Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz trombonist Reggie Watkins, diving into his powerful new 2025 album, Rivers.

Few cities rival the jazz legacy of Pittsburgh, home to legends like Art Blakey, Billy Strayhorn, Mary Lou Williams, and Ahmad Jamal. For over two decades, Reggie Watkins has carried that torch—performing with jazz greats like Orrin Evans, Roger Humphries, and the iconic Maynard Ferguson.

Rivers is more than a tribute. It’s a living, breathing document of Pittsburgh’s jazz soul, captured through a tight-knit, intergenerational quartet. Recorded right in the city, the album flows through time, history, and personal expression—blending respect for the past with a bold vision for the genre’s future.

In this interview, Reggie discusses the making of Rivers, the influence of Pittsburgh’s music scene, and the deeper stories behind the tracks. It’s a meaningful, music-rich conversation. Enjoy.

🎧 Listen to the album "Rivers": https://reggiewatkinsmusic.com/album/3392525/rivers 

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Welcome to a fresh edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with Kansas City-based blues powerhouse Brody Buster. In this episode, we dive deep into his compelling journey through music — from child prodigy to international blues artist — and explore his brand-new 2025 album, Redemption.

Released on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, with a live show at Kansas City's iconic BB’s Lawnside BBQ, Redemption is a soul-stirring project born of grit, growth, and recovery. Chronicling his triumph over substance abuse, this album is a testament to Brody’s transformation and resilience.

Brody began his journey at just 7 years old, picking up one of his mother’s harmonicas and teaching himself to play — soon after, he was lighting up Beale Street in Memphis and sharing stages with legends like Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, and BB King, who regularly featured Brody at his blues club. Now, with Kansas City roots and a global vision, Brody Buster is back to reclaim the spotlight and bring his electrifying blues sound to the world once more.

🎵 Learn more & get the album "Redemption": https://brodybustermusic.com/

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In this episode of Neon Jazz, we talk with acclaimed jazz bassist, bandleader, and educator Rodney Jordan about his powerful new 2025 release, Memphis Blue – a heartfelt tribute to the soulful people and rich musical legacy of Memphis, Tennessee.

Now based in Tallahassee, Florida, Rodney reflects on his deep musical roots growing up in Memphis, where his journey began with playing bass in church, performing in the Memphis Youth Symphony, and studying music through the city's school system. He’s joined on this new album by fellow Memphian trumpeter Melvin Jones and an all-star cast of musicians who deliver a moving, genre-spanning sound that captures the essence of the South.

Alongside his impressive work on stage, Rodney has become a respected figure in jazz education—mentoring the next generation while continuing to evolve as a performer and artist.

🎧 Listen to Memphis Blue: https://music.apple.com/pl/album/memphis-blue/1772955849

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In this episode of the Neon Jazz interview series, we spotlight rising star Nanami Haruta – a gifted Japanese-born, Michigan-based jazz trombonist making waves with her debut album, The Vibe.

Originally from Japan, Nanami moved to the U.S. to study under acclaimed trombone master Michael Dease, who now serves as her mentor at Michigan State University. Her new release, The Vibe, showcases her bold voice in jazz, supported by a powerhouse rhythm section featuring Xavier Davis (piano), Rodney Whitaker (bass), and Ulysses Owens Jr. (drums) – all titans of the modern jazz tradition.

In our conversation, Nanami shares insights into her musical journey, the making of her album, and what drives her unique sound as a new voice in contemporary jazz.

🎧 Stream or purchase The Vibe: https://originarts.com/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=82911

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In this episode, we talk with writer and jazz historian Con Chapman, author of the new book Don Byas: Sax Expat. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri and now based in Boston, Con dives deep into his lifelong love of jazz history and explains why he chose to spotlight the often-overlooked saxophone legend Don Byas.

Through Sax Expat, Con brings Don Byas back into the conversation, showcasing the technical brilliance and artistic sensitivity that positioned him at the heart of jazz’s pivotal shift toward bebop in the 1940s.

We explore Don’s groundbreaking contributions, his move to Europe, and how he helped lay the foundation for bebop's rise—despite being overshadowed by more widely recognized names.

