Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Jaana Narsipur Interview | The Re-Collection (2026), Reimagining '80s Pop Through Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with India-born, New York City-based jazz vocalist Jaana Narsipur.

On this episode, we explore her captivating new 2026 album, The Re-Collection, a fresh and imaginative jazz interpretation of beloved 1980s pop classics. Featuring inspired arrangements of songs by Kate Bush, Eurythmics, Joe Jackson, and other iconic artists, Jaana transforms familiar favorites into sophisticated modern jazz performances filled with swing, improvisation, and emotional depth.

Following her acclaimed 2022 debut album, Better Than Anything, which showcased original arrangements honoring jazz legends Horace Silver and Bob Dorough, Jaana continues to establish herself as one of today's most inventive jazz vocalists.

Born in India and raised in the United States, Jaana's musical journey began at an early age, singing along to Simon & Garfunkel before embracing traditional Indian music with her family. During college in Chicago, she discovered jazz through jam sessions, immersing herself in the city's rich jazz tradition while developing her unique voice as an interpreter, arranger, and storyteller.

In this conversation, we discuss The Re-Collection, arranging pop music for jazz ensembles, vocal improvisation, the influence of Indian and American musical traditions, growing as an artist, the New York jazz scene, and her creative process.

If you enjoy vocal jazz, creative arrangements, contemporary jazz, or hearing classic pop songs transformed through the language of jazz, this episode is for you.

Enjoy this interview!

Get the album:
https://jaananarsipur.bandcamp.com/

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/
Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc
Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

Christian Dillingham Interview | Grammy-Winning Jazz Bassist on As It Relates to Now (2026)

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Grammy Award-winning jazz bassist, composer, educator, and bandleader Christian Dillingham.

On this episode, we discuss his outstanding 2026 release, As It Relates to Now, an album featuring eight original compositions performed by a stellar trio with acclaimed alto saxophonist Greg Ward and drummer Jeremy Cunningham. Together, they create a compelling musical landscape that moves effortlessly between groove-driven modern jazz, blues-infused expression, and adventurous improvisation.

A cornerstone of Chicago's vibrant creative music scene, Christian Dillingham has built an impressive career spanning both jazz and classical music. His artistry has led him to perform and record alongside some of today's most respected musicians, including Sean Jones, Jeff "Tain" Watts, John Legend, Peter Bernstein, Kevin Mahogany, Dee Alexander, Bobby Broom, and Mike Reed.

In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind As It Relates to Now, composing original music, improvisation, the evolution of Chicago jazz, collaboration, balancing jazz and classical traditions, life as a working musician, and where modern jazz is headed.

Whether you're a longtime jazz fan, bassist, student, or simply love discovering outstanding new music, this episode offers an inside look at one of today's most respected creative voices.

Enjoy this interview!

Get the album:
https://shiftingparadigmrecords.bandcamp.com/album/as-it-relates-to-now

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

James McGowan Interview | Threads of Fate, 2026 Jazz Album, Greek Mythology & Large Ensemble Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Canadian jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader James McGowan.

On this episode, we explore his stunning new 2026 album Threads of Fate, the tenth recording as a leader and the third featuring the acclaimed James McGowan Ensemble (JME)—a dynamic 14-piece group that seamlessly blends horns, strings, and rhythm section into a cinematic modern jazz experience.

Building on the ambitious musical vision established with Reaching In (2023) and Reaching Out (2024), Threads of Fate takes listeners even deeper into narrative composition. Inspired by the timeless Greek myth of the Three Fates, the project was developed alongside KingDom Theatre as part of an innovative physical theatre production that premiered at Canada's National Arts Centre in Ottawa in 2025.

The album combines orchestral textures, contemporary jazz, dramatic storytelling, and expressive improvisation into a powerful artistic statement that bridges jazz, theater, mythology, and modern composition.

During our conversation, James discusses composing for large ensembles, collaborating across artistic disciplines, bringing mythology into contemporary jazz, leading a 14-piece ensemble, his creative process, Canadian jazz, and the evolution of one of today's most imaginative large-group composers.

Whether you're a fan of big band jazz, contemporary composition, orchestral jazz, or cinematic storytelling through music, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album and learn more:
https://jamesmcgowan.ca/threads_of_fate

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

Basya Schechter Interview | Songs of Desire, Pharaoh's Daughter, John Zorn's Tzadik & Global Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed New York-based vocalist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader Basya Schechter of Pharaoh's Daughter.

On this episode, we dive into her remarkable 2026 album Songs of Desire, released on John Zorn's legendary Tzadik Records. More than an album, Songs of Desire is the culmination of an extraordinary 18-year creative journey that transforms the biblical Song of Songs into a deeply personal exploration of sacred love, longing, spirituality, and cross-cultural musical expression.

