Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with GRAMMY and Emmy Award-Winning Trumpeter, Composer & Synthesist Mark Isham.

We caught up with this accomplished Los Angeles powerhouse to talk about his new 2026 album, At the Carousel Club, and a life dedicated to making music across jazz, electronic music, orchestral composition and cinema.

An Academy Award-nominated composer, Mark Isham has spent decades moving fluidly between musical worlds while helping shape the sound and narrative of some of the most memorable films and recordings of the past four decades. His work includes film scores for A River Runs Through It, Crash, Blade, and more, while his performing career has included collaborations with legendary artists such as Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison and Stanley Clarke.

Now, with At the Carousel Club, Isham returns to his roots with a recombinant musical statement that brings together the many sounds and experiences that have defined his remarkable career. His first solo album in more than 15 years places Mark back at the center of his own musical world.

We get into the new album, his jazz roots, synthesizers, composing for film, collaboration, creativity and the evolution of a career that continues to cross boundaries between jazz, electronic music and cinematic sound.

Dig this interview with Mark Isham.

Get the album & more: Mark Isham Official Website

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with New Jersey-based Upright & Electric Jazz Bassist John Pachnos. We dig into John's new self-titled 2026 debut album, his career in music, his development as a bassist, and the many different musical worlds he has explored along the way. The album features seven original compositions and showcases a young bassist and composer with a distinctive musical voice.

Born and raised in a small town in northwest New Jersey, John's first exposure to music came when he was just 3 years old, after hearing his older sister practicing piano. He later experimented with piano and drums before discovering the bass at age 13 — an instrument that ultimately stuck.

John went on to study at Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he studied with renowned bassist Kenny Davis. After graduation, his career took him in a variety of directions, including jazz clubs, rock bands, musical theatre pit orchestras and cruise ships throughout the northeastern United States.

His new album John Pachnos brings together longtime musical friends and collaborators from his Rutgers years, including Carter Vames, Caleb Heinze, Frankie Midnight and Justin Vedovelli. The record blends jazz with elements of funk, rock, Latin music and Greek musical influences.

In this conversation, we talk about learning the bass, finding his musical identity, growing up in New Jersey, Rutgers, jazz education, cruise-ship gigs, musical theatre, playing rock, composing original music, recording his debut album and building a career as a working musician.

Dig into this conversation with John Pachnos and discover the story behind his new album and his journey as a bassist.

LISTEN TO THE ALBUM:
John Pachnos — Apple Music

MORE JOHN PACHNOS:
John Pachnos Official Website

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Italy-based Jazz Guitarist Simone Basile and Drummer Antonio Cerfeda.

We dig into their new 2026 album Perspectives, a remarkable trio project featuring acclaimed bassist John Patitucci. Released by Encore Music, the album brings together three musicians in a deeply conversational setting, exploring composition, improvisation, sound and the many perspectives that shape a modern jazz experience. Perspectives was released April 24, 2026.

The album was recorded at the historic Bunker Studio in New York, with Simone Basile writing and conceiving the entire project. The music grew out of a long international journey that took him through China, Japan and the United States, eventually leading to his meeting with John Patitucci during a June 2025 New York stop.

In this tandem interview, we talk about Simone and Antonio's musical roots, how they met, their evolution as musicians, the making of Perspectives, working with John Patitucci, recording in New York, international touring, composition, improvisation and the creative process behind this exciting new jazz project.

The album features eight tracks, including “Back Home,” “Bouncin',” “Federica,” “Is That Real?,” “Yin and Yang,” “Perspectives” and “To Johnny.”

Dig into this conversation with Simone Basile and Antonio Cerfeda and discover the story behind Perspectives.

GET THE ALBUM:
Simone Basile — Perspectives on Bandcamp

Dig the jazz, my friends. 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Bay Area jazz vocalist Stella Heath. In this conversation, we explore Stella’s debut album, For Billie, and the remarkable story behind her journey into the world of jazz. Nearly seven decades after Billie Holiday died in 1959, the singular voice and uncompromising artistry of Lady Day continue to resonate—and Stella Heath is bringing that legacy to a new generation.

