Vladimir Redzic Interview | First Time Around (2026) | Toronto & New York Jazz Guitarist Debut Album

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Toronto and New York-based jazz guitarist Vladimir Redzic.

On this episode, we dive into his impressive debut 2026 album, First Time Around, and explore the musical journey that led to this exciting first release as a bandleader.

Rooted in the jazz tradition while embracing a fresh, contemporary voice, First Time Around showcases Vladimir's expressive guitar playing, thoughtful compositions, and deep appreciation for musical conversation. The album features acclaimed pianist Steve Ash, whose masterful performances add depth, swing, and sophistication throughout the recording.

Originally of Serbian heritage and now splitting his time between Toronto and New York, Vladimir has developed a distinctive sound shaped by tradition, collaboration, and an unwavering love for jazz. His debut reflects years of dedication to the art form while introducing listeners to an exciting new voice on the international jazz scene.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of First Time Around, working with Steve Ash, the influence of his Serbian roots, the Toronto and New York jazz communities, improvisation, composition, guitar artistry, and his vision for the future.

If you enjoy straight-ahead jazz, modern guitar, creative improvisation, and discovering outstanding emerging artists, this interview is for you.

Get the album:
https://vladimirredzic.bandcamp.com/ 

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Joachim Horsley Interview | "Havana Prelude" (2026) | Latin Grammy Nominee Reimagines Rachmaninoff Through Cuban Music

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Los Angeles-based pianist, composer, producer, and Latin Grammy-nominated artist Joachim Horsley.

On this episode, we dive into his captivating new 2026 single, "Havana Prelude," the first release leading up to his highly anticipated new album arriving later in 2026. The recording marks the first time Joachim has reimagined the music of Sergei Rachmaninoff through the vibrant rhythms and traditions of Caribbean music, continuing his acclaimed mission of blending classical masterpieces with Afro-Caribbean musical languages.

Since a life-changing trip to Cuba in 2015, Joachim has developed a distinctive artistic voice that fuses classical music with Cuban, Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, and African traditions. His innovative arrangements breathe new life into iconic composers while honoring the rhythmic richness and cultural depth of the Caribbean.

Beyond the concert stage, Joachim has also built an impressive career composing and producing music for television, film, and media, creating a musical language that effortlessly bridges genres and audiences.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind "Havana Prelude," his creative process, the upcoming album, Cuban musical influences, reimagining classical music, composing for visual media, artistic evolution, and the lifelong pursuit of musical innovation.

If you love jazz, classical crossover, Afro-Cuban music, Latin jazz, world music, or groundbreaking musical collaborations, this is an interview you won't want to miss.

More from Joachim Horsley

• Spotify
• Official Music Video

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Phillip Golub Interview | Partisan Ship (2026) | Jazz Piano, Improvisation & Modern Composition

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Brooklyn-based jazz pianist, improviser, and composer Phillip Golub.

Phillip returns to Neon Jazz after our first conversation in April 2020 to discuss his compelling new 2026 album, Partisan Ship. Emerging from the transformative experiences of the past several years, the album is a deeply imaginative work that blends contemporary jazz, free improvisation, modern classical influences, and adventurous composition into a sound world that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant.

Partisan Ship is an extraordinary recording—systematic yet spontaneous, grounded yet otherworldly. Its intricate musical architecture invites listeners into an immersive landscape where improvisation and composition exist in constant dialogue.

In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind the album, the creative process, the striking visual artwork, the evolution of Phillip's musical voice since our first interview, the role of improvisation in modern jazz, life in America in 2026, and where contemporary creative music is headed next.

If you're passionate about modern jazz, experimental music, piano improvisation, avant-garde composition, and discovering today's most innovative artists, this is an interview you won't want to miss.

Get the album:
https://phillipgolub.bandcamp.com/album/partisan-ship-2 

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Jeff Cosgrove Interview | Two Jeffs (2026) | Veteran Jazz Drummer on Collaboration, Improvisation & New Music

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with veteran jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader Jeff Cosgrove.

On this episode, we discuss the launch of Two Jeffs, the first installment in an ambitious four-part digital album series scheduled for release over the next year. The project celebrates longtime friendships, creative partnerships, and the spirit of improvisation through a stellar ensemble featuring Jeff Lederer on saxophone, clarinet, flute, and vocals, Mark Lysher on bass, and Tom Teasley on percussion.

