Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino

Monday, May 25, 2026

Faroese Jazz Bassist Arnold Ludvig Talks Live @ Maggies '18, Career & Nordic Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with veteran Faroe Islands-based jazz bassist and composer Arnold Ludvig.

We caught up with Arnold to discuss the 2025 release of his quintet album Live @ Maggies '18, his remarkable journey through the music world, and winning the 2026 Faroese Music Award for Special Release of the Year.

This powerful live recording documents music Arnold Ludvig composed across different chapters of his life, with songs written between 1993 and 2014 in Reykjavik, Montreal, Copenhagen, and Torshavn. The album beautifully weaves together Celtic folk traditions, modern Nordic jazz, blues influences, and African-American jazz into a deeply personal and expansive musical statement.

A bassist since 1980 and composer since 1991, Arnold has spent decades developing a distinctive sound rooted in storytelling, atmosphere, improvisation, and cultural connection. His music reflects the landscapes and experiences of the Faroe Islands while embracing the broader global traditions of jazz and folk music.

In this interview, we discuss composition, Nordic jazz, live performance, bass playing, jazz improvisation, European jazz culture, blues influence, the Faroese music scene, and the inspiration behind Live @ Maggies '18.

It’s a stellar musical journey full of wisdom, artistry, and global perspective. Dig this interview.

Get music & more:
https://arnoldludvig.com/
https://www.tutlrecords.com/

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Sunday, May 24, 2026

Chicago Jazz Pianist Julian Davis Reid Talks New Album Vocation & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with up-and-coming Chicago-based jazz pianist, writer, and composer Julian Davis Reid.

We dive deep into his outstanding 2026 album Vocation and his evolving journey in the world of jazz. Known for his acclaimed work with The Ju Ju Exchange and Isaiah Collier, Julian is steadily building a powerful artistic identity of his own through music that blends jazz, gospel, spirituality, storytelling, and emotional depth.

Vocation is an immersive and richly layered exploration of sound and narrative rooted in jazz while reaching deeply into gospel traditions and collective human experience. The album highlights the depth and versatility of Reid’s ensemble, with each musician contributing meaningfully to the project’s lush emotional arc and dynamic musical textures.

At his core, Julian Davis Reid is an artist-theologian whose work invites listeners to rejoice, lament, reflect, and hope together through music. His creative voice bridges improvisation, faith, social consciousness, and modern jazz expression in ways that feel deeply personal and universally resonant.

Having toured throughout Asia, Europe, and North America, Julian continues expanding his reach as one of the compelling emerging voices in contemporary jazz. In this conversation, we discuss composition, spirituality, gospel influences, improvisation, jazz piano, touring, collaboration, creative identity, and the inspiration behind Vocation.

Enjoy this artist and conversation.

Get the album:
https://juliandavisreid.bandcamp.com/album/vocation

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Joey Devassy & Interplay Jazz Orchestra on New Album Bite Your Tongue, Band History & More

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz trombonist Joey Devassy of the Interplay Jazz Orchestra.

We caught up with Joey to talk about the orchestra’s outstanding new 2026 album Bite Your Tongue, his personal journey into jazz, and the continuing evolution of the Interplay Jazz Orchestra.

Formed in 2013 as an offshoot of the Hofstra Alumni Jazz Orchestra, the Interplay Jazz Orchestra emerged from a shared desire to create a more composer-driven vision for the modern jazz orchestra. Led by Joey Devassy and Gary Henderson, the ensemble operates as a true collective — showcasing original compositions and arrangements that reflect the unique voices of its members while giving nearly every musician an opportunity to shine as a soloist.

The new album Bite Your Tongue moves effortlessly through a wide range of jazz styles and textures, including straight-ahead swing, samba, ballads, slow blues, hard bop, and funk. It’s a dynamic and richly layered recording that highlights both ensemble precision and adventurous improvisation.

In this interview, we discuss jazz composition, arranging, big band leadership, improvisation, modern jazz orchestra culture, trombone performance, ensemble collaboration, New York jazz, and the creative process behind this exciting new release.

This is a conversation jazz fans, musicians, composers, and lovers of big band innovation will truly appreciate. Dig this interview.

Get the album and more:
https://interplayjazzorchestra.com/

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Friday, May 22, 2026

Regina Linke Returns with Little Helper | Famous Interviews Part 2

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we welcome author and artist Regina Linke back to the show for Part 2 to discuss her new 2026 book Little Helper.

Regina Linke is a Taiwanese American artist known for her stunning Chinese gongbi-style painting — an ancient and highly detailed form of brush painting celebrated for its colorful precision, narrative depth, and timeless beauty. Through both her visual art and storytelling, Regina brings East Asian folklore, philosophy, and cultural traditions into a modern and accessible light.

