Kansas City Jazz Singer, Songwriter, Flautist and Motivational Speaker Bukeka Blakemore

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City Jazz Singer, Songwriter, Flautist and Motivational Speaker Bukeka Blakemore .. She opened up with Neon Jazz about a great many things going on in her busy life .. She was born with the name Gretchen Elizabeth and at 6 she chose the name Bukeka - It means “adorned one” in the Xhosa language spoken in South Africa. In 2000 she released my first CD - called Bukeka and then in 2016 she released an EP entitled Just Like the Phoenix. There is another in the works for 2019 and she is always spreading the message via music and speaking of hopefulness and optimism -

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christopher 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. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

NYC Jazz Pianist, Composer, Author and Teacher Lewis Porter

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC Jazz Pianist, Composer, Author and Teacher Lewis Porter ..  He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania then moved to Minneapolis as a baby and went to Atlanta and at 6 made his way to the Bronx – He talked about his latest 2019 CD Solo Piano and his very celebrated life in music that he discusses quite frequently as a frequent guest on radio (NPR, WNYC, WBGO, etc.), often quoted in print (NY Times, Star Ledger, etc.) and occasionally appears on TV and film .. Along with a Grammy Nomination and so many other accolades .. He was Jazz Talk moderator for 2006-9 at Jazz at Lincoln Center .. His first book was in 1985 about Lester Young and he is always busy in the studio, classroom and the world at large .. 

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christopher 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. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

North Carolina Writer, Radio Announcer & Educator Larry Reni Thomas

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Chapel Hill, North Carolina Writer, Radio Announcer & Educator Larry Thomas .. Over his long and esteemed carreer, he has worked at seven radio stations and whose journalistic work has appeared in downbeat magazine and The New York Times Magazine. His busy & colorful career has spanned close to three decades and is the author “The Lady Who Shot Lee Morgan,” an article that included an exclusive interview with North Carolina native, Helen Morgan, who killed the 33-year-old jazz trumpeter .. He’s full of wisdom, stories and truth ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christopher 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. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Jazz Bass Clarinetist Jason Stein

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Bass Clarinetist Jason Stein .. He talked abut his 2018 CD Jason Stein’s Locksmith Isidor – After Caroline – He was born in New York and went to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor - He then moved to Chicago in 2005 and has since been on the road quite a bit .. He’s performed throughout the US and Europe as both a bandleader and sideman and has amassed a discography of over 40 albums. He’s an interesting cat with great revelations .

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christopher 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. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

NYC-based Jazz Bassist Iris Ornig

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with New York City-based Jazz Bassist Iris Ornig  .. He opened up about her latest 2018 CD Storyteller ..These days she is one of the most original female voices on today's New York jazz scene and since her arrival in New York City in 2003 from Germany, she has played with the likes of Gretchen Parlato, Joel Frahm, Mike Rodriguez, Helen Sung, Marcus Gilmore,and many others .. She has performed at jazz clubs and festivals all over the United States, Europe and East Africa. Every Monday she is hosting the jam session at Jazz at Kitano - one of the best jazz clubs in New York City. So, get to know her 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 Christopher 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. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Jazz Public Relations Champion & The Owner of Two For the Show Media Chris DiGirolamo

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with a champion of jazz and the the owner of  Two for the Show Media Chris DiGirolamo  ..  He was born in Queens and these days is still New York City strong .. Giving the world jazz via his post as a publicist soliciting  journalists to write or broadcast stories about these great musicians .. During an engaging talk, we discussed how jazz is doing in 2019, his drumming habit, how he accidentally found his way into PR and so much more .. So, get to know him 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 Christopher 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. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Chicago Jazz Bassist Joe Policastro on Behalf of the Trio on 2019's CD Nothing Belongs Here

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Bassist Joe Policastro on behalf of his trio with Dave Miller on Guitar and Mikel Avery on Drums .. He spoke with Neon Jazz about his 2019 CD Nothing Here Belongs, a few recent trips to play at both the Green Lady Lounge and Black Dolphin in Kansas City and some 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 Christopher 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. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

NYC Jazz Singer Hilary Gardner

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Brooklyn-based Jazz Singer Hilary Gardner .. As a singer and writer in New York, she shares an August 22 birthday with Dorothy Parker and John Lee Hooker .. Her first gigs were in Wasilla, Alaska, where she sang Patsy Cline tunes in dive bars .. And much earlier on in her life, she could be caught singing along with records by Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae, Joni Mitchell, and Tom Waits .. Over the years, she’s had an interesting ride .. From living in Italy and Seattle then her move to NYC in 2003 .. She has recorded assorted commercial jingles, guested with Jeff Goldblum on the opening night of his run at the Café Carlyle, made a cameo on a Moby record and these days she is promoting her latest 2017 CD The Late Set ..

