Saxophonist Paul Carlon Interview | Between Us Three (2026) | Modern Jazz, AI & Musical Connection

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz saxophonist and composer Paul Carlon, returning to the program to discuss his stellar 2026 trio album, Between Us Three!

We catch up with Paul for a wide-ranging conversation about the inspiration and hopes behind this new project, the art of making music in today's ever-changing world, and the importance of human creativity and connection. We also explore the growing presence of artificial intelligence in everyday life, the energy of live performances, and what it means to keep creating, collaborating, and moving forward as a musician in the modern era.

Paul brings thoughtful perspective and musical insight to a conversation that goes beyond the notes. It's always a pleasure to welcome him back to Neon Jazz, and this time we're diving deep into the ideas and artistry behind Between Us Three.

🎧 Get the album, Between Us Three:
https://trrstore.bandcamp.com/album/between-us-three

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Italy-born, NYC-based Musician Noe Socha: View From Inside | Guitar, Harmonica & Blues-Infused Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Italy-born, NYC-based guitarist and harmonica player Noe Socha. We get into his new 2026 album View From Inside and a stellar life in the world of music.

Originally from the small town of Carpi, Italy, Noe has developed a distinctive musical voice shaped by folk icons Bob Dylan and Neil Young, Delta blues legends Mississippi John Hurt, Muddy Waters, and Lightnin’ Hopkins, along with a touch of Jimi Hendrix-inspired fire. His signature sound blends fiery guitar technique, virtuosic harmonica playing, blues-rooted expression, and an adventurous musical spirit.

Over the years, Noe has toured, performed, and recorded with a wide range of artists, building a career defined by versatility, passion, and originality. He was also recently featured in a Netflix documentary from Norman’s Rare Guitars, bringing his musical journey and guitar artistry to an even wider audience.

We explore the inspiration behind View From Inside, his evolution as a guitarist and harmonica player, the musical influences that shaped his sound, his journey from Italy to New York City, and the experiences that have defined his life in music.

Discover more about Noe Socha:

http://www.noemusic.net/ 

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Ilaria Capalbo Interview | The Brightest Sun (2026) | Motherhood, Creativity & Experimental Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Stockholm-based Italian bassist and composer Ilaria Capalbo! We caught up with Ilaria to explore her new 2026 album, The Brightest Sun, her journey in music, and the life experiences that shaped this deeply personal project.

Inspired by the transformative experience of motherhood, The Brightest Sun emerged from fragmented composing sessions while Ilaria was expecting her child and during the early days of motherhood. The result is music with an experimental, exploratory quality, reflecting a creative process shaped by change, discovery, and a new perspective on life.

We discuss the inspiration behind the album, the realities of balancing motherhood and music, her evolving artistic voice, and the journey that brought this compelling new work to life. Join us for an engaging conversation about creativity, transformation, and the power of musical exploration.

🎧 Get the album, The Brightest Sun:
https://ilariacapalbo.bandcamp.com/album/the-brightest-sun

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Cheri Baugh Woods: Two Leukemia Battles, Faith & Miracles Still Happen | Inspirational Story

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series .. On this episode, we talk with faith-based speaker, leukemia survivor, and author of Win-Win: Miracles Still Happen, Cheri Baugh Woods. After facing two forms of leukemia, a bone marrow transplant, two brain surgeries, divorce, widowhood, and other life-changing challenges, Cheri has transformed her experiences into a message of hope, resilience, faith, and purpose.

Cheri brings a powerful perspective to life’s most difficult seasons. Her story is not simply about what she survived, but about the lessons she learned along the way and how those lessons can help others navigate their own struggles. Through honest conversation, personal stories, and practical takeaways, she encourages people to keep moving forward, trust God through uncertainty, and discover that their circumstances do not have to define their future.

We explore her remarkable journey, the role of faith in overcoming adversity, finding meaning amid uncertainty, building resilience through life’s toughest moments, and recognizing hope when the path forward seems unclear. Cheri’s message reminds us that even in the midst of profound challenges, new possibilities can emerge and miracles still happen.

