Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Renowned New York City-based Jazz Educator, Composer, Arranger, and Pianist Rich Shemaria. With decades of experience and collaborations with musical legends like Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, and Michael & Randy Brecker, Rich has become a powerful creative force in the global jazz scene.

We dive into his latest groundbreaking work, Requiem for the Lost, a bold, thought-provoking composition that grapples with the ethical dilemmas of genetic resurrection and climate change. Inspired by modern efforts to revive extinct species like the dire wolf, Rich uses music to raise questions about the boundaries of science and the consequences of manipulating nature.

From his base in NYC, Rich continues to shape the next generation of jazz artists and push the envelope of musical storytelling. This interview offers deep insights into art, ethics, and the evolving role of jazz in society.

🎵 Learn More About Rich Shemaria: richshemaria.com

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Veteran Bay Area Jazz Composer and Pianist Doug Wyatt about his new 2025 release, Days of Gypsy Nights, and his remarkable journey in the world of jazz.

Known for blending jazz and classical music into a transformative “third thing”, Doug’s latest album contrasts fiery improvisation on piano, saxophone, bass, and drums with soaring string quartet arrangements. Born out of the darkness of the 2020 pandemic, this powerful music reflects the natural beauty and deep creative energy of his hometown of Ithaca, New York.

Doug shares stories from his musical roots, discusses his admiration for Pat Metheny, and reflects on the evolution of his sound. With decades of experience and a deeply personal creative voice, Doug Wyatt continues to expand the boundaries of modern jazz.

🎶 Get the Album: Days of Gypsy Nights on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series! On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader Alex Chadsey of Duende Libre. We caught up with him to explore the band’s powerful 2025 album Invocation, a soulful and globally inspired project that reflects on the vulnerability, universality, and resilience of the human experience.

Duende Libre—three-time Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award recipients—blends jazz with the rich musical traditions of Cuba, Brazil, and the Mediterranean, creating a sound that is both timeless and transcendent. Their artistry is shaped by decades of mentorship and collaboration with master musicians worldwide.

With over 20 years of experience and credits including a GRAMMY Award-winning record, Alex Chadsey continues to shape the international jazz landscape as a respected performer, composer, arranger, and producer. This interview dives into his musical journey, the vision behind Invocation, and the deeper message behind the music.

🎧 Listen in and experience the story behind the sound.

🔗 Music & More: duendelibre.com

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series! In this episode, we speak with New York-based French-American jazz singer Laura Anglade about her brand-new 2025 release, Get Out of Town — an elegant, 11-track journey through the timeless world of American jazz standards.

Recorded with some of the world’s finest musicians, this album revisits classics by Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, and Rodgers & Hammerstein, including rare gems and beloved favorites. With a style that draws on the vocal traditions of Carmen McRae, Blossom Dearie, Sarah Vaughan, and Ella Fitzgerald, Laura brings her own nostalgic, heartfelt spin to every track.

Born in a picturesque town in France and now performing globally from New York to Paris, London to Montreal, Laura Anglade is quickly establishing herself as one of jazz’s most compelling storytellers. We caught up with her on the album’s release day, May 23, 2025, to talk about her creative process, influences, and her life immersed in jazz.

🎧 Listen to the interview: Neon Jazz – Laura Anglade
📀 Get the album: Get Out of Town on Apple Music

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with critically-acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer Janie Barnett. We dive into her latest 2025 release, Under My Skin: Cole Porter Reimagined — a soulful tribute to the timeless music of Cole Porter, and a heartfelt nod to the woman behind his genius, his mother Kate Porter, who passionately supported his career until her passing in 1952.

This album is more than a reinterpretation — it’s a deeply personal project that blends Janie’s signature artistry with Porter’s rich legacy. Known for her emotional depth and genre-blending style, Janie brings new life to classic standards with both reverence and originality.

Janie began her journey performing at bluegrass festivals and church coffeehouses in Northern Virginia, later moving to New York City where she carved out a career as a top-tier session singer for film, TV, and major recording artists. Her impressive résumé includes collaborations with Linda Ronstadt, Rickie Lee Jones, Celine Dion, Marc Cohn, the Bacon Brothers, and Kenny White, among others.

🎶 We talk about her life in music, the inspiration behind this new Cole Porter project, and what it means to reimagine a legend while honoring a legacy of love, talent, and devotion.

