Thursday, March 31, 2016

Jazz Drummer Rob Garcia

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Drummer Rob Garcia .. Over the course of our conversation, we talked about his dad’s great jazz vinyl collection, growing up in Pelham, NY, seeing shows in Manhattan growing up, digging the drum work of The Who’s Keith Moon .. In 2016 he released a new album called ‘Finding Love in an oligarchy on a dying planet’ and that’s a great way of summing things up .. He has performed with big shots in the jazz world and been taught by some cats who logged a log of miles on their jazz journey ..Get to know Rob and dig this interview, my friends ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Jazz Pianist & Composer Jon Davis

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Pianist and Composer Jon Davis.. Over the course of our conversation, he spoke about a career full of projects and action .. In March of 2016 he is gearing up for a month in Russia and took some time to talk about his career .. From learning piano from Lenny Tristano – who was a neighbor as a kid – to attending the New England Conservatory of Music briefly – moving on to San Francisco in the 1980s, working with the great Jaco Pastorious, being a part of the venture "Brian Melvins Nightfood" featuring Bob Weir and many other tasty tales .. He spoke about a wide range of topics ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Jazz Flutist, Composer & Educator Andrea Brachfeld

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Talented Jazz Flutist, Composer and Educator Andrea Brachfeld. Over the course of our interview, she talked about growing up in New York and how she acquired a love of music .. Over her career, she has consistently been a favorite of the critics .. including her latest 2015 album Lotus Blossom .. She grew up getting expert flute instruction from the great Jimmy Heath, spent some time in Venezuela, plenty of years in the classroom and is now teaching the future students of jazz .. She has an interesting jazz story full of wisdom and good tales  ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Jazz Drummer, Composer & Educator Devin Gray

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Drummer, Composer and Educator Devin Gray.. These days he is living, playing and loving the jazz in New York City, but his journey began in the state of Maine .. From there, he has received incredible teaching over the years and has gone on to play in Europe and beyond .. He just released a new 2015 album called Relative Resonance and has other projects on the horizon .. He spoke candidly about his life in jazz, the cats he’s played with, why he loves jazz and much more ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Jazz Sax, Flute, Composer & Arranger Greg Abate

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Saxophonist, Flautist, Composer, and Arranger Greg Abate .. Over the course of our conversation,  we talked about a great number of things .. This Woonsocket, Rhode Island native was a part of the 2016 class inducted into the Rhode Island Hall of Fame .. This cat has had a very long and storied jazz existence .. He got educated at the Berklee College of Music and went on to become the lead alto in the Ray Charles Orchestra  .. He spends 225 days a year touring the globe and has played with many jazz cats over the years ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Monday, March 14, 2016

Kansas City Singer Jessica Paige

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City very own Singer Jessica Paige .. She is fresh off releasing her 2015 debut album Sweet Nothings .. She grew up on a farm in rural Kansas and has been singing her whole life .. Music is in her blood and Kansas City is her home .. and she loves it .. and the city is responding well .. She is very busy .. For the third time in 8 years she tried out for American Idol and talk about her most recent experience .. In early 2016 I caught her live at Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra led by Clint Ashlock as she mystifyed the crowd with her singing prowess .. She’s a local KC music gem that the world is discovering and for good reason ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Friday, March 11, 2016

NYC Jazz Singer Barbara Rosene

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Talented NYC  Jazz Singer Barbara Rosene .. Over the course of our interview,  she talked about spending some quality time in Kansas City playing at joints like the Green Lady Lounge and Jardines .. She grew up in a small town outside of Cleveland, Ohio and has gone on to become a star in the real of the 20s, 30s and 40s jazz world in New York City .. She talked about performing wi
th The Harry James Orchestra, Vince Giordano and The Nighthawks and taking her music to fans all over the world .. In addition to the jazz, she is a visual artist and gives lectures on The Tin Pan Alley composers and early women jazz singers – She’s full of wisdom, stories and surprises ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

KC Jazz Saxophonist & Educator Brett Jackson

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City Jazz Saxophonist and Educator Brett Jackson  ..  He grew up in North Newton, Kansas and made his way to Kansas City to make it his home in a very busy jazz scene .. These days is a part of Project H, the Boogaloo 7, the KC Jazz Orchestra, Vine Street Rumble and Clint Ashlock’s New Jazz Order .. He is also teaching the future jazz cats of the world at Kansas City Kansas
Community College .. He opened up about his jazz journey, his heroes, recordings on the horizon and much more ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Thursday, March 10, 2016

NYC Jazz Singer Nancy Harms

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Talented NYC  Jazz Singer Nancy Harms .. She spoke with me on tour from Rome, Italy about her new February 2016 release called Ellington at Nihgt .. and as history has shown, it’s another performance that has gotten some great reviews. Originally from Clara City, Minnesota, she left college to become an elementary school teacher, but several years later she went to Minneapolis/St. Paul to chase after her jazz dreams .. Over the course of our interview, she talked about this new album in length, why she loves to travel and much more  ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Danish Tenor Jazz Saxphonist & Educator Carsten Meinert

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Danish Jazz Tenor Saxophonist and Bandleader Carsten Meinert .. I caught wind of his album called To You .. it was originally released in 1968 and was just remastered and re-released to a wider world audience in 2015 .. And it’s an amazingly good jazz listen .. I caught up with Carsten in his home of Denmark and talked about this album and a great many things .. Including his friendship with American jazz cats from the 1960’s like Dexter Gordon .. He talked about his teaching, future projects, why he digs jazz and so much more ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

NYC Jazz French Horn Player & Composer Justin Mullens

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz French Horn Player and Composer Justin Mullens .. These days he is in New York City, but was raised in the bay area .. He’s gearing up to release a new album called Cornucopiad in March 2016 - Over the course of our interview, he discussed his influences, his life as a composer, why he digs jazz and much more ...

