Neon Jazz Interviews

Boston-based Jazz Guitarist Matt Greenwood on the 2026 Album Daybreak

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with Boston-based jazz guitarist Matt Greenwood. We caught up with Matt to talk about his 2026 album, Daybreak, and his life in his new American home of Boston. Matt’s sophomore release builds on the artistic promise of his 2023 debut, Atlas, showcasing his growth as a composer and guitarist. The nine-track album blends modern jazz harmonies, subtle world-music influences, blues-rock guitar lines, and ambient cinematic soundscapes. In this interview, we discuss: The creative process behind Daybreak How his music has evolved since his debut album Touring and performing as a jazz guitarist His move from Toronto to Boston Influences from jazz, world music, blues, and ambient music 🎵 Listen to Daybreak on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/album/5Km1xgP0mLHQUuWo0zi2aM 🎙️ Subscribe for more jazz interviews, album insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from contemporary jazz artists. For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jazz Saxophonist Rob Scheps Talks About His New Book & May 2026 KC Show

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with acclaimed jazz saxophonist Rob Scheps. We caught up with Rob to discuss a busy and exciting 2026, including his upcoming Kansas City performance at Upcycle Piano Craft on Sunday May 17, 2026 with the Brad Gregory Sextet. Rob will be performing on soprano saxophone and flute, while also contributing original compositions to the set. We also dive into his brand-new book, “Rob Scheps: 30 More Original Compositions,” along with his recent travels across the United States and his continued impact on the modern jazz scene. This interview explores creativity, composition, life on the road, and the evolving world of jazz in 2026. 🎷 Learn more about Rob Scheps:https://www.robschepsmusic.com/ 🎹 Event Info – Upcycle Piano Craft (Kansas City):https://www.upcyclepianocraft.com/ 👉 Subscribe for more in-depth jazz interviews, artist stories, and live music insights from Neon Jazz. For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Francisco-based Jazz Trumpeter & Bandleader of the Lazy Californians Cameron Washington

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with San Francisco-based jazz trumpeter, composer, producer, and bandleader Cameron Washington of Lazy Californians. We caught up with Cameron to dive into his 2026 debut album Back to San Francisco, a high-energy project that blends the spirit of New Orleans jazz and brass band traditions with the vibrant pulse of San Francisco. Leading a dynamic nine-piece ensemble, Cameron brings bold arrangements, infectious rhythms, and a powerful sense of groove that captures the raw energy and charisma of live brass performance. Rooted in his New Orleans influences and shaped by his experiences on the West Coast, Back to San Francisco is both a celebration of tradition and a fresh, modern take on jazz. In this conversation, we explore his musical journey, influences, creative process, and the story behind this explosive debut. Dig this interview. 🎶 Get the album & more:https://www.lazycalifornians.com/ For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nolatet's Brian Haas on 2026's Somethin' to Relax With, Chet Baker & Spring Kansas City Show

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz pianist Brian Haas of the New Orleans band Nolatet. We dive deep into their latest 2026 album, Somethin’ to Relax With, exploring the laid-back vibes, swinging grooves, and the inspiration behind the music. Brian joins legendary musicians Mike Dillon (vibraphone), James Singleton (bass), and Johnny Vidacovich (drums) to discuss life on the road, the creative process, and the rich jazz history that influenced this project, including nods to Chet Baker. We also talk about their upcoming Kansas City show at Greenwood Social Hall on Saturday, April 11, 2026. If you love jazz, smooth grooves, and insightful artist interviews, this is a must-watch! 🎵 Get the album & support Nolatet:Somethin’ to Relax With on BandcampSomethin’ to Relax With at Royal Potato Family 🎷 See the show:Greenwood Social Hall Events For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rising Harlem Vocalist Alicia Waller on Debut Album Louder Then & Her Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with emerging Harlem-based jazz and soul vocalist Alicia Waller. We caught up with Alicia to dive into her debut album Louder Then, a dynamic project that blends jazz, soul, and R&B into a deeply expressive and modern sound. Co-produced by Marcos Varela—known for his work with the Mingus Big Band, Billy Hart, and Tyshawn Sorey—the album showcases Alicia’s evolution as an artist. Trained in opera’s bel canto tradition, she now channels that technique into vernacular Black American music, creating a lush, dreamlike vocal style paired with powerful contemporary soul energy. Following her 2020 EP Some Hidden Treasure, Alicia continues to carve out a compelling voice in today’s jazz landscape. In this conversation, we explore her journey, influences, creative process, and the making of Louder Then. Enjoy this powerful and soulful story. 🎶 Get the album & more:https://www.instagram.com/aliciawaller.music/ For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices