Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we sit down with Kansas City jazz pianist & vocalist Jackie Myers to discuss her highly anticipated 2025 album, What About the Butterfly.

A veteran musician with a deep love for jazz, Jackie’s new album blends modern compositional techniques with traditional jazz, embracing spectral composition and microtonality to push the boundaries of vocal jazz while honoring its roots.

We also dive into:
🎶 The stellar lineup of musicians featured on the album – including legendary saxophonist and mentor Bobby Watson
🎤 Her approach to blending tradition with innovation in jazz composition
🎹 Live performances, the Kickstarter campaign, and upcoming projects

Jackie’s passion for jazz and artistic evolution shines through in every note. Tune in for an inspiring conversation and get ready to experience her groundbreaking new album

🎧 Get the album here: What About the Butterfly – Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series! In this episode, we sit down with Grammy Award-winning jazz trumpeter & Count Basie Orchestra Director Scotty Barnhart to discuss the 90 Years of Count Basie Swing Show at The Music Hall on April 30, 2025—International Jazz Day.

Now in his 22nd year with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra, Scotty Barnhart is an acclaimed leader, composer, arranger, educator, and author. In this revealing interview, we explore:
🎺 The continued evolution and legacy of the Count Basie Orchestra
🎶 The intrigue and influence of Count Basie in jazz history
🎷 The orchestra’s upcoming trip to Kansas City to honor Basie’s lasting impact

This milestone event will galvanize the legacy of a jazz icon forever intertwined with Kansas City’s rich musical heritage.

🎟 Tickets are moving fast—get yours now: KC Creative City – Count Basie Celebration

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with Kansas City icon Lonnie McFadden about the highly anticipated 90 Years of Count Basie’s Swing Celebration on April 30, 2025—International Jazz Day.

Kansas City is set to make history once again with a trio of events honoring the legendary Count Basie:
🎶 7 PM Main Event at the Music Hall – Featuring the Grammy-winning Count Basie Orchestra.
🎷 Exclusive After Party at Lonnie’s Reno Club – An intimate, high-energy jazz experience led by Lonnie McFadden, one of KC’s top entertainers.

Since the pandemic, Lonnie has cemented himself as a premier performer, running Kansas City’s top-tier jazz club, offering exquisite dining and a world-class music experience. We dive into the legacy of Count Basie, the impact of this milestone celebration, and Lonnie’s incredible journey.

🎟 Learn more & get tickets: KC Creative City – Count Basie Celebration

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we catch up with renowned jazz vocalist Sachal Vasandani to discuss his 2025 album Best Life Now—a dynamic project featuring drumming powerhouse Nate Smith.

This new release also showcases special guest vocalists Gretchen Parlato and Shayna Steele, alongside an all-star band:
🎷 Dayna Stephens – Saxophone, EWI
🎹 Jon Cowherd – Piano, Keyboard
🎸 Charles Altura – Guitar
🎻 Brian Cockerham – Bass

In addition to diving into the making of Best Life Now, we also talk about Sachal’s visit to Kansas City, upcoming performances, and more.

🎶 Get the album here: Best Life Now on Bandcamp

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🎷 Welcome to another edition of the Neon Jazz interview series! This time, we head to Ann Arbor, Michigan to connect with the renowned Detroit-native jazz saxophonist, flautist, and vocalist Paul Vornhagen.

🔥 His latest release, Live at the Blue Llama (2025), captures the magic of a working jazz combo in full swing, recorded live at Ann Arbor’s premier jazz venue. The album delivers an electrifying set filled with masterful improvisation and dynamic chemistry.

🏆 With six Detroit Music Awards to his name, Vornhagen has been a force in the jazz scene for decades. He began his journey in 1972 as a flute accompanist for the University of Michigan dance department, evolving into a self-taught multi-instrumentalist with a rich and storied career.

🎶 In this exclusive interview, we explore:
✅ The inspiration behind Live at the Blue Llama
✅ His deep Detroit jazz roots and influences
✅ The evolution of his career as a saxophonist, flautist, and vocalist
✅ His experiences performing in vibrant jazz clubs & festivals

🎧 Listen & get the album here: Paul Vornhagen – Live at the Blue Llama

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series, featuring Kansas City jazz advocate, local historian, and leader of the "90 Years of Count Basie’s Swing" events, Anita Dixon-Brown.