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Jazz Guitarist Alex Goodman

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Guitarist Alex Goodman .. Originally from Toronto, Canada, he is very active in the states these days and has a new album coming out in April 2016 called Border Crossing .. Over the course of our conversation, he talked about being the winner of both first prize and the Public's Choice Award at the 2014 Montreux Jazz Festival International Guitar Competition and working with cats like Charles Lloyd, Eric Harland, Gerald Clayton, along with why he loves jazz and what the future may just hold .. along with much more ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

KC Jazz Pianist Roger Wilder

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City jazz pianist Roger Wilder  - Over the course of our interview, we discussed his music roots with his family in Rochester, New York .. Getting a degree at the University of Miami and spending some time down there before coming back to New York .. From there, he made his way to Kansas City in 2000 and has been very active in a busy Kansas City scene .. We discussed new recordings of the horizon for 2016, why he loves jazz and much more ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

KC Jazz Clarinetist John Blegen

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City veteran jazz clarinetist John Blegen  - Over the course of our interview, he discussed his roots that began with Chicago .. Move on to Philadelphia .. and back to Chicago before coming here to Kansas City .. Over the years, he has survived a heart attack, played with the band in front of Wrigley Field, in places all over the country and today in a thriving Kansas City scene .. In 2014 after 7 decades on the planet, he realized his dream of putting out his first solo CD called This ‘n That .. and that’s exactly what we discussed in a very interesting hour of jazz and story ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Monday, March 7, 2016

NYC Jazz Sax, Composer & Author Walt Weiskopf

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC Jazz Saxophone Veteran, Composer and Author Walt Weiskopf  .. Over the course of our interview, we talked about his years of higher education at Rochester's Eastman School of Music before moving on to New York to perform with the Buddy Rich Big Band in 1981 at the age of 21 .. that led to a 14 year run with jazz pianist and arranger Toshiko Akiyoshi and profroming with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, and Steve Smith .. travelling the world and accumulating a sparkling jazz bio .. He is full of passion, wisdom and cool insights ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Jazz Guitarist Stanley Jordan

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz guitar Virtuoso Stanley Jordan .. His life in music began as a child with the piano and would eventually migrate to the guitar .. His unique approach to playing the instrunment was inspired by the work he put in on the keys .. Stanley is a very intelligent and gifted musician that has brought the world an incredible amount of good work .. He’s been to over 65 countries, on the Tonight Shows with both Johnny Carson and Jimmy Fallon and made a cameo on the big screen in the 1980’s Bruce Willis film Blind Date .. He just released a 2015 album with friend Kevin Eubank’s called Duets and has an excited album on the horizon for 2016 – Over the course of our conversation he spoke eloquently and freely about a very cool life lived .. and a dream realized ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Friday, March 4, 2016

NYC Jazz Saxophonist Donny McCaslin

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC-Jazz Sax Journeyman Donny McCaslin .. Over the course of our interview he touched on the whirlwind he has been going through in the wake of being on David Bowie’s final album – Blackstar .. but our focus was a long road that has been dedicated to the jazz craft .. It started in Santa Cruz, Calif
ornia and being inspired by his dad .. who played the jazz vibes .. and one particular cat in his band that played the sax .. He went on to the Berklee College of Music and would make New York City his home .. playing with the best like Maria Schneider and Dave Douglas .. he spoke candidly with Neon Jazz about his career, future and much more ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

NYC Jazz Saxophonist Russ Nolan - Live 2016 Album Reflections

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Tenor Saxophonist Russ Nolan .. Over the course of our conversation, we talked about his first ever live album released in 2016 called "Sanctuary from the Ordinary: Live at Firehouse 12" .. This album comes on the heels of five CD’s and getting all over both New York and the country giving fans his blend of jazz .. Russ is an accomplished modern day cat that is doing great work .. and this album is a must for any jazz fan out there .. We talked in depth about this recording, what has been going on lately and what is on the horizon ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Legendary Jazz Double Bassist & Composer Ron Carter

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with prolific legendary jazz Double Bassist Ron Carter  –  His long career has been full of originality and been quite prolific he hold a jazz record with more than 2,000 albums to his credit and he’s played with the finest to ever grace music .. cats like Tommy Flanagan, Gil Evans, Lena Horne, Bill Evans, B.B. King and was very influenced by time on the bandstand with Miles Davis and Eric Dolphy .. Over the course of our conversation, he discusses what has been going on lately, his teaching philosophy, his legacy and much more ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

KC Jazz Trombonist & Arranger Marcus Lewis

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City big band leader, trombonist and educator Marcus Lewis ..  His journey began in Augusta, Georgia, with a stop at the University of Nebraska for a Masters Degree .. then on to New York City to live his dream .. but, after his wife got a job offer in Kansas City, he came this way and has been here for 3 years .. Along with writing charts on a regular basis, he’s toured with Kansas City Kansas native Janelle Monae and has started a cool afterschool programs of jazz education for kids called Future Jazz .. He’s got a great jazz road etched and plans to keep it going on into the future ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christoper in Kansas City, Missouri giving listeners a journey into one of America's finest inventions. Take a listen on KCXL (102.9 FM / 1140 AM) out of Liberty, MO on Saturday Mornings from 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. and Sunday Mornings from 6:00 – 7:00 a.m. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/