Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz bandleader, vocalist, and storyteller Shenel Johns. We take a deep dive into her highly anticipated debut album Stars, arriving in Summer 2026, along with her career, upcoming performances, and artistic evolution.

This debut project marks a major milestone in Shenel’s journey following years of celebrated work as a featured jazz vocalist, ensemble leader, and performer with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Produced by Grammy-winning artist Kamau Kenyatta, the new release showcases her powerful voice, emotional storytelling, and bold artistic identity.

On May 16, Shenel celebrates the release of her new EP with a debut performance at the La Jolla Music Society in San Diego, California, followed by an official album release celebration on August 20, 2026, at the legendary Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, Shenel was first drawn to jazz as a form of rebellion against her strict religious upbringing in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Since then, she has built an extraordinary career that includes earning the #1 spot on BBC Classical Radio as a vocalist in a jazz ensemble, while The Boston Globe described her as “history in the making.”

In this interview, we discuss jazz vocals, bandleading, creativity, live performance, faith, personal growth, storytelling, contemporary jazz, artistic freedom, collaboration, and the inspiration behind Stars.

We cover the whole story. Enjoy this inspiring and powerful conversation with Shenel Johns.

More Shenel Johns:https://www.sheneljohns.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Boston-based veteran jazz guitarist, composer, and educator Phil Sargent. We got into his new 2026 album Slow Motions and his fascinating life in the world of jazz.

This new solo guitar album is less about technical display and more an invitation into stillness, reflection, and deep listening. Slow Motions reimagines jazz standards and original compositions through the lens of classical counterpoint, chromatic harmony, improvisation, and subtle emotional storytelling — capturing the guitar as a complete, breathing ensemble rather than a single instrument.

Over the course of his career, Phil has worked with acclaimed musicians including Dave Liebman, Antonio Sanchez, Jerry Bergonzi, and many others. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, he leads his own group whose music draws from a wide range of influences including modern jazz improvisation, odd meters, and the Eastern tonalities of Balkan music traditions.

In this interview, we discuss jazz guitar, improvisation, composition, solo performance, harmony, creative process, contemporary jazz, world music influences, live performance, and the inspiration behind Slow Motions.

It’s a thoughtful and inspiring conversation filled with insight into artistry, creativity, and the evolving language of jazz guitar. Enjoy this interview with Phil Sargent.

Get the album & learn more:https://www.philsargentmusic.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Brazilian jazz pianist, composer, and fusion artist Henrique Mota. We caught up with him from his base in Brazil to talk about his new 2026 release Waning Moon and his life in the world of music.

Waning Moon presents an intimate and contemporary approach to solo jazz piano, blending lyrical themes with rhythmic subtlety, harmonic depth, improvisation, and emotional storytelling. Henrique brings together influences from jazz, classical music, Brazilian rhythms, and fusion to create a deeply expressive and modern musical experience.

Henrique holds a degree in Classical Piano and has earned growing recognition within the Brazilian instrumental music scene, particularly in jazz and fusion. Throughout his career, he has performed and recorded with internationally respected artists including Bob Mintzer, David Binney, Rachel Therrien, Seamus Blake, and many others.

He has released six original albums, all receiving strong acclaim from respected jazz publications and music critics worldwide. In this interview, we discuss solo piano performance, composition, improvisation, Brazilian jazz, fusion, creativity, recording, collaboration, and the inspiration behind Waning Moon.

Dig this thoughtful and inspiring story with Henrique Mota.

More music from Henrique Mota:https://www.instagram.com/henriquemotamusic/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring jazz vocalist Sivan Arbel and pianist Andrea Goretti.

We dive into their 2026 album Bazrima, a deeply expressive duo recording that captures the beauty of musical connection and creative flow. This marks Sivan’s first duo album with the acclaimed Italian pianist, creating an intimate and fluid sonic dialogue.

Bazrima means “flow” in Hebrew — a perfect reflection of the natural musical exchange between the two artists as they move seamlessly between composition and improvisation.

Their music explores both the tension and tenderness of modern life, embracing complexity while ultimately leaning toward unity, balance, and emotional clarity.

In this interview, we cover:

How Sivan Arbel & Andrea Goretti met

The making of Bazrima

The meaning behind the album’s concept

Duo performance and improvisation

Blending voice and piano in modern jazz

🎧 Listen to the album:https://open.spotify.com/album/6RFjc5Y66Rl2TnsMxVHrdl

If you love vocal jazz, intimate duo recordings, and emotionally rich improvisation, this is a must-watch.

For More Neon Jazz:
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City jazz organist, composer, and bandleader Chris Hazelton. We caught up with this very busy musician to talk about his new 2026 album In Rotation, his work with the Cory Weeds Duo covering Huey Lewis tunes, live performances, and much more.

Following up his acclaimed 2023 release After Dark, In Rotation explores time, texture, groove, improvisation, and mood through a distinctive instrumental lineup featuring Hammond B-3 organ, vibraphone, saxophone, and drums. The album showcases an exceptional lineup of Kansas City jazz talent including Brett Jackson on tenor and baritone saxophone, Peter Schlamb on vibraphone, and John Kizilarmut on drums.

Known for his soulful Hammond organ sound, inventive improvisation, and energetic live performances, Chris Hazelton continues to be a major force in the Kansas City jazz scene and beyond.

In this interview, we discuss jazz organ, composition, live performance, modern jazz, improvisation, Kansas City music, collaboration, recording, touring, Huey Lewis reinterpretations, and the inspiration behind In Rotation.

We dig into all of it and more. Enjoy this interview with Chris Hazelton.

More Chris Hazelton & music:https://chrishazelton.bandcamp.com/album/chris-hazeltonhttps://www.chrishazelton.com/ 

For More Neon Jazz:
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