Known for her pioneering work at the crossroads of Jewish music, world music, jazz, experimental composition, and global traditions, Basya has spent decades creating music that transcends genres and borders. On Songs of Desire, she blends Hebrew, Arabic, Yiddish, French, Spanish, and English lyrics with jazz-informed improvisation, Middle Eastern influences, devotional music, avant-garde composition, and deeply emotional storytelling.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind the album, the long creative process, working with Tzadik Records, John Zorn's influence, Jewish musical traditions, global music, improvisation, songwriting, spirituality, travel, and the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music.

This is a fascinating conversation about artistic courage, cultural connection, sacred expression, and one of the most ambitious releases of 2026.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
https://pharaohsdaughterband.bandcamp.com/album/songs-of-desire

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

Erica von Kleist Interview | Picc Pocket, Piccolo Flute Jazz, New 2026 Album & Modern Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, and bandleader Erica von Kleist.

On this episode, we dive into her groundbreaking 2026 album Picc Pocket, an innovative recording that boldly places the piccolo flute front and center in a modern straight-ahead jazz setting. While the piccolo has occasionally appeared in jazz history, it has rarely served as the primary voice of a small ensemble. With Picc Pocket, Erica expands that tradition, presenting an exciting collection of original, high-energy compositions that showcase the instrument's expressive range, technical brilliance, and lyrical beauty.

Known for her versatility as a saxophonist, flutist, piccolo specialist, composer, arranger, and educator, Erica continues pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz while remaining deeply rooted in the tradition. Picc Pocket demonstrates how imagination, exceptional musicianship, and fearless creativity can redefine an instrument's role in modern jazz.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind the album, composing for piccolo flute, jazz arranging, improvisation, education, recording, performing, the evolution of today's jazz scene, and the creative process behind one of 2026's most unique jazz releases.

Whether you're a jazz musician, flutist, educator, or simply a fan of adventurous modern jazz, this conversation offers fascinating insights into artistry, innovation, and musical exploration.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album and learn more:
https://www.ericavonkleist.com/piccpocket

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER

Jai Roza Interview | Eden's Conflict Card Game, Faith, Creativity & Biblical Learning

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with designer, entrepreneur, and creator of Eden's Conflict, Jai Roza.

Jai is the founder of Eden's Conflict LLC, a company dedicated to making Scripture more engaging, interactive, and accessible through creativity and innovative educational tools. What began as a side project in 2016 has grown into his full-time mission: helping people deepen their understanding of God's Word through games, music, practical lessons, and other creative experiences.

At the heart of this vision is Eden's Conflict, a strategy-based card game designed to encourage players to engage with biblical themes, faith, and Scripture in a fresh and meaningful way. More than entertainment, the game seeks to inspire individuals and families to strengthen their faith while developing critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper appreciation of biblical teachings.

In this conversation, we discuss entrepreneurship, game design, Christian creativity, biblical education, faith-based innovation, business growth, storytelling, discipleship, family learning, and the journey of turning a passion project into a thriving business.

Jai also shares his vision for inspiring a new generation to discover purpose, wisdom, and creativity through the timeless principles found in Scripture.

This is a compelling conversation about faith, innovation, entrepreneurship, and using creativity to make learning both meaningful and memorable.

Enjoy this interview.

Learn more about Jai Roza and Eden's Conflict:

Eden's Conflict Official Website

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Javier Llerena Interview | Leadership Development, Mental Fitness, Innovation & Positive Leadership

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with leadership development coach, keynote speaker, podcast host, and anti-human trafficking advocate Javier Llerena.

Javier is the founder of Re-Invent Consulting, where he helps leaders, executives, and organizations unlock higher levels of performance through leadership development, mental fitness, collaboration, and innovation. His work is especially focused on empowering middle-aged men and leadership teams to develop resilience, strengthen communication, and achieve sustainable success both professionally and personally.

As a certified facilitator and instructional designer, Javier combines practical leadership strategies with an energetic and engaging coaching style that has helped organizations dramatically improve teamwork, productivity, and workplace culture. His mission is to help leaders become more intentional, adaptable, and effective in today's rapidly changing world.

Beyond leadership coaching, Javier is a passionate advocate in the fight against human trafficking, using his platform to promote awareness, compassion, and meaningful action. A hybrid athlete and devoted fan of wire-haired dachshunds, he brings authenticity, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to service into every aspect of his work.

From his home in California, we discuss leadership, mental fitness, entrepreneurship, resilience, innovation, coaching, purpose, personal growth, advocacy, and the mindset required to build stronger organizations and healthier lives.

This is an inspiring conversation for leaders, entrepreneurs, coaches, and anyone looking to maximize their personal and professional potential.

Enjoy this interview.

Learn more about Javier Llerena:
Positive Leadership Academy Podcast

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b