Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Ukraine-based jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Carlo Muscat.

This marks Carlo's third appearance on Neon Jazz, and it is always a privilege to document another chapter in the evolution of one of contemporary European jazz's most compelling voices. On this episode, we discuss his powerful 2026 release, That's About It, his eighth album as a leader and one of his most significant artistic statements to date.

A veteran of the Paris and Mediterranean jazz scenes, Carlo has consistently demonstrated a distinctive compositional voice. However, That's About It represents a profound shift in artistic direction. Recorded in Kyiv during the ongoing war in Ukraine, the album features a collaboration with an exceptional ensemble of Ukrainian musicians and stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and artistic persistence.

The music embraces melodic economy, harmonic depth, subtle interaction, and what Carlo describes as a form of compositional stillness—a thoughtful and restrained approach created amidst extraordinary circumstances. The result is a deeply moving and reflective work that captures both tension and beauty.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of the album, recording in Kyiv, the realities facing artists during wartime, the contemporary European jazz scene, live performance, composition, collaboration, and the role of music in an increasingly complex world.

This is an insightful discussion about jazz, creativity, perseverance, and the enduring power of artistic expression.

Enjoy this installment.

Get the album:
Carlo Muscat Bandcamp Page

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Orlando-based rock and blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter Alex Kilroy.

On this episode, we dive deep into Alex's powerful debut 2026 album, Break My Chains, a project rooted in freedom, persistence, self-discovery, and finding his own authentic voice.

Alex's story is as compelling as his music. Growing up in the Transylvanian town of Bistrița, he hung an American flag above his bed and told his mother that he was only visiting Romania. Decades later, after years of pursuing the music that inspired him, he fulfilled that dream and built a life in America centered around his passion for rock, blues, and guitar-driven music.

Born into a musical family, Alex was surrounded by music from an early age. His father was a guitarist before moving into management, and his aunt became a nationally recognized singer who competed in Romania's Eurovision selection process. These influences helped shape the artist he is today.

We discuss the making of Break My Chains, his immigration journey, artistic development, songwriting process, blues and rock influences, and the experiences that fueled this remarkable debut release.

The album was produced by Tres Sasser, recorded in Florida with a handpicked band, mixed in Nashville by Joe Costa, and mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound.

This is a story of perseverance, dreams, music, and the pursuit of freedom through art.

Enjoy the interview.

Listen to Break My Chains:
Break My Chains on Apple Music

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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.

Get the album:
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.

Get the album:
Figments on Bandcamp

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