Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Rebecca Rafla Interview | Fundamentally Unfinished (2025) & Rising Jazz Vocalist

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Indianapolis-based jazz vocalist Rebecca Rafla.

We dive into her 2025 album Fundamentally Unfinished and her evolving journey in the jazz world. Known for her warm tone, lyrical phrasing, and deep respect for tradition, Rebecca is quickly emerging as a compelling new voice in modern jazz.

Drawing inspiration from classic vocalists while embracing a contemporary sensibility, she blends swing, ballads, and modern jazz influences into a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. Her repertoire includes selections from the Great American Songbook along with thoughtful new arrangements that showcase her nuanced storytelling and emotional depth.

This conversation explores artistry, growth, and what it means to carry the jazz tradition forward in a modern era.

👉 Get the album & more: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccarafla/

🎧 In this episode:

The making of Fundamentally Unfinished (2025)
Rebecca’s vocal style and jazz influences
Interpreting the Great American Songbook
Balancing tradition with modern jazz expression
Her journey as a rising jazz vocalist

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Vanessa Collier Interview | Blues Awards Nominee, “Do It My Own Way” & Keep It Saxy Tour

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with multi-award-winning vocalist and saxophonist Vanessa Collier.

This powerhouse blues artist is a 2026 Blues Music Awards Triple Nominee and brings her electrifying energy to the stage on her year-long Keep It Saxy Tour. She recently rolled through Kansas City with a standout performance at Knuckleheads on April 9, 2026.

In this interview, we dive into her dynamic career, her evolution as an artist, and her latest album Do It My Own Way (2024). Known for blending funk, soul, rock, and blues, Vanessa delivers a signature sound powered by soulful vocals, fiery saxophone solos, and sharp, witty songwriting.

From picking up the saxophone in the fourth grade to balancing athletics and music, her journey is as compelling as her performances. With a rapidly rising career and a reputation for unforgettable live shows, Vanessa Collier is a force in modern blues you don’t want to miss.

👉 All things Vanessa: https://www.vanessacollier.com/

🎧 In this episode:

2026 Blues Music Awards nominations
The Keep It Saxy Tour and Kansas City stop
Behind the album Do It My Own Way
Her unique blend of blues, funk, soul & rock
From early saxophone days to the national stage

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Tom Oren – Dark Lights (2026) | Jazz Piano, Monk Competition Winner Interview

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC-based jazz pianist and composer Tom Oren.

We dive into his 2026 album Dark Lights on Anzic Records, along with his roots in Tel Aviv and a rapidly rising international career. This trio recording showcases an extraordinary blend of boundary-pushing technique, deep musical imagination, and a rare ability to tell vivid, emotional stories through sound.

A winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, Oren has established himself as a creative force in modern jazz. Beyond his jazz work, he has also made a strong impact in classical and orchestral settings.

In 2021, he composed a dynamic and kaleidoscopic score for director Avi Nesher’s award-winning film Image of Victory. The soundtrack, released in 2022 on Sony Music Masterworks, highlights his ability to fuse classical influences with a forward-thinking jazz language.

This conversation explores creativity, storytelling through music, and the evolution of a world-class jazz artist.

👉 Get the album & more: https://www.tomoren.com/

🎧 In this episode:

The making of Dark Lights (2026)
Tom Oren’s jazz trio sound and vision
Winning the Thelonious Monk Piano Competition
Blending jazz with classical and film scoring
From Tel Aviv roots to the NYC jazz scene

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Tony Iezzi on Breaking Trauma Patterns | Reenactment Therapy Explained

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with clinical psychologist and author Tony Iezzi.

With over 35 years of experience, Tony has helped countless individuals break free from trauma, stress, and the deeply ingrained behavior patterns that keep them stuck. He is the co-author of Reenactments: Break the Behavior Patterns That Keep You Stuck in Trauma, Stress, and Everyday Life, a groundbreaking work that blends science, clinical expertise, and real-world insight.

