Sunday, June 7, 2026

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:
Jacob Gurevitsch Official Website

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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Storytelling Expert Ana Denis Discusses Communication & Midlife Transformation

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with storytelling and communication expert, author, speaker, TEDx organizer, and YouTuber Ana Denis.

With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, sales, communication, and leadership development, Ana helps professionals and leaders communicate who they are with clarity and confidence, especially during times of transition and change. Her work is built on a simple but powerful belief: human connection matters more than tools, platforms, or algorithms.

Ana is the author of Reinvento, a powerful exploration of reinvention inspired by more than 100 interviews with women around the world. The book examines both the emotional and practical realities of redefining identity, discovering purpose, and creating a meaningful career in midlife.

In addition to her coaching and speaking work, Ana co-organizes TEDxTheHague and mentors entrepreneurs and professionals globally through Female Ventures. Her journey—from leaving Russia to building a new life and career abroad—has shaped her passion for helping others find their voice, tell their stories, and embrace change with courage.

In this conversation, we discuss storytelling, communication, leadership, personal branding, career transitions, identity, entrepreneurship, TEDx, women's empowerment, midlife reinvention, public speaking, and the power of authentic human connection.

Learn more about Ana:
Ana Denis Official Website

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Former NYC Firefighter Brian Williams on Protecting Young Football Players & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with inventor, former NYC firefighter, safety professional, and sports safety advocate Brian Williams.

After spending more than four decades in safety-critical professions—including construction, firefighting, and private security—Brian turned his attention to one of the most serious challenges in youth sports: catastrophic head and cervical spine injuries in tackle football.

Motivated by the tragic deaths and life-altering injuries suffered by young athletes, Brian dedicated years to developing a patented football safety system designed to address injuries that traditional helmets cannot prevent. His innovative protection technology was validated through NASA-related testing methodologies and represents a different approach to player safety, focusing on mechanisms that contribute to severe head and neck trauma.

In this compelling conversation, we discuss football safety, youth sports, concussion awareness, cervical spine injuries, sports innovation, athlete protection, product development, and the challenges of bringing new safety technologies to market. Brian also shares why he believes the sports equipment industry has been slow to adopt innovations that could potentially improve player safety and what parents should know when evaluating protective equipment for young athletes.

This is a fascinating discussion about innovation, persistence, safety, and the future of contact sports.

Learn more about Brian's work:
Tri-Axis Protection System Official Website

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Thursday, June 4, 2026

Therapist Andrew Parr on The Real You, Transformation & Lasting Change

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with UK-based therapist, trainer, author, and transformational coach Andrew Parr.

With more than 33 years of clinical practice and over 20,000 one-to-one client sessions, Andrew has devoted his career to understanding what creates lasting personal transformation. He is the author of the acclaimed book The Real You, published by Penguin Life, and has trained more than 500 practitioners in his innovative root-cause approach to emotional healing and personal growth.

Andrew believes that true transformation is not simply about managing symptoms or endlessly analyzing problems. Instead, it involves recognizing and releasing the invisible conditioning that shapes our beliefs, behaviors, emotions, and sense of identity. His work helps people understand why they remain stuck despite years of therapy, self-help programs, or personal development efforts—and what actually creates lasting change.

In this conversation, we discuss emotional healing, personal transformation, mental well-being, self-awareness, human behavior, therapy, coaching, psychology, personal growth, and the deeper causes behind the challenges many people face. We also explore Andrew's fascinating life journey, from early dreams of becoming a rock star to helping thousands of people transform their lives.

Learn more about Andrew Parr:
Andrew Parr Official Website

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