Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series, featuring Professor of Music and Author Aaron Johnson. His latest book, Jazz Radio America (2025), delves into the rise and decline of jazz on the airwaves.

Currently an associate professor of music at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnson traces jazz radio from its roots in Black radio (1948) to its disappearance from commercial stations after 1980. He explores jazz’s role in shaping American culture, its classification as Black classical music, and its impact as the soundtrack of African American resistance.

In this in-depth conversation, we discuss:
✅ The evolution of jazz on the radio
✅ The cultural and social significance of jazz broadcasting
✅ The challenges and future of jazz in media

📖 Get the book: Jazz Radio America (University of Illinois Press)

🎧 Listen to the full interview & stay tuned for more Neon Jazz content

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Welcome to a fresh edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. This time, we catch up with jazz composer, musician, and educator Gabriela Martina alongside pianist Maxim Lubrasky, as they take us inside their 2025 album Explorations in Sound.

Speaking from the road in Switzerland, the duo reflects on their musical journey together, the inspiration behind the album, and how the challenges of COVID shaped their artistry. Their new record—set to release on April 19, 2025—pushes sonic boundaries, blending deep improvisation with rich compositional textures.

With a U.S. tour planned for Fall 2025, we also talk about their live performances, creative process, and what’s next on their artistic horizon.

📌 Get the album here ➡️ Martina & Lubrasky Duo – Explorations in Sound

🎶 Join us for an inspiring conversation on jazz, evolution, and musical storytelling. Dig it! 🎶

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series! This time, we sit down with LA-based jazz vocalist, composer, arranger, and musician Mon David to talk about his 2025 album DNA Continuum—a powerful follow-up to his acclaimed 2020 release DNA.

Expanding on the original duo project with pianist Josh Nelson, this new album adds the masterful touch of guitarist Larry Koonse, creating an even richer sonic tapestry. Born and raised in the Philippines, Mon is a true polyglot, fluent in three languages, and his interpretations of jazz standards and original compositions are nothing short of soul-stirring.

Leaving behind a successful music career in his homeland, he pursued his jazz dreams in Los Angeles, bringing unwavering passion and deep emotional depth to his craft. His unique artistry and fearless storytelling make this a conversation you won’t want to miss.

📌 Get the album here ➡️ Mon David – DNA Continuum

🎶 Tune in for an inspiring discussion on jazz, reinvention, and the pursuit of musical excellence. Dig it! 🎶 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series! In this episode, we sit down with jazz saxophonist Kevin Sun to discuss his 2025 album Lofi at Lowlands—a groundbreaking project that marks a bold new chapter in his musical evolution.

After nearly a decade in New York City, Kevin continues to redefine jazz, embracing radical post-production techniques that transform live recordings into kaleidoscopic sonic explorations. This EP is his most experimental work yet, blending modern production with improvisational mastery.

From his Brooklyn base, we dive into the impact of the pandemic on his artistry, the current state of jazz, his thoughts on jazz journalism, and the creative forces driving his latest work.

📌 Get the album here ➡️ Kevin Sun – Lofi at Lowlands

🎶 Tune in for an insightful conversation on the past, present, and future of jazz. Dig it! 🎶

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with recording artist Jeanie Bryson and pianist/arranger/producer Barry Miles about the 2025 project Sing You a Brand New Song—a long-awaited tribute to the late Coleman Mellett.

Sixteen years after the world lost jazz guitarist Coleman Mellett, his solo album Sing You a Brand New Song is finally being released. The album, brimming with warmth, optimism, and deep musicality, showcases his love for ‘70s singer-songwriters like James Taylor, Michael Franks, and Paul Simon. Best known as a core member of Chuck Mangione’s band, Coleman’s songwriting talents remained a hidden treasure, deeply inspired by his wife, renowned jazz vocalist Jeanie Bryson—daughter of the legendary Dizzy Gillespie.

Now, with the help of co-producer Barry Miles and modern technology, Coleman’s vision has been brought to life—both in this album and a companion film. Set for release on the anniversary of his tragic passing in a 2009 plane crash, this project is a powerful celebration of his artistry and legacy.

