Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Los Angeles-based jazz vocalist, songwriter, performer, and recording artist Sylvia Brooks.

In this episode, we dive into her sixth album, Soliloquy, and explore a remarkable creative journey shaped by music, acting, storytelling, and artistic expression.

Raised by parents who were both musicians and artists, Sylvia grew up immersed in a world of creativity and performance. That rich artistic foundation has informed a career marked by authenticity, elegance, and a deep commitment to meaningful storytelling through song.

On Soliloquy, Sylvia delivers a powerful collection of four jazz standards and four original compositions that explore the many dimensions of the human experience. The album examines life's joys, challenges, heartbreaks, triumphs, compassion, resilience, romance, and beauty through vivid lyrics and expressive performances.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind the album, songwriting, jazz vocals, acting, creativity, artistic growth, performance, and the lessons learned throughout her career in music and entertainment.

Sylvia shares insights into her creative process, her passion for connecting with audiences, and how personal experiences have shaped the emotional depth found throughout Soliloquy.

This is a thoughtful and engaging discussion for jazz fans, vocal music enthusiasts, songwriters, performers, and anyone who appreciates compelling storytelling through music.

Get the album and learn more:
Sylvia Brooks Official Website

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring married jazz collaborators, guitarist Al Schulman and vocalist Stacey Schulman.

In this episode, we dive into their thought-provoking new 2026 album, Crazy World, and explore their shared journey through music, creativity, collaboration, and life together.

Created during a period marked by cultural upheaval, rapid technological change, and uncertainty, Crazy World captures the feeling of living in an era where familiar foundations often seem to be shifting beneath our feet. Rather than offering easy answers, the album embraces the complexity of the modern moment—examining questions of truth, perception, authenticity, and human connection.

The project features an exceptional lineup of musicians, including legendary drummer Jeff Watts, bassist Corcoran Holt, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Dante Pope, and acclaimed pianist, arranger, and producer Gil Goldstein.

Beyond the music, we discuss how Al and Stacey first met, their evolution as artists and partners, the creative process behind the album, and the unique experience of building a musical life together.

This is an engaging conversation about jazz, relationships, artistic expression, collaboration, and finding meaning through music in a rapidly changing world.

Get the album:
Crazy World on Amazon Music

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist, songwriter, bandleader, entrepreneur, and former club owner Marcus Goldhaber.

In this episode, we discuss his outstanding 2026 album, The Promise of You, along with his fascinating journey through the world of jazz, performance, songwriting, and club ownership.

On his sixth recording as a leader, Marcus presents a compelling collection that balances original compositions with timeless jazz standards. The album reflects both artistic growth and a renewed commitment to music after an important chapter in his life as the founder and owner of Room 623, a beloved Harlem listening room that became known for intimate performances and a deep appreciation of jazz artistry.

While operating Room 623 was a labor of love, it also required Marcus to place much of his recording career on hold. After closing the club, he returned his focus fully to creating music, resulting in the heartfelt and sophisticated recordings found on The Promise of You.

Co-produced with acclaimed pianist Art Hirahara, the album features a stellar ensemble including bassist Michael O'Brien and drummer Alvester Garnett, along with special guest appearances from GRAMMY-nominated guitarist Paul Bollenback, saxophonist and clarinetist Jay Rattman, trumpeter Summer Camargo, and three-time GRAMMY-winning percussionist Keita Ogawa.

We discuss the making of the album, jazz vocals, songwriting, entrepreneurship, running a music venue, artistic reinvention, and the experiences that shaped Marcus's unique path through the jazz world.

This is an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, creativity, and the enduring power of great music.

Get the album and learn more:
The Promise of You on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, bandleader, educator, and longtime New York jazz fixture Dave Schumacher.

In this episode, we dive into the new 2026 Cubeye album, Agua Con Gas, while exploring Dave's remarkable four-decade journey through the world of jazz.

For more than 40 years, Dave Schumacher has been a vital presence on the New York jazz scene. As a freelance baritone saxophonist, he has performed in over 465 cities across 41 countries on five continents, building a truly international career through performance, collaboration, composition, and education.

Dave toured extensively throughout the Americas and Europe as a member of Lionel Hampton's orchestra during the 1980s, helping carry on the legacy of one of jazz's most celebrated big bands. One of his career highlights came in 1987 when he traveled to Japan with the Art Blakey Big Band to perform at the renowned Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival.

In 1990, Dave became an original member of Harry Connick Jr.'s orchestra, adding another significant chapter to a career filled with memorable performances and collaborations.

We discuss the inspiration behind Agua Con Gas, life on the road, the evolution of jazz, international touring, arranging, composing, teaching, and the experiences that shaped one of the most respected baritone saxophonists working today.

This conversation is packed with stories from decades on the bandstand and offers a fascinating look into the life of a dedicated jazz artist who has seen the music from every angle.

Get the album and learn more:
Dave Schumacher Bandcamp Page

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Pittsburgh-based jazz and world music composer, vocalist, songwriter, and cultural explorer Laura Chu Wiens, better known as AurallaurA.

In this episode, we discuss her fascinating 2026 release, The Critique of Capital: An Engaging Revue, along with her unique path into music, composition, performance, and global cultural exploration.

Raised in a Chinese-American household and shaped by extensive international experiences, Laura has developed an artistic voice that transcends borders and genres. Fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, she has immersed herself in musical traditions around the world, studying and performing folk music in Chiapas, Mexico, township jazz in Cape Town, South Africa, Roma music in Belgrade, Serbia, and Lisu minority folk music in Yunnan, China.

Her creative journey has also included writing and performing vocal music for four productions on BBC Radio 4, further expanding her reach as a composer and storyteller.

What makes Laura's story particularly compelling is that music was never originally intended to be her primary path. Yet through curiosity, travel, language, cultural exchange, and artistic exploration, it evolved into a deeply meaningful career and creative mission.

In this conversation, we discuss world music, jazz, composition, cultural influences, global travel, language, songwriting, performance, creativity, identity, and the inspiration behind The Critique of Capital: An Engaging Revue.

This is a rich and engaging discussion for jazz fans, world music enthusiasts, composers, travelers, and anyone interested in how art can connect cultures and experiences from around the globe.

Learn more about AurallaurA:
AurallaurA Facebook Page

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