Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Film Director Timashion Jones on his new documentary, ...And Damn, He Could Play: The Marcus Belgrave Story. On the eve of the documentary's world premiere in New York at DOC NYC, we caught up with Timashion to explore the making of this important film, his personal connection to the story, and the extraordinary life and legacy of legendary jazz trumpeter Marcus Belgrave.
Born in Chester, Pennsylvania, Marcus Belgrave was mentored by Clifford Brown and eventually made Detroit his home. His remarkable career included touring with Ray Charles, becoming one of Motown's busiest session musicians, and establishing himself as a central figure in Detroit's legendary Tribe jazz collective.
From 1972 until his passing in 2015, Belgrave became one of Detroit's most influential jazz musicians and mentors, helping shape generations of extraordinary artists who emerged from the city's vibrant music scene.
The documentary features interviews with an impressive collection of jazz luminaries, including Wynton Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Regina Carter, Robert Hurst, and Sheila Jordan. Narrated by Wendell Pierce, the film celebrates a musician whose influence reached far beyond the trumpet.
We get into the roots of the project, the filmmaking process, Marcus Belgrave's remarkable musical journey, Detroit's jazz legacy, and why this story deserves to be told.
A terrific conversation about jazz history, mentorship, musical greatness, and preserving the stories of the legends who shaped this music.
Learn More About the Film:
https://anddamnhecouldplaythemovie.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/anddamnhecouldplay
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https://www.facebook.com/sunnesidepro
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with New York-based jazz vocalist, lyricist, and educator Amy London. We take a deep dive into her exciting 2026 album, Alto Madness, and a remarkable life dedicated to music, creativity, and education. This FiveCat Records release marks her first solo album in eight years and captures the spirit, chemistry, and camaraderie of a special musical partnership.
Amy was a founding member of the acclaimed four-part harmony group The Royal Bopsters, with whom she toured and recorded two studio albums. On Alto Madness, she brings together an outstanding cast of jazz musicians, including Mike Hashim on alto saxophone, Janice Friedman on piano, Ralph Hamperian on bass, Mike Campenni on drums, and Ron Horton on trumpet and flugelhorn.
The album memorializes Amy's five-year weekly residency at the legendary New York jazz venue Swing 46, where she developed a close musical collaboration with bandleader and alto saxophonist Mike Hashim. Following 27 years of operation, Swing 46 closed in 2025 and reopened as Jazzcultural in March 2026.
We explore the making of Alto Madness, her musical journey, the Royal Bopsters, the New York jazz scene, jazz vocalese, musical collaboration, education, and the enduring magic of the jazz bandstand.
More Amy London:
https://amylondonsings.com/
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC jazz singer Naama on her 2026 album, Songs from the Road. Due out November 20, 2026, on La Reserve Records, this compelling new release was born from time spent in motion — trains, airports and unfamiliar streets. For Naama, traveling has always carried its own emotional rhythm. There's the excitement, anticipation and romance of arriving somewhere new. But there's another side to the journey, too: loneliness, uncertainty and the feeling of missing home.
That contrast between discovery and longing gives Songs from the Road its heart. Featuring an all-star band with Aaron Diehl on piano, Dave Baron on bass and Kyle Poole on drums, the album brings together exceptional musicianship and a deeply personal perspective.
We talk about the making of this project, the experiences that inspired it, life on the road, America today and much more. It's always wonderful to welcome Naama back to Neon Jazz for another great conversation.
Get the album and more from Naama:
https://linktr.ee/naamasings
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz drummer Bobby Wiens on his 2026 album, Live at Dazzle. Recorded on May 31, 2026, before a sold-out crowd at Dazzle Denver, this spirited performance captures a special night with some of Denver's finest jazz musicians. With only a few stage microphones needed to capture the music, the album delivers an intimate, authentic snapshot of four musicians who genuinely love playing together.
The project primarily features original compositions from Bobby's previous studio album, Focus, and reunites the same outstanding band: Gabriel Mervine on trumpet, Tom Amend on piano and Seth Lewis on bass. Bobby's brother, Derek Wiens, joins the group on guitar as a special guest.
We get into the story behind this live recording, the chemistry of the band, the music and the experience of capturing an unforgettable performance at one of Denver's favorite jazz venues.
It's great to have Bobby back on Neon Jazz. Dig this interview!
Get the album – Live at Dazzle:
https://bobbyjwiens.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-dazzle
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz singer, songwriter, dancer and actress Juliann Kuchocki. We take a deep dive into her new 2026 album, Kuchocki Sings DiNovi But Only For You, and explore a remarkable, action-packed life in music and the arts. Born from her friendship with legendary jazz pianist and composer Gene DiNovi, this project is much more than a tribute. It's an authentic collaboration between two artists and a living musical document celebrating a special creative connection.
Juliann shares the long journey behind bringing the album to life, the cherished favorites and previously unreleased compositions that make it special, and the experience of working with DiNovi and an exceptional ensemble. We also explore her remarkable international career, which has taken her across North America, Europe and Asia.
It's a conversation about friendship, artistic discovery, jazz history and keeping great music alive.
Get the album:
https://juliannkuchocki.bandcamp.com/
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