Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring jazz pianist Pamela York of the acclaimed Affinity Trio. We dive into their new 2025 release New Outlook, the trio’s origins, their long-running weekly residency, live shows, and much more.

Four years into their steady gig at Milwaukee’s historic Mason Street Grill, trumpeter Eric Jacobson, bassist Clay Schaub, and Pamela York have shaped a dynamic, natural, and beautifully cohesive group aesthetic. This drumless trio has built a strong identity through consistent performing, touring, and recording. Individually, each member has collaborated with some of jazz’s most notable names, including Benny Golson, Phil Woods, Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton, Bruce Barth, Brian Lynch, Greg Tardy, and Frank Morgan.

Dig their story.

Get the album: https://originarts.com/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=82935

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed NYC-based jazz alto saxophonist Ned Rothenberg. We caught up with him to talk about his new 2025 release Looms and Legends, navigating the COVID era, and his long, influential career in the world of jazz and beyond.

Ned is a multi-instrumentalist who composes and performs on saxophones, clarinets, flute, and shakuhachi—the Japanese end-blown bamboo flute. For more than 30 years he has been internationally celebrated for his groundbreaking solo performances, presented in hundreds of concerts across North and South America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. He has led innovative ensembles such as Double Band, Power Lines, and Sync—his current group featuring Jerome Harris (acoustic guitar & acoustic bass guitar) and Samir Chaterjee (tabla). Since settling in New York City in 1978, Ned has remained a singular and powerful voice in improvised music. Dig this interview.

Get the album: https://nedrothenberg.bandcamp.com/album/looms-legends 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with multi-talented NYC-based jazz trombonist Mark Miller. In this episode, we take a deep dive into his new 2025 release Storybook – The Music of Mark Miller, recorded with the acclaimed Birdland Big Band.

Storybook marks the third recording from the New York City–based Birdland Big Band and showcases Mark’s rich musical voice. He composed or co-composed half of the album’s 10 vibrant tracks and arranged every one of them. Under the leadership of director and lead alto saxophonist David DeJesus, the band delivers a dynamic, colorful, and compelling sound that brings Mark’s vision fully to life.

We explore his process, his evolution, and the world of music he continues to shape. Dig this interview.

Get the album: https://marktrombone.bandcamp.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Mexican-born, Bronx-based acclaimed jazz drummer Enrique Haneine. We dive into his new 2025 album Conceivable Directions, his survival through COVID, and the long, multifaceted journey of his jazz career. This new project carries an intriguing, evocative energy—full of mystery, abstraction, and depth.

Born in Mexico City, Enrique holds four degrees, including a Master’s in Jazz Piano Performance from The Boston Conservatory and Berklee College of Music. His career spans vibrant leadership roles in both the Mexican pop scene and the New York jazz world, showcasing a rare versatility and creative force. We get into all of it. Dig.

Get the album: https://enriquehaneine.bandcamp.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City–based jazz guitarist Brian Baggett discussing his 2025 album Nothing Left to Lose: Live at Green Lady Lounge, Volume 2. The new record hits all streaming platforms on Monday, November 10, with a CD release event the following Monday, November 17, from 6–10 PM at the Green Lady Lounge.

Baggett’s esteemed trio continues its evolution during their regular Monday night residency at Green Lady Lounge. The music captures the club’s unmistakable vibe—dark, romantic, sophisticated, and edged with a touch of danger. With deeply intuitive support from bassist Seth Lee and drummer Sam Platt, Baggett’s compositions live in a unique sonic space somewhere between jazz, surf rock, and exotica.

In this interview, we explore his evolution in Kansas City, the inspiration behind the album, the magic of the Green Lady Lounge, and the ongoing journey of the Brian Baggett Trio. Dig in and enjoy this deep dive into one of KC’s defining modern jazz voices.

Get the album: greenladylounge.com/brian-baggett-trio--nothing-left-to-lose.html

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Acclaimed NYC Jazz Vibraphonist, Composer & Educator Ted Piltzecker. We caught up with him to discuss his new 2025 CD Peace Vibes and his long, influential career in music.