In this exclusive interview, we discuss her role in preserving KC's jazz legacy, her contributions as a UNESCO Creative Cities Network member, and Kansas City’s distinction as the first and only UNESCO Creative City of Music since 2017.

This International Jazz Day 2025, Anita is at the helm of America’s biggest jazz celebration, the 90 Years of Count Basie’s Swing event on April 30 at The Music Hall in Downtown Kansas City. Experience an unforgettable night featuring:

🎶 The world-renowned Count Basie Orchestra – Showtime at 7 PM
🎟️ VIP Reception (5–7 PM) – Meet jazz legends & honorees
🎷 After-Party Jam Session (10 PM–1 AM) – At the iconic Lonny’s Reno Club (Ambassador Hotel)

We dive deep into the significance of UNESCO’s recognition, Kansas City’s place on the international jazz stage, Count Basie’s enduring influence, and much more.

🎟️ Get tickets and event details here: kccreativecity.com/count-basie 

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🎷 Welcome to another edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. This time, we head to Mexico City to catch up with jazz improviser, composer, writer, and artist Jacob Wick.

🔥 His new 2025 album, a veces me veo en el espejo y pienso en ti (Sometimes I look in the mirror and think of you), is a love letter to jazz, blending rich improvisation with deeply personal and political themes.

🏳️‍🌈 Wick’s career is profoundly influenced by queer feelings and queer politics, shaping his collaborations across the global jazz scene. Currently, he leads both a sextet and a quartet, performing innovative compositions that reimagine jazz standards and introduce fresh originals.

🎶 In this conversation, we explore:
✅ The inspirations behind his latest album
✅ His experiences as a jazz artist in Mexico City
✅ The intersection of music, identity, and activism
✅ His collaborations with diverse artists worldwide

📢 Dive into this compelling interview & experience Wick’s sonic world.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we speak with veteran jazz musicians John Lentz & Harvey Diamond about their 2025 album, "How Strange the Road Should Be So Easy" on Orchard of Pomegranates Records.

🔹 Harvey Diamond – A Boston jazz legend, Harvey has been an unsung hero of the jazz scene since the 1960s and was one of the last students of the iconic Lennie Tristano.
🔹 John Lentz – A respected jazz vocalist, John has long been a fixture in the New England jazz scene, earning admiration from legends like Sheila Jordan & Jay Clayton.

This album showcases their deep musical chemistry, years of collaboration, and passion for jazz storytelling. In this conversation, we explore:
✅ The inspiration & creative process behind the album
✅ Harvey’s experiences studying under Lennie Tristano
✅ John’s journey as a "singer’s singer" in the jazz world
✅ Reflections on the New England jazz scene & beyond

📢 Get the album: How Strange the Road Should Be So Easy

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with New York-based jazz saxophonist & composer Randal Despommier about his new 2025 album, South, his deep musical roots, and his journey in jazz.

Some of Randal’s earliest performances were at Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans, playing alongside his father—a drummer who studied under the legendary James Black and played in the Big Easy rock band South. Though raised just outside of New Orleans, Randal was immersed in the city’s signature sounds of funk, R&B, and jazz, later expanding his musical influences as his career evolved.

In this fascinating interview, we explore:
✅ The inspiration behind South & its connection to New Orleans
✅ His transition from regional jazz roots to a broader musical landscape
✅ The impact of his early influences, including James Black
✅ His creative process as a saxophonist & composer

📢 Get the album & more: South by Randal Despommier

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we speak with members of the modern jazz group The Empress, a powerhouse ensemble that is redefining the jazz landscape.

Their highly anticipated 2025 album, Square One, showcases their deep chemistry, innovative sound, and the vibrant movement of women in jazz. Produced by award-winning jazz artist Pureum Jin, the group features:
🎷 Lauren Sevian – Two-time Grammy Award-winning baritone saxophonist
🎷 Erena Terakubo – Internationally acclaimed rising jazz star
🎷 Chelsea Baratz – A fixture in the New York jazz scene

In this revealing interview, we discuss:
✅ The inspiration behind Square One and their creative process
✅ How they formed & built their unique chemistry
✅ The evolving role of women in modern jazz
✅ What’s next for The Empress

📢 Discover more & get the album: The Empress - Square One

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