Unlike many jazz artists who settle in major music centers, Jeff has intentionally built his career away from cities like New York, drawing inspiration from quieter communities. After spending nearly two decades in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, he now calls Middletown, Maryland home—an environment that has profoundly shaped his musical philosophy, creativity, and approach to collaboration.

During our conversation, we explore the making of Two Jeffs, the power of long-term musical relationships, free improvisation, creative independence, composing outside the mainstream, rural life, and the evolving landscape of contemporary jazz.

For fans of adventurous jazz, creative improvisation, and thoughtful conversations with today's leading musicians, this is an interview you won't want to miss.

Learn more and get the album:
https://www.jeffcosgrovemusic.com/
https://motiansickness.bandcamp.com/album/two-jeffs

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Diana Fernandez Interview | YMU Studio, Free Music Education & Empowering the Next Generation of Artists

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Diana Fernandez, YMU Studio Manager and Internship Coordinator in Miami, Florida.

On this episode, we explore the inspiring work happening at YMU Studio, a one-of-a-kind multimedia recording studio that gives students across Miami-Dade County free access to professional music production, recording, and real-world music industry education.

As YMU Studio Manager, Diana oversees every step of the student recording experience—from studio sessions and production to electronic press kits (EPKs), music distribution, publishing rights, and industry internships. What makes the program truly unique is its student-first philosophy: YMU takes 0% of the revenue generated from student recordings, allowing students to retain full ownership and royalties of their music.

The studio's mission is to prepare aspiring musicians, producers, engineers, and creators for successful careers in the music industry by providing hands-on experience in a professional environment while removing financial barriers to access.

During our conversation, Diana discusses the vision behind YMU Studio, mentoring young artists, music education, artist development, internships, recording technology, the changing music business, empowering the next generation of creators, and why investing in young talent matters now more than ever.

If you're passionate about jazz, music education, recording studios, artist development, or the future of independent music, this is an inspiring conversation you won't want to miss.

Learn more about YMU Studio:
https://ymu.org/

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Loren Broaddus Interview | Blackout (2026) | Kansas City Jazz French Horn, Piano & Composition

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City-based jazz French horn player, pianist, composer, and improviser Loren Broaddus.

On this episode, we dive into his compelling 2026 album Blackout and explore his evolving musical journey in one of America's greatest jazz cities.

Originally from Springfield, Missouri, Loren began playing piano at age six before discovering the French horn at eleven. Since relocating to Kansas City in 2023, he has quickly become an active presence on the local jazz scene, performing at renowned venues including The Blue Room, Corvino, Vine Street Brewing Co., Westport Bowery, Homer's Coffee House, Urban Café, and The Shop Cigar Lounge.

As one of the few musicians leading with the French horn in modern jazz, Loren is committed to creating a deeply personal musical voice through improvisation, composition, and fearless artistic exploration. His latest album, Blackout, showcases that vision with original music that blends contemporary jazz, lyrical storytelling, inventive harmony, and expressive improvisation.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of Blackout, building a career in Kansas City's thriving jazz community, composing for French horn, balancing piano and horn performance, influences, creativity, improvisation, and the future of modern jazz.

Whether you're a fan of contemporary jazz, jazz composition, unique instrumental voices, or the Kansas City music scene, this is an inspiring conversation you won't want to miss.

Learn more about Loren Broaddus:
https://lorenbroaddus.my.canva.site/ 

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Sharada Shashidhar Interview | A Foot on the Ground (2026) | Jazz, Indian Classical & Experimental Music

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Los Angeles-based vocalist, composer, producer, and multidisciplinary artist Sharada Shashidhar.

On this episode, we dive into her captivating 2026 album A Foot on the Ground and explore her unique artistic journey through jazz, Indian classical music, experimental sound, and contemporary composition.

Released on Colorfield Records, A Foot on the Ground was recorded at Lucy's Meat Market Studio with engineer Pete Min and features an outstanding lineup of collaborators, including acclaimed pianist Benny Bock, Grammy-winning drummer Mark Guiliana, and saxophonist Devin Daniels.

Sharada's music blends the emotional depth of jazz with the rich traditions of Indian classical music, creating a distinctive sound that is both intimate and adventurous. As an active voice in the Los Angeles experimental jazz community, she has collaborated with a wide range of innovative artists and performed throughout the United States and Europe, continually pushing creative boundaries through improvisation, songwriting, and production.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind A Foot on the Ground, her compositional process, balancing tradition and innovation, recording the new album, life as an independent artist, the Los Angeles jazz scene, collaboration, improvisation, and the evolving landscape of modern jazz.

