Matt White Interview – Dolly (2026) | Jazz Trumpeter Reimagines Dolly Parton Songs

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with South Carolina-based jazz trumpeter, composer, educator, and cultural documenter Matt White.

In this episode, we dive into his captivating 2026 album Dolly, a self-produced recording that reimagines the timeless songs of Dolly Parton through the lens of modern jazz. The project bridges Southern musical traditions with adventurous improvisation, offering a fresh perspective on one of America's greatest songwriters while highlighting the enduring connection between jazz, folk, country, and Appalachian musical heritage.

Beyond the recording, Matt discusses his multifaceted career as Chair of Jazz Studies at the University of South Carolina, where he directs the acclaimed Left Bank Big Band, oversees the graduate jazz program, and teaches trumpet, improvisation, composition, and music technology. We also explore his passion for documenting Southern musical history and how that work informs his artistic voice.

In this interview, Matt discusses:

• The inspiration behind Dolly
• Reimagining Dolly Parton's songwriting through jazz
• Southern music traditions and cultural storytelling
• His work as a composer, trumpeter, and educator
• Directing the Left Bank Big Band
• Teaching the next generation of jazz musicians
• The evolving landscape of contemporary jazz

Whether you're a fan of jazz, Dolly Parton, American roots music, or innovative musical interpretations, this conversation offers fascinating insights into creativity, education, and the rich musical traditions of the American South.

Get the album:
https://mattwhitejazz.bandcamp.com/album/dolly

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Rebecca West Interview | Buffalo Nation Exhibit & Buffalo Bill Center of the West | Cody, Wyoming

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Rebecca West, Executive Director and CEO of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. Rebecca first arrived at the Center more than 30 years ago as an intern on a six-month assignment. Today, she leads one of America's premier cultural institutions, guiding a team of 67 full-time and more than 120 seasonal staff while overseeing an organization with a remarkable 107-year history rooted in the American West.

Our conversation centers on the Center's groundbreaking new two-year exhibition, "Buffalo Nation," an immersive experience celebrating the American buffalo—one of the few surviving mammals from the Ice Age. The exhibition explores the buffalo's powerful history, its near extinction, its inspiring recovery, and its enduring cultural, spiritual, and historical significance to Indigenous peoples and communities across North America.

Equal parts history, biology, conservation, and art, Buffalo Nation offers visitors an unforgettable look at one of America's most iconic animals. We also discuss the Buffalo Bill Center of the West's role as a Smithsonian Affiliate, its five world-class museums under one roof, and why it's considered one of the premier destinations in the American West, located just 50 miles from Yellowstone National Park's East Entrance.

In this interview, we discuss:

• Rebecca West's remarkable 30-year journey from intern to CEO
• The creation and vision behind the Buffalo Nation exhibition
• The cultural and historical importance of the American buffalo
• Indigenous perspectives and buffalo conservation
• The Buffalo Bill Center of the West's five museums
• The future of museums, education, and preserving Western history

Whether you're interested in American history, wildlife conservation, museums, Indigenous cultures, Yellowstone National Park, or the legacy of the American West, this conversation offers fascinating insights.

Learn more about Rebecca West and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West:
https://centerofthewest.org/about-us/rebecca-west/

Learn more about the Buffalo Nation exhibition:
https://centerofthewest.org/event/buffalo-nation-august-opening/

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Holman Alvarez Interview – Uarli’s Bones (2026) | Colombian Jazz Piano, Patricia Brennan, John Hébert

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with Colombian jazz pianist, composer, and visionary Holman Alvarez, discussing his stunning 2026 album Uarli’s Bones. This bold new recording blends mythology, memory, and contemporary jazz into a deeply expressive musical journey, featuring an all-star quartet with Patricia Brennan (vibraphone), John Hébert (bass), and Kate Gentile (drums).

Recorded at East Side Sound Studio in Manhattan on May 30, 2024, the album was engineered by Rocky Russo and mixed and mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Marc Urselli. Uarli’s Bones explores ancient narratives and modern tensions through adventurous improvisation, modal harmony, and fearless compositional freedom, creating one of the most compelling modern jazz releases of 2026.

In this conversation, Holman discusses:

• The inspiration behind Uarli’s Bones
• Bringing mythology and personal memory into jazz composition
• Collaborating with Patricia Brennan, John Hébert, and Kate Gentile
• His compositional philosophy and improvisational process
• The New York creative jazz scene
• The future of contemporary jazz

If you love adventurous jazz, modern composition, creative improvisation, and conversations with today's most innovative artists, this episode is for you.

Get the album here:
https://holmanalvarez.com/uarlis-bones/

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Kenny Dorham Biography | Robert Pallitto & John Melendez Interview | Whistle Stop (2026)

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring co-authors Robert Pallitto and John Melendez, discussing their acclaimed 2026 book, Whistle Stop: The Life of Kenny Dorham.

In this fascinating conversation, we take a deep dive into the first full-length biography of legendary jazz trumpeter Kenny Dorham—one of the most influential yet often overlooked architects of modern jazz. From his roots in rural Texas to the forefront of the bebop revolution, Dorham's remarkable story is finally given the depth and attention it deserves.

