Neon Jazz Interviews

🎙️ Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Vocalist, Educator, Arranger & Songwriter Jamie Shew

In this episode, we sit down with the acclaimed Los Angeles jazz vocalist Jamie Shew to talk about her dynamic new 2025 album, Spicy Classy and a Little Sassy, and a remarkable journey through music and education. 🎶

With over two decades in the LA jazz scene, Jamie is celebrated for her distinct vocal style—blending the grace of classic jazz with a modern, sassy twist. Born and raised in the Tri-Cities region of Washington State, Jamie began her musical path at age four with classical piano and has evolved into a powerhouse vocalist, composer, and jazz educator.

She has held a faculty position at Fullerton College for 22 years, mentoring the next generation of jazz musicians while actively performing and recording. Her new album is a showcase of wit, elegance, and artistic depth.

🔥 Get the new album Spicy Classy and a Little Sassy here:
👉 https://jamieshewmusic.com/album/3058531/spicy-classy-and-a-little-sassy-digital-download

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We caught up with the multi-talented Deb Bowman in Atlanta to discuss her brand-new 2025 album, Reflection — a powerful, genre-spanning tribute to iconic songwriters across the decades. 🎶

From her early days in New York City to her vibrant career in Atlanta, Deb has carved out a unique artistic path as a jazz vocalist, stage actress, and screen performer. Known for her commanding presence and genre versatility, she’s embraced jazz, pop, gospel, Broadway, and Latin styles throughout her career.

🎭 Deb has appeared in films, television, and theater productions, while also delivering show-stopping performances with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra and in intimate cabaret settings. Her latest project, Reflection, captures the richness of her artistry and honors the timeless craft of great songwriting.

🔥 Listen & support Deb Bowman’s new album here:
👉 https://debbowman.bandcamp.com/album/reflection 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring GRAMMY-nominated writer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and session bassist Billy Mohler. We caught up with him to dive into his brand-new 2025 release The Eternal and explore his dynamic journey across the music world.

From collaborating with icons like Dolly Parton, Macy Gray, Lady Gaga, Mavis Staples, Kelly Clarkson, Steven Tyler, and Jon Brion to his elite training at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz—where he was one of only five selected students under the mentorship of Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter—Billy has carved out a remarkable and multifaceted career.

Based in Southern California, Billy is also an avid skateboarder who served as musical director for Tony Hawk’s Boom Boom Huck Jam Tour and many other genre-spanning projects. This wide-ranging conversation touches on his creative process, genre fluidity, and the stories behind The Eternal.

🎧 Listen to the new album The Eternal: https://billymohler.bandcamp.com/album/the-eternal

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring veteran jazz bassist Dave Sharp. We talk with him about his new 2025 release, Catalyst: The Music of Gregg Hill, performed by the Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet featuring Elden Kelly.

This dynamic world jazz ensemble—celebrating a decade together—includes Dave Sharp (bass), Hendrik Karapetyan (violin), Igor Houwat (oud), and Mike List (percussion). Known for blending global rhythms and textures with deep jazz roots, the group continues to push boundaries while honoring the compositional brilliance of Gregg Hill.

In this episode, we explore Dave’s life in music, the origins and evolution of his genre-defying quartet, and the collaborative spirit behind Catalyst.

🎶 Get the album: https://www.gregghilljazz.com/product-page/catalyst 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring renowned Jazz Drummer, Bandleader, and Musical Director Sherrie Maricle of The DIVA Jazz Orchestra. We dive into the powerful 2025 posthumous cast album, A Celebration of Maurice Hines – Tappin’ Thru Life, honoring the life and legacy of the legendary entertainer Maurice Hines.

This heartfelt tribute features music from the award-winning stage show Tappin’ Thru Life and showcases original cast members John Manzari and Leo Manzari (tap dancers and vocalists), Sherrie and The DIVA Jazz Orchestra, plus special guests — Grammy-nominated vocalist Clint Holmes and Tony-nominated vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway.

