Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Nashville-based jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Jon von Boehm.

We caught up with this highly sought-after musician to discuss his remarkable new album Reflections, a project that stands as the culmination of decades of musical growth, artistic exploration, and personal storytelling. More than just an album, Reflections serves as a deeply personal statement, blending cinematic narratives, modern fusion, intricate compositions, and a desire to bring people together through the universal language of music.

A masterclass in contemporary jazz fusion, the album showcases Jon's extraordinary bass work, layered arrangements, technical brilliance, and commitment to creating emotionally resonant musical experiences. The project reflects both his exceptional musicianship and his passion for storytelling through sound.

Jon's musical journey spans an impressive 37 years and began in the vibrant atmosphere of church performances, where he learned the importance of collaboration, improvisation, and connecting with audiences. Those early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to music that has taken him from local stages to becoming one of Nashville's most respected and versatile bassists.

In this interview, we discuss Reflections, jazz fusion, composition, bass playing, creativity, storytelling, community building through music, Nashville's music scene, performance, collaboration, and the experiences that shaped his career.

We get into the whole ride. Dig this interview.

Get the album and learn more:
https://jonvonboehm.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with veteran Philadelphia-based jazz bassist, composer, and educator Peter Paulsen.

We caught up with Peter to discuss the new 2026 TurksHeadKnot Quintet album Would'a...Could'a...Should'a... along with his long and fascinating journey through the worlds of jazz performance, composition, and education.

The TurksHeadKnot Quintet has developed a distinctive musical identity by combining the discipline and structural precision of modern classical composition with the freedom, spontaneity, and expressive power of jazz improvisation. Their music creates a unique sonic landscape filled with adventurous interplay, sophisticated arrangements, and compelling original works.

The ensemble’s repertoire includes newly commissioned compositions along with imaginative arrangements drawn from a wide range of musical influences and traditions. Through this innovative approach, Peter Paulsen and the TurksHeadKnot Quintet continue pushing creative boundaries while maintaining deep roots in jazz artistry and collaboration.

In this interview, we discuss jazz bass, music education, composition, improvisation, modern jazz ensembles, classical influences in jazz, Philadelphia’s jazz scene, ensemble leadership, creativity, and the making of Would'a...Could'a...Should'a....

Peter reflects on decades of performing, teaching, composing, and helping shape future generations of musicians while continuing to evolve artistically himself.

We cover his entire ride. Dig this interview.

Get the album & more:
https://www.katesmithpromotions.com/artists/peter-paulsen/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz organist Pat Bianchi on his powerful new 2026 album Confluence.

We originally caught up with Pat back in 2018 following a memorable performance at The Blue Room in Kansas City, and now we reconnect in 2026 to dive into a thrilling new chapter in his musical journey.

Confluence is a high-energy organ trio recording that captures the raw immediacy and fearless creativity of three master musicians pushing themselves to the edge. Joined by two of New York City’s finest — saxophonist Troy Roberts and drummer Colin Stranahan — the album channels the spirit of a live performance with spontaneous interplay, deep groove, explosive improvisation, and modern jazz intensity.

Widely regarded as one of the leading jazz organists of his generation, Pat Bianchi continues carrying the rich Hammond B-3 tradition forward while adding his own contemporary voice and adventurous musical perspective. In this conversation, we discuss the making of Confluence, the evolution of organ jazz, live performances, touring, creativity, jazz in America in 2026, and the ongoing power of improvisation and connection through music.

This is a lively and insightful conversation with one of modern jazz’s most respected organists. Dig this interview.

Get the album:
Pat Bianchi Bandcamp - Confluence

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Russian-born, NYC-based jazz vocalist Anna Kolchina.

We caught up with this rising jazz vocalist to discuss her beautiful new 2026 album Reach for Tomorrow and her remarkable journey through the world of jazz music. Born in the Soviet Union nearly 18 hours from Moscow, Anna’s early life was shaped by a deep fascination with horses — symbols of strength, grace, movement, and poetic freedom that would later influence her artistic voice and musical expression.

Her path led through the music conservatory in St. Petersburg and eventually to Italy, where a life-changing meeting with legendary jazz vocalist Sheila Jordan encouraged her to pursue jazz more deeply and ultimately move to New York City. After releasing her debut album on the acclaimed Japanese Venus label with her Italian ensemble, Anna relocated to NYC in 2017 and has continued building an impressive international jazz career ever since.

Reach for Tomorrow showcases Anna Kolchina’s emotional depth, vocal sophistication, storytelling ability, and evolving artistry within the modern jazz landscape. In this interview, we discuss jazz vocals, improvisation, international jazz culture, artistic growth, moving to New York, musical mentorship, creativity, European jazz influences, and the inspiration behind her latest album.

Her journey and music are inspiring. Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
https://originarts.com/oa2/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=22247

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with up-and-coming Chicago-based jazz pianist, writer, and composer Julian Davis Reid.

We dive deep into his outstanding 2026 album Vocation and his evolving journey in the world of jazz. Known for his acclaimed work with The Ju Ju Exchange and Isaiah Collier, Julian is steadily building a powerful artistic identity of his own through music that blends jazz, gospel, spirituality, storytelling, and emotional depth.

Vocation is an immersive and richly layered exploration of sound and narrative rooted in jazz while reaching deeply into gospel traditions and collective human experience. The album highlights the depth and versatility of Reid’s ensemble, with each musician contributing meaningfully to the project’s lush emotional arc and dynamic musical textures.

At his core, Julian Davis Reid is an artist-theologian whose work invites listeners to rejoice, lament, reflect, and hope together through music. His creative voice bridges improvisation, faith, social consciousness, and modern jazz expression in ways that feel deeply personal and universally resonant.

Having toured throughout Asia, Europe, and North America, Julian continues expanding his reach as one of the compelling emerging voices in contemporary jazz. In this conversation, we discuss composition, spirituality, gospel influences, improvisation, jazz piano, touring, collaboration, creative identity, and the inspiration behind Vocation.

Enjoy this artist and conversation.

Get the album:
https://juliandavisreid.bandcamp.com/album/vocation

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