Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC-based jazz tenor saxophonist Andrew Rathbun on his 2026 album Episodes.
For Episodes, Rathbun teams up with pianist Gary Versace, his longtime collaborator on several acclaimed SteepleChase sessions, for the first time as a duo. The result reveals a striking new dimension in their musical partnership.
The interplay between Rathbun and Versace is vivid, spontaneous, and deeply attuned. Versace favors linear, wriggling motion over conventional harmonic cushions, while Rathbun’s tenor saxophone improvisations unfold with narrative clarity, balancing modern jazz language with melodic focus. Together, they push into unfamiliar territory, creating music that feels exploratory, intimate, quietly daring, and completely alive.
In this Neon Jazz conversation, we dig into Episodes, the creative relationship between Andrew Rathbun and Gary Versace, improvisation, contemporary jazz, the New York jazz scene, and the ideas behind this inspired new duo recording.
Andrew Rathbun has been a regular around these parts, and it’s always a pleasure to dig into his music and creative journey.
🎧 Listen to Andrew Rathbun & Gary Versace – Episodes:
Listen to Episodes on Spotify
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