Friday, May 29, 2026

Philadelphia Jazz Bassist Peter Paulsen Talks TurksHeadKnot Quintet, New 2026 Album & Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with veteran Philadelphia-based jazz bassist, composer, and educator Peter Paulsen.

We caught up with Peter to discuss the new 2026 TurksHeadKnot Quintet album Would'a...Could'a...Should'a... along with his long and fascinating journey through the worlds of jazz performance, composition, and education.

The TurksHeadKnot Quintet has developed a distinctive musical identity by combining the discipline and structural precision of modern classical composition with the freedom, spontaneity, and expressive power of jazz improvisation. Their music creates a unique sonic landscape filled with adventurous interplay, sophisticated arrangements, and compelling original works.

The ensemble’s repertoire includes newly commissioned compositions along with imaginative arrangements drawn from a wide range of musical influences and traditions. Through this innovative approach, Peter Paulsen and the TurksHeadKnot Quintet continue pushing creative boundaries while maintaining deep roots in jazz artistry and collaboration.

In this interview, we discuss jazz bass, music education, composition, improvisation, modern jazz ensembles, classical influences in jazz, Philadelphia’s jazz scene, ensemble leadership, creativity, and the making of Would'a...Could'a...Should'a....

Peter reflects on decades of performing, teaching, composing, and helping shape future generations of musicians while continuing to evolve artistically himself.

We cover his entire ride. Dig this interview.

Get the album & more:
https://www.katesmithpromotions.com/artists/peter-paulsen/ 

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 

Executive Career Coach Alison Hemmings on Corporate Recruiting, LinkedIn & Executive Success

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Career Glow Up Coach for Executive Women and former corporate recruiter Alison Hemmings.

For more than 12 years, Alison has helped senior-level women land $150K to $300K executive roles in as little as 90 days — without relying on job boards. As the founder of Newo Executive Solutions Inc. and creator of the At Work Lately newsletter, Alison has become a trusted voice for ambitious professionals seeking real-world insight into modern corporate hiring.

With over a decade spent on the inside of corporate recruiting, Alison understands exactly how companies decide who gets interviews, who gets hired, and why so many qualified professionals get ghosted. Today, she teaches executive women how to position themselves strategically, build authentic visibility, strengthen their personal brand, and navigate the realities of leadership hiring with confidence.

Currently based in MedellĂ­n, Colombia as a digital nomad, Alison has built a global audience through her honest, direct approach to career coaching and executive leadership strategy. She also has a strong following on LinkedIn, where thousands follow her insights on hiring trends, career growth, leadership presence, networking, and executive visibility.

In this interview, we discuss executive recruiting, leadership coaching, corporate hiring, personal branding, LinkedIn strategy, women in leadership, career advancement, executive search, entrepreneurship, remote work, digital nomad life, confidence, networking, and the evolving modern workplace.

We cover the whole story. Enjoy this interview.

More Alison Hemmings:
https://alisonhemmings.com/

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


Executive Coach Steve Barton Talks The Game of Ten®, Leadership & Awareness

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with successful business owner, executive coach, author, and creator of The Game of Ten®, Steve Barton.

Steve has developed a powerful awareness-based framework designed to help leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-achievers operate with greater clarity, confidence, emotional intelligence, and purpose. Drawing from more than 47 years of real-world business experience, Steve understands both the practical and human side of success.

Over the course of his career, he successfully grew a company from $200,000 to $2 million in annual revenue while developing deep insights into leadership, mindset, decision-making, personal awareness, and sustainable performance. His coaching philosophy blends strategic business thinking with inner clarity, helping clients achieve not only financial growth but also stronger relationships, peace of mind, and a more meaningful life.

Steve’s work has even been presented to the Harvard Business School Case Study Team, and today he coaches executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders seeking higher levels of performance and fulfillment.

In this interview, we discuss executive coaching, leadership development, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurship, business growth, mindset, awareness, purpose, clarity, decision-making, personal transformation, and the inspiration behind The Game of Ten®. From his home base in Maine, Steve shares wisdom earned through decades of experience and reflection.

This is a conversation full of insight, perspective, and practical life lessons. Enjoy this interview.

More Steve Barton:
Steve Barton Coaching

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


Thursday, May 28, 2026

Jazz Organist Pat Bianchi Talks New 2026 Album Confluence & More

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz organist Pat Bianchi on his powerful new 2026 album Confluence.

We originally caught up with Pat back in 2018 following a memorable performance at The Blue Room in Kansas City, and now we reconnect in 2026 to dive into a thrilling new chapter in his musical journey.

