Episodi

  • From Medicine to Music | Mark Tonelli Talks Brasiliana, Jazz Guitar & Brazilian Music

    From Medicine to Music | Mark Tonelli Talks Brasiliana, Jazz Guitar & Brazilian Music
    May 21 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Illinois-based jazz guitarist, composer, educator, and Fulbright Scholar Mark Tonelli. We got into his new 2026 album Brasiliana and his fascinating path through the world of jazz and Brazilian music. This breakthrough release blends the vibrant rhythms, melodies, and spirit of Brazilian music with the creativity and improvisation of contemporary jazz. Featuring an all-star Brazilian cast of musicians, Brasiliana is the result of years of cultural immersion, collaboration, travel, and musical exploration. Between 2022 and 2025, Mark made thirteen trips to Brazil. His first visit came as a Fulbright Scholar teaching music at a university, and just a few years later he returned as a Fulbright Scholar once again — this time to create and record Brasiliana. Mark’s life story is equally compelling. His path moved from medicine to architecture before ultimately leading him fully into music, jazz guitar, education, composition, and international artistic collaboration. In this interview, we discuss Brazilian jazz, guitar improvisation, cultural exchange, Fulbright experiences, composition, jazz education, travel, creativity, world music influences, live performance, and the inspiration behind Brasiliana. We also dive into the remarkable journey that shaped his life and music. Dig this interview. Get the album: https://marktonelli.bandcamp.com/album/brasiliana For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/ Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    22 min
  • Mark Wade on the 2026 Album New Stages, Contemporary Jazz & Creative Evolution

    Mark Wade on the 2026 Album New Stages, Contemporary Jazz & Creative Evolution
    May 22 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Mark Wade on his 2026 release New Stages with his trio on Dot Time Records. This latest project marks not only a brand-new album, but also a major turning point in Mark’s creative evolution — a moment where years of innovation, artistry, and experience merge with exciting future ambitions. New Stages is a collection of original jazz works inspired by treasured classical music that Mark has developed a deep personal connection with over many years, now reimagined through the lens of modern jazz trio performance. Mark Wade continues to establish himself as a contemporary composer with a truly global musical perspective, blending jazz improvisation, classical influences, lyrical storytelling, and adventurous composition into a deeply expressive sound. We first interviewed Mark back in 2018 and again in 2022, and now four years later he returns to Neon Jazz to discuss this fresh new chapter, his evolving artistry, the trio dynamic, composition, recording, performance, and the inspiration behind New Stages. This is another thoughtful and compelling conversation with one of modern jazz’s most creative voices. Enjoy this interview. Get the album: https://dottimerecords.bandcamp.com/album/new-stages For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/ Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    19 min
  • David Schroeder on Sonny Rollins, Jazz Wisdom, Podcasting & 2026 Album A Kind of Gentle Light

    David Schroeder on Sonny Rollins, Jazz Wisdom, Podcasting & 2026 Album A Kind of Gentle Light
    May 20 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz professor, musician, author, interviewer, and podcast host David Schroeder. We are honored to welcome David back to the show to discuss his moving new 2026 album A Kind of Gentle Light along with his fascinating work interviewing some of the most important figures in jazz history. Following a landmark year spent in intimate conversations with 95-year-old jazz icon Sonny Rollins, the families of Duke Ellington and Stan Getz, and the inner circle of David Sanborn, this NYU Professor of Jazz Studies continues to bridge music, storytelling, history, and humanity in powerful ways. A Kind of Gentle Light offers a deeply meditative and emotionally resonant musical dialogue centered on compassion, reflection, and shared human experience. The album features David’s expressive work on chromatic harmonica, bass flute, and the Mongolian ever buree — a rare and hypnotic instrument he mastered during time spent performing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Joining him is acclaimed Italian pianist Antonio Figura, helping shape an album filled with beauty, atmosphere, and emotional depth. In this interview, we discuss jazz history, improvisation, podcasting, storytelling, education, world music influences, composition, spirituality in music, modern jazz, and the inspiration behind A Kind of Gentle Light. We cover a wide range of fascinating territory on this memorable rendezvous on Neon Jazz. Dig this conversation. Listen to the album:https://music.apple.com/us/album/kind-and-gentle-light/1867658291https://open.spotify.com/track/4PEnGGyEP5vzYTFA3eOVg0?si=cdd4c0ab7aa44313&nd=1&dlsi=dcb35b5ed889404a For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 min
  • Acclaimed Jazz Singer Lisanne Lyons - New Album 'May I Come In' & Her Career