Her latest book, Little Helper, follows the character Ah-Fu as he discovers creative ways to help friends, family, and community through thoughtful problem-solving and compassion. Inspired by traditional Chinese philosophy and values, this modern fable encourages readers of all ages to think creatively, support others, and approach challenges with kindness and ingenuity.

In this interview, we discuss Chinese gongbi painting, storytelling, illustration, creativity, East Asian folklore, philosophy, Taiwanese American identity, children’s literature, visual art, cultural heritage, imaginative thinking, and the inspiration behind Little Helper. Regina also reflects on her artistic journey and the growing appreciation for traditional Asian art forms in contemporary culture.

It’s wonderful to have her back on the show. Enjoy this inspiring interview with Regina Linke.

Get Little Helper:
https://oxherdboy.org/pages/little-helper

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Jairek Robbins on AI, Entrepreneurship, Leadership Strategy & Productivity

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with entrepreneur, executive coach, speaker, podcast host, and founder of Executive Office AI, Jairek Robbins.

Jairek comes from one of the most recognized success-oriented families in the world — the first family ever featured on the cover of SUCCESS Magazine. For more than 20 years, he has coached founders, executives, and CEOs ranging from startups to companies generating over $100 million in revenue, with active clients in 137 countries worldwide.

At just 23 years old, Jairek received the Congressional Award Gold Medal from the United States Congress. Over the years, he has trained teams and leaders at Harvard, the U.S. Marines, U.S. Air Force Special Forces, BMW, UBS, Keller Williams, Major League Baseball, and members of the U.S. Olympic Team.

Today, through Executive Office AI, Jairek is helping business owners revolutionize productivity by building over 265 AI agents designed to replace expensive consultants and reclaim valuable time. His systems help entrepreneurs automate operations, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and free up more than 20 hours a week for leadership and growth.

In this interview, we discuss artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, leadership development, productivity, automation, executive coaching, business systems, scaling companies, mindset, innovation, the future of AI in business, and his podcast Beyond the Bottleneck. From his home in Puerto Rico, Jairek shares wisdom, strategy, and insight from decades of experience helping leaders grow.

Enjoy this interview with Jairek Robbins.

More Jairek Robbins:
https://www.executiveoffice.ai/

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Entrepreneur & Navy Veteran David Petrash Talks Leadership Principles & The Ripple

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, U.S. Navy veteran, entrepreneur, leadership speaker, and co-owner of City Wide Facility Solutions of Southern Arizona, David Petrash.

With more than 25 years of leadership experience, David has built and led successful businesses while mentoring others through the principles of faith-driven leadership, service, integrity, and character. As the author of The Ripple of Faith, he shares a powerful philosophy centered around what he calls the “Ripple Effect” — the idea that small actions rooted in faith and strong values can create lasting and far-reaching impact in the lives of others.

Through his leadership journey in both military and business environments, David has focused on building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, and creating organizational cultures grounded in trust, accountability, and excellence. His work combines practical leadership insight with personal growth, faith, resilience, and purpose-driven living.

In this interview, we discuss leadership development, entrepreneurship, military service, business growth, faith, mentoring, teamwork, integrity, personal responsibility, culture building, character, and the inspiration behind The Ripple of Faith.

This is an inspiring and insightful conversation filled with wisdom, perspective, and practical life lessons. Enjoy this interview with David Petrash.

More David Petrash:
https://www.rippleoffaith.com/

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Back Alley Brass Band's Matt Fillingham on Some Bright Morning | New Orleans Energy to KC Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Matt Fillingham of the Back Alley Brass Band on their 2026 album Some Bright Morning.

The popular Kansas City-based brass band returns with another vibrant and energetic project filled with music they’ve performed and developed over the last several years. Rooted in the spirit and swagger of New Orleans brass band tradition, Some Bright Morning captures the infectious live energy, soulful grooves, and celebratory atmosphere that has helped Back Alley Brass Band become one of the Midwest’s rising live music acts.

In this conversation, Matt reflects on the band’s journey, the making of the new album, live performances, brass band culture, Kansas City’s evolving music scene, and upcoming World Cup-related gigs happening in Kansas City during the summer of 2026.

Known for blending jazz, funk, second line rhythms, and New Orleans bravado, Back Alley Brass Band continues building a loyal following through electrifying performances and community-driven music experiences.

We dive into the new record, touring, live music, KC culture, brass band influences, and what lies ahead for this exciting ensemble. Tune in.

Get the album & more:
https://backalleybrassband.bandcamp.com/album/some-bright-morning
https://www.backalleybrass.com/
https://backalleybrassband.bandcamp.com/

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