Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Eki Shola's Journey from London to Japan to Jazz | The Making of Kaeru

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring San Francisco-based independent jazz artist, vocalist, composer, and recording artist Eki Shola.

In this episode, we discuss her captivating 2024 album Kaeru and the remarkable life experiences that have shaped her music and artistic vision.

Recorded primarily in Japan with an exceptional group of local musicians, Kaeru represents Eki's fifth album and continues her unique blend of jazz, global influences, storytelling, and deeply personal expression. The project reflects both her musical curiosity and her ability to transform life's challenges into meaningful art.

Born in London to Jamaican parents and raised in a musical family, Eki later emigrated to the United States in 1987. Her path as a recording artist gained momentum in 2016 when personal grief inspired the release of her debut album, Final Beginning. The following year, after surviving the devastating 2017 Sonoma County wildfires, she found an even deeper commitment to creating music that speaks to healing, resilience, and transformation.

We discuss Kaeru, recording in Japan, creativity, overcoming adversity, artistic evolution, independent music, jazz influences, and the experiences that continue to shape her journey.

This is a fascinating conversation with a truly original voice in contemporary independent jazz.

Get the album:
Kaeru on Bandcamp

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Canadian Jazz Pianist Emie R Roussel Returns with TERR | From Pandemic to New Horizons

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Canadian jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader Emie R. Roussel.

In this episode, we catch up with Emie to discuss the beautiful and thought-provoking 2026 album TERR. Rooted in our shared humanity and collective history, TERR explores the connections that unite us while reflecting on both the strength and fragility of our place in the universe.

Moving through fertile soundscapes, dynamic rhythms, moments of reflection, and bursts of energy, the album creates a musical refuge where shadow and light coexist. It is a project that invites listeners to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with the world around them.

After more than 15 years of artistic collaboration, the Emie R. Roussel Trio unveils its sixth album, drawing from years of musical exploration, growth, and shared creative experiences. The trio continues to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz while maintaining the chemistry and trust that can only develop over time.

This interview is especially meaningful as Emie first joined Neon Jazz in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic. Six years later, we revisit her evolving artistic vision, discuss the making of TERR, the growth of the trio, composition, touring, creativity, and the ongoing journey of creating meaningful music.

Enjoy this conversation with one of Canada's most compelling contemporary jazz voices.

Get the album and learn more:
Emie R. Roussel Trio - TERR Information Page

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Trumpeter Ella Grace on her Debut Album Figments & Her Career in Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Chicago-based jazz trumpeter, composer, educator, and rising star Ella Grace.

In this episode, we discuss her remarkable debut album, Figments, released through Shifting Paradigm Records. The project features seven original contemporary jazz compositions that showcase Ella's distinctive voice as both a composer and bandleader.

Joining her on the album is an exceptional cast of young Chicago musicians, including drummer Jayden Richardson, bassist Marion Mallard, pianist Aval Stanley, saxophonist Garret Munz, and vocalist Julia Danielle.

Originally emerging from the vibrant Twin Cities jazz scene, Ella relocated to Chicago in 2021 to pursue Jazz Studies at DePaul University. Immersed in one of America's most exciting jazz communities, she quickly established herself as both a compelling bandleader and in-demand collaborator. Her growing reputation was recognized through her selection to the 2024 Chicago Music Scene Fellowship.

We discuss the inspiration behind Figments, the creative process, jazz education, original composition, Chicago's thriving music scene, and the exciting future ahead for one of jazz's emerging voices.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
Figments on Bandcamp

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Acclaimed Organist Larry Goldings Talks New Album, His Trio & a Life in the Jazz World

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz organist, composer, songwriter, and recording artist Larry Goldings.

In this episode, we discuss the highly anticipated 2026 album Rhombus, featuring Larry's legendary trio with guitarist Peter Bernstein and drummer Bill Stewart. After 35 years of musical collaboration, the trio continues to set the standard for modern organ jazz.

Scheduled for release on August 7, 2026 via Smoke Sessions Records, Rhombus showcases the chemistry, creativity, and deep musical connection that have made this ensemble one of the most respected groups in jazz. The trio will celebrate the release with performances at Smoke Jazz Club in New York City from August 19–23, 2026.