👉 Get the album: https://janiebarnett.com/product/under-my-skin-reimagining-cole-porter-download/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with Toronto-based jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader Steve Holt. A true veteran of the jazz scene, Steve shares insights into his latest project with Steve Holt’s Jazz Impact Quintet and their dynamic 2025 album IMPACT.

This bold new release is a celebration of fresh, original jazz compositions, reflecting a year-long journey of creativity and musical passion. At its core is the high-energy title track “Impact,” a fiery and joyful piece that defines the ensemble’s unique sound and chemistry.

A child prodigy, Steve began playing piano at the age of 4. Born in Montreal, Canada, he was performing professionally by 18 and quickly earned a reputation as one of Canada’s premier jazz pianists. Over his expansive career, he has collaborated with legends like Archie Shepp, Larry Coryell, James Moody, and Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson.

In this conversation, we dig into the stories behind the music, his lifelong dedication to jazz, and the enduring creative drive that fuels his work today.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring look at one of Canada’s great jazz voices.

👉 Get the album: https://steveholtmusic.bandcamp.com/album/the-steve-holt-jazz-impact-quintet-impact

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with Swedish experimental singer, improviser, and composer Sofia Jernberg. Known internationally for her avant-garde vocal techniques and fearless exploration of sound, Sofia is redefining what the human voice can express.

We caught up with her ahead of her appearance at the Park Avenue Armory Artists Studio in New York City on May 20th, 2025, where she’ll perform with guest cellist Tomeka Reid. Born in Ethiopia, raised in Vietnam and Sweden, Sofia brings a global perspective to her music that blends improvisation, composition, and non-traditional vocalizations like split tones, distortion, and toneless singing.

Her work has made a profound impact on the contemporary classical, free improvisation, and experimental jazz scenes. In this interview, we dive into her musical journey, her inspirations, and what fuels her bold sonic innovation.

🎧 Don’t miss this unique voice in modern experimental music.

👉 Follow Sofia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofiajernberg/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City-born, Seattle-based Jazz Pianist Brittany Davis. In this episode, we dive deep into her powerful 2025 release, Black Thunder—a groundbreaking spiritual jazz album filled with raw emotion, musical innovation, and a deeply personal story.

Recorded live in-studio over just 48 hours, the album features fully improvised music and lyrics, showcasing Brittany’s intuitive brilliance on grand piano, alongside Seattle rhythm section standouts Evan Flory-Barnes (bass) and D’Vonne Lewis (drums). The result is a spiritual and sonic experience reminiscent of legends like Nina Simone, Roberta Flack, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk.

Blind since birth and born into a broken home in Kansas City, Brittany later found grounding and inspiration in Seattle with her grandmother. Her journey, resilience, and musical genius shine through every note of Black Thunder—a project that transcends genre and convention.

🎧 Listen to the album:
https://brittany-davis.bandcamp.com/album/black-thunder 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Entrepreneur, Arts Leader & GRAMMY-Winning Producer Eric Oberstein, founder of Eric Oberstein Productions (EOP) — a dynamic NYC-based artist management and producing company. A 2x GRAMMY and 2x Latin GRAMMY Award-winning producer, Eric is internationally recognized as a trusted curator, educator, and collaborator for innovative, culture-shaping artists.

Born and raised in New York City and of Cuban American heritage, Eric is also a skilled saxophonist and drummer with a deep commitment to artistic excellence. Through EOP, he offers creative direction, strategic consulting, and production expertise to artists and cultural organizations around the world. In this episode, we explore his remarkable journey, his impact on the global arts scene, and the mission behind his transformative work in artist development and arts management.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation that bridges creativity, culture, and leadership.

🔗 Learn more: https://ericoberstein.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we connect with acclaimed London-based singer, songwriter, and professor Fini Bearman to explore her brand-new 2025 album, Last Night of the World. This marks her fifth studio album—and arguably her most refined and expressive work yet. It’s a powerful culmination of her evolving artistry, musical depth, and seasoned performance experience.

Backed by an elite ensemble of musicians from the forefront of the UK jazz scene, Fini delivers a project that’s rich in emotion, sonic texture, and lyrical brilliance. Beyond her recording success, she continues to shape the next generation of talent as a Professor of Jazz Voice and Songwriting at London’s prestigious Guildhall School. She also serves as a committee member of the Ivor Novello Awards, further influencing the future of songwriting and composition.

Tune in for a deep dive into Fini’s creative journey, her thoughts on teaching, and the heart behind Last Night of the World.

🎧 Listen & Get the Album: https://finibearmanband.bandcamp.com/album/last-night-of-the-world

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