Neon Jazz Interviews

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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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we reconnect with Canadian-born, NYC-based trumpeter Aaron Shragge to explore his groundbreaking 2025 album, Cosmic Cliffs, with his ensemble Whispering Worlds. Originally formed in 2022, Whispering Worlds is a unique electronic-acoustic quartet that blends ambient soundscapes, Indian Raga traditions, and experimental jazz—all fused with cutting-edge live processing, looping, and sampling via Ableton Live.

The ensemble’s sound is as cosmic as the album title suggests—combining global musical elements with the meditative depth of the Japanese shakuhachi and the improvisational spirit of jazz. This marks a creative leap since our last conversation with Aaron back in 2018, and it’s refreshing to hear how his artistry has evolved in bold new directions.

🌌 For fans of boundary-pushing jazz, ambient fusion, and global experimental sound, this is a must-listen episode.

🔗 Listen to the album: https://aaronshragge.bandcamp.com/album/cosmic-cliffs 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we catch up with acclaimed New York-based jazz vocalist Tessa Souter to discuss her captivating new 2025 album, Shadows and Silence: The Erik Satie Project. This marks her sixth album as a bandleader, showcasing her signature approach of blending jazz with classical, global, and literary influences. On this project, Tessa reimagines the works of legendary composer Erik Satie, continuing her tradition of collaborating with both living and historical greats.

Born in London to Afro-Trinidadian and English parents, Tessa's deep musical roots were nurtured from childhood. Taught to sing by her mother at age three, she grew into a gifted musician with a passion for storytelling through song. In our conversation, we dive into her early influences, her creative evolution, and what this new album means in the context of her artistic journey.

🎙️ If you're drawn to jazz vocals fused with classical elegance and global soul, this interview is not to be missed.

🔗 Listen to the album: https://tessasouter.bandcamp.com/album/shadows-and-silence-the-erik-satie-project 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with jazz vocalist Shiri Zorn and guitarist George Muscatello about their brand-new 2025 album, Looking for Light. This stunning release marks their second collaboration, featuring the world-class talents of Brazilian percussionist Mauricio Zottarelli. A follow-up to their acclaimed debut, Into Another Land, the new album continues their exploration of a rich, global soundscape.

Drawing on European, Latin, Middle Eastern, and Asian influences, Looking for Light is a genre-blending jazz journey filled with warmth, creativity, and cultural depth. We reconnect after first speaking in 2022, and dive into how their artistry has evolved in a post-COVID world, covering topics like touring, recording, and the impact of global events on creative life.

🌍 For fans of global jazz fusion, soulful vocals, and masterful guitar work, this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Get the album: https://shirizorn.bandcamp.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we speak with UK-based jazz educator, bassist, and bandleader Simon Paterson of Electric Gumbo. We dive into the release of their dynamic new 2025 album, It’s On, a bold and funky celebration of Nottingham’s finest jazz-funk talents. The album is a tribute to the vibrant East Midlands music scene, showcasing the energy, groove, and soul of some of the region’s most exciting musicians.

Simon, also known for his work with Sharp Little Bones, brings years of experience as a performer, composer, and educator. In this conversation, we explore the vision behind It’s On, Simon’s creative process, the UK jazz landscape in 2025, and his mission to elevate regional talent through genre-blending jazz projects.

🎶 If you're into fresh jazz-funk sounds, UK jazz collectives, or artist-driven collaborations, this is one to check out.

🔗 Listen to the album: https://sharplittlebones.bandcamp.com/album/its-on

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we reconnect with North Carolina-based jazz guitarist Daniel DeLorenzo to discuss his bold and inventive 2025 album We Probably Wouldn’t Get Along. A familiar name to Neon Jazz listeners, Daniel returns with a distinctive trio record that fuses jazz tradition with modern textures and a signature creative voice.

The album features standout contributions from drummer Theous Jones and bassist Casey Toll, providing a tight, dynamic foundation for Daniel’s expressive guitar work. We dive deep into the meaning behind the album title, his compositional process, and his reflections on the current state of the jazz world in 2025.

🎸 Whether you're a jazz purist or an adventurous listener, this conversation offers insight into one of the most original projects of the year.
🎵 Check out the album: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DItYzeUKFA_/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz saxophonist and educator Adam Larson ahead of his 2025 debut at the Lee’s Summit Jazz Fest. A veteran musician originally from New York City, Adam has been a key figure in the Kansas City jazz scene for the past six years and brings his celebrated talent to this year's festival lineup.

We dive into Adam’s musical journey, his motivations for performing at the festival, thoughts on the evolving KC jazz community, upcoming recordings, and his perspective as both a performer and educator. With the Lee’s Summit Jazz Fest happening on June 28th at The Bridge Space, Adam’s inclusion is helping build serious buzz for this exciting summer event.

🎷 Don’t miss this exclusive preview into one of jazz’s most dynamic voices.

🎟️ Get tickets & info: https://www.bridgespace.us/jazz

🔗 Discover more about Adam Larson: https://www.adamlarsonjazz.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with German-born, NYC-based jazz drummer Finn Wiest, a rising star making waves with his powerful debut album Aurora. This quintet release is filled with original compositions from each band member, showcasing a collaborative spirit and deep musical storytelling. It's Finn’s calling card to the global jazz scene.

We dive into:
🎶 The making of Aurora
🌍 His journey from Germany to the heart of NYC's jazz world
🥁 Influences, band chemistry & the creative process
🎷 What’s next on the horizon for this promising artist

Finn's story is one of transatlantic talent, perseverance, and modern jazz evolution. Tune in and dig the sound.

🎧 Listen to Aurora: https://finnwiest.bandcamp.com/album/aurora 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. We catch up with veteran jazz pianist, composer, and educator Mike Pagan to talk about the upcoming 2025 Lee’s Summit Jazz Festival happening on Saturday, June 28th, at The Bridge Space in downtown Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

A proud 20-year resident of Lee’s Summit, Mike shares why this festival's growing reputation pulled him in—and how it feels to be performing in his own community. With over 200 gigs a year, Mike is one of the hardest-working cats in jazz today. His latest project, Paganova, blends fresh arrangements with classic jazz spirit and will take center stage at the fest.

🎶 We dig into:

🎟️ Get festival tickets & info: https://www.bridgespace.us/jazz
🎹 More on Mike Pagan: https://www.michaelpaganmusic.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. We sit down with veteran blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist Eric Johanson, a standout voice in the modern blues scene. Hailing from Alexandria, Louisiana and now based in New Orleans, Eric discusses his new 2025 release, Live in Mississippi — a raw, electrifying snapshot of his live energy and soulful musicianship.

With a résumé that includes collaborations with Cyril Neville, JJ Grey, and appearances at top festivals across the country, Johanson’s music channels the heart of the blues while pushing the genre into new territory. In this interview, we dig into:

🎸 Get the new album: https://ericjohanson.bandcamp.com/album/live-in-mississippi

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