Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring seasoned jazz drummer and composer Towner Galaher. In this episode, we explore his brand-new 2025 album Brothers — his fifth release, and one that brings him back to his roots in Portland, Oregon.

Reuniting with longtime collaborators organist Jimmy Sanders and bassist Randy Monroe, this album marks a soulful return to the musicians who helped shape his early sound on recordings from 1979 and 1980. Brothers rewinds time to the golden era of the 1970s, echoing the gritty, funky vibes of Tower of Power, Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters, and the timeless groove of jazz organ legends like Jimmy Smith and Jack McDuff.

We dive into the making of the album, his creative process, upcoming live shows, and reflections on a career rooted deeply in rhythm, soul, and jazz tradition.

🎶 Get the album here: Brothers by Towner Galaher 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring a special conversation with UNESCO Treasurer James May. In celebration of 90 Years of Count Basie's Swing, we dive into the details of the Count Basie 90 Celebration Events happening on April 30, 2025 – International Jazz Day in Kansas City.

Broadcasting from his current home in Florida, James reflects on his Kansas City roots—from 19th & Vine to his passion for preserving jazz history. He shares his excitement about what’s being billed as America’s largest celebration of International Jazz Day.

Expect an unforgettable evening of live music, honors, and rhythm featuring the world-famous Count Basie Orchestra, surprise guest performers, and an exclusive after-party jam session.

🎷 Don’t miss this milestone jazz celebration in the heart of Kansas City.

👉 Get tickets and event information: kccreativecity.com/count-basie

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series, featuring Zurich-based tenor saxophonist Christoph Irniger, leader of the acclaimed group The Quintet Pilgrim. We dive into an in-depth conversation about their powerful sixth album, "Human Intelligence Live", released on Intakt Records.

Recorded live at the Red Horn District in Bad Meinberg, Germany, in November 2023, this album pushes back against the artificial, celebrating the raw, emotional core of live jazz. Irniger—described as “undoubtedly one of the greatest talents of his generation”—has carved out a dynamic career across jazz, rock, and experimental soundscapes.

In this episode, we talk about his musical journey, the making of Human Intelligence Live, and his thoughts on the evolving jazz scene. It’s an inspiring listen for fans of modern European jazz and those curious about the state of improvisational music today.

🎶 Get the album: christophirniger.bandcamp.com/album/human-intelligence-live

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series! In this episode, we talk with jazz saxophonist, bandleader, arranger, and educator Ryan Middagh about his 2025 album Tenor Madness and his life dedicated to music.

A heartfelt tribute to the saxophone and the rich community of Nashville saxophonists, Tenor Madness showcases Ryan’s deep artistry and respect for the tradition. As the Director of Jazz Studies at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music, Ryan is also a passionate advocate for jazz education at every level.

🎷 We discuss his musical journey from Iowa to Nashville, the making of the album, jazz education, and more.

👉 Get the album: Tenor Madness on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a fresh edition of the Neon Jazz interview series! In this episode, we reconnect with acclaimed Icelandic jazz pianist Ingi Bjarni Skúlason to discuss his seventh album as a leader, Hope (2025).

One year after our last conversation, we dive into the creative process behind Hope, explore the evolving landscape of jazz promotion, the return of live performances, life in Iceland, and reflections on the COVID pandemic anniversary.

👉 More on the album: ingibjarni.com/hope

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Welcome to a special edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we catch up with Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II to talk about the 90-year celebration of jazz icon Count Basie—happening on International Jazz Day 2025 in Kansas City.

Titled “90 Years of Count Basie’s Swing!”, the celebration promises an unforgettable evening of live music, tributes, and rhythm featuring the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, surprise guests, and a late-night jam session at Lonnie McFadden’s Reno Club.

Congressman Cleaver—currently serving his tenth term representing Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District and former Mayor of Kansas City (1991–1999)—shares insights on Basie’s legacy, Kansas City's rich jazz history, and how he helped establish KC as the official “Home of Jazz” in 2016.

🎟️ Tickets are selling fast—get yours now: kccreativecity.com/count-basie

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Welcome to another edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio about his 12th album as a leader, Stories, Dreams, Inspirations: For My Boy (2025).

This heartfelt record unites Cleveland’s top jazz musicians in dynamic large ensemble arrangements, painting a musical portrait of parental joy and life’s experiences over the past 25 years. From his base in Ohio, Bobby reflects on the album’s inspiration, the resilience of jazz post-COVID, live performances, and more.

🎶 Get the album: BobbySelvaggio.Bandcamp.com

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🎹 Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series

In this episode, we catch up with renowned jazz pianist & composer Helen Sung ahead of her highly anticipated Folly Theater performance in Kansas City with the Bach Aria Soloists on April 5, 2025.

This world-premiere event is a groundbreaking collaboration where jazz and classical music converge. The Bach Aria Soloists commissioned Helen to compose a new work, celebrating Bach as the original improviser—laying the foundation for jazz.

Expect an unforgettable evening of musical fusion, as Helen brings her signature artistry to the stage, blending classical mastery with jazz innovation.

🎼 The inspiration behind this world-premiere collaboration
🎹 Helen’s thoughts on returning to Kansas City
🎶 The importance of live music in 2025 and beyond
🎻 The magic of blending classical and jazz

🎧 Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind conversation

🎟️ Get your tickets now: https://orders.follytheater.org/ChooseSeats/8802 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series! In this episode, we sit down with Italian jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Emiliano Vernizzi to explore his musical journey and latest 2025 release, Good Morning World.

From his base in Italy, Emiliano reflects on:
🎷 The inspiration behind his new album
🎶 His evolution as a musician and composer
🌍 The vibrant Italian jazz scene & global influences
🎤 The power of live music & what’s next for him

A dynamic force in contemporary jazz, Emiliano Vernizzi continues to push musical boundaries, blending tradition with modern innovation.

🔗 Get the Album: Good Morning World

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Welcome to a fresh edition of the Neon Jazz interview series, where we dive into the music and stories of the world’s most dynamic jazz artists. In this episode, we sit down with jazz guitarist & oudist Mustafa Dill, leader of the fusion group Love Explode the Sun, to talk about his highly anticipated 2025 album, Explode Yourself.

From his home base in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Mustafa shares his journey through jazz, world fusion, and life-altering experiences. Known for their high-energy interplay and boundary-pushing sound, Love Explode the Sun takes a freer, more adventurous approach to the usual world/jazz crossover genre.

We explore:
🎸 The creative vision behind Explode Yourself and its unique fusion of jazz & world influences
❤️ His incredible resilience—overcoming cancer and open-heart surgery in back-to-back years
🌎 How his renewed perspective on life is shaping his music

Mustafa Dill’s story is as powerful as his music. Tune in for an inspiring deep dive into his journey and the explosive new album.

🎧 Discover the album here: Explode Yourself – Dog Ranch Music PR 

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