🎷 Get the book: Don Byas: Sax Expat on Amazon

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In this episode, we reconnect with Asheville, NC-based jazz bassist Quinn Sternberg to talk about his deeply personal new album, Pleasant Returns — set for release in 2025.

This marks Quinn’s fifth full-length album, and his most introspective work to date, featuring seven original compositions recorded in New Orleans—his former home—with a stellar cast of long-time collaborators:
🎷 Sam Taylor – Tenor Saxophone
🎹 Oscar Rossignoli – Piano
🥁 Peter Varnado – Drums

The album was recorded one year after Quinn’s relocation to North Carolina, blending nostalgia with growth, and musical camaraderie with personal reflection.

We dive into the making of Pleasant Returns, discuss life and art five years post-COVID, and explore how Quinn’s evolving perspective shapes his sound.

🎶 Get the album: quinnsternberg.bandcamp.com

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In this episode, we talk with New York City jazz singer Naama about her highly anticipated 2025 album Dream With Me — set for release on June 6th, 2025. This evocative new project invites listeners on a dream-themed journey through songs that explore dreams of all kinds: big, small, sweet, and even unreachable.

Dream With Me features an exceptional lineup of jazz talent, including Jeb Patton, Simon Moullier, Jimmy Macbride, and Dave Baron, adding depth and soul to every track.

In our conversation, we dive into the making of the album, modern life as a jazz artist, upcoming live performances, and Naama’s personal approach to storytelling through song.

🎶 Get her music: naamasings.bandcamp.com

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Welcome to a very special edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this moving episode, we talk with Tracey Ostebo, daughter of super jazz fan John McKergow, about their incredible journey to Kansas City for International Jazz Day 2025.

Based in Mountain View, California, Tracey has been streaming our podcast nightly to her father—who lives with dementia in Cedar Park, Texas—using Apple’s “share my screen” feature. Over the last year and a half, this ritual has become a cherished way for them to connect and wind down each day through the power of jazz storytelling.

John, a lifelong Count Basie enthusiast, often shares heartfelt reflections after each episode, expressing wonder, appreciation, and joy. Inspired by a touching fan letter from Tracey, and through the efforts of Anita Dixon of UNESCO Creative City, John’s dream of attending a live Count Basie Orchestra performance is coming true.

🎷 On April 30, 2025, at the Kansas City Music Hall, John will witness a historic celebration of 90 Years of Count Basie's Swing—a night filled with unforgettable music, honors, and community spirit.

🎧 In this episode, we speak with Tracey about her father’s love for jazz, their emotional journey, and what this dream trip means to them both. It’s a story of music, memory, and magic.

🎟️ Get Tickets: countbasieanniversary.com

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we speak with veteran jazz clarinetist and composer Sam Sadigursky about his compelling new release, The Solomon Diaries: Volumes IV & V.

This deeply expressive project blends Jewish spiritual and Klezmer traditions with post-minimalist classical, jazz, and elements of American folk music. Collaborating with multi-instrumentalist Nathan Koci, Sam delivers an evocative soundscape that is both modern and timeless.

With 11 critically acclaimed albums as a bandleader and performances on over 60 recordings—including Grammy-nominated and award-winning projects like David Byrne’s Here Lies Love—Sam is a powerhouse in today’s jazz and contemporary music scene. A member of the Philip Glass Ensemble, he’s also collaborated with Brad Mehldau, Bruce Hornsby, and U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky.

🎶 Explore his journey, live performance insights, and the story behind The Solomon Diaries.

🔗 Get the albums: samsadigursky.bandcamp.com 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we chat with jazz bassist, composer, and educator Alex McLaughlin, as he shares insights into his new 2025 album A Brand New State, his journey in music, and his evolving role as an artist and mentor.

In addition to being a dynamic performer and composer, Alex was recently named Jazz Program Director at Idyllwild Arts Academy, a prestigious international arts boarding high school near Los Angeles. His voice on the double bass reflects a deep foundation in jazz tradition and a refined understanding of the European classical canon, shaped by a unique blend of influences and training.

We explore his creative process, teaching philosophy, and what it means to lead the next generation of jazz musicians.

🎧 Get the new album: A Brand New State by Alex McLaughlin 

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