Neon Jazz Interviews

In this new episode of Neon Jazz, we catch up with drummer Stich Wynston and saxophonist Richard Underhill of the iconic Toronto-based band Shuffle Demons. We dive into their electrifying new 2025 album, Are You Really Real, a project that brilliantly captures the magic of their legendary live performances.

Recorded at the historic Canterbury Music Studio in Toronto, Are You Really Real strips the music down to its essentials — bass, horns, and drums — creating a bold, full-bodied sound that fuels high-level improvisation and dynamic grooves. The album honors the band's rich history while fearlessly pushing their sound forward, blending traditional jazz, funk, blues, and rap influences into a modern, genre-bending experience.

In our conversation, we explore the band's journey, the making of the new record, the evolution of Toronto's music scene, and much more. Dig deep with us into the world of one of Canada's most innovative jazz groups!

🎵 Learn more and get the album: https://dlmediamusic.com/artists/shuffle-demons-are-you-really-real/ 

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In this special edition of Neon Jazz, we catch up with acclaimed singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and BMG recording artist A.J. Croce. Known for his powerful voice and piano prowess, A.J. dives into his brand-new 2025 album, Heart of the Eternal. Fresh off his widely celebrated Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary Tour, A.J. shares stories from the road, his creative process, and what fans can expect from his upcoming Spring/Summer 2025 tour.

Heart of the Eternal made an impressive debut — landing in the Top 20 on the Billboard Americana/Folk Charts and Top 40 on the Billboard Current Rock Albums Chart. The album showcases A.J.'s deep musical lineage and personal evolution as an artist.

The son of legendary singer-songwriter Jim Croce, A.J. Croce began his musical journey early, mastering the piano and performing with icons like B.B. King at just 18 years old. Over the years, he has worked with a wide range of music legends including Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Leon Russell, Allen Toussaint, The Neville Brothers, Béla Fleck, and Ry Cooder.

In our conversation, A.J. reflects on honoring his father's legacy while forging his own unique path in the music world.

🎵 Get the new album and explore more about A.J. Croce: https://www.ajcrocemusic.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. In this episode, we talk with acclaimed and Grammy-nominated jazz harpist Brandee Younger — a groundbreaking artist revolutionizing the harp’s place in modern music.

We catch up with Brandee to discuss her upcoming 2025 album, her highly anticipated performance at Flushing Town Hall in Queens on May 3, and her historic rise in the jazz world. Brandee made history in 2022 as the first Black woman ever nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Composition, and she recently won the 2024 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album with Brand New Life.

Over the past 15 years, Brandee has worked relentlessly to break barriers and expand the role of the harp in jazz, soul, and contemporary music. Her story is both inspiring and transformative.

🔗 More on the Flushing Town Hall Show: https://www.flushingtownhall.org/brandee-younger-trio
🔗 Discover Brandee’s music and upcoming album: https://brandeeyounger.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. In this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz singer, songwriter, and former flamenco dancer Andy James about her 8th studio album, Happy People (2025). After moving to the U.S. to pursue her passion for jazz, Andy James has created a unique sound that masterfully fuses the rhythms of flamenco with the soul of jazz.

Happy People — produced by Piero Pata and Jon Cowherd — features an ensemble of American and Latin jazz greats and explores the emotional highs and lows of love and life. We dive deep into the making of the album, her transition from flamenco to jazz, the impact of COVID on her journey, touring experiences, and much more.

🔗 Discover more about Andy James: https://andyjames.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Toronto-based jazz guitarist, composer, and storyteller David Riddel, also known as Dr. Purgatory. We explore his hauntingly creative new 2025 album, The Consumption: A Tragic Folktale in Six Parts—a conceptual jazz work that blends folklore, emotion, and deep musical storytelling.

Since graduating from the University of Toronto's Jazz Studies program in 2016, David has made waves across Canada and internationally, performing and recording with some of the country’s top musicians. His unique sound and vision have earned him multiple grants from the Ontario Arts Council, helping him bring ambitious projects like this one to life.

We dive into his musical evolution, the origins of his alter ego Dr. Purgatory, and the creative force behind this new release. It’s a fascinating and layered conversation with one of Canada’s rising jazz voices.

