Neon Jazz Interviews

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:

🎧 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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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Grammy-nominated Jazz Pianist, Composer, and Musical Innovator Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol. We caught up with this veteran artist to explore his compelling new 2025 release, 7 Shades of Melancholia—an album that features the brilliant trumpeter Ingrid Jensen and showcases his signature fusion of global influences.

Launching his jazz career in the mid-1990s, Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol has carved out a distinctive sound informed by his deep background in traditional Turkish music, Western classical, and progressive rock. This genre-defying foundation has led to his reputation as an innovative composer, educator, and even instrument inventor, pushing the boundaries of modern jazz composition.

We dig into the making of the album, the concept behind its seven emotional landscapes, and how his global musical journey continues to evolve.

🎧 Dive into the mind of a true jazz polymath.
🎶 Get the album: 7 Shades of Melancholia on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with rising jazz star, singer, and songwriter Paloma Dineli Chesky. Based in New York City, Paloma is making waves with her debut album Memory—a stunning collection that blends jazz-inflected acoustic originals, classic covers, and a voice that could stop traffic.

The album features six original songs and three personally meaningful covers, showcasing both her artistic depth and creative range. Several tracks also appear as pop-driven versions on her YouTube channel, offering a fresh take on her dynamic, genre-crossing sound.

We dive into her creative process, musical influences, and what it means to debut such a personal project at this stage in her career. Paloma opens up about life in music, the stories behind her songs, and the exciting journey ahead.

🎧 Tune in for an intimate conversation with one of jazz’s most promising young voices.

🔗 Follow Paloma: Paloma on Facebook 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Bandleader and Saxophonist Carol Sudhalter and Vocalist Keeley Mitchell of the Jazz Jam All Stars. They join us to preview the 5th Annual Jazz Jam All Stars Concert happening on July 9 at Flushing Town Hall in New York City.

This special concert will feature ten outstanding jazz musicians, selected for their exceptional musicianship, spirit of cooperation, and regular participation in the monthly jazz jam sessions led by Carol Sudhalter. These jams have become a vital part of NYC's jazz scene, celebrating community, improvisation, and excellence in live performance.

Carol and Keeley share the rich history of the Jazz Jam All Stars, the evolution of these sessions, and what makes this annual performance such a unique event for both performers and jazz lovers.

🎷 For more details and tickets to the event: Flushing Town Hall – Jazz Jam All Stars

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Joe Dimino. In this episode, we talk with veteran New York City jazz composer and saxophonist Dave Anderson about his reflective new 2025 release, In Lieu of Flowers.

Backed by his NYC-based quartet, this heartfelt album honors the legacy of jazz icons Wayne Shorter and Maria Schneider, while also paying tribute to the music educators, mentors, and loved ones who helped shape his artistic voice. Through lush arrangements and intimate performances, Anderson explores how we remember and celebrate those who’ve made a lasting impact.

We dive into a wide-ranging conversation that spans jazz history, his musical evolution, the role of mentorship, and even sports—offering a deep look at an artist rooted in both gratitude and innovation.

🎷 Listen to the album: In Lieu of Flowers 

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