Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with acclaimed Canadian Jazz Cellist George Crotty about his 2025 album Heart Music. A boundary-breaking artist, George has developed a distinct cello vocabulary that bridges jazz, world music, and chamber influences.

Formed in 2019 in Brooklyn, the George Crotty Trio (GC3) creates multicultural chamber jazz that’s cinematic, improvisational, and emotionally resonant. Their latest release, Heart Music, serves as a transatlantic travelogue inspired by sessions in Copenhagen, Delft, Berlin, Toronto, and Brooklyn. Infused with European jazz, Hindustani raga, and contemporary classical textures, the album showcases Crotty’s expansive musical vision. We dive into the making of this album, his journey through genres, and the evolving role of the cello in modern jazz. Enjoy this compelling conversation.

🎻 Get the album: https://georgecrotty.bandcamp.com/album/heart-music 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with Jazz Woodwind Doubler, Composer, Arranger & Educator Saul Dautch about his compelling new 2025 album Music for the People and his dedicated life in jazz.

Currently based in the NYC/NJ area, Saul is best known for his mastery of the baritone saxophone and his versatility across woodwinds. A native of Delray Beach, Florida, he began his musical journey early and has cultivated a career filled with creative expression, education, and performance. From powerful compositions to deeply rooted jazz traditions, Saul brings both passion and perspective. We dive into the inspiration behind his latest release, artistic evolution, and more. Enjoy the listen.

🎷 Get the album: https://sauldautchmusic.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-the-people

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with Jazz Composer & Arranger Mike Thompson about his debut 2025 album 6th Avenue and his evolving journey in the world of jazz.

Recorded at Q Division Studios in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 6th Avenue showcases Mike’s big band leadership at just twenty-something years old. Drawing on connections made during his time at Berklee College of Music, he assembled a talented lineup of veteran Boston-area jazz musicians to bring his dynamic arrangements to life. Since graduating in 2021, Mike has continued shaping his voice as a modern composer and arranger. We dive into his creative process, influences, and ambitions. Enjoy this conversation.

🎶 Get the album: https://www.mjthompsonmusic.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with jazz pianist/composer Florian Hoefner, saxophonist Mike Murley, and bassist Jim Vivian of the Atlantic Jazz Collective about their highly anticipated 2025 debut album, Seascape.

This stunning modern jazz release features the internationally renowned vocalist Norma Winstone and legendary drummer Joe LaBarbera, weaving together original compositions with poetic, vocal reimaginings. Recorded in the scenic setting of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Seascape is a powerful example of collaborative artistry and musical storytelling. We dive into the creative process, inspirations, and evolution behind this memorable project.

🎶 More on the album: https://dlmediamusic.com/artists/atlantic-jazz-collective-seascape/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with Jazz Vocalist, Composer, Educator & Bandleader Raquel Marina. We dive into the making of her debut album, Kind Words — a heartfelt blend of jazz and folk influences, featuring original compositions inspired by her personal journey and deep musical roots.

Raised with a foundation in classical piano and choral singing, Raquel’s path led her to earn a Bachelor’s in Jazz Comprehensive Studies from the University of Toronto in 2022. With a thoughtful, expressive style, her music reflects a devotion to both storytelling and sonic exploration. From her academic background to her emergence as a rising voice in jazz, we cover her full artistic evolution.

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

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with Andrew Richards — Contemporary Jazz Vocalist, Composer, and Songwriter — about his new 2025 release, A Wondrous Toy. A heartfelt blend of original compositions, folk melodies, and timeless standards, the album is a true labor of love that reflects his deep musical roots.

Born and raised in Vermont and now based in New York City, Andrew draws heavily from American Traditional Music, with Jazz, Folk, and Blues serving as foundational influences. We dive into his musical upbringing, the creative process behind the album, and the ongoing journey of finding one’s voice as an artist.

🎶 Stream the album: A Wondrous Toy on Apple Music

🎧 Tune in for a warm, thoughtful conversation on songwriting, tradition, and personal artistry. 

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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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