🎶 Learn more & stream the new album: Dr. Purgatory – The Consumption

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Cuba-born, Vermont-based Jazz Historian, World Music Expert, and Radio/TV Host Toni Basanta. A passionate voice for global music, Toni has been on a mission to bridge cultures through sound since his arrival in Vermont in 2006. As the vibrant host of The Cuban Bridge on WWPV 92.5 FM “The Mike”, he introduces listeners to the rich intersections of jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and world music every Sunday from 12:00–3:00 p.m.

A longtime Count Basie aficionado, Toni shares vivid stories from his life in Cuba, his work as a lecturer across the Americas, and his role in producing over 600 albums. In this compelling conversation, we dive into his admiration for Basie's enduring legacy, and preview the highly anticipated Count Basie at 90 Celebration in Kansas City on International Jazz Day 2025.

🎙️ Get to know Toni and explore more:
🌐 www.cubanbridge.wordpress.com
📺 Havana-Fairfax Connection on LCATV

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. We reconnect with Paris-based, Kansas City-bred jazz guitarist Michael McClintock to talk about his brand-new 2025 release, Here and There.

Originally interviewed in 2021 while still living in Kansas City, Michael has since relocated to Paris, France, embracing a new chapter in life and music. His latest album marks a creative milestone—his first full-length project featuring entirely original compositions, showcasing a vibrant blend of Brazilian, Cuban, and jazz influences.

In this compelling conversation, we dive into the making of the album, what it’s like living and creating in Europe, his evolving artistic journey, and reflections on life, creativity, and connection in modern times. It’s a soulful, transatlantic story you won’t want to miss.

🎶 Listen to the new album – Here and There:
https://michaelmcclintock.bandcamp.com/album/here-and-there

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with New York City-based jazz vocalist Susan Hinkson. In this episode, we explore the story behind her stunning debut album, Just in Time — a project that marks her official entry into the jazz world after an impressive career in city planning and real estate policy.

With a powerhouse lineup of jazz greats—Bruce Barth (piano & producer), Steve Wilson (sax), Vicente Archer (bass), and Adam Cruz (drums)—this album is a fresh, soulful take on classic jazz standards. Produced by her longtime mentor Bruce Barth, Susan brings a seasoned, elegant voice to the scene, breathing new life into timeless songs.

From being "invisible" on the NYC jazz scene to stepping boldly into the spotlight, Susan's journey is one of reinvention, passion, and artistic discovery. We cover it all—her transition from public policy to performance, her musical influences, and what's next on the horizon.

🎶 More on Susan Hinkson & the album: Just in Time – DL Media Music

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Italian jazz talents Tommaso Perazzo (piano) and Marcello Cardillo (drums). We talk about their powerful new 2025 album Portrait of a Moment featuring legendary bassist Buster Williams.

Now based in Harlem, Tommaso and Marcello reflect on their beginnings in Amsterdam, their shared Italian roots, and their musical evolution in the vibrant New York jazz scene. This conversation dives into the making of the album, how they linked up with Buster Williams, their influences, and their deep passion for jazz.

This is a story of friendship, international collaboration, and capturing the soul of the moment—on record and beyond.

🎶 Get the new album Portrait of a Moment: recordstoreday.com

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with veteran jazz guitarist and spiritual improviser Tisziji Muñoz. In this revealing conversation, we dive into his prolific career and latest work as a member of The Quantum Blues Quartet on the 2025 album Quantum Blues, featuring longtime friend and famed bandleader Paul Shaffer.

Recorded in a single day with no charts or pre-written arrangements, Quantum Blues is a true exercise in musical intuition and collective flow. Tisziji—who has been a powerful creative force since the 1970s—is the one who suggested the formation of this group alongside his wife. Paul Shaffer, who has considered Tisziji a mentor since they met in 1969, brought the ensemble together for this singular session.

From his unique guitar voice and spiritual approach to improvisation, to his long-standing influence on major musicians like Shaffer and Pharoah Sanders, Tisziji’s story is one of deep resonance in the jazz world.

🎸 Get the Album: Quantum Blues on Bandcamp

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