Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Jazz Violinist, Educator, Composer & Improviser Richard Carr. We dive into his new 2025 album The Escarpment and his celebrated life in music.

This new project blends jazz improvisation, classical elegance, and global traditions. Richard holds a Doctorate in Music Education from Columbia University and has recorded numerous albums—both as a leader and with legends like Bootsy Collins, Sly & Robbie, The Swans, Milt Hinton, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli Jr., and more.

Over the past 30 years, he has toured extensively across the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Mexico. Beyond performing, he’s also been a radio host on WDST in Woodstock, NY. This conversation takes a deep dive into his artistry, career, and vision.

Get the album → https://infrequentseams.com/album/the-escarpment

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series! On this episode, we talk with COO & Guitarist Zach Larmer, Bass Player & Student Director Noah Orlowsky, and Singer Valentina Koehler of the Young Musicians Unite (YMU) Jazz Collective in Miami. This inspiring youth-driven group has been performing, recording, and sharing their love of jazz throughout Florida—while learning the craft at a high level. They recently returned from a groundbreaking cultural exchange tour in Brazil, the first of its kind for YMU, which is the second-largest provider of free music education in the U.S. We dive into their mission, history, travels, recordings, and vision for the future. A vibrant story of jazz, education, and cultural connection. Enjoy!

More on YMU → https://ymu.org 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with legendary jazz multi-instrumentalist Eddie Daniels on his 2025 Resonance Records release To Milton with Love.

This master clarinetist & saxophonist pays homage to Brazilian great Milton Nascimento with a bold re-creation of his 1969 CTI Records classic Courage. To Milton with Love marks Eddie’s third tribute album to an icon of Brazilian music, showcasing his deep respect for and ongoing celebration of Brazil’s legendary sounds.

He is joined in the studio by an all-star band: Grammy-nominated guitarist Anthony Wilson, pianist Josh Nelson, bassist Kevin Axt, and drummer Ray Brinker. From his home base in Santa Fe, Eddie shares insights on Milton’s influence, the making of the album, and his lifelong journey through jazz and beyond.

👉 Get the album → https://eddiedanielsjazz.bandcamp.com/album/to-milton-with-love

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Toronto-based Drummer Joe Bowden on his powerful new 2025 album Music is Life.

Joe began composing, producing, and recording in 2010, releasing his first critically acclaimed album Voices In My Head in 2012. Over a decade later, his artistic voice has fully blossomed with his sixth album, Music is Life.

The project features an international ‘A’ Team of players including pianist & arranger Manuel Valera, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, and bassists Mike Downes & Rich Brown. Joe opens up about his creative journey, his evolution as an artist, and the making of this stellar new record.

Dig into the music, the story, and the rhythm of life.

👉 Get the album → https://orangegrovepublicity.com/Clients/joe-bowden-music-is-life/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Acclaimed New Jersey-based Jazz Singer Carrie Jackson.

We talk in depth about her brand-new 2025 CD Jersey Bounce and her remarkable life in the jazz world. For over 30 years, Carrie has built her reputation performing with greats like Houston Person, Stanley Jordan, Barry Harris, and many more.

Known for her multifaceted singing style, she swings and harmonizes through jazz standards with soul while also shining as a gifted lyricist. Born and raised in Newark, NJ, Carrie honed her craft locally before bringing her artistry to stages worldwide.

Dig into this story of passion, jazz, and timeless music.

👉 Get the album & more → https://www.cjayrecords.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Chicago-based Jazz Trumpeter, Author & Artist Joe Clark. We explore his bold new 2025 project Deep Cuts — a collaboration with Radiant Black writers Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark, joined by an all-star lineup of bestselling artists.

The Deep Cuts miniseries will feature six double-length issues from Image Comics, paired with original music, creating a unique multimedia experience. Joe Clark’s music is described by AllAboutJazz as “an emphatic new voice that should be heard”, blending traditions into a fresh and innovative sound.

We discuss the inspiration behind this ambitious project, the creative spark fueled by the pandemic, and Joe’s journey through the vibrant Chicago music scene. It’s an inspiring story at the intersection of jazz, comics, and storytelling. Dig this interview.

🎶 More on Deep Cuts → https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/deep-cuts 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC-based Composer Rich Shemaria.

We catch up with this prolific creative to discuss his new blog series and several upcoming albums on the horizon. Long encouraged to start a blog, Rich is now sharing layered, personal, and revealing insights into his creative journey and inner workings.

This summer, he recorded fresh arrangements for the album Dear Elvin J. with Tony Moreno’s band featuring legendary bassist Gene Perla (of Elvin Jones’ group) alongside top NYC musicians. He also wrote the arrangement for the title track of Steve John’s new Steeplechase Records release, Murray Avenue.

In this follow-up to our June 2025 conversation, we explore Rich’s passion for music, baseball, NYC life, writing, and creativity. Enjoy this deep dive into the artistry of one of New York’s great modern composers.

🖊️ Explore Rich’s Blog & More → https://www.richshemaria.com/blog

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz vocalist Jonathan Karrant. We talk about his brand new 2025 CD Live in Concert and his career in music. For this project, Jonathan teams up with longtime collaborator and pianist Joe Alterman to capture the energy and spontaneity of their live performances. Together, they deliver an intimate, high-spirited set that transports listeners directly into the concert room. Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the foothills of the Ozarks, Jonathan has built an impressive career from his base in Las Vegas. We dig into his story, the making of this album, and much more. Enjoy this conversation!

🎶 Get the album → https://www.jonathankarrant.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Regina Bain, Executive Director of the Louis Armstrong House Museum in Queens, New York. An artist, educator, and leader, Regina has built a remarkable career dedicated to preserving and expanding the legacy of America’s first Black popular music icon, Louis Armstrong.

As Executive Director of the largest jazz musician archive in the world, she connects the Museum and Center with its surrounding Queens community—leading initiatives like free trumpet lessons and championing access to Armstrong’s timeless legacy. Before this role, she was Associate Vice President of the Posse Foundation, toured nationally as a trained actor, and has served on the boards of New York City Tourism and Urban Bush Women.

We talk about her journey, her passion for jazz, her leadership at the Armstrong House, and what it means to carry forward Satchmo’s impact for future generations. Enjoy this inspiring conversation.

🎺 More on the museum → https://www.louisarmstronghouse.org/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Guitarist, Composer, Arranger & Educator Shawn Purcell. We caught up with him about his new 2025 CD Oblivity and his life in music. Based in Washington, D.C., Shawn blends a wide range of influences with refined ensemble cohesion to craft the unique journey Oblivity offers. Featuring acclaimed saxophonist Walt Weiskopf on the front line, this dynamic quintet album showcases all original compositions.

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Shawn has performed, recorded, and toured with Walt Weiskopf, Pat Bianchi, Regina Carter, Sean Jones, Terell Stafford, and many more. In this interview, we dive into his career, inspirations, and the making of Oblivity.

🎶 Get the album: https://originarts.com/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=82931

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