Vladimir Redzic Interview | First Time Around (2026) | Toronto & New York Jazz Guitarist Debut Album

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Toronto and New York-based jazz guitarist Vladimir Redzic.

On this episode, we dive into his impressive debut 2026 album, First Time Around, and explore the musical journey that led to this exciting first release as a bandleader.

Rooted in the jazz tradition while embracing a fresh, contemporary voice, First Time Around showcases Vladimir's expressive guitar playing, thoughtful compositions, and deep appreciation for musical conversation. The album features acclaimed pianist Steve Ash, whose masterful performances add depth, swing, and sophistication throughout the recording.

Originally of Serbian heritage and now splitting his time between Toronto and New York, Vladimir has developed a distinctive sound shaped by tradition, collaboration, and an unwavering love for jazz. His debut reflects years of dedication to the art form while introducing listeners to an exciting new voice on the international jazz scene.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of First Time Around, working with Steve Ash, the influence of his Serbian roots, the Toronto and New York jazz communities, improvisation, composition, guitar artistry, and his vision for the future.

If you enjoy straight-ahead jazz, modern guitar, creative improvisation, and discovering outstanding emerging artists, this interview is for you.

Get the album:
https://vladimirredzic.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  

Joachim Horsley Interview | "Havana Prelude" (2026) | Latin Grammy Nominee Reimagines Rachmaninoff Through Cuban Music

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Los Angeles-based pianist, composer, producer, and Latin Grammy-nominated artist Joachim Horsley.

On this episode, we dive into his captivating new 2026 single, "Havana Prelude," the first release leading up to his highly anticipated new album arriving later in 2026. The recording marks the first time Joachim has reimagined the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff through the vibrant rhythms and traditions of Caribbean music, continuing his acclaimed mission of blending classical masterpieces with Afro-Caribbean musical languages.

Since a life-changing trip to Cuba in 2015, Joachim has developed a distinctive artistic voice that fuses classical music with Cuban, Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, and African traditions. His innovative arrangements breathe new life into iconic composers while honoring the rhythmic richness and cultural depth of the Caribbean.

Beyond the concert stage, Joachim has also built an impressive career composing and producing music for television, film, and media, creating a musical language that effortlessly bridges genres and audiences.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind "Havana Prelude," his creative process, the upcoming album, Cuban musical influences, reimagining classical music, composing for visual media, artistic evolution, and the lifelong pursuit of musical innovation.

If you love jazz, classical crossover, Afro-Cuban music, Latin jazz, world music, or groundbreaking musical collaborations, this is an interview you won't want to miss.

More from Joachim Horsley

• Spotify
• Official Music Video

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  

Phillip Golub Interview | Partisan Ship (2026) | Jazz Piano, Improvisation & Modern Composition

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Brooklyn-based jazz pianist, improviser, and composer Phillip Golub.

Phillip returns to Neon Jazz after our first conversation in April 2020 to discuss his compelling new 2026 album, Partisan Ship. Emerging from the transformative experiences of the past several years, the album is a deeply imaginative work that blends contemporary jazz, free improvisation, modern classical influences, and adventurous composition into a sound world that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant.

Partisan Ship is an extraordinary recording—systematic yet spontaneous, grounded yet otherworldly. Its intricate musical architecture invites listeners into an immersive landscape where improvisation and composition exist in constant dialogue.

In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind the album, the creative process, the striking visual artwork, the evolution of Phillip's musical voice since our first interview, the role of improvisation in modern jazz, life in America in 2026, and where contemporary creative music is headed next.

If you're passionate about modern jazz, experimental music, piano improvisation, avant-garde composition, and discovering today's most innovative artists, this is an interview you won't want to miss.

Get the album:
https://phillipgolub.bandcamp.com/album/partisan-ship-2 

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  

Jeff Cosgrove Interview | Two Jeffs (2026) | Veteran Jazz Drummer on Collaboration, Improvisation & New Music

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with veteran jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader Jeff Cosgrove.

On this episode, we discuss the launch of Two Jeffs, the first installment in an ambitious four-part digital album series scheduled for release over the next year. The project celebrates longtime friendships, creative partnerships, and the spirit of improvisation through a stellar ensemble featuring Jeff Lederer on saxophone, clarinet, flute, and vocals, Mark Lysher on bass, and Tom Teasley on percussion.

Unlike many jazz artists who settle in major music centers, Jeff has intentionally built his career away from cities like New York, drawing inspiration from quieter communities. After spending nearly two decades in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, he now calls Middletown, Maryland home—an environment that has profoundly shaped his musical philosophy, creativity, and approach to collaboration.