    Acclaimed Jazz Singer Lisanne Lyons - New Album 'May I Come In' & Her Career
    May 19 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Miami-based acclaimed jazz singer, educator, and performer Lisanne Lyons. We take a deep dive into her new 2026 release May I Come In along with her celebrated journey through the world of jazz. Possessing a beautiful voice, a natural sense of swing, and a deep connection to the Great American Songbook tradition, Lisanne brings timeless jazz storytelling into a contemporary setting. For this project, she collaborated with arranger Mike Lewis to create lush orchestral arrangements performed by an outstanding jazz orchestra featuring some of Miami and New York’s finest musicians. Lisanne’s professional career began immediately after high school as a featured vocalist for the United States Air Force Bands, where she traveled and performed around the world. Over the years, she has shared the stage with jazz legends and ensembles including the Woody Herman Orchestra, Maynard Ferguson Big Bop Nouveau, Arturo Sandoval, Larry Elgart, and many more. In this interview, we discuss jazz vocals, big band music, swing, improvisation, the Great American Songbook, arranging, performance, jazz education, touring, collaboration, and the inspiration behind May I Come In. She’s full of wisdom, musical insight, and unforgettable stories from decades in jazz. Enjoy this interview with Lisanne Lyons. Get the album:https://originarts.com/oa2/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=22248 For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 min
  • Montréal Jazz Guitarist Mike Bruzzese Talks New Album Another Space & His Career

    Montréal Jazz Guitarist Mike Bruzzese Talks New Album Another Space & His Career
    May 18 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Montréal-based guitarist, composer, and bandleader Mike Bruzzese. We talked about his new 2026 album Another Space and his evolving career in the world of jazz. This second album stands as a deeply collaborative and expressive project that captures the spirit of imagination, connection, improvisation, and shared artistry that shaped its creation. Another Space features an outstanding ensemble including Ben Solomon on tenor saxophone, Mike De Masi on bass, Adam Arruda on drums, and a special guest appearance by vocalist Laura Anglade performing Billy Strayhorn’s timeless classic Lush Life. Born and raised in Montréal, Mike was surrounded by music from an early age and began playing guitar at the age of 12. By 17, he discovered a deep passion for jazz guitar, setting him on a path toward composition, performance, collaboration, and artistic exploration in contemporary jazz. In this interview, we discuss jazz guitar, composition, improvisation, collaboration, recording, Montreal’s jazz scene, musical influences, storytelling through music, and the inspiration behind Another Space. Enjoy the journey and this thoughtful conversation with Mike Bruzzese. Get the album & learn more:https://www.mikebruzzese.ca/ For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    15 min
  • Grammy-Nominated Cellist Naseem Alatrash Talks Jazz, Arabic Music & Innovation

    Grammy-Nominated Cellist Naseem Alatrash Talks Jazz, Arabic Music & Innovation
    May 17 2026

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Boston-based Grammy-nominated Palestinian cellist, composer, educator, and innovator Naseem Alatrash. We take a deep dive into his debut and new 2026 album Bright Colors On A Dark Canvas along with his remarkable journey through the world of music.