His innovative approach led to the development of “reenactment therapy,” a powerful framework designed to help people identify and interrupt unconscious behavior loops that replay past trauma in present-day life.

From his roots as an immigrant in Montreal to his decades-long career in psychology, this conversation dives deep into healing, awareness, and transformation.

👉 Learn more about Tony: https://tonyiezzi.com/

🎧 In this episode:

What reenactment therapy is and how it works
How trauma shapes behavior patterns
Breaking unconscious cycles and emotional loops
The psychology behind stress and healing
Tony’s personal journey from Montreal to clinical practice

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Lodro Rinzler on “You Are Good, You Are Enough” | Meditation, Self-Worth & Resilience

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Buddhist meditation teacher and bestselling author Lodro Rinzler.

In a world increasingly defined by division, burnout, and a constant sense of “not enough,” Lodro offers a powerful and timely message: you are not broken. In his latest book, You Are Good, You Are Enough, he draws on decades of meditation practice in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition to help people quiet their inner critic and reconnect with their innate worthiness.

Through grounded, practical wisdom, Lodro dismantles the myth that we are fundamentally flawed and instead introduces the concept of “basic goodness” — a path toward resilience, clarity, and self-acceptance. Named one of 50 Innovators Shaping the Future of Wellness by SONIMA, he has authored eight books and spent over 25 years teaching meditation around the world.

This inspiring and insightful conversation dives into mindfulness, self-compassion, and how to live with greater peace and purpose in modern life.

👉 Learn more about Lodro: https://www.lodrorinzler.com/

🎧 In this episode:

The meaning of “You Are Good, You Are Enough”
How to silence your inner critic
The concept of basic goodness in Buddhism
Meditation practices for everyday life
Finding resilience in a chaotic world

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring conversations with thought leaders, authors, and innovators.

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Saturday, April 11, 2026

Neon Jazz Special - The Neon Beat’s John Christopher has a Thelonious Monk Question for Neon Jazz’s Joe Dimino

Welcome to a special edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with a bit of a curveball. During the recording of Episode 953 on April Fool’s Day 2026, Neon Beat host and creator John Christopher flipped the script and asked Neon Jazz host & creator Joe Dimino to reflect on the lore, legacy, and lasting impact of legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk.

What followed was an insightful, spontaneous, and thought-provoking conversation about one of the most enigmatic figures in jazz history. From Monk’s unconventional style and compositional brilliance to his enduring influence on modern jazz, this episode dives deep into the mind and mythology of a true icon.

Whether you're a lifelong jazz fan or just discovering Monk’s genius, this candid exchange offers a unique perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

🎧 In this episode:

The mystique and mythology of Thelonious Monk
His influence on modern jazz and improvisation
Personal reflections from Joe Dimino
A spontaneous April Fool’s Day twist

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Friday, April 10, 2026

Bassist, Composer & Arranger Corcoran Holt on 2026’s Freedom of Art

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz bassist, composer, and arranger Corcoran Holt.

We dive into his powerful 2026 release Freedom of Art, a deeply personal and expressive sophomore album that reflects transformation, family, and the enduring spirit of freedom at the heart of jazz.

Throughout his career, Corcoran has performed with some of the genre’s most celebrated artists, including a notable tenure with Kenny Garrett. This new project captures the essence of those experiences while weaving in his own life journey since his 2018 debut The Mecca.

We also explore his path from New York City to Washington and now to Phoenix, along with the evolution of his sound and perspective since we last spoke in 2018.

In this conversation, we cover:

The making of Freedom of Art
Personal growth and transformation through music
Life experiences shaping his compositions
The meaning of freedom in jazz today
Touring, collaboration, and creative evolution

Dig this deep and inspiring jazz conversation.

🎶 Get the album:
https://outsideinmusic.bandcamp.com/album/freedom-of-art

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