If you enjoy contemporary jazz, vocal improvisation, global influences, experimental music, or discovering groundbreaking new artists, this interview is for you.

Get the album:
https://sharadashashidhar.bandcamp.com/album/a-foot-on-the-ground 

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Todd Mosby & Jeff Weber Interview | American Heartland (2026) | Missouri-Inspired Jazz Masterpiece

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed St. Louis-based guitarist, composer, and recording artist Todd Mosby and Grammy Award-winning producer Jeff Weber.

On this episode, we take a deep dive into the ambitious and inspiring 2026 album American Heartland, a musical journey designed to capture the soul, spirit, beauty, and character of Missouri through a remarkable blend of contemporary jazz, folk, New Age, acoustic guitar, blues, and jazz-rock influences.

Created with a vision of assembling world-class musicians to tell a uniquely American story, American Heartland features an extraordinary cast of legendary performers, including Vinnie Colaiuta, Tom Scott, Leland Sklar, Luis Conte, and many others. The project was recorded primarily at the iconic Village Studios and mastered at the legendary Bernie Grundman Studios, ensuring world-class sound from start to finish.

The album also features the contributions of associate producer and score supervisor Michael Clark, helping shape a deeply cinematic and emotionally resonant listening experience that celebrates the landscapes, culture, and spirit of the American Midwest.

In this conversation, Todd and Jeff discuss the inspiration behind American Heartland, the creative process, working with elite musicians, recording sessions in Los Angeles, Missouri's musical legacy, contemporary instrumental music, jazz fusion, production techniques, and the power of music to tell regional stories.

This is a fascinating discussion about artistry, collaboration, and creating music that honors place, heritage, and human connection.

Get the album:
https://toddmosby.bandcamp.com/

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Adee Azrad Interview | Hypnosis, Subconscious Reprogramming, Neuroscience & Personal Transformation

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with transformational hypnotist, subconscious reprogramming expert, and founder of Braingazim, Adee Azrad.

Adee specializes in helping people identify and transform deeply rooted subconscious patterns that may influence confidence, relationships, emotional well-being, and personal growth. Through a combination of hypnosis, neuroscience-informed techniques, nervous system regulation, and subconscious reprogramming, she works with clients to examine limiting beliefs and develop healthier thought and behavior patterns.

After overcoming significant personal challenges in her own life, Adee became passionate about helping others reconnect with their inner strengths and create meaningful, lasting change. Her work blends modern neuroscience with practical approaches to mindset and self-development, offering individuals tools to better understand themselves and move forward with greater clarity and resilience.

In this conversation, we explore hypnosis, subconscious beliefs, emotional patterns, nervous system regulation, confidence, mindset, personal transformation, healing, self-awareness, resilience, and what it takes to create sustainable change from the inside out.

Whether you're interested in psychology, personal development, mindset, neuroscience, coaching, or hypnosis, this is a fascinating discussion filled with practical insights and inspiring stories.

Learn more about Adee Azrad and Braingazim:
https://braingazim.com/

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Ted Chubb Interview | Live at the Statuary – Jersey City (2026) | Jazz Trumpeter, Composer & Educator

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed New Jersey-based jazz trumpeter, composer, educator, and bandleader Ted Chubb.

On this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 live album, Live at the Statuary – Jersey City, and explore a remarkable career devoted to performance, education, and building a thriving jazz community.

For more than two decades, Ted Chubb has been a driving force in the Jersey City jazz scene. As a bandleader, composer, artistic director, educator at Princeton University, and co-owner of The Statuary, he has helped create a vibrant home for live jazz while mentoring the next generation of musicians.

Born in Ashtabula, Ohio, Ted grew up in a deeply musical family where piano-centered gatherings sparked his love for music. His artistic path was forever changed after discovering Miles Davis' 'Round About Midnight and Lee Morgan with Art Blakey on A Night in Tunisia. Those legendary recordings helped shape the melodic, bebop, and blues-rooted style that defines his playing today.

During our conversation, we discuss the making of Live at the Statuary – Jersey City, the importance of live performance, jazz education, building community through music, balancing teaching and performing, the influence of jazz legends, improvisation, and the enduring power of straight-ahead jazz.

If you love modern jazz, hard bop, live recordings, or discovering today's leading trumpet voices, this is an interview you won't want to miss.