Learn more about Cheri Baugh Woods, her book, and her inspirational work:
https://www.authorcheribaughwoods.com/

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Award-Winning Filmmaker & Storyteller Helix Wolfson on AI, Creativity & More

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series .. On this episode, we talk with award-winning filmmaker and AI storyteller Helix Wolfson about reinvention, emerging technology, creativity, and the evolving relationship between technology and humanity.

With more than 25 years of experience across film, brand content, the metaverse, and emerging technology, Helix has built a remarkable career at the intersection of innovation and human connection. He co-founded Infinite Reality, produced the official virtual Burning Man experience in 2020, and now creates AI-generated content for major brands, including a Hyundai commercial produced entirely with artificial intelligence. His work has helped shape campaigns for globally recognized names such as Google, Microsoft, BMW, Uber, AT&T, Toyota, and Burning Man.

But Helix’s story goes far beyond filmmaking and technology. Known for taking unconventional paths, he legally changed his name and ran for Mayor of Los Angeles as Paul E. Amori, the “Mayor of Love,” turning a political campaign into a broader conversation about connection, community, and possibility.

We explore his creative evolution, the future of AI-generated video and advertising, the opportunities and challenges of AI storytelling, the power of brand narratives, and how emerging technologies can create deeper human experiences. We also dig into the experiences, ideas, and unexpected turns that have shaped Helix’s fascinating journey.

Connect with Helix Wolfson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helixwolfson/?isSelfProfile=false
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helixalot/
Website: https://www.heliximagen.ai/helixwolfson

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Steve Rawlins: Word on the Street | Jazz Composer, Arranger & Pianist on His Remarkable Musical Journey

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Jazz Composer, Arranger & Pianist Steve Rawlins. We get into his new 2026 release, Word on the Street, and a remarkable life spent in the world of music.

After more than five decades composing, arranging, performing and helping other artists realize their musical visions, Steve Rawlins steps fully into the spotlight with Word on the Street. This vibrant ensemble recording brings together music from different chapters of his career while introducing fresh compositions shaped specifically for his wildly adventurous quintet.

Steve’s career spans an extraordinary range of musical experiences. He has arranged music for legendary recording artists including Smokey Robinson, Bette Midler and Chaka Khan. His work has also reached the stages of the Academy Awards and Emmy Award ceremonies, along with television productions including The Crazy Ones, 24 and Jeopardy!.

In this conversation, we explore Steve’s new album, his creative process, the evolution of his musical voice and the experiences that have shaped more than 50 years in the business. We dig into the art of jazz composition and arranging, working with celebrated artists, and finally bringing his own musical vision to the forefront with Word on the Street.

From a lifetime behind the scenes to a fresh chapter leading his own adventurous quintet, Steve Rawlins has a tremendous story to tell.

Enjoy this interview, celebrate a remarkable musical career, and discover the sounds of Word on the Street.

GET THE ALBUM & MORE: 
https://www.steverawlins.com/

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Drummer & Composer Phil Haynes on Terra, Ben Monder & a Lifetime in Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz drummer and composer Phil Haynes, discussing his 2026 album Terra and the creative journey behind it.

Since publishing his acclaimed 2023 memoir, Chasing the Masters, Phil has entered a prolific new chapter of his musical life. The writing process prompted him to revisit his past, reconnect with old friends, and reunite with longtime collaborators—including musicians he hadn't worked with in decades.

His new album, Terra, brings those threads together through a fresh musical collaboration that spans generations. Released on his own Corner Store Jazz imprint, the project features guitarist Ben Monder and revives a duo partnership that had been dormant for more than a quarter century.

In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind Terra, the lasting impact of musical relationships, the reflections sparked by Chasing the Masters, and how revisiting the past can open the door to new creative possibilities. We also dig into Phil's life as a drummer, composer, bandleader, and independent artist navigating an ever-evolving jazz landscape.

Terra is more than a new recording—it's a story of reconnection, musical discovery, and the enduring power of collaboration.

🎧 Get Phil Haynes' album Terra on Bandcamp:
https://philhaynesmusic.bandcamp.com/album/terra

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