During our conversation, we explore the making of Two Jeffs, the power of long-term musical relationships, free improvisation, creative independence, composing outside the mainstream, rural life, and the evolving landscape of contemporary jazz.

For fans of adventurous jazz, creative improvisation, and thoughtful conversations with today's leading musicians, this is an interview you won't want to miss.

Learn more and get the album:
https://www.jeffcosgrovemusic.com/
https://motiansickness.bandcamp.com/album/two-jeffs

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  

Diana Fernandez Interview | YMU Studio, Free Music Education & Empowering the Next Generation of Artists

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Diana Fernandez, YMU Studio Manager and Internship Coordinator in Miami, Florida.

On this episode, we explore the inspiring work happening at YMU Studio, a one-of-a-kind multimedia recording studio that gives students across Miami-Dade County free access to professional music production, recording, and real-world music industry education.

As YMU Studio Manager, Diana oversees every step of the student recording experience—from studio sessions and production to electronic press kits (EPKs), music distribution, publishing rights, and industry internships. What makes the program truly unique is its student-first philosophy: YMU takes 0% of the revenue generated from student recordings, allowing students to retain full ownership and royalties of their music.

The studio's mission is to prepare aspiring musicians, producers, engineers, and creators for successful careers in the music industry by providing hands-on experience in a professional environment while removing financial barriers to access.

During our conversation, Diana discusses the vision behind YMU Studio, mentoring young artists, music education, artist development, internships, recording technology, the changing music business, empowering the next generation of creators, and why investing in young talent matters now more than ever.

If you're passionate about jazz, music education, recording studios, artist development, or the future of independent music, this is an inspiring conversation you won't want to miss.

Learn more about YMU Studio:
https://ymu.org/

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  

Loren Broaddus Interview | Blackout (2026) | Kansas City Jazz French Horn, Piano & Composition

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City-based jazz French horn player, pianist, composer, and improviser Loren Broaddus.

On this episode, we dive into his compelling 2026 album Blackout and explore his evolving musical journey in one of America's greatest jazz cities.

Originally from Springfield, Missouri, Loren began playing piano at age six before discovering the French horn at eleven. Since relocating to Kansas City in 2023, he has quickly become an active presence on the local jazz scene, performing at renowned venues including The Blue Room, Corvino, Vine Street Brewing Co., Westport Bowery, Homer's Coffee House, Urban Café, and The Shop Cigar Lounge.

As one of the few musicians leading with the French horn in modern jazz, Loren is committed to creating a deeply personal musical voice through improvisation, composition, and fearless artistic exploration. His latest album, Blackout, showcases that vision with original music that blends contemporary jazz, lyrical storytelling, inventive harmony, and expressive improvisation.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of Blackout, building a career in Kansas City's thriving jazz community, composing for French horn, balancing piano and horn performance, influences, creativity, improvisation, and the future of modern jazz.

Whether you're a fan of contemporary jazz, jazz composition, unique instrumental voices, or the Kansas City music scene, this is an inspiring conversation you won't want to miss.

Learn more about Loren Broaddus:
https://lorenbroaddus.my.canva.site/ 

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 

Sharada Shashidhar Interview | A Foot on the Ground (2026) | Jazz, Indian Classical & Experimental Music

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Los Angeles-based vocalist, composer, producer, and multidisciplinary artist Sharada Shashidhar.

On this episode, we dive into her captivating 2026 album A Foot on the Ground and explore her unique artistic journey through jazz, Indian classical music, experimental sound, and contemporary composition.

Released on Colorfield Records, A Foot on the Ground was recorded at Lucy's Meat Market Studio with engineer Pete Min and features an outstanding lineup of collaborators, including acclaimed pianist Benny Bock, Grammy-winning drummer Mark Guiliana, and saxophonist Devin Daniels.

Sharada's music blends the emotional depth of jazz with the rich traditions of Indian classical music, creating a distinctive sound that is both intimate and adventurous. As an active voice in the Los Angeles experimental jazz community, she has collaborated with a wide range of innovative artists and performed throughout the United States and Europe, continually pushing creative boundaries through improvisation, songwriting, and production.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind A Foot on the Ground, her compositional process, balancing tradition and innovation, recording the new album, life as an independent artist, the Los Angeles jazz scene, collaboration, improvisation, and the evolving landscape of modern jazz.

If you enjoy contemporary jazz, vocal improvisation, global influences, experimental music, or discovering groundbreaking new artists, this interview is for you.

Get the album:
https://sharadashashidhar.bandcamp.com/album/a-foot-on-the-ground 

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