Get the album and learn more:
http://www.tedchubb.com/

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Lisa Renee Pitts Interview | A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical Comes to Kansas City July 2026

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Lisa Renee Pitts, cast member of the hit Broadway national tour, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.

As the acclaimed production prepares for its Kansas City engagement at Starlight Theatre from July 7–12, 2026, Lisa shares her remarkable journey from her Brooklyn roots to performing in one of America's most celebrated musical productions. Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise tells the inspiring true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became one of the biggest recording artists and performers in music history.

Packed with timeless classics including "Sweet Caroline," "America," "Cracklin' Rosie," "Song Sung Blue," "I Am... I Said," and many more, the production celebrates the life, music, and enduring legacy of Neil Diamond through unforgettable performances and spectacular staging.

During our conversation, Lisa talks about joining the national touring cast, growing up in Brooklyn, meeting Neil Diamond after a performance, life on the road, performing for audiences across America, bringing the show to Kansas City, and what makes this musical resonate with fans of every generation.

Recorded while the tour was making a stop in Hershey, Pennsylvania, this interview offers an inside look at one of Broadway's biggest touring productions before it arrives in Kansas City.

Learn more about the musical:
https://abeautifulnoisethemusical.com/

Get Kansas City tickets at Starlight Theatre:
https://tickets.kcstarlight.com/beautiful-noise

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Doug Johnston Interview | Choosing Emotions, Lexicography, Psychology & Defining 272 Human Emotions

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, expert lexicographer, former corporate executive, litigation consulting expert, and world champion sailor Doug Johnston.

Doug joins us to discuss his groundbreaking book, Choosing Emotions, the culmination of nine years of interdisciplinary research into one of humanity's most enduring questions: What exactly are emotions?

Drawing from more than 3,000 years of recorded thought, Choosing Emotions presents the first comprehensive cross-disciplinary reference defining 272 everyday emotional states. The work synthesizes ideas from philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, science, literature, art, and spiritual traditions to create an entirely new way of understanding the emotional landscape of human experience.

Before becoming an author, Doug built a distinguished career in banking, private equity, and litigation consulting while also earning recognition as a world champion sailor. His unique background gives him a practical and analytical perspective on motivation, decision-making, communication, and emotional intelligence.

In this fascinating conversation, we explore the origins of Choosing Emotions, why emotional vocabulary matters, how language shapes human behavior, emotional intelligence, psychology, philosophy, neuroscience, personal growth, and what understanding emotions can teach us about ourselves and others.

Whether you're interested in psychology, leadership, self-improvement, communication, linguistics, or human behavior, this is a conversation filled with insight and practical wisdom.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the book and learn more:
https://choosingemotions.com/

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Andrew Ingkavet Interview | Former MTV VJ, Musicolor Method, Superpowers Through Music & Music Education

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with former MTV VJ, music education innovator, author, entrepreneur, and founder of the Musicolor Method, Andrew Ingkavet.

Andrew is the visionary behind a revolutionary approach to music education that has transformed the lives of thousands of children around the world. After beginning his career in music and television as an MTV VJ, he followed his passion by building one of the world's most innovative music education programs, helping children develop confidence, creativity, resilience, and lifelong learning skills through music.

His upcoming book, Superpowers Through Music, explores how music education goes far beyond learning an instrument. It demonstrates how music helps children build focus, emotional intelligence, problem-solving abilities, confidence, and the adaptability needed to thrive in today's rapidly changing world.

Andrew's work has been especially impactful for neurodivergent learners, homeschool families, and students who benefit from creative, personalized learning environments. Through the Musicolor Method, he has reimagined how music can become a powerful tool for cognitive development, emotional growth, and academic success.

In this conversation, we discuss his fascinating journey from aspiring rock star to MTV personality, the founding of the Musicolor Method, entrepreneurship, innovative education, child development, creativity, homeschooling, neurodiversity, leadership, and the lifelong impact of music.

This is an inspiring conversation for parents, educators, musicians, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in unlocking human potential through creativity.

Enjoy this interview.

Learn more about Andrew Ingkavet:
https://andrewingkavet.com/ 

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Jussi Lampela Interview | Common Ground (2026), Finnish Jazz Composer, Ambient Jazz & Electronica

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Finland-based composer, arranger, and bandleader Jussi Lampela.

