Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino

Monday, June 8, 2026

Grammy-Winning Pianist John Novello Shares His Incredible Journey in Music, Writing & Metaphysics

Welcome to a special edition of Famous Interviews Meets Neon Jazz featuring Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist, composer, author, consultant, and visionary thinker John Novello.

In this fascinating conversation, we dive into the extraordinary life and career of John Novello, whose journey spans more than six decades at the highest levels of jazz, fusion, progressive rock, personal development, and transformational coaching.

John is widely known as the co-founder of the acclaimed jazz fusion and progressive rock trio Niacin, alongside legendary bassist Billy Sheehan and powerhouse drummer Dennis Chambers. Across nine albums, Niacin built an international following by blending jazz improvisation, rock energy, progressive music, and fusion virtuosity into a sound all their own.

Beyond music, John is also an Amazon bestselling author whose work explores consciousness, metaphysics, personal growth, creativity, and human potential. Through his books and consulting practice, he helps individuals discover greater alignment with their purpose, dreams, and authentic selves.

In this interview, we discuss his remarkable musical career, the evolution of Niacin, jazz fusion, improvisation, creativity, consciousness, spirituality, metaphysics, personal transformation, and the lessons learned from a lifetime dedicated to artistic and personal excellence.

John shares how the same inner awareness that fuels great improvisation can also guide a meaningful and fulfilling life. For him, the music was never just music—it was part of a larger journey of growth, discovery, and connection.

From his home base in Tennessee, John reflects on an incredible ride through music, life, and the pursuit of human potential.

Learn more about John Novello:

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Jo Blackwell on Confidence, Reinvention & Growing Older with Purpose

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with UK-based author, podcaster, content creator, and midlife advocate Jo Blackwell.

Jo is the author of Ageing Wonderfully Well: The Good News about Midlife and Growing Older and the creator of Midlife & Beyond, where she shares thoughtful and honest conversations about aging, identity, personal growth, and the opportunities that come with life's later chapters.

Through her podcast, newsletter, YouTube channel, and writing, Jo helps women over 50 navigate change, overcome uncertainty, and transform midlife challenges into renewed confidence, purpose, and possibility.

In this inspiring conversation, Jo shares her personal journey of feeling lost in her late forties and how she ultimately reinvented herself by becoming a portrait and brand photographer at age 48. Despite originally dreaming of a career in journalism, she never abandoned her creative ambitions and found a path that allowed her to thrive in a new stage of life.

Today, at 64, Jo is passionate about helping others embrace aging with optimism, authenticity, and self-belief. Her story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue new dreams, discover purpose, and create meaningful change.

In this interview, we discuss midlife reinvention, aging well, personal growth, women's empowerment, confidence, identity, career transitions, creativity, resilience, and finding joy in the second half of life.

Learn more about Jo:
Jo Blackwell Official Website

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Sunday, June 7, 2026

Philadelphia Vocalist Eddie Bruce Talks New Big Band Album For Dreamers and Their Dreams & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed Philadelphia-based jazz vocalist Eddie Bruce.

We caught up with Eddie to discuss his first full big band recording, For Dreamers and Their Dreams, a project that represents a major milestone in a career dedicated to great songs, great performances, and the timeless spirit of swing.

The album features the 17-piece Ed Vezinho and Jim Ward Big Band and showcases a collaboration built on decades of musical friendship, mutual respect, and shared artistic vision. The recording marks Eddie's first complete big band album and fulfills a longtime dream of bringing his vocal style together with the power and richness of a full jazz orchestra.

For years, Eddie balanced a successful career performing at weddings, special events, cabarets, and concert venues. Today, he is focused on projects that truly reflect his artistic passions. For Dreamers and Their Dreams captures that freedom, featuring classic interpretations, heartfelt storytelling, and arrangements crafted by longtime collaborator Ed Vezinho. The album includes beloved standards, fresh arrangements, and Eddie's original composition "Philly Is the City."

In this conversation, we discuss the making of the album, the chemistry of the band, the enduring appeal of the Great American Songbook, the evolution of his career, and why this chapter of his musical life feels especially rewarding.

This is a story about perseverance, passion, friendship, and the realization of a lifelong musical dream.

Get the album and learn more:
Eddie Bruce Official Website

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Jazz Saxophonist Pete Mills Talks New 2026 Album This Is Now & More

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Pete Mills.

We caught up with Pete to discuss his outstanding 2026 album, This Is Now, a recording that reunites a working group whose musical chemistry has been developing for more than two decades.

Joining Pete on this remarkable project are guitarist Pete McCann, bassist Martin Wind, drummer Matt Wilson, and pianist Kenny Banks Jr.. Together, they create a sound that is relaxed, conversational, swinging, and deeply rooted in the spirit of modern jazz.

In this interview, Pete discusses why This Is Now may be his strongest project to date, the unique chemistry shared by the ensemble, the importance of long-term musical relationships, and how trust and experience allow great improvisers to create music that feels effortless while remaining deeply expressive.