In this conversation, we explore the magic of Maurice Hines, the making of this extraordinary album, and the joy of bringing his story to life through music and performance.

🎶 Get the album: https://divajazz.com/product/tappin-thru-life-a-celebration-of-maurice-hines/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Toronto-based Jazz Guitarist and Composer James Brown. We dive into his dynamic 2025 release Anthem for Everyone — his fifth album of original music, showcasing a compelling fusion of jazz and classical influences.

This genre-blurring project features an eclectic lineup of Toronto talents, including violinist Aline Homzy, bassist Clark Johnston, and vocalist/pianist Hannah Barstow. Known for his innovative style and technical prowess, James Brown continues to push the boundaries of modern jazz composition.

In this conversation, we explore the making of the album, the evolving role of music in today’s world, and the powerful messages behind Anthem for Everyone.

🎧 Listen to the album on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jamesbrown-scmusic/anthem-for-everyone

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Jazz Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Pianist, and Author Jennifer Lee. We catch up with her to discuss her brand-new 2025 album Glimpse – a captivating release that marks a powerful evolution in her musical journey.

Formerly rooted in the Bay Area and now living in rural Idaho, Jennifer opens up about her transformation from an arranger and interpreter to a deeply expressive composer. Born in Redwood City and raised in Menlo Park, her journey through the jazz world is full of insight, reinvention, and authenticity.

In this episode, we also explore her upcoming children’s book, creative process, and thoughts on staying inspired in today’s music scene.

🎧 Listen to Jennifer Lee’s new album Glimpse: https://music.apple.com/us/album/glimpse/1810018226

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Saxophonist, Composer, and Educator Jordan VanHemert. We dive into the release of his powerful new 2025 album, Survival of the Fittest, marking his fifth critically acclaimed project. This release features a stellar lineup, including Terell Stafford, producer Michael Dease, Helen Sung, Rodney Whitaker, and Lewis Nash—a true all-star ensemble.

Born in Korea and raised in Michigan, Jordan VanHemert brings a bold, politically conscious voice to modern jazz, using the genre as a tool for dialogue on race, identity, and social justice. Rooted in the jazz tradition and infused with contemporary urgency, his music speaks with purpose and fire.

We talk about his creative process, musical influences, and the deeper meaning behind this standout new album.

🎧 Listen to the album: Survival of the Fittest – Origin Records

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we speak with acclaimed NYC-based Jazz Saxophonist and Composer Jed Levy as he discusses his brand-new 2025 album, Faces and Places, and reflects on a remarkable 40+ year career in jazz.

A fixture on the New York jazz scene, Jed has performed and recorded extensively as both a bandleader and sideman. His impressive resume includes long-standing collaborations with jazz greats like Jaki Byard, Don Patterson, Jack McDuff, and Headhunters drummer Mike Clark.

We dive deep into the stories behind the music, the evolution of his sound, and what continues to inspire his journey through the ever-changing jazz landscape. It’s a rich and insightful conversation with one of jazz’s most respected voices.

🎷 Get the new album – Faces and Places:
https://jedlevyquartet.bandcamp.com/album/faces-places

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with acclaimed LA-based jazz singer Jeffrey Gimble as he shares stories behind his brand-new 2025 album, Brand New Key, and reflects on a rich, creative life shaped by music, theater, and family.

Raised in a jazz-loving household in Houston, Texas, Jeffrey grew up during the 60s and 70s surrounded by swing, bebop, and soul. With a bandleader father, Maynard Gimble, he spent his childhood going to gigs and digging into a massive family jazz record collection that laid the foundation for his unique sound.

After 20 years in New York City as a stage and film actor, Jeffrey transitioned to Los Angeles, where he found his voice as a jazz vocalist and recording artist. His musical storytelling is infused with theatrical flair, heartfelt emotion, and a lifelong love of the jazz tradition.

🎶 Check out his new album – Brand New Key:
https://jeffreygimble.bandcamp.com/album/brand-new-key

🎧 Tune in now to hear the story behind the voice and the music.

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