    Naseem Alatrash is a groundbreaking artist whose music bridges Arabic traditions, Western classical music, contemporary jazz, improvisation, and cinematic storytelling. Through his work, he reimagines the cello as a leading voice in Arabic music — an instrument capable of lyrical beauty, emotional depth, improvisation, and storytelling beyond conventional boundaries.

    Throughout his career, he has toured internationally as a soloist and ensemble performer, collaborating with acclaimed artists and groups including the Global Messengers with Grammy-winning pianist Danilo Pérez and the renowned Turtle Island Quartet, which has toured alongside Grammy-winning composer and trumpeter Terence Blanchard.

    In this interview, we discuss jazz composition, Arabic music, cultural fusion, improvisation, contemporary classical influences, education, artistic identity, collaboration, world music, and the inspiration behind Bright Colors On A Dark Canvas. We also explore his personal journey from Jerusalem to America and the experiences that shaped his artistic vision.

    Enjoy this thoughtful, inspiring, and musically rich conversation with Naseem Alatrash.

    Get the music & learn more:
    https://www.alatrashmusic.com/

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    28 min
  • Rising Jazz Star Shenel Johns on Her Debut Album Stars, Faith, Freedom & Artistic Evolution

    Rising Jazz Star Shenel Johns on Her Debut Album Stars, Faith, Freedom & Artistic Evolution
    May 16 2026

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz bandleader, vocalist, and storyteller Shenel Johns. We take a deep dive into her highly anticipated debut album Stars, arriving in Summer 2026, along with her career, upcoming performances, and artistic evolution.

    This debut project marks a major milestone in Shenel’s journey following years of celebrated work as a featured jazz vocalist, ensemble leader, and performer with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Produced by Grammy-winning artist Kamau Kenyatta, the new release showcases her powerful voice, emotional storytelling, and bold artistic identity.

    On May 16, Shenel celebrates the release of her new EP with a debut performance at the La Jolla Music Society in San Diego, California, followed by an official album release celebration on August 20, 2026, at the legendary Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

    Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, Shenel was first drawn to jazz as a form of rebellion against her strict religious upbringing in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Since then, she has built an extraordinary career that includes earning the #1 spot on BBC Classical Radio as a vocalist in a jazz ensemble, while The Boston Globe described her as “history in the making.”

    In this interview, we discuss jazz vocals, bandleading, creativity, live performance, faith, personal growth, storytelling, contemporary jazz, artistic freedom, collaboration, and the inspiration behind Stars.

    We cover the whole story. Enjoy this inspiring and powerful conversation with Shenel Johns.

    More Shenel Johns:
    https://www.sheneljohns.com/

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    28 min
  • Jazz Guitarist Phil Sargent on New Album Slow Motions & His Career

    Jazz Guitarist Phil Sargent on New Album Slow Motions & His Career
    May 15 2026

    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Boston-based veteran jazz guitarist, composer, and educator Phil Sargent. We got into his new 2026 album Slow Motions and his fascinating life in the world of jazz.

    This new solo guitar album is less about technical display and more an invitation into stillness, reflection, and deep listening. Slow Motions reimagines jazz standards and original compositions through the lens of classical counterpoint, chromatic harmony, improvisation, and subtle emotional storytelling — capturing the guitar as a complete, breathing ensemble rather than a single instrument.

    Over the course of his career, Phil has worked with acclaimed musicians including Dave Liebman, Antonio Sanchez, Jerry Bergonzi, and many others. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, he leads his own group whose music draws from a wide range of influences including modern jazz improvisation, odd meters, and the Eastern tonalities of Balkan music traditions.

    In this interview, we discuss jazz guitar, improvisation, composition, solo performance, harmony, creative process, contemporary jazz, world music influences, live performance, and the inspiration behind Slow Motions.

    It’s a thoughtful and inspiring conversation filled with insight into artistry, creativity, and the evolving language of jazz guitar. Enjoy this interview with Phil Sargent.

    Get the album & learn more:
    https://www.philsargentmusic.com/

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    20 min