📌 Learn more about the film & album ➡️ Visit the official website

🎤 Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on music, legacy, and the enduring power of storytelling through song.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we catch up with stellar NYC jazz trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III ahead of his April 4, 2025, visit to Kansas City as part of the Midwest Jazz Collective Tour.

From March 22 to April 10, Benny Benack III Quartet—featuring Tyler Henderson (piano), Caleb Tobocman (bass), and Charles Goold (drums)—will hit over a dozen top jazz clubs across Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. Their mission? To celebrate, preserve, and advance jazz with an electrifying series of live performances.

One of the highlights of the tour is a special night at The Blue Room off 18th & Vine in Kansas City, a venue Benny played years ago with the legendary Bobby Watson. In this interview, we talk about his history in KC, the evolution of jazz, and what to expect from this exciting tour.

📌 Get tickets & full tour details ➡️ www.BennyBenackJazz.com

🎺 Tune in for a must-listen conversation on jazz, touring, and keeping the spirit of the music alive 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we sit down with Montreal-based jazz pianist and composer Ariane Racicot to discuss her highly anticipated 2025 album, Danser avec le feu (Dancing with Fire). This second album ignites with passion and intensity, blending jazz fusion, Latin music, metal, classical, and progressive rock into a dynamic and electrifying sound.

Featuring eight brand-new compositions, the album delves into themes of resilience, environmental anxiety, and trusting your instincts. We explore Ariane’s creative process, her influences, and how she translates deep emotions into her music. Plus, we dive into her live performances and what's next in her musical journey.

🎶 Get the album here ➡️ Danser avec le feu on Bandcamp

🔥 Don't miss this in-depth conversation with one of jazz’s most exciting rising stars. 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. This time, we sit down with acclaimed jazz vocalists Kate McGarry and Rondi Charleston to discuss their new album, Suspended in Time (2025).

Originally conceived by Rondi Charleston and legendary pianist Fred Hersch, this deeply personal song cycle was born from the isolation of the pandemic. However, due to long COVID, Rondi was unable to sing on the album and instead enlisted two extraordinary vocalists—Kate McGarry and Gabrielle Stravelli—to bring the project to life. The result? A dream jazz collaboration that fully realizes her artistic vision.

In this interview, we explore the making of Suspended in Time, the impact of the pandemic, and the creative journey behind the music.

🎶 Listen & Get the Album Here: Suspended in Time – Rondi Charleston

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Welcome to a brand-new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series, where we sit down with jazz bandleader, musician, and copyist Russell Anixter. We dive into the journey behind his highly anticipated 2025 album, What Is, with the Hippie Big Band—a project that has been a lifelong dream and is already earning rave reviews.

With over 30 years in the NYC music scene, Anixter has made his mark as a music copyist and arranger, preparing scores for large jazz ensembles, orchestras, studio recordings, musical theater productions, and even the iconic Radio City Christmas Spectacular. As a former composition and arranging student of jazz legend Manny Albam, his expertise runs deep, and his latest work is a testament to his passion and experience.

This star-studded big band album is a bold, dynamic, and genre-defying exploration of jazz, blending intricate arrangements with powerful, free-flowing energy. It’s a must-hear for jazz lovers who crave a mix of tradition and innovation.

🎶 Get the album here → What Is - Russ Anixter's Hippie Big Band

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we talk with seasoned UK jazz-soul songstress Rachael Calladine about her highly anticipated 2025 album, The Game.

Marking her first recorded work in over a decade, Rachael makes a stunning return with a mesmerizing acoustic jazz and blues album that showcases her distinctive vocal talent and deep-rooted jazz-soul influences.

An established performer, Rachael has graced legendary stages like Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and was the lead vocalist for the London-based jazz/hip-hop fusion collective Us3. She has shared the stage with Jamiroquai, The Brand New Heavies, Incognito, Amy Winehouse, and Joss Stone. After spending over a decade shaping her career in Dubai and the Middle East, she became one of the region’s leading vocalists.

Join us as we dive into her remarkable career, musical evolution, and the creative process behind The Game.

🎵 Get the album: Rachael Calladine - The Game 

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