Internationally Renowned Jazz Drummer, Percussionist, Clinician, Author & Educator Steve Houghton

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we sit down with internationally renowned jazz drummer, percussionist, clinician, author, and educator Steve Houghton, joining him from his base in Indiana to talk about his new 2025 album And Then Some and a remarkable life dedicated to jazz.

This new recording was a pure joy for Steve, bringing together longtime friends and centering on music he truly loves. The album reflects the depth, swing, and musical wisdom earned over decades of performing, teaching, and recording at the highest level.

Steve first gained international acclaim at just 20 years old as the drummer for Woody Herman’s Young Thundering Herd, launching a career that has since included collaborations with jazz greats such as Freddie Hubbard, Dave Samuels, Dave Stryker, Walter Smith III, Harold Land, Bobby Hutcherson, and many more.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore his early years, his evolution as an artist and educator, the creative process behind And Then Some, and what lies ahead for one of jazz’s most respected master musicians.

🎧 Dig in and enjoy this deep dive into jazz history, artistry, and forward momentum.

👉 Get Steve Houghton’s music:
https://houghtonmusic.com/recordings/

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Trumpeter Paul Litteral, Label Owner Angela O’Neill & Producer Greg Curtis on the 2025 Album The Literal Truth

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we sit down with trumpeter Paul Litteral, label owner Angela O’Neill, and producer Greg Curtis to discuss the powerful 2025 album The Literal Truth—a release shaped by resilience after their studio was destroyed during the California wildfires.

The Literal Truth is a vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and rock, showcasing Paul Litteral’s unmistakable trumpet voice—defined by soulful tone, inventive phrasing, and fearless genre-blending. The album offers bold reimaginings of classic covers, with fresh arrangements drawn straight from Paul’s musical vision, including inspired takes on songs by Steely Dan, Edgar Winter, and a few unexpected surprises.

We talk about the creative process, the challenges of rebuilding after loss, and how adversity fueled a record that feels both urgent and celebratory. This conversation covers the full story behind the music, the production, and the passion that brought The Literal Truth to life.

🎧 Enjoy this deep dive into modern jazz fusion and creative perseverance.

👉 Get the album The Literal Truth:
https://www.angelamaeoneill.com/new-products/thelitteraltruth

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with jazz artists, composers, producers, and innovators from around the world.

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Montreal-based Jazz Singer & Composer Marie-Soleil Lambert

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we catch up with Montreal-based jazz singer and composer Marie-Soleil Lambert to talk about her 2025 release Anastasia and a life deeply devoted to music, growth, and creative exploration.

Always evolving as both a musician and composer, Marie-Soleil leads her sextet Sun Fantasia, formed in 2022, as she continues to carve out a distinctive voice in contemporary jazz. Craving a new sound, she blends influences from Chick Corea, Weather Report, Joni Mitchell, and Frank Zappa, fusing genres and stylistic approaches to create something original, personal, and forward-thinking.

We dive into the making of Anastasia, her compositional process, the vision behind Sun Fantasia, and the musical journey that continues to shape her artistry. It’s a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation with a rising voice in modern jazz.

🎙️ Enjoy this interview.

🎶 Get the album:
https://mariesoleilmusic.com/track/4525714/anastasia

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Entrepreneur & Founder of Design Your Next Sunaina Mehta

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Entrepreneur and Founder of Design Your Next, Sunaina Mehta, who works with ambitious women who know there’s more to them—and are done waiting for permission to go after it.

Sunaina is the creator of Design Your Next, a transformative 8-week cohort experience where six ambitious women become each other’s catalysts. Through 1:1 guidance and a curated community, participants move from restless to ready—activating their purpose, building a clear plan, and creating real momentum together.

She brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across marketing, innovation, and design, with award-winning campaigns for Nike, Audi, Levi’s, Samsung, and Coca-Cola. Her senior roles include VP, Global Head of Insights at HP, along with leadership positions at MullenLowe Boston, Wieden+Kennedy Delhi, and Leo Burnett Delhi.

From her base in Los Angeles, we dive into her remarkable career journey, leadership philosophy, and what it truly takes to design the next chapter of your life and work with intention.

🎧 Enjoy this inspiring and insight-packed conversation.

👉 More on Sunaina Mehta:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunainamehta/

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Executive Coach, Consultant & Speaker Sheila Cosgrove

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Executive Coach, Consultant & Speaker Sheila Cosgrove, who helps ambitious, high-performing women unlock their next level of career success — without sacrificing their well-being.

With more than two decades of experience in corporate leadership, Sheila understands what it takes to lead through complexity, advocate for yourself, and make strategic, meaningful career moves so your work is seen, valued, and rewarded. She brings a deeply personal commitment to every client, helping women navigate leadership challenges, burnout, visibility, and sustainable success.

From her base in South Carolina, we dive into her journey, her coaching philosophy, and practical insights for women who want to grow their influence and impact while staying aligned with their values and health.

🎧 Enjoy this powerful and inspiring conversation.

👉 Learn more about Sheila Cosgrove:
https://sheilacosgrove.com/

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European Jazz Saxophonist & Composer Nikola Bankov on the 2025 Album Everwanted

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we catch up with European jazz saxophonist and composer Nikola Bankov, one of the brightest new voices in contemporary European jazz, just before a live gig to talk about his 2025 release Everwanted—his third album as a leader and a bold step forward in sound and vision.

On Everwanted, Bankov fuses high-energy modern jazz with Nordic synth-pop textures, creating a vibrant and forward-thinking record that appeals to both younger listeners and seasoned jazz aficionados. Featuring his close collaborators, the album feels cohesive, ambitious, and refreshingly modern.

This marks our second conversation with Nikola, who is a Danish Music Awards winner and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. We discuss the evolution of his music, the making of Everwanted, live performance energy, and the future of jazz in Europe and beyond. It’s a powerful snapshot of an artist hitting his stride.

🎙️ Enjoy the interview.

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

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Award-Winning Consultant, International Speaker, Certified Design Thinking Practitioner & Leadership Coach Malaika Simmons

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with award-winning consultant, international speaker, certified design thinking practitioner, and leadership coach Malaika Simmons.

Malaika is the creator of The Momentology™ Method and CEO of Momentology Media, where she helps servant-leading women and purpose-driven organizations transform burnout into breakthrough. Her signature framework—often described as the science and soul of sustainable success—teaches leaders how to align empathy, intention, and joy to create engagement, innovation, and authentic impact.

We explore her leadership philosophy, her journey from early dreams of becoming Wonder Woman or a doctor to her real-world calling, and how intentional moments can change lives, teams, and organizations. It’s an inspiring and insightful conversation. Enjoy this interview.

👉 More on Malaika:
https://www.momentologymedia.com/ 

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