From Harlem Club Owner to Recording Artist | Marcus Goldhaber on His New Album The Promise of You & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist, songwriter, bandleader, entrepreneur, and former club owner Marcus Goldhaber.

In this episode, we discuss his outstanding 2026 album, The Promise of You, along with his fascinating journey through the world of jazz, performance, songwriting, and club ownership.

On his sixth recording as a leader, Marcus presents a compelling collection that balances original compositions with timeless jazz standards. The album reflects both artistic growth and a renewed commitment to music after an important chapter in his life as the founder and owner of Room 623, a beloved Harlem listening room that became known for intimate performances and a deep appreciation of jazz artistry.

While operating Room 623 was a labor of love, it also required Marcus to place much of his recording career on hold. After closing the club, he returned his focus fully to creating music, resulting in the heartfelt and sophisticated recordings found on The Promise of You.

Co-produced with acclaimed pianist Art Hirahara, the album features a stellar ensemble including bassist Michael O'Brien and drummer Alvester Garnett, along with special guest appearances from GRAMMY-nominated guitarist Paul Bollenback, saxophonist and clarinetist Jay Rattman, trumpeter Summer Camargo, and three-time GRAMMY-winning percussionist Keita Ogawa.

We discuss the making of the album, jazz vocals, songwriting, entrepreneurship, running a music venue, artistic reinvention, and the experiences that shaped Marcus's unique path through the jazz world.

This is an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, creativity, and the enduring power of great music.

Get the album and learn more:
The Promise of You on Bandcamp

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Jazz Saxophonist Dave Schumacher on Cubeye's New Album Agua Con Gas & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, bandleader, educator, and longtime New York jazz fixture Dave Schumacher.

In this episode, we dive into the new 2026 Cubeye album, Agua Con Gas, while exploring Dave's remarkable four-decade journey through the world of jazz.

For more than 40 years, Dave Schumacher has been a vital presence on the New York jazz scene. As a freelance baritone saxophonist, he has performed in over 465 cities across 41 countries on five continents, building a truly international career through performance, collaboration, composition, and education.

Dave toured extensively throughout the Americas and Europe as a member of Lionel Hampton's orchestra during the 1980s, helping carry on the legacy of one of jazz's most celebrated big bands. One of his career highlights came in 1987 when he traveled to Japan with the Art Blakey Big Band to perform at the renowned Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival.

In 1990, Dave became an original member of Harry Connick Jr.'s orchestra, adding another significant chapter to a career filled with memorable performances and collaborations.

We discuss the inspiration behind Agua Con Gas, life on the road, the evolution of jazz, international touring, arranging, composing, teaching, and the experiences that shaped one of the most respected baritone saxophonists working today.

This conversation is packed with stories from decades on the bandstand and offers a fascinating look into the life of a dedicated jazz artist who has seen the music from every angle.

Get the album and learn more:
Dave Schumacher Bandcamp Page

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From Ironworker to Safety Expert | Author Kim Pierce on 34+ Years in the Trades

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed construction safety expert, author, trades professional, and industry leader Kim Pierce.

With more than 34 years in the construction industry, Kim has built an extraordinary career rooted in hard work, resilience, leadership, and a commitment to protecting workers. Growing up in Minnesota, she learned the fundamentals of construction from her father before embarking on a remarkable journey through the trades.

Kim spent 14 years working hands-on as a carpenter and ironworker, gaining firsthand experience on job sites, from roofing projects to bridge construction. Those experiences—including real-world close calls and near misses—eventually inspired her transition into construction safety, where she has dedicated decades to helping workers stay safe and return home to their families.

We discuss her powerful book, The Hands That Built This, which explores the realities of life in the trades, workplace safety, leadership, and the lessons learned from a lifetime in construction.

Beyond her safety career, Kim is also an accomplished fiction writer. Under the pen name Jake B. Cage, she writes science fiction and post-apocalyptic novels. We also discuss the latest installment in her Enclave Series, Shadows Beneath the Ruins, and how storytelling complements her professional life.

From a conversation recorded while traveling through Ontario, California, Kim shares insights on workplace safety, leadership, women in construction, skilled trades, writing, perseverance, and the value of experience.

This is a fascinating discussion for construction professionals, safety leaders, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, authors, and anyone inspired by stories of grit, determination, and lifelong learning.

Get the book:
The Hands That Built This on Amazon

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Pittsburgh Composer Laura Chu Wiens as AurallaurA on New Music & Her Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Pittsburgh-based jazz and world music composer, vocalist, songwriter, and cultural explorer Laura Chu Wiens, better known as AurallaurA.

In this episode, we discuss her fascinating 2026 release, The Critique of Capital: An Engaging Revue, along with her unique path into music, composition, performance, and global cultural exploration.

Raised in a Chinese-American household and shaped by extensive international experiences, Laura has developed an artistic voice that transcends borders and genres. Fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, she has immersed herself in musical traditions around the world, studying and performing folk music in Chiapas, Mexico, township jazz in Cape Town, South Africa, Roma music in Belgrade, Serbia, and Lisu minority folk music in Yunnan, China.