Widely praised by critics and fans alike, the trio has been recognized by The New York Times as one of the premier organ groups in contemporary jazz. Beyond his trio work, Larry Goldings has enjoyed a remarkable career collaborating with some of music's most influential artists, including James Taylor, Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, John Scofield, Maceo Parker, Jack DeJohnette, Jim Hall, Steve Gadd, and John Mayer.

We discuss the making of Rhombus, the longevity of the trio, organ jazz, touring, recording, collaboration, and a lifetime dedicated to musical excellence.

Dig this interview.

Listen to the album:
Rhombus on Bandcamp

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Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Jazz Bassist Shawn Lovato on His New Album Biotic & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Shawn Lovato.

In this episode, we discuss his acclaimed 2026 release, Biotic, a bold and imaginative project that redefines the possibilities of the chordless tenor trio.

Joining Shawn on the album are celebrated tenor saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and drummer Henry Mermer. Together, they create a sound that blends atmospheric textures, adventurous improvisation, punk-inspired energy, and deep jazz tradition.

Growing up outside New York City, Shawn's earliest influences came from punk, metal, and hip-hop rather than jazz. Those underground sounds helped shape his creative voice and ultimately informed his unique approach to improvised music. His path through jazz was unconventional, leading him to discover and reinterpret the legacy of chordless tenor ensembles through a modern lens.

We discuss the making of Biotic, composition, improvisation, musical influences, collaboration, jazz history, and the ongoing evolution of contemporary jazz.

Get the album:
Biotic on Bandcamp

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Dr. Michael Kosoy on The Ten Dimensions of Kabbalistic Biology, CDC & More

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with retired CDC research biologist, scientist, and author Dr. Michael Kosoy.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Kosoy worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), studying infectious diseases that emerge in nature and affect human populations. His research took him to more than 30 countries and spanned disciplines ranging from molecular genetics and microbiology to ecology and large-scale ecosystem analysis. Throughout his distinguished scientific career, he authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications that continue to influence research worldwide.

In this conversation, we explore his thought-provoking 2026 book, The Ten Dimensions of Kabbalistic Biology: A Scientist's Guide to Entering the Invisible World of Life. Drawing on decades of scientific investigation, Dr. Kosoy proposes that biology cannot be fully understood through observable data alone. He argues that unseen dimensions of life may play an important role in shaping health, disease, evolution, and ecosystems.

We discuss the intersections of science and philosophy, the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the limitations of conventional biological models, and the possibilities that emerge when scientific inquiry is combined with broader perspectives on life and nature.

From his base in Colorado, Dr. Kosoy shares a fascinating journey that bridges rigorous scientific research with profound questions about the invisible forces shaping our world.

Enjoy this compelling conversation.

Learn more:
https://www.kabbalahbiology.com/

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Black, Gay, Christian & Done Hiding with Shermain Melton | Success, Faith and Finding Your Voice

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, entrepreneur, speaker, and truth-teller Shermain Melton.

Shermain's story is one of resilience, faith, courage, and authenticity. Growing up surrounded by poverty, gun violence, and drug activity, he overcame extraordinary circumstances to become a self-made, debt-free millionaire. Along the way, he faced another profound challenge: reconciling his Christian faith with the reality of being a gay man in communities that often rejected him for living his truth.

For years, Shermain struggled with the feeling that he was being asked to choose between faith and authenticity. The journey cost him friendships, business opportunities, and acceptance in certain circles, but it ultimately led him to a deeper understanding of purpose, self-worth, and freedom.

As the author of The Loneliness of the Accomplished Black Man, Shermain explores success, identity, survivor's guilt, and the hidden struggles that often accompany achievement. Today, he encourages others to stop shrinking themselves to fit into spaces that were never designed for them and instead live boldly and authentically.

From his base in Phoenix, Arizona, we discuss faith, entrepreneurship, success, identity, resilience, personal growth, and the power of embracing who you truly are. This is an honest, moving, and inspiring conversation you won't want to miss.

More Shermain:
https://www.shermainmelton.com/

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