Confluence is a high-energy organ trio recording that captures the raw immediacy and fearless creativity of three master musicians pushing themselves to the edge. Joined by two of New York City’s finest — saxophonist Troy Roberts and drummer Colin Stranahan — the album channels the spirit of a live performance with spontaneous interplay, deep groove, explosive improvisation, and modern jazz intensity.

Widely regarded as one of the leading jazz organists of his generation, Pat Bianchi continues carrying the rich Hammond B-3 tradition forward while adding his own contemporary voice and adventurous musical perspective. In this conversation, we discuss the making of Confluence, the evolution of organ jazz, live performances, touring, creativity, jazz in America in 2026, and the ongoing power of improvisation and connection through music.

This is a lively and insightful conversation with one of modern jazz’s most respected organists. Dig this interview.

Get the album:
Pat Bianchi Bandcamp - Confluence 

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 


Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Billy Sammons on Real Estate, Warm Marketing, Community & Entrepreneur Success

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with entrepreneur, marketer, real estate professional, and founder of Live Local Marketing, Billy Sammons.

Billy is the voice behind what he calls the “Warm Marketing” business lifestyle — a people-first approach to business growth centered on authentic relationships, local community connections, and long-term trust instead of cold leads and outdated sales tactics.

With more than 15 years of experience, Billy helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses through proven community-based strategies, including filming video commercials with local business owners, building strategic partnerships, strengthening visibility, and creating genuine relationships that lead to lasting clients. His mission is to help others replicate what works while saving valuable time and energy in the process.

In addition to marketing, Billy is also active in real estate and brings a dynamic entrepreneurial mindset shaped by years of experience, personal growth, and community engagement. Growing up, he dreamed of becoming an NBA player — a passion for competition and discipline that still influences the way he approaches business today.

From his home in the Washington D.C. area, we get into marketing, entrepreneurship, local business strategies, relationship building, branding, real estate, personal growth, networking, community leadership, and much more.

More Billy Sammons:
Live Local Warm Marketing

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


Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Former Google Sales Leader, Author & Coach Chris Woods Talks Courage & Leadership

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with certified professional coach, leadership expert, former Google sales leader, and author of Balls & Brains, Chris Woods.

His powerful book delivers a practical framework for living your best life by overcoming fear, maximizing strengths, and stepping beyond self-imposed limitations. Combining personal storytelling, psychological insight, leadership wisdom, and actionable exercises, Balls & Brains challenges readers to stop playing small and start leading with courage, clarity, and confidence.

Chris brings decades of real-world experience to the conversation as a four-time global C-suite executive and former sales leader at Google. His approach to coaching and leadership development focuses on helping individuals unlock their full potential, embrace discomfort, strengthen mindset, and create meaningful transformation in both life and business.

In this interview, we discuss personal growth, executive leadership, mindset, overcoming fear, confidence, coaching, emotional intelligence, success habits, business leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship, courage, self-awareness, and the inspiration behind Balls & Brains. From his home in South Carolina, Chris shares hard-earned wisdom, practical advice, and inspiring stories from his personal and professional journey.

This is an insightful conversation for entrepreneurs, executives, leaders, and anyone looking to live with more purpose and boldness. Enjoy this interview.

More Chris Woods:
https://chriswoodscoach.com/

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


Monday, May 25, 2026

Russian-Born, NYC Jazz Singer Anna Kolchina on 2026 Album & Her Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Russian-born, NYC-based jazz vocalist Anna Kolchina.

We caught up with this rising jazz vocalist to discuss her beautiful new 2026 album Reach for Tomorrow and her remarkable journey through the world of jazz music. Born in the Soviet Union nearly 18 hours from Moscow, Anna’s early life was shaped by a deep fascination with horses — symbols of strength, grace, movement, and poetic freedom that would later influence her artistic voice and musical expression.

Her path led through the music conservatory in St. Petersburg and eventually to Italy, where a life-changing meeting with legendary jazz vocalist Sheila Jordan encouraged her to pursue jazz more deeply and ultimately move to New York City. After releasing her debut album on the acclaimed Japanese Venus label with her Italian ensemble, Anna relocated to NYC in 2017 and has continued building an impressive international jazz career ever since.

Reach for Tomorrow showcases Anna Kolchina’s emotional depth, vocal sophistication, storytelling ability, and evolving artistry within the modern jazz landscape. In this interview, we discuss jazz vocals, improvisation, international jazz culture, artistic growth, moving to New York, musical mentorship, creativity, European jazz influences, and the inspiration behind her latest album.

Her journey and music are inspiring. Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
https://originarts.com/oa2/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=22247

Subscribe for more Neon Jazz interviews fe

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