Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with Seattle-based jazz vocalist Heather Ward about her brand-new 2025 CD Gilded and Silver. With a smokey, sultry alto and years of experience, Heather brings depth, elegance, and emotional nuance to every note she sings.

We explore the artistry behind her latest album, her lifelong dedication to jazz, and what continues to fuel her passion for this timeless genre. From the studio to the stage, Heather shares stories from her journey as a seasoned performer in the jazz world.

🎶 Listen to the album: Gilded and Silver
🎧 Tune in for an intimate look into a voice shaped by heart, craft, and countless gigs.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. We talk with acclaimed jazz drummer Joe Farnsworth about his 2025 album The Big Room — a powerful tribute to the inspiration and wisdom passed down from jazz legends. The term “The Big Room” was first introduced to Joe by the great Max Roach, during a memorable night at NYC’s famed Bradley’s, as they watched the incomparable Billy Higgins soar during a solo.

Farnsworth carries this legacy forward with a stunning lineup featuring Jeremy Pelt, Sarah Hanahan, Joel Ross, Emmet Cohen, and Yasushi Nakamura. Speaking from his touring base in Rome, Joe reflects on his journey, collaborations, and what The Big Room means in his evolution as one of jazz’s most respected drummers.

🎧 Listen to the album: The Big Room on Bandcamp
Joe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joefarnsworthdrums/

🎙️ Dive into a rich conversation on jazz history, mentorship, and mastery. 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we speak with Jazz Bassist, Composer, and Educator Philip Ravita of Ravita Jazz. We explore his new 2025 CD Alice in Blue and his dynamic career as one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most versatile and in-demand bassists.

In addition to performing with jazz legends like Jimmy Heath, Bobby Shew, Claudio Roditi, and Ruby Glover, Philip is a college professor and host of a weekly radio program on WMTB 89.9 FM. From intimate clubs to major festivals, his journey through jazz is rich, inspiring, and deeply rooted in the art of collaboration.

🔗 Learn more about Philip Ravita: https://www.baltimorebass.com/
🎧 Tune in to hear about his new album, performance stories, and jazz philosophy.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with UK-based Jazz Singer and Songwriter Hannah Brine about her upcoming 2025 album, Blue Sky Now. Rooted in modern jazz sensibilities, the album draws influence from iconic singer-songwriters like Carole King, Norah Jones, and others, blending heartfelt lyrics with a contemporary jazz feel.

We dive into Hannah’s musical journey—from her beginnings to her evolution in the jazz scene—her creative process, inspirations behind the album, and what’s next in her career.

🎶 Get the album: Blue Sky Now on Bandcamp

🎧 Tune in for an intimate look at a rising voice in UK jazz. 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with San Francisco-based vocalist, songwriter, and producer Masha Campagne.

We caught up with Masha to talk about her beautiful new 2025 album, Alegre Menina, and her journey through jazz and beyond. On her fourth studio release, she delivers heartfelt tributes to legendary Brazilian songwriters and iconic singers, weaving her signature blend of warmth and soulful expression.

At the turn of the century, Masha escaped post-coup Russia and moved to San Francisco with little more than a dream. Since then, she has enchanted audiences across the U.S. and abroad with her passionate approach to Brazilian jazz and timeless standards.

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

Enjoy this inspiring story of resilience, culture, and creativity. 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Singer Paula Saunders of The Freedom Affair.

We talk about their powerful new 2025 self-titled album, a record that sharpens their focus on a rich fusion of Muscle Shoals and Memphis Soul, continuing their nearly decade-long journey rooted in vintage soul. The album is earning rave reviews for its bold vocals and passionate musicianship.

On the heels of this release, The Freedom Affair is leading a special one-day creative workshop called Sound 2 Screen at UMKC Katz Hall on July 19, 2025. This event brings together Kansas City’s musicians, filmmakers, and creatives for a day of collaboration, music-making, and storytelling.

🎶 Get the new album:
https://thefreedomaffair.bandcamp.com/album/the-freedom-affair

🎬 More on the Sound 2 Screen event:
https://sound2screen.kccreativecity.com

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with British-Nigerian singer & songwriter Ola Onabulé.

We first caught up with Ola in April 2020. Now, he returns to talk about life back in the studio and on the road — this time celebrating the release of his powerful 2025 album, Proof of Life.

In collaboration with Swiss guitarist Nicolas Meier, Proof of Life explores rich, culturally diverse themes — blending Ola’s African roots with Meier’s passion for eastern, world, and jazz music. The two artists originally connected during the pandemic through livestream performances and have evolved their partnership into this profound new album.

🎧 Get the album:
https://olaonabule.bandcamp.com/album/proof-of-life

Join us as we dive into the music, the message, and the magic behind Proof of Life.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. We catch up with longtime friend of the show and internationally acclaimed jazz trumpeter Hermon Mehari, now based in Paris but deeply rooted in Kansas City’s jazz scene. In this episode, we talk about his exciting 2025, filled with new music, live performances, and creative collaborations.

We dive into:

• 🎶 Soul Song – his new album with pianist Tony Tixier, blending soulful lyricism with modern European jazz textures

• 🌞 Yeah Sun – the vibrant new record from KC’s All Night Trio, a high-energy ensemble pushing fresh sounds

• 🌍 Life and music in Europe

• 🎷 His reflections on Kansas City, global jazz, and what’s next in 2025

🎧 Listen to Soul Song: https://komosrecords.bandcamp.com/album/soul-song
🎵 Discover All Night Trio: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/all-night-trio/1619016359

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Italy-based jazz double bassist and composer Pietro Paris. In this engaging conversation, we explore his dynamic new 2025 album Folk Traffic—a bold blend of jazz improvisation and theatrical composition, rooted in years of collaboration and creative exploration.

This project showcases Pietro's unique voice in the modern jazz landscape, where storytelling and sonic experimentation meet. We talk about the making of Folk Traffic, his artistic evolution, and what lies ahead.

🎧 Tune in and dive deep into his jazz journey.

📌 More info: https://www.pietroparis.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Minneapolis-based Jazz Bassist and Composer Ted Olsen. We dive into the details behind his latest 2025 album, Violette, released on the hometown label Shifting Paradigm Records.

Violette is described as an ambitious fusion of jazz, chamber music, and songwriting—a project rich with melody, harmonic color, and spontaneous interaction. Known for his vivid and emotionally resonant writing, Ted brings a strong compositional voice while still honoring the openness of improvisation.

With a background spanning performance, composition, and collaboration, Ted Olsen continues to shape the evolving sound of the modern jazz landscape. We get into the making of Violette, the stories behind the music, and what it means to create honest, genre-fluid jazz in today’s world.

🎧 Listen in to discover one of Minneapolis’s brightest jazz voices.

🎶 Get the album: Violette on Bandcamp 

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