Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring San Francisco-based independent jazz artist, vocalist, composer, and recording artist Eki Shola.

In this episode, we discuss her captivating 2024 album Kaeru and the remarkable life experiences that have shaped her music and artistic vision.

Recorded primarily in Japan with an exceptional group of local musicians, Kaeru represents Eki's fifth album and continues her unique blend of jazz, global influences, storytelling, and deeply personal expression. The project reflects both her musical curiosity and her ability to transform life's challenges into meaningful art.

Born in London to Jamaican parents and raised in a musical family, Eki later emigrated to the United States in 1987. Her path as a recording artist gained momentum in 2016 when personal grief inspired the release of her debut album, Final Beginning. The following year, after surviving the devastating 2017 Sonoma County wildfires, she found an even deeper commitment to creating music that speaks to healing, resilience, and transformation.

We discuss Kaeru, recording in Japan, creativity, overcoming adversity, artistic evolution, independent music, jazz influences, and the experiences that continue to shape her journey.

This is a fascinating conversation with a truly original voice in contemporary independent jazz.

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Kaeru on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Canadian jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader Emie R. Roussel.

In this episode, we catch up with Emie to discuss the beautiful and thought-provoking 2026 album TERR. Rooted in our shared humanity and collective history, TERR explores the connections that unite us while reflecting on both the strength and fragility of our place in the universe.

Moving through fertile soundscapes, dynamic rhythms, moments of reflection, and bursts of energy, the album creates a musical refuge where shadow and light coexist. It is a project that invites listeners to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with the world around them.

After more than 15 years of artistic collaboration, the Emie R. Roussel Trio unveils its sixth album, drawing from years of musical exploration, growth, and shared creative experiences. The trio continues to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz while maintaining the chemistry and trust that can only develop over time.

This interview is especially meaningful as Emie first joined Neon Jazz in 2020 during the early days of the pandemic. Six years later, we revisit her evolving artistic vision, discuss the making of TERR, the growth of the trio, composition, touring, creativity, and the ongoing journey of creating meaningful music.

Enjoy this conversation with one of Canada's most compelling contemporary jazz voices.

Get the album and learn more:
Emie R. Roussel Trio - TERR Information Page

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Chicago-based jazz trumpeter, composer, educator, and rising star Ella Grace.

In this episode, we discuss her remarkable debut album, Figments, released through Shifting Paradigm Records. The project features seven original contemporary jazz compositions that showcase Ella's distinctive voice as both a composer and bandleader.

Joining her on the album is an exceptional cast of young Chicago musicians, including drummer Jayden Richardson, bassist Marion Mallard, pianist Aval Stanley, saxophonist Garret Munz, and vocalist Julia Danielle.

Originally emerging from the vibrant Twin Cities jazz scene, Ella relocated to Chicago in 2021 to pursue Jazz Studies at DePaul University. Immersed in one of America's most exciting jazz communities, she quickly established herself as both a compelling bandleader and in-demand collaborator. Her growing reputation was recognized through her selection to the 2024 Chicago Music Scene Fellowship.

We discuss the inspiration behind Figments, the creative process, jazz education, original composition, Chicago's thriving music scene, and the exciting future ahead for one of jazz's emerging voices.

Enjoy this interview.

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Figments on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz organist, composer, songwriter, and recording artist Larry Goldings.

In this episode, we discuss the highly anticipated 2026 album Rhombus, featuring Larry's legendary trio with guitarist Peter Bernstein and drummer Bill Stewart. After 35 years of musical collaboration, the trio continues to set the standard for modern organ jazz.

Scheduled for release on August 7, 2026 via Smoke Sessions Records, Rhombus showcases the chemistry, creativity, and deep musical connection that have made this ensemble one of the most respected groups in jazz. The trio will celebrate the release with performances at Smoke Jazz Club in New York City from August 19–23, 2026.

Widely praised by critics and fans alike, the trio has been recognized by The New York Times as one of the premier organ groups in contemporary jazz. Beyond his trio work, Larry Goldings has enjoyed a remarkable career collaborating with some of music's most influential artists, including James Taylor, Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, John Scofield, Maceo Parker, Jack DeJohnette, Jim Hall, Steve Gadd, and John Mayer.

We discuss the making of Rhombus, the longevity of the trio, organ jazz, touring, recording, collaboration, and a lifetime dedicated to musical excellence.

Dig this interview.

Listen to the album:
Rhombus on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Shawn Lovato.

In this episode, we discuss his acclaimed 2026 release, Biotic, a bold and imaginative project that redefines the possibilities of the chordless tenor trio.

Joining Shawn on the album are celebrated tenor saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and drummer Henry Mermer. Together, they create a sound that blends atmospheric textures, adventurous improvisation, punk-inspired energy, and deep jazz tradition.

Growing up outside New York City, Shawn's earliest influences came from punk, metal, and hip-hop rather than jazz. Those underground sounds helped shape his creative voice and ultimately informed his unique approach to improvised music. His path through jazz was unconventional, leading him to discover and reinterpret the legacy of chordless tenor ensembles through a modern lens.

We discuss the making of Biotic, composition, improvisation, musical influences, collaboration, jazz history, and the ongoing evolution of contemporary jazz.

Get the album:
Biotic on Bandcamp

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