On For Billie, Stella shines a light on Holiday’s enduring influence with a thoughtfully curated collection of songs connected to one of the most important and revealing artists in jazz history. Her approach is not simply about looking backward. It is about discovering what Billie Holiday’s music still has to say in 2026.

Raised in Petaluma, California, Stella grew up surrounded by music thanks to her mother, a passionate music lover who helped shape her artistic path. Now based in the Bay Area jazz scene, Stella is beginning to make her mark with a distinctive voice, a deep respect for jazz history and a vision that reaches well beyond the traditional boundaries of the music.

As her reputation continues to grow, 2026 could be the year Stella Heath makes her leap onto the global jazz stage.

We talk about Billie Holiday, For Billie, Stella’s musical upbringing, her life as a jazz vocalist, the power of Lady Day’s legacy and what comes next.

Enjoy this conversation with Stella Heath on Neon Jazz.

🎵 Get the album — For Billie:
Stella Heath — For Billie on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Musician, Author & Berklee College of Music Associate Professor Dr. Ray Seol.

In this fascinating conversation, we explore The Prison of Language—a deeply personal and unconventional project that exists as both a book and an album. From his career as a musician and educator to his work as one of the most frequently quoted K-pop scholars in the United States, Ray Seol has a story that crosses musical, cultural and academic boundaries.

Recorded during Ray’s Fulbright Scholarship in Korea, the eight-track project grew from interviews with fourteen survivors of suicide loss. The resulting music draws heavily from Korean shamanism and ritual, creating something far beyond what you might traditionally expect from a jazz album.

There is also a deeply personal element. One of the tracks was written on the day Ray’s mother was buried more than twenty years ago, adding another layer of memory, grief, culture and musical expression to this remarkable work.

From his base in Boston, Ray Seol takes us through the making of The Prison of Language, his experiences in Korea, his work at Berklee, his scholarship surrounding K-pop, and the powerful intersection of music, language, ritual, loss and healing.

This is a conversation about much more than jazz. It is about finding a musical language for experiences that words sometimes cannot fully express.

Enjoy this compelling conversation with Dr. Ray Seol on Neon Jazz.

🎵 Get The Prison of Language:
Amazon — The Prison of Language 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with the Prince of Soul Jazz, international saxophonist and producer Nick Stefanacci, discussing his powerful new 2026 album Right Here, Right Now.

We catch up with Nick from his base in New Jersey to talk about this new project, live performances, independent music production, and what it means to make music in America in 2026. This marks our return conversation with Nick after first speaking with him in 2023.

His fifth studio album, Right Here, Right Now, is a deeply personal project that Nick wrote, arranged, mixed, mastered, and produced entirely himself. The record features former Santana frontman Tony Lindsay and Bruce Springsteen trombonist Ozzie Melendez, adding even more soul and musicianship to an already stellar project.

We also talk about the single “Midnight Affair,” where Nick channels some of the magic and spirit associated with legendary producer and arranger Quincy Jones. The song and album serve as a conversation starter about artistry, independence, creativity, and the continuing legacy of soul jazz.

In this interview, we cover Right Here, Right Now, saxophone, soul jazz, Quincy Jones, live shows, music production, independent artists, the state of music in 2026 America, Nick's creative process, his evolution as an artist, and the future of the soul jazz tradition.

From New Jersey to the world, Nick Stefanacci is making music on his own terms. Dig this interview.

Listen to Right Here, Right Now:
Nick Stefanacci – Right Here, Right Now on Apple Music

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with guitarist Giulio Cuppari and drummer Giosuè Consiglio of the Italy-based Psoas Trio.

We take a deep dive into the trio's new 2026 album Satori, their beginnings, evolution, individual musical journeys, and the creative chemistry that has shaped their sound. Based in Milan, Psoas Trio also features tenor saxophonist Alessio Dal Checco, creating a distinctive contemporary jazz voice built around listening, interaction, risk, and constant musical dialogue.

On Satori, the trio consolidates a musical path rooted in shared experiences while pushing themselves beyond preconceived ideas. Rather than following a fixed formula, Psoas Trio creates an open musical space where improvisation, communication, experimentation, and spontaneity help shape the music in real time.