On this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 album, Common Ground, an immersive musical journey that blends contemporary jazz, ambient music, and electronica into a rich and cinematic listening experience. The album showcases Lampela's unique compositional voice, seamlessly combining atmospheric textures, sophisticated jazz harmony, orchestral sensibilities, and modern production.

Known for his work across film, television, and the concert stage, Jussi has built an impressive career composing, orchestrating, and arranging music for ensembles of every size—from intimate duos to full symphony orchestras. His ability to move effortlessly between genres has made him one of Finland's most versatile and innovative musical creators.

During our conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind Common Ground, composing for jazz ensembles, writing for film and television, orchestration, arranging, the European jazz scene, ambient music, electronica, creativity, and how today's musical landscape encourages artists to blur traditional genre boundaries.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
https://jussilampelaensemble.bandcamp.com/album/common-ground

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Jaana Narsipur Interview | 2026 Album The Re-Collection, Reimagining '80s Pop Through Jazz & Her Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with India-born, New York City-based jazz vocalist Jaana Narsipur.

On this episode, we explore her captivating new 2026 album, The Re-Collection, a fresh and imaginative jazz interpretation of beloved 1980s pop classics. Featuring inspired arrangements of songs by Kate Bush, Eurythmics, Joe Jackson, and other iconic artists, Jaana transforms familiar favorites into sophisticated modern jazz performances filled with swing, improvisation, and emotional depth.

Following her acclaimed 2022 debut album, Better Than Anything, which showcased original arrangements honoring jazz legends Horace Silver and Bob Dorough, Jaana continues to establish herself as one of today's most inventive jazz vocalists.

Born in India and raised in the United States, Jaana's musical journey began at an early age, singing along to Simon & Garfunkel before embracing traditional Indian music with her family. During college in Chicago, she discovered jazz through jam sessions, immersing herself in the city's rich jazz tradition while developing her unique voice as an interpreter, arranger, and storyteller.

In this conversation, we discuss The Re-Collection, arranging pop music for jazz ensembles, vocal improvisation, the influence of Indian and American musical traditions, growing as an artist, the New York jazz scene, and her creative process.

If you enjoy vocal jazz, creative arrangements, contemporary jazz, or hearing classic pop songs transformed through the language of jazz, this episode is for you.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
https://jaananarsipur.bandcamp.com/ 

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Christian Dillingham Interview | Grammy-Winning Jazz Bassist on As It Relates to Now (2026)

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Grammy Award-winning jazz bassist, composer, educator, and bandleader Christian Dillingham.

On this episode, we discuss his outstanding 2026 release, As It Relates to Now, an album featuring eight original compositions performed by a stellar trio with acclaimed alto saxophonist Greg Ward and drummer Jeremy Cunningham. Together, they create a compelling musical landscape that moves effortlessly between groove-driven modern jazz, blues-infused expression, and adventurous improvisation.

A cornerstone of Chicago's vibrant creative music scene, Christian Dillingham has built an impressive career spanning both jazz and classical music. His artistry has led him to perform and record alongside some of today's most respected musicians, including Sean Jones, Jeff "Tain" Watts, John Legend, Peter Bernstein, Kevin Mahogany, Dee Alexander, Bobby Broom, and Mike Reed.

In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind As It Relates to Now, composing original music, improvisation, the evolution of Chicago jazz, collaboration, balancing jazz and classical traditions, life as a working musician, and where modern jazz is headed.

Whether you're a longtime jazz fan, bassist, student, or simply love discovering outstanding new music, this episode offers an inside look at one of today's most respected creative voices.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
https://shiftingparadigmrecords.bandcamp.com/album/as-it-relates-to-now 

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James McGowan Interview | Threads of Fate, 2026 Jazz Album, Greek Mythology & Large Ensemble Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Canadian jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader James McGowan.

On this episode, we explore his stunning new 2026 album Threads of Fate, the tenth recording as a leader and the third featuring the acclaimed James McGowan Ensemble (JME)—a dynamic 14-piece group that seamlessly blends horns, strings, and rhythm section into a cinematic modern jazz experience.

Building on the ambitious musical vision established with Reaching In (2023) and Reaching Out (2024), Threads of Fate takes listeners even deeper into narrative composition. Inspired by the timeless Greek myth of the Three Fates, the project was developed alongside KingDom Theatre as part of an innovative physical theatre production that premiered at Canada's National Arts Centre in Ottawa in 2025.

The album combines orchestral textures, contemporary jazz, dramatic storytelling, and expressive improvisation into a powerful artistic statement that bridges jazz, theater, mythology, and modern composition.