Political science professor Robert Pallitto joins forces with his son, John Melendez, to create a biography that combines meticulous historical research with a deep appreciation for jazz. Together, they trace Dorham's journey through the worlds of bebop, hard bop, and post-war American culture while exploring themes of artistic innovation, racial justice, resilience, and creativity.

The authors discuss Dorham's collaborations with jazz giants including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk, Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, and **Joe Henderson>, along with the lasting impact he had on the evolution of jazz.

If you love jazz history, bebop, biographies, American music, or stories about the pioneers who shaped modern jazz, this interview is essential viewing.

Get the book:
https://www.upress.state.ms.us/Books/W/Whistle-Stop

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Spike Wilner Interview & Tour | Inside NYC's New Jazz Cultural Club | Barry Harris Legacy Lives On

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed pianist, educator, jazz advocate, and club owner Spike Wilner.

In this special episode, Spike gives us an exclusive tour of Jazz Cultural, one of New York City's newest and most exciting jazz venues, located on legendary Restaurant Row just steps from Times Square. More than just a jazz club, Jazz Cultural is a vibrant performance space, community gathering place, and educational hub dedicated to preserving and advancing the rich tradition of jazz.

Inspired by the legendary Barry Harris and his beloved Jazz Cultural Theater, which operated in Chelsea during the 1980s and 1990s, Spike has created a venue that honors Harris' lifelong commitment to jazz education, mentorship, and artistic excellence. The club combines a welcoming café and bar with a state-of-the-art, 90-seat performance room where some of the world's finest jazz musicians perform in an intimate setting.

During our conversation, Spike shares the vision behind Jazz Cultural, the importance of keeping New York City's jazz tradition thriving, the influence of Barry Harris, the challenges and rewards of opening a new jazz venue, and why creating an affordable home for musicians and audiences matters now more than ever.

Whether you're a lifelong jazz fan, planning a trip to New York City, or simply curious about the future of live jazz, this interview offers a fascinating look inside one of the city's newest cultural landmarks.

Learn more about Spike Wilner & Jazz Cultural

🌐 Jazz Cultural
https://www.jazzcultural.com/

📰 JazzTimes Feature
https://www.jazztimes.com/reviews/live/new-jazz-club-jazzcultural-launches-in-new-york/

📘 Spike Wilner on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/spikewilner/

📸 Spike Wilner on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/spikewilner/ 

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Adam Rose Interview | Holler Serenade | Jazz Guitarist Blends Asheville Jam Band Energy with Modern Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with North Carolina-based jazz guitarist, composer, and educator Adam Rose.

In this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 album Holler Serenade, a bold recording that brings together Asheville's vibrant jam band spirit with the sophistication of straight-ahead jazz. Recorded live in a single day with minimal preparation, the album embraces spontaneity, groove, and musical interaction, capturing the excitement of musicians creating in the moment.

Built around dance-driven rhythms, adventurous improvisation, and melodic storytelling, Holler Serenade showcases Adam's unique musical voice—one shaped by more than 20 years of performing, teaching, and composing. Originally from Philadelphia, Adam refined his artistry during his years in New York City before settling in North Carolina, where Asheville's rich musical culture has become a major influence on his sound.

During our conversation, we discuss the making of Holler Serenade, the creative process behind recording live in the studio, jazz improvisation, groove-based composition, music education, the Asheville music scene, and the journey that has defined Adam's career.

If you love modern jazz, jazz guitar, jam bands, improvisation, and conversations with today's most creative musicians, this is an interview you won't want to miss.

Listen to Holler Serenade
https://music.apple.com/us/album/holler-serenade/6771455627 

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Kae Wagner Interview | Build Authority Through Books | Publishing, Thought Leadership & Author Marketing

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, entrepreneur, publisher, marketing strategist, and founder of The Bold Authors Network and The Bold Authors Book Agency, Kae Wagner.

Kae helps executives, entrepreneurs, consultants, coaches, and industry experts transform their knowledge into books that build authority, attract media attention, create speaking opportunities, and generate high-value clients. Her work goes beyond publishing—she helps professionals create complete thought-leadership platforms that elevate their visibility and influence.

As the founder of North Star Marketing, Kae has built a career spanning television production, advertising, strategic marketing, consulting, coaching, and publishing. Through The Bold Authors Network, she supports both fiction and nonfiction authors in promoting their books and growing their audiences. Through The Bold Authors Book Agency, she partners with executives and thought leaders to develop books that strengthen personal brands and accelerate business growth.

A bestselling fiction and nonfiction author herself, Kae brings firsthand publishing experience and practical marketing expertise to every client she serves.

In this conversation, we discuss book publishing, author branding, thought leadership, personal branding, book marketing, media strategy, entrepreneurship, business growth, speaking engagements, leadership, and why writing a book can become one of the most powerful business assets you own.

If you're an entrepreneur, executive, coach, consultant, aspiring author, or business owner looking to build credibility and grow your influence, this interview is packed with valuable insights.

Learn more about Kae Wagner & The Bold Authors Network
www.BoldAuthorsNetwork.com 
https://owntheinbox.club/

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