution as one of jazz’s most engaging storytellers.

Always a joy to talk with Mark—dig this interview.

More & get the album: allaboutjazz.com/hold-on-mark-winkler-cafe-pacific-records 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City Jazz Pianist Tim Whitmer on the 2025 CD Happy Holidays featuring guitarist Rod Fleeman. Tim and his band have been performing holiday music for decades, including a featured performance on the Kansas Public Radio holiday broadcast in December 2024. Now, they’ve recorded one of Kansas City’s most beloved holiday shows for release on CD and all streaming platforms.

Guitarist extraordinaire Rod Fleeman joins the group on this project, bringing his extensive Christmas music expertise to the festivities. In this interview, we dive into Tim’s weekly gigs at The Black Dolphin, what Christmas means to him, the Kansas City holiday jazz tradition, and the joy of celebrating the season through music.

There will be a CD release event at The Black Dolphin on Wednesday, December 17, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Enjoy this story.

Get the album and more at Green Lady Lounge: greenladylounge.com
Stream the album on Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/artists/B0DJWK723J/tim-whitmer-good-time-quartet

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Singer, Artist & Educator Kat Ellis. We take a deep dive into her new 2025 CD Talking to Myself, her late-in-life singing career, her artistry, her decades in education, and the creative journey that led her to today.

Originally from Syracuse, NY and now based in Boulder, Colorado, Kat is a deeply curious, creative science educator whose love for swing dancing helped ignite her musical path. A Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts (CCJA) trained musician, she is the featured vocalist with the Denver Jazz Orchestra and also leads both a jazz quintet and sextet. For 35 years, her work as a chemistry and earth systems science teacher has allowed her to share art, music, and scientific curiosity with thousands of students—while giving her space to pursue painting and music. It’s a story you should hear. Enjoy.

Listen to the album:
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/talking-to-myself/1821966938 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Award-Winning NYC Jazz Pianist, Accordionist & Composer Ben Rosenblum on his upcoming Kansas City performance at Upcycle Piano Craft on December 2, 2025. We caught up with this standout NYC musician to talk about his trip to Kansas City for the Happy Hour concert series on Tuesday, December 2nd at Upcycle Piano Craft, 3945 Main Street in Midtown, from 4:30–7:30 p.m.

He’ll be joined by JUNO-nominated Brooklyn-based vocalist Laura Anglade, a rising star whose emotional depth, storytelling clarity, and refined touch bring new life to the Great American Songbook, Broadway classics, and French repertoire.

Ben Rosenblum is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and composer who has performed skillfully in more than twenty genres across twenty-five countries. He has toured worldwide with Grammy winners including Rickie Lee Jones and Catherine Russell. Together, Ben and Laura promise a stellar evening of world-class musicianship. We get into the full story. Enjoy.

Free registration & reminders (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/events/4452195418438787/
Upcycle Piano Craft: https://www.upcyclepianocraft.com/
More Ben: https://www.benrosenblummusic.com/
More Laura: https://lauraanglade.com/home

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Writer & Musician Michael Stephans on the 2025 Bob Brookmeyer book On the Way to The Sky. He’s created a deeply eloquent and comprehensive remembrance of jazz icon Bob Brookmeyer, the Kansas City–born musical genius who passed away in 2011 just shy of his 82nd birthday. The book is part memoir, part biography, featuring essays from luminaries like Maria Schneider and Jim McNeely, along with tributes from prominent musicians, writers, and family.

Despite Brookmeyer’s six decades as an influential composer, arranger, and educator, he never received the widespread recognition he deserved — and Michael seeks to explore why. With a PhD, two master’s degrees, and years of university teaching, he brings depth and insight to the story. Dig this interview.

Life & Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juJF5WWmEGE&pp=ygUlIFRoZSBMaWZlIGFuZCBNdXNpYyBvZiBCb2IgQnJvb2ttZXllcg%3D%3D

Get the book:
https://untpress.unt.edu/catalog/stephans-on-the-way-to-the-sky/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Japanese-born, NYC-based Pianist & Composer Yoko Yates on the 2025 album Eternal Moments .. We dive into her second album as a leader and explore the art of performing live in these modern times. These 10 original compositions reflect the emotions and sensations she has experienced while living and working in the New York area. The pieces span a fascinating range—from outer space and a winding river to shifting seasons and even the penultimate day of a flower’s life. Yoko leads her quintet with flutist Jamie Baum and woodwind specialist Sam Sadigursky, creating a vivid and expressive musical world. It’s wonderful catching back up with her. Enjoy this interview.

Get the album & more – https://yokoyates.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Guitarist, Composer & Storyteller Eshaan Sood .. We dig into his new 2025 CD Dream River and his evolving life in the arts. Originally from New Delhi, India, Eshaan’s music is fueled by wonder, curiosity, and a deep sensitivity to the world around him. Inspired by personal experiences, imagined tales, and the stories of others, he transforms emotions into melodies—creating music that feels like it’s speaking for every moment. His performances are crafted to take audiences on a journey, connecting hearts and spreading joy, one concert at a time. Over the years, he has performed across India, Bangladesh, Singapore, and the United States. We get into his full story. Enjoy.

More Eshaan – https://www.instagram.com/eshaansoood/?hl=en

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed NYC-based jazz vibraphonist, pianist, composer, leader & producer Mark Sherman .. We dive into his new 2025 CD Bop Contest, his former Broadway life, his global reach, and so much more. The album features a powerhouse lineup with pianist Donald Vega, bass legend Ron Carter, celebrated drummer and UMKC Director of Jazz Studies Carl Allen, and trumpeter Joe Mangarelli. Over the years, Mark has performed with icons like Kenny Barron, Peggy Lee, Wynton Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Michael Brecker, Larry Coryell and many others. These days, his music is making a big impact in China—right alongside the growing global jazz scene. Dig into this rich, wide-ranging interview.

Music & More – https://www.instagram.com/msherjazz/?hl=en 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with the legendary Marilyn Maye on The Holly Jolly Follyday at The Folly on December 21, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. We caught up with this pride and joy of Kansas City as she returns home fresh off a stellar run at New York City’s iconic 54 Below, where she performed a residency honoring Johnny Carson’s 100th birthday. Marilyn Maye famously sang on The Tonight Show an astonishing 76 times, with Johnny Carson himself calling her the “Super-Singer.” In this interview, we dive into her unmatched legacy, the magic of her holiday show, and the rich history she shares with the Folly Theater. A must-see event and a wide-ranging conversation. Enjoy.

Tickets & more at the Folly Theater website: 
https://follytheater.org/event/holly-jolly-follydays-featuring-marilyn-maye/ 

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