Neon Jazz Interviews

🎙 Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with New York City-based multi-genre vocalist, composer, and arranger Kieran Brown about her debut 2025 album Loving You and her journey through the jazz world. With a foundation in jazz, R&B, and the American Songbook, Kieran brings a fresh yet deeply rooted approach to her music, blending a profound knowledge of jazz history with a modern, expressive sensibility.

Her passion for improvisation and songwriting has shaped a career that bridges the elegance of the past with the vibrancy of the present — a journey that began when she was just 16 years old. In this conversation, she shares stories behind her debut album, the influences that shaped her artistry, and her life as a dynamic voice in New York City’s music scene.

🎶 Get the album → Loving You on Bandcamp

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🎤 Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with LA-based jazz vocalist and songwriter Susan Krebs about her 2025 album Little Did I Dream. Known as The Jazz Gardener, Susan delivers her 10th album — a captivating blend of jazz standards and original compositions — performed with her top-shelf Los Angeles band, The Local Outfit.

With a career spanning over three decades, Susan has built a reputation for combining imagination, swing, and emotional depth. On Little Did I Dream, she revisits songs that brought joy during the pandemic’s chaotic hangover years, offering both musical relief and thoughtful reflection in today’s uncertain world.

We first spoke with Susan in 2021 during the height of COVID, and now, in 2025, she shares her insights on creativity, resilience, and the ever-evolving jazz landscape.

🎶 Listen to the album → Little Did I Dream on Apple Music

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🎷 Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz saxophonist Eric Alexander about his new 2025 album with Vincent Herring, Split Decision, and his upcoming run of shows at New York City’s #1 jazz club — SMOKE Jazz Club. From Wednesday to Sunday, August 13–17, 2025, Eric and Vincent will headline a powerhouse band with Mike LeDonne (piano), John Webber (bass), and Lewis Nash (drums).

The week of performances celebrates the 30th anniversary of All About Jazz and includes a free livestream concert on Friday, August 15th at 9:00 PM ET via AllAboutJazz.com. Eric shares insights on the making of Split Decision, his dynamic partnership with Vincent Herring, and his fiery approach to improvisation and performance.

🎶 More from Smoke Sessions Records → SmokeSessionsRecords.com

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🎷 Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with legendary percussionist Bill Summers of The Headhunters about their 2025 Kansas City trip—a monumental weekend of jazz, funk, and soul. Bill, an Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz percussionist and multi-instrumentalist, has traveled the globe and spent over 50 years with The Headhunters, shaping the sound of modern jazz fusion.

The celebration kicks off Sunday, August 31 with an exclusive Q&A panel featuring the original band members, followed by a live performance at The Ship on Monday, September 1. We explore the magic of Anita Dixon’s vision, Bill’s global musical journeys, the band’s history, and the wisdom he’s gained through decades of groundbreaking music.

🎟 Get tickets to The Headhunters in KC → theheadhunterskc.com

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Kansas City-based jazz bassist Sebastian Arias. Fresh off a scorching live performance at Westport Theater in July 2025, we caught up with this dynamic musician to talk about his compelling journey — from his roots in Costa Rica, through his time in Utah, and ultimately to the vibrant, historic Kansas City jazz scene.

In this insightful conversation, Sebastian shares his musical influences, his views on the current KC jazz landscape, and what’s next in the studio with new recordings on the horizon. It’s a deep dive into rhythm, culture, and artistry from a rising talent making waves in modern jazz.

🎧 Listen in and dig this conversation.

🔗 More on Sebastian Arias: Instagram @sebastianariasbass 

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🎧 Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Veteran Jazz Drummer Mike Clark of The Headhunters 🥁

We caught up with jazz and funk legend Mike Clark to talk about his highly anticipated 2025 trip to Kansas City with The Headhunters. Billed as a legendary weekend of jazz, funk, and soul, this two-day celebration is set to be unforgettable.

