Jeff Lederer Interview | There’s a Yearnin’ (2026) Jazz Meets Dolphy & Ornette

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer Jeff Lederer about his 2026 album There’s a Yearnin’.

In a career defined by bold artistic choices, this project stands as one of his most ambitious statements — a powerful convergence of jazz and notated music that brings important, under-heard works back into the spotlight.

Released on his imprint Little (i) Music, the album features the first recording of a woodwind sextet by Eric Dolphy, a new realization of Ornette Coleman’s rarely performed Forms and Sounds, and newly arranged works by Oliver Nelson for winds and voice. The project is anchored by a newly rescored original composition from Lederer himself.

A key collaborator throughout the album is vocalist Mary LaRose, whose deep connection to Oliver Nelson’s music — including writing lyrics inspired by his themes and solos — helps reimagine these works in a fresh and compelling way.

In this conversation, we explore the creative process behind the album, the intersection of jazz and composition, and the importance of preserving and evolving musical legacies in today’s world.

👉 Get the album: https://www.littleimusic.com/

🎷 Neon Jazz brings you in-depth conversations with top jazz artists from around the world. 

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From Cellist to Coach | Kate Kayaian on Purpose & High Performance

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with podcaster, author, speaker, professional musician, and advisor to high achievers, Kate Kayaian.

A former professional cellist, Kate performed as a soloist, chamber musician, and recitalist in prestigious venues ranging from Boston’s Jordan Hall to leading European concert halls. Today, she helps accomplished professionals — including creatives, executives, educators, and entrepreneurs — redefine success on their own terms and build careers that feel as good as they look.

Through her coaching, the Creatives Leadership Academy, and her work with high performers, Kate focuses on clarity, confidence, and sustainable success without burnout. She is the author of Beyond Potential, a practical guide for navigating the next chapter of a high-achieving career, and the host of the podcast Tales from The Lane.

In this conversation, we explore the transition from elite performance to leadership coaching, the hidden challenges of success, and how to create a meaningful and balanced life. From her base in Bermuda, Kate shares powerful insights for anyone striving to lead and live with intention.

👉 Learn more about Kate: https://katekayaian.com/

🎙️ Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino features conversations with leaders, authors, artists, and innovators from around the world.

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James Lee Interview | Overcoming Learning Disabilities & New Beginnings

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author James Lee.

James shares his powerful journey of growing up with a learning disability that made school a difficult and often isolating experience. Misunderstood and overlooked at times, he faced challenges that shaped his perspective and resilience.

Today, he works as a home health worker and has turned his life experiences into inspiration through his book New Beginnings. His story is one of perseverance, growth, and finding purpose despite adversity.

In this conversation, we explore his early struggles, what he has learned along the way, and how he is using his voice to inspire others facing similar challenges.

👉 Get the book New Beginnings: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/new-beginnings2

🎙️ Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino features inspiring conversations with authors, leaders, and everyday people with extraordinary stories.

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Global Artist Kneet on Resilience, Creative Expression, Music, Identity & The Power of Voice

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with global independent artist, storyteller, and creative force Kneet (Nauvneet Sachdev).

Her work lives at the intersection of music, identity, resilience, and systemic justice. As a graduate student in developmental psychology, Kneet brings a unique depth to her artistry — blending pop, hip-hop, soul/R&B, and cinematic storytelling shaped by a life lived across cultures.

Her breakout single “RISE” reached #1 on Apple Music video charts and was featured on Times Square billboards, marking a major milestone in her independent career.

In this conversation, we explore music as survival, reclaiming voice, motherhood under pressure, and the deeper meaning behind creative expression. Kneet shares powerful insights on identity, storytelling, and using art as a force for truth and transformation.

👉 Learn more about Kneet: https://www.kneetmusic.com/

🎙️ Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino features inspiring conversations with artists, leaders, innovators, and changemakers from around the world.

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CEO Wisdom: Dave Berkus on Boards, Risk & Leadership | Investor in 200+ Companies

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with career entrepreneur, successful CEO, investor, and acclaimed author Dave Berkus.

Over an extraordinary career, Dave has served as CEO for 36 years and as a board member or chair for more than 30. He has invested in over 214 companies and sat on more than 40 boards, advising leadership teams through growth, risk, and critical transitions.

Those real-world experiences have shaped his perspective on executive decision-making — far beyond what is typically taught in business school.

His latest book, The Leader’s Toolkit, shares field-tested executive tactics and insights that matter in real boardrooms, helping leaders navigate complexity, make better decisions, and drive lasting success.

In this conversation, we explore his journey, lessons from decades of leadership, and the strategies that separate good leaders from great ones. From his base in Los Angeles, Dave shares powerful insights and stories from a lifetime in business.

👉 Learn more about Dave: https://berkus.com/

🎙️ Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino features conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, and innovators from around the world. 

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Pete Srodoski Interview | From Target Floor to CEO & Business Coach

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, business coach for founders, and former CEO/operator Pete Srodoski.

Pete’s leadership journey didn’t begin in a boardroom — it started on the floor at Target, working overnight shifts, unloading trucks, and navigating real-world challenges with customers and employees. That hands-on experience shaped his approach to leadership in ways no classroom ever could.

From those early days, Pete went on to become CEO of SCP Coldworks and later held COO roles at companies including Thrive, Publishing.com, Providence, Acre Vault, and TeamLogic IT. Along the way, he built a deep understanding of what it really takes to lead, grow, and succeed in business.

Today, he works with founders as a business coach, helping them navigate challenges, build stronger companies, and develop practical leadership skills rooted in real experience.

In this conversation, we cover his journey, lessons learned in the trenches, and what it truly means to lead in today’s business world.

👉 Learn more about Pete: https://rollwithpunch.com/

🎙️ Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino features conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, authors, and innovators from around the world.

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Alex Wilson & Omar Rios Interview | The Art of the Deep Connection (2026) & More

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed pianist Alex Wilson and guitarist Omar Rios about their 2026 album The Art of the Deep Connection.

This standout debut from an exceptional acoustic duo brings together Alex Wilson — a celebrated pianist, producer, and composer — with London-based Nicaraguan master guitarist and composer Omar Rios. The album features a rich blend of original compositions and creatively reimagined covers, infused with jazz, flamenco, and Latin American influences.

In this conversation, we dive into how they met, the chemistry behind their collaboration, and the creative process that shaped this deeply expressive project. Speaking from London and Switzerland, they share insights into their musical journey and the power of connection in music.

🎧 Listen to the album: https://musicconnection.lnk.to/AoDC
🎥 Official video: https://youtu.be/YbbHGjOhUFQ

📲 Follow the artists:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/omarriosguitarmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/alexwilsonpiano/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/alexwilsonmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/Obrimel17

🎷 Neon Jazz features in-depth conversations with top jazz artists from around the world.

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