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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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Joe Dimino. In this episode, we talk with Edmonton-based jazz pianist and composer Joshua Banks about his exciting 2025 debut album, Para Sayo.

An emerging voice in contemporary jazz, Joshua Banks has already begun making waves with his thoughtful compositions and dynamic style. The music on Para Sayo was refined over two years, shaped by deep artistic exploration and a clear passion for jazz. His work showcases a fresh yet mature approach that signals the arrival of a thrilling new talent in the modern jazz scene.

We dive into his creative evolution, his love for jazz, and what this release means for the future of his musical journey.

🎶 Get the album: Para Sayo on Bandcamp 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Joe Dimino. On this episode, we talk with veteran jazz pianist Michael Cain of the Zoo Too Trio about their genre-defying debut album Poetry Legroom, out now on Shifting Paradigm Records.

From his part-time base in Minnesota, Michael opens up about his collaborative work with guitarist Keith Price and drummer Pheeroan akLaff, and how the trio set out to reimagine the traditional jazz piano trio. Their sound fuses elements of contemporary jazz, cinematic soundscapes, pop, and electronic textures, pushing the boundaries of what a jazz trio can sound like in 2025.

Michael Cain brings decades of experience, creativity, and innovation to the conversation, offering insight into the evolution of modern jazz and the artistic intent behind Poetry Legroom.

🎶 Get the album: Poetry Legroom on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Joe Dimino. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz vocalist, songwriter, and arranger Kristina Koller about her bold and creative 2025 album, Walk on By.

On this fourth album as a leader, Kristina offers a fresh, genre-blending interpretation of the Burt Bacharach songbook, breathing new life into timeless hits while honoring their emotional depth and historical weight. With modern jazz textures, cross-generational influences, and inventive arrangements, she delivers a project that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

We explore the creative process behind Walk on By, her live performances, and the evolving state of jazz in 2025 and beyond. The album also serves as a tribute to Bacharach’s legacy, a Kansas City native whose music shaped the past 65 years and whose passing in 2023 marked the end of an era.

🎶 Listen to the album: Walk on By on Apple Music 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring the acclaimed Grammy-winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater and decorated jazz pianist Bill Charlap. We caught up with this powerhouse duo to discuss their stunning new 2025 collaborative album, Elemental. As two of the most respected figures in modern jazz, their partnership showcases a masterful understanding of the jazz tradition.

Although they had never worked together before their impromptu first performance in 2019, their musical chemistry was immediate—and undeniable. Since that moment, they’ve continued to create spellbinding performances, culminating in this remarkable studio recording.

Join us from the road in Oakland as we dive deep into their artistic journey, the making of Elemental, and their shared love of timeless jazz.

🎶 Get the album here: Elemental on Bandcamp 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with award-winning NYC-based composer, drummer, bandleader, and educator John Sturino. We caught up with him in 2025 to discuss his dynamic new album Blow Globe, a genre-blending work that fuses instrumental jazz, classical textures, electronic elements, and singer-songwriter sensibilities.

The project—recipient of the 2024 Chamber Music America New Jazz Works Grant—features a 13-piece ensemble and showcases Stern's fearless creativity and musical depth. From his early days in Wisconsin to his thriving life in New York City’s jazz and new music scenes, John shares insights on his journey, his process, and what this album means in today’s ever-evolving music landscape.

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

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Montreal-based jazz vocalist Mira Choquette. We reconnect with Mira in 2025 to explore her stunning new album Hier Encore—a rich and heartfelt collaboration with acclaimed Armenian jazz pianist Samvel Gasparyan.

A gifted multilingual singer, Mira brings fresh life and global flair to timeless jazz classics, putting her own soulful spin on the music of legends like Blossom Dearie, Tadd Dameron, and Thelonious Monk. This project is a continuation of her ever-evolving career and artistic exploration, blending elegance, emotion, and cultural fusion.

After first speaking with Mira in 2023, it’s a joy to welcome her back for this deep dive into the stories behind Hier Encore and the vibrant life of a jazz artist in 2025.

🎶 Get the album: mirachoquette.bandcamp.com

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