Tuesday, March 31, 2015

This is Gary McFarland Director Kristian St. Clair

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with filmmaker Kristian St. Clair .. He produced and directed an illuminating documentary called This is Gary McFarland – He was the influential composer, arranger, vibraphonist and vocalist that left an incredible mark on the world of jazz and music .. He collaborated with some of the finest names of jazz and had an inclredible decade from 1960to 70 of prolific creation and left us at the age of 38 after ingesting methadone while having a drink in a New York City bar .. Kristian has a lot of fresh insights into Gary, his music, making the film and why this musician is so important for folks to hear and know about ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Monday, March 30, 2015

NYC Jazz Trombonist David Gibson

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC Trombonist David Gibson .. He has spent many years planting seeds that have come into good fruition .. These days, he is in demand in a thriving NYC scene and just released a new album called Boom! He’s a cat that has a very curious and intense drive and sound .. Over our interview, he spoke about late nights at Smalls, the intrigue of the trombone and much more ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Swing Band Leader George Gee

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Big Band Leader, DJ and educator George Gee .. During a stint as a jazz DJ during his college days at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, he interviewed the great Count Basie and started a relationship that pushed him into making his own band and pursing music .. Since that time, he has moved onto New York and become the new energy and face for swing .. His latest 2014 album Swing Makes you Happy is getting some solid reviews and he is staying busy all the time .. Over the course of our interview, we delve into quite a few topics and get to know the man that is geared to make the world swing ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Jazz Tenor Saxophonist Steve Heckman

Welcome to another edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with tenor saxophonist  – Steve Heckman  – He got a hugely informal, yet profound education growing up in New York City in the 1960’s watching talent coming through that city .. These days he is based in San Fransciso and stays very busy as one of the best names in jazz these days .. Over our interview, he discussed why he started out on the clarinet at 12, the many cats he has played with, why it took so long to release his solo albums, what is next for him and much more ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Veteran Jazz Singer Karrin Allyson

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with the very accomplished New York City based Jazz Singer Karrin Allyson  .. She was born in Great Bend, Kansas, raised in Omaha and spent some quality time in Kansas City in the 90’s while her career took off .. Over an impressive career of music, performances and Grammy Nominations, she has some very interesting stories about her life and what’s in store down the road ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Talented Jazz Tenor Saxophonist Benny Sharoni

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Israeli born and Boston based tenor saxophonist Benny Sharoni .. These days, he stays quite busy with gigs and promoting his impressive new album called Slant Signature ..  Growing up in Israel, he talks about accumulating a love of music and jazz, along with why he settled on the alto sax and his instrunment of choice .. Over the course of our interview, Benny made it very clear how his roots led him to the point he is at today in both life and music, along with who his jazz heros are and what is going to be next on his journey, along with much, much more ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Thursday, March 19, 2015

KC Jazz Vibes Player Peter Schlamb

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with the great Kansas City vibraphonist Pete Schlamb  .. He is originally from St. Louis, but has made his way to Kansas City and has literally become a fixture of a very busy Kansas City jazz scene .. He started on the piano at a very early age and before he made it to Kansas City, he spent some quality time in New York City playing with cats like Logan Richardson .. Over the course of our interview, he talked about everything happening today, how his past factored into his jazz journey and what is in the future .. along with some surprises here and there ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

LA Jazz Drummer Zack Albetta

Welcome to another episode in the Neon Jazz interview series with modern jazz drummer Zack Albetta .. He was born and raised in the arts rich Santa Fe, New Mexico and made his way into the jazz studies program under the great Bobby Watson at the University of Missouri-Kansas City .. During his 7-year stay in Kansas City, he got a solid education in both the classroom and a very rich jazz scene full of talent .. These days, he is residing in Los Angeles .. or Beverly Hills to be exact .. He’s very busy with a solid line up of gigs, including being a part of Disneyland’s Five & Dime Band  He loves jazz and all the virtues that come along with it .. During an open interview, he spoke about many, many things ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Monday, March 16, 2015

PBS Producer Carol Bash on Her Mary Lou Williams Documentary

Welcome to this edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Carol Bash - the Producer of the PBS Documentary on Mary Lou Williams called The Lady who Swings the Band..  She will be in Kansas City on March 21 to premiere the film .. During our conversation, she talked about what led her to make this film, what she learned about Kansas City, how good with was to work with the Mutual Musicians foundation, along with much more ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Veteran Saxophonist & Educator Jerry Bergonzi

Welcome to another conversation in the Neon Jazz interview series with the very accomplished tenor saxophonist, composer, and educator Jerry Bergonzi – On some downtime from playing and educating, Jerry reflected on a well travelled life in the world of jazz that brought him into the Dave Brubeck orbit quite a bit and sent him around the world .. He also talked about how he feels about travelling, the cats he has played with, who he’d like to gig with, what is next and how he feels about his legacy, along with much, much more  ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Jazz Pianist and Composer Nick Sanders

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Brooklyn-based Pianist & Composer Nick Sanders – This young jazz talent is making some waves in the world of jazz on Sunnyside records and has brilliant pianist Fred Hersch producing his records ..  He was born and raised in jazz richNew Orleans, graduated from the New England Conservatory and has the whole world ahead of him .. During our interview, he opened up about life behind the jazz keys and what is possibly in store ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Friday, March 6, 2015

Brilliant Jazz Pianist Justin Kauflin

Welcome to a another edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz piano man Justin Kauflin .. He was the subject of a critically acclaimed documentary called Keep On Keepin’ On that followed his journey over 4 years with the great Clark Terry as teach and student flourish into an engaging relationship .. He has been under the wing of Quincy Jones and his latest album Dedication is a jazz gem .. Justin has been blind since the age of 11 and his journey has been a richly cool ride full of music, amazing mentors, desire and flat out cool .. He discusses what is going on today and how he would like to see some of the future unfold ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Brilliant Music Mind & Jazz Musician David Amram

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with the brilliant composer, conductor, multi-instrumentalist, jazz musician and author David Amram– He has composed more than 100 orchestral and chamber music works, written many scores for Broadway theater and film – In the jazz world, he has been all over the place .. He’s recorded with the bands of Lionel Hampton, Oscar Pettiford, Charles Mingus, Mary Lou Williams, Kenny Dorham  - and he was conducted the 1st Jazz-Poetry Readings in N.Y.C. with Jack Kerouac back in 1957 – Recently, he attended the Folk Alliance in Kansas City and spoke about his relationship with Charlie Parker and Kanas City jazz .. He has been hailed as one of the most versatile and  skilled musicians America has ever produced ..  Over the course of our conversation, he woke an intriguing tapestry of conversation about jazz, his life, the journey with his brilliant dose of meter full of wit, humor, warmth and a traveled wisdom that is truly cool .. An ambassador for jazz, music and living well ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Monday, March 2, 2015

Jazz Musician, Artist & Poet Oliver Lake

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Renaissance Man Oliver Lake – along with being a jazz saxophonist, flutist, composer – he’s a very accomplished poet, painter and performance artist  .. His latest album with his Quartet called “What I Heard” is another brilliant release from a man that covers so much creative ground during his life, it’s almost staggering. During his discussion with Neon Jazz, he talked about relishing being one of the greats in jazz and looking over a very fulfilling life full of art and jazz ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/