Her creative journey has also included writing and performing vocal music for four productions on BBC Radio 4, further expanding her reach as a composer and storyteller.

What makes Laura's story particularly compelling is that music was never originally intended to be her primary path. Yet through curiosity, travel, language, cultural exchange, and artistic exploration, it evolved into a deeply meaningful career and creative mission.

In this conversation, we discuss world music, jazz, composition, cultural influences, global travel, language, songwriting, performance, creativity, identity, and the inspiration behind The Critique of Capital: An Engaging Revue.

This is a rich and engaging discussion for jazz fans, world music enthusiasts, composers, travelers, and anyone interested in how art can connect cultures and experiences from around the globe.

Learn more about AurallaurA:
AurallaurA Facebook Page 

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Jazz Composer Scott Lee on His New Genre-Bending Florida-Inspired Album Greetings from Florida

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring accomplished Florida-based jazz composer, educator, and recording artist Scott Lee.

In this episode, we discuss his ambitious and genre-defying 2026 album, Greetings from Florida: Postcards from Paradise, a compelling musical exploration of the myths, realities, beauty, and contradictions that define Florida.

This innovative song-cycle project features acclaimed jazz vocalist and guitarist Camila Meza and draws lyrical inspiration from eight poems by Cuban-American poet Carolina Hospital. Together, they create a rich musical narrative that explores the tension between the dream of paradise and the lived experiences of those who call Florida home.

Known for blending jazz, classical influences, and contemporary popular music, Scott Lee has developed a distinctive compositional voice. His music often incorporates odd-meter grooves, interlocking rhythmic patterns, sophisticated harmonies, and a unique balance between intellectual complexity and emotional immediacy.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind Greetings from Florida: Postcards from Paradise, songwriting, composition, poetry, collaboration, jazz education, bass performance, creativity, and the evolving landscape of contemporary jazz.

Scott also reflects on his musical journey, artistic influences, teaching career, and the process of transforming poetry into powerful musical storytelling.

This is a fascinating conversation for jazz lovers, composers, musicians, educators, and anyone interested in the intersection of literature, culture, and music.

Get the album and learn more:
Scott Lee Official Website

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Jazz Vocalist Sylvia Brooks on Soliloquy, Songwriting, Creativity & Her Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Los Angeles-based jazz vocalist, songwriter, performer, and recording artist Sylvia Brooks.

In this episode, we dive into her sixth album, Soliloquy, and explore a remarkable creative journey shaped by music, acting, storytelling, and artistic expression.

Raised by parents who were both musicians and artists, Sylvia grew up immersed in a world of creativity and performance. That rich artistic foundation has informed a career marked by authenticity, elegance, and a deep commitment to meaningful storytelling through song.

On Soliloquy, Sylvia delivers a powerful collection of four jazz standards and four original compositions that explore the many dimensions of the human experience. The album examines life's joys, challenges, heartbreaks, triumphs, compassion, resilience, romance, and beauty through vivid lyrics and expressive performances.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind the album, songwriting, jazz vocals, acting, creativity, artistic growth, performance, and the lessons learned throughout her career in music and entertainment.

Sylvia shares insights into her creative process, her passion for connecting with audiences, and how personal experiences have shaped the emotional depth found throughout Soliloquy.

This is a thoughtful and engaging discussion for jazz fans, vocal music enthusiasts, songwriters, performers, and anyone who appreciates compelling storytelling through music.

Get the album and learn more:
Sylvia Brooks Official Website

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Author Bill Smoot on San Quentin Exodus and Teaching Behind Prison Walls

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed educator, novelist, essayist, and author Bill Smoot. His remarkable story begins in Maysville, Kentucky, where he grew up in the 1950s surrounded by family, community, baseball, Boy Scouts, and time spent on his grandparents' dairy farm.

Bill attended Purdue University intending to become an engineer, but his intellectual curiosity led him toward philosophy and journalism. During his college years, he became politically engaged while serving as editor of The Purdue Exponent, helping shape discussions during a transformative era in American history.

Over the past decade, Bill has dedicated himself to teaching at Mount Tamalpais College inside San Quentin Prison, bringing higher education opportunities to incarcerated students and helping transform lives through learning, literature, and critical thinking.

We discuss his latest novel, San Quentin Exodus, a compelling work of fiction centered around a dramatic prison escape while exploring larger themes of freedom, redemption, justice, and the human spirit.

In this engaging conversation, Bill shares insights on teaching inside prison walls, writing fiction, philosophy, education, social change, and the life experiences that shaped his journey from rural Kentucky to one of America's most unique educational environments.

This is a fascinating discussion about storytelling, learning, transformation, and the power of education.

More Bill Smoot:
https://billsmoot.net/

San Quentin Exodus:
https://www.amazon.com/San-Quentin-Exodus-Bill-Smoot/dp/162720671X

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