🎷 Kansas City Events with The Headhunters:
📅 Sunday, August 31, 2025 – Exclusive Q&A panel featuring the original band members
📅 Monday, September 1, 2025 – Live performance at The Ship, one of KC’s most iconic venues

In this interview, Mike shares incredible stories from past KC gigs, reflects on the legacy and chemistry of The Headhunters, dives into his long career, current projects, and the excitement of bringing the groove back to Kansas City.

🎟️ Get tickets & info: theheadhunterskc.com

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🎷 Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Musician, Performer, Composer & Educator Rob Scheps 🎶

In this episode, we catch up with veteran jazz saxophonist Rob Scheps to talk about his Summer and Fall 2025 Kansas City performances, upcoming recordings, and life as a touring jazz artist in the modern world.

📅 Catch Rob Scheps Live in Kansas City:
🎵 Saturday, August 30, 2025 – Performing at Corvino with the Roger Wilder Trio featuring Sam Copeland
🎵 Sunday, September 21, 2025 – Appearing at the Westport Coffeehouse Theater with the Brad Gregory Sextet, featuring original compositions by Rob Scheps

We also dive into Rob’s thoughts on the vitality of live music today, the special energy of the Kansas City jazz scene, and details about a new recording session in KC for his upcoming album.

🎼 Featured Music: “Church Bells of a Home Away from Home” – Originally recorded by Walt Weiskopf
🎧 Listen: Spotify Track Link
🔗 More on Rob Scheps: https://www.robschepsmusic.com/
🍷 Corvino Supper Club: https://corvino.com/
🎭 Westport Coffeehouse Theater: https://westportkcmo.com/business/westport-coffee-house-theater/For More Famous Interviews:

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🎷 Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Jazz Musician, Performer, Composer & Educator Rob Scheps 🎶

We caught up with the ever-busy Rob Scheps to preview his exciting Summer/Fall 2025 Kansas City jazz gigs and dive into his life as a touring musician, composer, and educator.

Catch Rob live in Kansas City at:
📍 Corvino – Saturday, August 30, 2025, with a top-tier trio featuring Sam Copeland and Roger Wilder from 8:30–10:00 p.m.
📍 Westport Coffeehouse Theater – Sunday, September 21, 2025, with the Brad Gregory Sextet performing Rob’s original compositions.

In this episode, Rob talks about upcoming recording projects, the magic of Kansas City’s jazz scene, and his enduring journey in the world of jazz.

🔗 All Things Rob Scheps: https://www.robschepsmusic.com/
🎵 Corvino Supper Club: https://corvino.com/
🎭 Westport Coffeehouse Theater: https://westportkcmo.com/business/westport-coffee-house-theater/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with San Francisco-based veteran jazz drummer Brian Melvin, best known for his work with Beatlejazz. We caught up with Brian to talk about his brand-new 2025 release, Reunion, a powerful collaboration with pianist Dave Kikoski. This long-awaited return revisits Beatles classics through a fresh jazz lens—full of groove, creativity, and soul.

In this interview, Brian reflects on how The Beatles inspired his musical journey back in 1964, his formative mentorship with jazz drumming legend Al Foster, and the incredible experiences that have shaped his dynamic career. From jazz fusion to global rhythms, this conversation is filled with rhythm, history, and heart.

🎶 Listen to the album: Reunion – Brian Melvin & Dave Kikoski

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🎷 Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Acclaimed Jazz Soprano Saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom. In this episode, we catch up with GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom to discuss her fascinating 2025 release, Songs in Space — a groundbreaking collection of duets and trios designed specifically for immersive surround sound listening. 🚀🎶

Known for her lyrical tone and deep musical vision, Jane once again pushes sonic boundaries alongside a stellar lineup: pianist Dominic Fallacaro, bassist Mark Helias, and drummer Bobby Previte. This album explores motion, melody, and atmosphere — taking listeners on a space-inspired journey through sound.

Fun fact: An asteroid (6083janeirabloom) was named in her honor, recognizing her long-standing collaboration with NASA and her pioneering fusion of jazz and science.

🌌 Listen to the album Songs in Space here:
👉 http://www.crossovermedia.net/artists/jane-ira-bloom/projects/songs-in-space 

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