Ted is known for his eclectic musical interests and his global performance history—from major jazz and percussion festivals to concerts around the world. His eight albums as a leader have been widely praised and have made a major impact in both the jazz and percussion communities.

Over the years, Ted has performed with celebrated New York jazz figures such as Jack Wilkins, Rufus Reid, Lewis Nash, and Bill Charlap. We also cover his memorable time with George Shearing and how these encounters with legends helped shape his approach to playing, composing, and teaching.

Enjoy this deep dive into an artist with remarkable experience, musical wisdom, and a new album full of resonance and peace.

Get the album: (Origin Arts)
https://originarts.com/oa2/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=22243

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Veteran Jazz Guitarist Heather McKay. We catch up with her to talk about her long journey in music and her long-awaited debut 2025 album, Life Got in the Way. With over 25 years in the industry, Heather has performed across a wide spectrum of styles — from Latin jazz to rock, R&B to Afro-Caribbean, and even Persian music.

Now, she’s finally stepped into the spotlight as a leader, guiding a dynamic sextet through a collection of expressive, original compositions that showcase her depth, versatility, and heart. We get into the making of the album, her musical evolution, and the joy of finally finding time to create something deeply personal. Enjoy this inspiring conversation.

🎸 Get the album: https://heathermckay.bandcamp.com/album/life-got-in-the-way-2
🎙️ More interviews: http://www.neonjazz.blogspot.com/

For More Neon Jazz:

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Acclaimed NYC Jazz Vibraphonist, Composer & Educator Ted Piltzecker. We caught up with him to discuss his new 2025 CD Peace Vibes and his long, influential career in music.

Ted is known for his eclectic musical interests and his global performance history—from major jazz and percussion festivals to concerts around the world. His eight albums as a leader have been widely praised and have made a major impact in both the jazz and percussion communities.

Over the years, Ted has performed with celebrated New York jazz figures such as Jack Wilkins, Rufus Reid, Lewis Nash, and Bill Charlap. We also cover his memorable time with George Shearing and how these encounters with legends helped shape his approach to playing, composing, and teaching.

Enjoy this deep dive into an artist with remarkable experience, musical wisdom, and a new album full of resonance and peace.

Get the album: (Origin Arts)
https://originarts.com/oa2/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=22243

For More Neon Jazz:Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/
Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc
Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Veteran Jazz Guitarist Heather McKay. We catch up with her to talk about her long journey in music and her long-awaited debut 2025 album, Life Got in the Way. With over 25 years in the industry, Heather has performed across a wide spectrum of styles — from Latin jazz to rock, R&B to Afro-Caribbean, and even Persian music.

Now, she’s finally stepped into the spotlight as a leader, guiding a dynamic sextet through a collection of expressive, original compositions that showcase her depth, versatility, and heart. We get into the making of the album, her musical evolution, and the joy of finally finding time to create something deeply personal. Enjoy this inspiring conversation.

🎸 Get the album: https://heathermckay.bandcamp.com/album/life-got-in-the-way-2
🎙️ More interviews: http://www.neonjazz.blogspot.com/

For More Neon Jazz:Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/
Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc
Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with veteran Philadelphia-based Jazz Drummer Tom Cohen. We talk about his brand-new 2025 album Embraccable Brazil and a life fully devoted to jazz. This marks his sixth album as a leader — a heartfelt tribute to his lifelong passion for bossa nova.

Tom’s love of Brazilian music began in childhood, listening to Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66 records his parents played. Over the years, he’s performed Brazilian and Latin jazz with a wide range of artists, blending authenticity with deep rhythmic sensitivity. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Tom started on drums in third grade, and at age ten, his mother took him to see the Dave Brubeck Quartet, where he met legendary drummer Joe Morello — a moment that changed everything. By the mid-1970s, he settled in Philadelphia and has been an essential part of the scene ever since.

🎵 Get the album: https://www.tomcohenproductions.com/copy-of-embraceable-brazil

🎙️ More interviews: http://www.neonjazz.blogspot.com/  

For More Neon Jazz:Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/
Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc
Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

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