Rooted in contemporary jazz while incorporating elements of British rock, the trio explores new compositional possibilities and expands its musical language without losing a strong melodic foundation. The result is music that feels adventurous and exploratory while remaining deeply connected to melody, expression, and the chemistry between three musicians.

In this conversation, we discuss Satori, the formation of Psoas Trio, the Milan jazz scene, contemporary European jazz, improvisation, composition, British rock influences, musical risk, ensemble interaction, developing a unique artistic identity, and the individual paths of Giulio Cuppari and Giosuè Consiglio.

We also explore how a band builds trust, how musicians learn to listen to one another, and how continuous dialogue can become the foundation of a distinctive sound.

From their base in Milan, we cover it all. Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
Psoas Trio - Satori on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz vocalist Jennifer Madsen, talking about her powerful 2026 album Girl Talk.

This female producer-led big band jazz project reimagines the American Songbook through inventive arrangements, seasoned interpretation, big band storytelling and collaborative musical leadership. Jennifer sits at the center of a richly orchestrated ensemble, bringing classic material to life with contemporary energy and dynamic interplay between voice and band.

A mentor, educator and headliner performing regularly at clubs, concert halls and festivals, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience and perspective to this project.

We caught up with Jennifer initially in 2025, so it's great to reconnect with her in 2026 and dig deeper into Girl Talk, her performances, musical journey, leadership, education and the evolving world of jazz.

🎧 Listen to Girl Talk: Apple Music 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Acclaimed Blues Songwriter & Guitar Veteran Fernando Noronha.

Originally from Brazil and now living in America, Fernando celebrates an extraordinary 30 years in the blues with his powerful 2026 album Ain't No Hiding From the Blues.

Fernando's story is one of international discovery, dedication, and a lifelong love for a uniquely American musical tradition. He discovered the blues far from its birthplace, embraced its language and spirit, and went on to become one of the most respected blues guitarists and ambassadors for the music on the international stage.

Since forming Black Soul in 1995, Fernando has performed at major blues festivals and venues throughout North America, South America, and Europe, developing a reputation for his passionate guitar playing, songwriting, and authentic connection to the blues.

On this new album, he reflects on three decades of musical exploration while honoring the musicians, traditions, and experiences that shaped his journey. Ain't No Hiding From the Blues is both a celebration and a statement — proof that the blues can travel across borders, cultures, and generations while retaining its emotional power.

In this conversation, we get into Fernando's Brazilian roots, discovering the blues, Black Soul, 30 years of performing, blues guitar, songwriting, international festivals, moving to America, his 2026 album, and the enduring power of the blues.

It's a fascinating story of following a musical calling across continents and building a life around the music you love.

We cover the whole story. Enjoy this interview.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City-based Jazz Organist Ken Lovern as we explore the remarkable 2026 Blind Boone Project.

This ambitious project brings together music, history, a comic book, and a live on-stage production to tell the extraordinary story of John William “Blind” Boone, one of the first African American concert performers to achieve international recognition.

Born in a Union Army camp near the end of the Civil War, Boone faced enormous barriers in a country defined by segregation, discrimination, and racism. Yet his extraordinary musical gifts — and the determination of the people who believed in him — helped him build a remarkable career as a concert pianist.

A former Confederate general and town elder in Warrensburg, Missouri, helped arrange for Boone to receive an education at a school for the blind. Later, with the assistance of his loyal and savvy African American business manager John Lange Jr., Boone pursued an elite concert career that lasted from 1880 through 1927.

His story is one of music, perseverance, entrepreneurship, racial barriers, friendship, education, and triumph, making Blind Boone an important — and sometimes overlooked — figure in American music history.

Ken Lovern has brought together an impressive group of musicians and Kansas City-connected artists to help bring this history to life, including vocalist Madisen Ward, known as part of the acclaimed folk duo Madisen Ward and the Momma Bear.

In this conversation, we explore the Blind Boone musical, the history behind the project, Kansas City connections, Blind Boone's incredible career, John Lange Jr., race and American music history, the comic book, live theatre, and the power of storytelling through music.

This is much more than a jazz project. It's an effort to bring an extraordinary American story back into the spotlight.

We get into the whole project. Enjoy this interview.

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