Click here to listen to the interview. 

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christopher 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. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Seattle-based saxophonist, Composer & Author Steve Treseler

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Veteran Jazz Saxophonist, Composer and Teacher Steve Treseler  .. He talked his latest CD .. a collaboration with the great Ingrid Jensen on Invisible Sounds: For Kenny Wheeler circa 2018 …He grew up in the in Seattle's grunge scene before moving to Boston and when he got there he would study with jazz legends Jerry Bergonzi, Bob Brookmeyer, George Garzone, and Steve Lacy – Along with the recording and performing, he teaches at Seattle Pacific University and over the years he has performed with jazz greats Bill Frisell, Dave Douglas, Bob Brookmeyer, Kenny Wheeler, Steve Swallow, George Garzone and has plenty of good stories .. So, get to know him 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 Christopher 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. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

New York City Jazz Pianist James Francies

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Painist James Framcies .. He was encouraged by his parents to learn and reveled in the rich Houstonian culture exploring the arts and gaining early exposure to music in church and through formal lessons at age 5. While assimilating the contemporary music of his peers, he also developed a distinct interest in jazz. At 22, he keeps moving forward. Since he’s been in NYC, he has toured and recorded with the likes of with Eric Harland, The Roots,  Jeff “Tain” Watts, Pat Metheny, Chris Potter, and fronts his own band, Kinetic.  These days he  can often be seen on  the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC with the Roots. He is currently promoting his recording his debut album for Blue Note Records with the 2018 CD Flight .. He talked about quite a bit ..

Click here to listen to the interview.

Neon Jazz is a radio program airing since 2011. Hosted by Joe Dimino and Engineered by John Christopher 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. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Legendary Jazz Drummer & Educator Ralph Peterson

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Veteran Jazz Drummer & Educator Ralph Peterson  .. He talked about his latest CD’s released in 2018 and what’s coming up in 2019 .. from both the studio and the road .. This cat from Pleasantville, NJ has enjoyed a very prolific recording career that began in 1985 with the fabled Blue Note label – with the house band, OTB (Out of the Blue) and for more then 30 years, he’s  been one of the distinctive and recognizable drummers in jazz playing with  Terence Blanchard, Branford Marsalis, David Murray, Roy Hargrove, Michael Brecker, Betty Carter and The Roots – and most importantly .. being hand-picked by Art Blakey as the second drummer in the legendary bandleader’s Jazz Messenger Big Band until Blakey’s 1990 death. He talked about this legendary career run, what’s next, his ability to defy the mortality odds 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 Christopher 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. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Director of Choral Activities at the Kansas City Kansas Community College John Stafford

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with The Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at the Kansas City Kansas Community College John Stafford .. He is the leader of The Standard - an award-winning vocal jazz ensemble .. In December 2018, the ensemble released their first full-length album, entitled Feelin’ Good. Group members have won three Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards and been invited performed at the national conferences.. We spoke about the group, this album 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 Christopher 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. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Multi-reed Composer and leader Brian Krock of the Brooklyn Jazz Collective Big Heart Machine

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Multi-reed Composer and leader Brian Krock of the Brooklyn Jazz Collective Big Heart Machine .. He spoke about their latest 2018 CD - Big Heart Machine .. Their debut album- produced by multi-Grammy nominated composer and bandleader Darcy James Argue featuring a vast range of music that explores the intersection of jazz improvisation, contemporary composition, and heavy metal aesthetics – He also got into the roots of this 18 Brooklyn-based musicians .. He is originally from Chicago and has spent some time in Kansas City .. he talks about all of that, the future of the band and so much more..  So, get to know him, this band 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 Christopher 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. Listen to KCXL on Tunein Radio at http://tunein.com/radio/Neon-Jazz-With-Joe-Dimino-p381685/. You can now catch Neon Jazz on KOJH 104.7 FM out of the Mutual Musicians Foundation from Noon - 1 p.m. CST Monday-Friday at https://www.kojhfm.org/. For all things Neon Jazz, visit http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/