Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a very special edition of the Neon Jazz interview series  - On this edition, we had the honor of interviewing the legendary tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins – During a very open, raw and revealing conversation, Sonny spoke about quite a bit .. Beginning with his new live albums that have been dispersed in 3 volumes – Road Shows – and moving on into what it’s like to play live, what he learned from musicians over the years, about being famous and so much more .. Dig it, my friends .. 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Vocalist Marisa Balistreri and Guitarist Stefan Hall from Madison, Wisconsin. We dive into their debut single from the upcoming album Curve Veloci — Italian for “Fast Curves.” The song is an upbeat twelve-bar jazz blues written by Stefan Hall, with Italian lyrics by Marisa Balistreri.

A former professional opera singer, Marisa spent years in Italy and New York City refining her craft before returning home to Wisconsin. Stefan, a seasoned guitarist active since the early 1990s, has built a rich career performing solo and with groups across Jazz, Latin Jazz, Jazz Manouche, Blues, and Folk styles. Together, they bring a powerful chemistry that blends classical vocal technique, jazz sophistication, and heartfelt storytelling. We get into their creative partnership, the making of Curve Veloci, upcoming live shows, and more. Enjoy!

🎵 Get the music: https://marisabalistreri.com/home
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Toronto-based Jazz Pianist Anthony D'Alessandro on his 2025 album City Lights. We dive into this powerful sophomore release — a vibrant, original jazz project inspired by the many cities that have shaped Anthony’s musical journey. City Lights features an exceptional lineup including trumpeter Summer Camargo, NYC-based rising star tenor saxophonist Jacob Chung, bassist Jonathan Chapman, JUNO-winning drummer Ernesto Cervini, and vocal powerhouse Jennarie.

We talk about the creative process behind the album, performing live in today’s jazz scene, and what’s ahead for Anthony’s evolving sound. It’s a great conversation with one of Canada’s most exciting modern jazz voices — dig this interview!

🎵 Get the album: https://www.anthonydalessandro.ca/citylights
🎙️ More interviews: http://www.neonjazz.blogspot.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Bassist, Composer & Recording Engineer Mike Pope. We dive into his new 2025 album The Parts You Keep and a life well-lived in music. The album reflects on pivotal moments from his 30-year career and the deep emotional ties that connect life and art. One special highlight — Mike traveled to Atlanta to record his 85-year-old mother, an accomplished classical pianist, for the moving closing track “The Parts You Keep.”

Born in Bowling Green, Ohio, Mike grew up surrounded by classical piano and jazz — with early influences like Bill Evans, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock. After starting on piano at 7 and later discovering bass through his brother Dave, his lifelong musical journey began. This conversation digs deep into inspiration, legacy, and the evolution of a true artist.

🎵 Get the album: https://originarts.com/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=82929
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Vancouver-based Jazz Pianist, Drummer & Composer Neil Gray. We dig into his brand-new 2025 album In the Streets — released on Halloween 2025 — featuring Cory Weeds, Bruno Hubert, and Julian Borkowski. The record is described as a love letter to Vancouver, capturing the city’s vibrant and soulful energy. A 15-year veteran of the Western Canadian music scene, Neil has played across genres including funk, country, blues, R&B, dub/reggae, drum + bass, bebop, swing, and more. A self-taught pianist, Neil began his musical journey as a teen to better understand harmony and melody — and that passion shines through in his work today. We talk about his creative process, surviving the COVID era, and the bright future ahead.

🎵 Get the album: https://neilgray.bandcamp.com/
🎙️ More interviews: http://www.neonjazz.blogspot.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Australia-based Jazz Guitarist, Composer & Educator Nick Freer. We caught up with him to discuss his new 2025 jazz trio album "Apperceptions", featuring Justin Humphries on drums and Anton Davidyants on bass. Nick’s music bridges the boundaries between contemporary and traditional jazz while exploring experimental soundscapes. Known for his expressive performances and innovative guitar approach, Nick continues to push the limits of the instrument’s artistic potential. We talk about his influences, creative process, and love for jazz. Enjoy this insightful conversation!

🎧 Get the album: https://nickfreer.bandcamp.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Montréal-based Jazz Vocalist, Composer & Guitarist Saku Mantere on his evocative 2025 album Divine Apology .. This poetic and immersive project journeys through purgatory, memory, and longing with lyrical and philosophical depth. Drawing inspiration from poet Norman Cristofoli’s metaphysical play The Pub, the album explores the liminal spaces of the human experience—where souls reflect and seek meaning. Each composition unfolds as a meditation on grief, childhood, resistance, and redemption—all anchored by the timeless question: How does one measure the quality of life? We dive deep into art, modern existence, and the creative path of this remarkable artist. Dig in.

🎧 Get the album: https://sakumantere.bandcamp.com/album/divine-apology

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Netherlands-based Jazz Bassist & Composer Zack Lober. We caught up with him from his base in Utrecht to talk about his new 2025 album So We Could Live and his lifelong journey in jazz.

A native of Montreal, Canada, with creative chapters in New York City and Boston, Zack has built an impressive career performing with leading artists like David Binney, Henry Threadgill, Seamus Blake, Butch Morris, and many more. He has toured extensively throughout Europe, India, Mexico, Canada, and the U.S., performing alongside jazz greats including Ingrid Jensen.

This conversation dives into his global influences, his evolution as a composer, and the inspiration behind So We Could Live — a project rich with emotion, interplay, and international collaboration.

🎧 Listen to the album: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/so-we-could-live-feat-sun-mi-hong-suzan-veneman-jasper-blom/1830259013
🔔 Subscribe to Neon Jazz for more interviews with today’s top jazz artists, composers, and innovators from around the world.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Toronto-born, Ohio-based Jazz Saxophonist Pete Mills. We dive into his brand-new 2025 album For the Record and his rich journey through the world of jazz.

On this soulful and high-energy project, Pete delivers a love letter to the classic tenor saxophone and Hammond B3 organ quartet sound. With deep roots now planted in the Midwest, he draws inspiration from the vibrant Columbus, Ohio jazz legacy — a city long celebrated for its hard-swinging tenor/B3 traditions.

From his early beginnings to his latest creative chapter, Pete Mills brings passion, history, and a modern sensibility to every note. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about artistry, community, and the enduring power of jazz.

🎷 Get the album: https://petemills.com/

🔔 Subscribe to Neon Jazz for more interviews with today’s top jazz musicians, composers, and innovators. 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Cleveland-based Jazz Guitarist & Composer Dan Bruce of Ohm! We talk about his new trio, the debut album The Architects, and his creative life in jazz.

Following two critically acclaimed releases with his ensemble :beta collective, this new album — out October 31, 2025 via Shifting Paradigm Records — explores funky grooves, jazz/rock fusion, and deep improvisational energy. It’s music for listeners who love surprises, bold textures, and dynamic interplay.

Known for both fiery improvisation and thoughtful composition, Dan Bruce has established a distinctive voice in the modern jazz landscape. After a decade shaping Chicago’s vibrant scene, he’s now based in Cleveland, balancing performance, teaching, and composing.

🎧 Get the album: https://shiftingparadigmrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-architects

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