During our conversation, James discusses composing for large ensembles, collaborating across artistic disciplines, bringing mythology into contemporary jazz, leading a 14-piece ensemble, his creative process, Canadian jazz, and the evolution of one of today's most imaginative large-group composers.

Whether you're a fan of big band jazz, contemporary composition, orchestral jazz, or cinematic storytelling through music, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album and learn more:
https://jamesmcgowan.ca/threads_of_fate 

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Basya Schechter Interview | Songs of Desire, Pharaoh's Daughter, John Zorn's Tzadik & Global Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed New York-based vocalist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and bandleader Basya Schechter of Pharaoh's Daughter.

On this episode, we dive into her remarkable 2026 album Songs of Desire, released on John Zorn's legendary Tzadik Records. More than an album, Songs of Desire is the culmination of an extraordinary 18-year creative journey that transforms the biblical Song of Songs into a deeply personal exploration of sacred love, longing, spirituality, and cross-cultural musical expression.

Known for her pioneering work at the crossroads of Jewish music, world music, jazz, experimental composition, and global traditions, Basya has spent decades creating music that transcends genres and borders. On Songs of Desire, she blends Hebrew, Arabic, Yiddish, French, Spanish, and English lyrics with jazz-informed improvisation, Middle Eastern influences, devotional music, avant-garde composition, and deeply emotional storytelling.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind the album, the long creative process, working with Tzadik Records, John Zorn's influence, Jewish musical traditions, global music, improvisation, songwriting, spirituality, travel, and the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music.

This is a fascinating conversation about artistic courage, cultural connection, sacred expression, and one of the most ambitious releases of 2026.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
https://pharaohsdaughterband.bandcamp.com/album/songs-of-desire

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Erica von Kleist Interview | Picc Pocket, Piccolo Flute Jazz, New 2026 Album & Modern Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz multi-instrumentalist, composer, educator, and bandleader Erica von Kleist.

On this episode, we dive into her groundbreaking 2026 album Picc Pocket, an innovative recording that boldly places the piccolo flute front and center in a modern straight-ahead jazz setting. While the piccolo has occasionally appeared in jazz history, it has rarely served as the primary voice of a small ensemble. With Picc Pocket, Erica expands that tradition, presenting an exciting collection of original, high-energy compositions that showcase the instrument's expressive range, technical brilliance, and lyrical beauty.

Known for her versatility as a saxophonist, flutist, piccolo specialist, composer, arranger, and educator, Erica continues pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz while remaining deeply rooted in the tradition. Picc Pocket demonstrates how imagination, exceptional musicianship, and fearless creativity can redefine an instrument's role in modern jazz.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind the album, composing for piccolo flute, jazz arranging, improvisation, education, recording, performing, the evolution of today's jazz scene, and the creative process behind one of 2026's most unique jazz releases.

Whether you're a jazz musician, flutist, educator, or simply a fan of adventurous modern jazz, this conversation offers fascinating insights into artistry, innovation, and musical exploration.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album and learn more:
https://www.ericavonkleist.com/piccpocket

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Jai Roza Interview | Eden's Conflict Card Game, Faith, Creativity & Biblical Learning

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with designer, entrepreneur, and creator of Eden's Conflict, Jai Roza.

Jai is the founder of Eden's Conflict LLC, a company dedicated to making Scripture more engaging, interactive, and accessible through creativity and innovative educational tools. What began as a side project in 2016 has grown into his full-time mission: helping people deepen their understanding of God's Word through games, music, practical lessons, and other creative experiences.

At the heart of this vision is Eden's Conflict, a strategy-based card game designed to encourage players to engage with biblical themes, faith, and Scripture in a fresh and meaningful way. More than entertainment, the game seeks to inspire individuals and families to strengthen their faith while developing critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper appreciation of biblical teachings.

In this conversation, we discuss entrepreneurship, game design, Christian creativity, biblical education, faith-based innovation, business growth, storytelling, discipleship, family learning, and the journey of turning a passion project into a thriving business.

Jai also shares his vision for inspiring a new generation to discover purpose, wisdom, and creativity through the timeless principles found in Scripture.

This is a compelling conversation about faith, innovation, entrepreneurship, and using creativity to make learning both meaningful and memorable.

Enjoy this interview.

Learn more about Jai Roza and Eden's Conflict:
Eden's Conflict Official Website 

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