We also dive into his career as a saxophonist, composer, and performer, along with the creative process behind bringing this exceptional group together in the studio.

If you appreciate jazz that balances sophistication, groove, spontaneity, and musical communication, this conversation offers an inside look at one of today's accomplished jazz artists and a band that truly understands how to play together.

Get the album and learn more:
Pete Mills Official Website

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Danish Guitarist Jacob Gurevitsch Talks New Album Dream Catcher & Career in Music

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Danish-born guitarist, composer, and global musical storyteller Jacob Gurevitsch.

We caught up with Jacob to discuss his beautiful 2026 release, Dream Catcher, along with his fascinating musical journey, creative philosophy, and the wisdom gained through a lifetime of exploration, travel, and artistic discovery.

Over the years, Jacob has followed a uniquely international path, spending significant time living, learning, and absorbing culture in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. These experiences helped shape a distinctive musical voice that blends influences from Latin America, Europe, folk traditions, and contemporary instrumental music.

Though he studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Music, Jacob's artistic transformation accelerated in his late twenties when he became deeply drawn to the Spanish guitar. Immersing himself in the traditions of bolero and acoustic guitar music, he dedicated himself to rigorous daily practice on nylon-string guitar, laying the foundation for the sound that would later captivate audiences around the world.

In this conversation, we discuss Dream Catcher, songwriting, composition, cultural influences, travel, creativity, personal growth, the modern world, and how music can serve as a bridge between people, traditions, and experiences.

Jacob's story is one of curiosity, discipline, adventure, and artistic authenticity—a remarkable journey that continues to evolve with every new project.

Get the album and learn more:
https://jacobgurevitsch.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9BaAOUa2BqNqdJ1qOuS_Ng
https://www.instagram.com/jacobgurevitsch/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1h9GstBf9XSQT3jzZqt3vH?si=JrHH4CBBRt-TWymHqq6uNw
https://music.apple.com/dk/song/dream-catcher/1891100894

If you enjoy acoustic guitar, world music, instrumental music, Latin influences, creative storytelling, and conversations with inspiring artists, this interview is for you.

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Friday, June 5, 2026

Jazz Guitar Legend Bobby Broom Pays Tribute to the Late Sonny Rollins on Note of Thanks

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed Chicago-based jazz guitarist Bobby Broom.

We caught up with Bobby to discuss his moving 2026 release, Notes of Thanks, a heartfelt tribute to his mentor and jazz giant Sonny Rollins. The album reunites Bobby with longtime trio collaborators Dennis Carroll and Kobie Watkins as they explore and celebrate the rich musical legacy of one of the greatest artists in jazz history.

This conversation carries special significance following the passing of Sonny Rollins on May 25, 2026, at the age of 95. His influence on jazz is immeasurable, but for Bobby Broom it was also deeply personal. Bobby first performed with Rollins while still a student at New York's High School of Music and Art, appearing alongside the legendary saxophonist at Carnegie Hall. By the age of 20, he joined Rollins on the road and spent six formative years touring and learning from one of jazz's most revered masters.

In this interview, we discuss the making of Notes of Thanks, Sonny Rollins' enduring influence, mentorship in jazz, Bobby's remarkable career, the state of America, the evolution of jazz, and what continues to inspire him as an artist.

We first interviewed Bobby back in 2018, making this return conversation a powerful reflection on legacy, gratitude, and the ongoing impact of one of jazz's most important voices.

Get the album:
Notes of Thanks on Bandcamp

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Grammy-Nominated Bassist Stephan Crump Talks New Album Star Mountain & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Brooklyn-based, Grammy-nominated bassist, composer, bandleader, educator, and recording artist Stephan Crump.

Born in Memphis and based in Brooklyn since 1994, Stephan Crump has become one of the most respected and creative voices in contemporary jazz. As a bandleader, composer, and collaborator, he has released ten critically acclaimed albums while also contributing to numerous film scores and multidisciplinary artistic projects.

In this conversation, we discuss his acclaimed 2025 release, Star Mountain, along with his remarkable career in jazz, composition, improvisation, and creative music.

Over the years, Stephan has worked with an extraordinary range of artists, including Patti Austin, Gordon Gano, and members of the acclaimed band Portishead. He is also widely known for his longstanding role in the Vijay Iyer Trio and Sextet, helping shape some of the most influential jazz recordings and performances of the modern era.

Coming from a family rich in artistic tradition—including architects, sculptors, painters, musicians, storytellers, civic leaders, and craftsmen—Stephan brings a unique perspective to creativity, collaboration, and artistic expression.

In this interview, we explore Star Mountain, jazz composition, improvisation, collaboration, film scoring, artistic influences, creative process, and the lessons learned from decades at the forefront of contemporary music.

Get the album and learn more:
Stephan Crump Official Website

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