Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Jazz Composer, Arranger & Pianist Steve Rawlins. We get into his new 2026 release, Word on the Street, and a remarkable life spent in the world of music. After more than five decades composing, arranging, performing and helping other artists realize their musical visions, Steve Rawlins steps fully into the spotlight with Word on the Street. This vibrant ensemble recording brings together music from different chapters of his career while introducing fresh compositions shaped specifically for his wildly adventurous quintet.
Steve’s career spans an extraordinary range of musical experiences. He has arranged music for legendary recording artists including Smokey Robinson, Bette Midler and Chaka Khan. His work has also reached the stages of the Academy Awards and Emmy Award ceremonies, along with television productions including The Crazy Ones, 24 and Jeopardy!.
In this conversation, we explore Steve’s new album, his creative process, the evolution of his musical voice and the experiences that have shaped more than 50 years in the business. We dig into the art of jazz composition and arranging, working with celebrated artists, and finally bringing his own musical vision to the forefront with Word on the Street.
From a lifetime behind the scenes to a fresh chapter leading his own adventurous quintet, Steve Rawlins has a tremendous story to tell.
Enjoy this interview, celebrate a remarkable musical career, and discover the sounds of Word on the Street.
GET THE ALBUM & MORE:
https://www.steverawlins.com/
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz drummer and composer Phil Haynes, discussing his 2026 album Terra and the creative journey behind it. Since publishing his acclaimed 2023 memoir, Chasing the Masters, Phil has entered a prolific new chapter of his musical life. The writing process prompted him to revisit his past, reconnect with old friends, and reunite with longtime collaborators—including musicians he hadn't worked with in decades.
His new album, Terra, brings those threads together through a fresh musical collaboration that spans generations. Released on his own Corner Store Jazz imprint, the project features guitarist Ben Monder and revives a duo partnership that had been dormant for more than a quarter century.
In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind Terra, the lasting impact of musical relationships, the reflections sparked by Chasing the Masters, and how revisiting the past can open the door to new creative possibilities. We also dig into Phil's life as a drummer, composer, bandleader, and independent artist navigating an ever-evolving jazz landscape.
Terra is more than a new recording—it's a story of reconnection, musical discovery, and the enduring power of collaboration.
🎧 Get Phil Haynes' album Terra on Bandcamp:
https://philhaynesmusic.bandcamp.com/album/terra
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Slovak guitarist and composer David Kollar. We caught up with David during a break in his studio to explore his new 2026 album, Music From the Bag, his work composing music for movie soundtracks, his remarkable musical journey, and much more.
For nearly a decade, David has collected riffs, grooves, musical sketches, and unfinished compositions that never quite found a home on his other records. With Music From the Bag, these ideas get a chance to come together, offering a glimpse into years of experimentation, creative discovery, and musical evolution.
David's career spans a fascinating range of musical worlds. He co-founded KOMARA with King Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto and fellow King Crimson member Trey Gunn, and has collaborated with acclaimed musician and producer Steven Wilson. His work as a guitarist and composer moves across progressive music, improvisation, experimental sounds, and cinematic storytelling.
In this conversation, we dig into the inspiration behind Music From the Bag, the process of turning long-shelved musical ideas into a finished album, his experiences working on film soundtracks, and the stories and influences that have shaped his distinctive sound.
From the studio to the screen, David Kollar continues to explore the possibilities of sound, texture, rhythm, and composition.
All things David Kollar:
https://www.davidkollar.com/
https://davidkollar.bandcamp.com/
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Tellkujira, the Italian avant-garde collective bringing together violist Ambra, guitarists Francesco and Stefano, and cellist Francesco. We dive into their 2026 album, La lucha es un poema colectivo, explore how the quartet came together, discuss why their creative chemistry works, and discover the ideas and musical instincts behind their distinctive sound.
Stylistically stateless and at times hypnotic, Tellkujira moves beyond conventional musical boundaries, creating a collective voice rooted in exploration, improvisation, and adventurous expression. In this wide-ranging conversation, all four members join us on one call to share their perspectives on the group, their music, and the journey behind this compelling new release.
🎧 Get the new album, La lucha es un poema colectivo:
https://tellkujira.bandcamp.com/album/la-lucha-es-un-poema-colectivo
If you love avant-garde jazz, experimental music, free improvisation, and artists who push beyond genre, this conversation is for you.
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with London-based award-winning instrumentalist, composer and producer Danny Keane. We catch up with Danny to explore his brand-new 2026 sophomore album, Kinesis, and the remarkable musical journey that has brought him to this point. Following his 2020 debut, this new project reflects the shape-shifting nature of his life and artistry, moving through musical worlds while carving out a sound all his own.
While rooted in jazz, Kinesis reaches into experimental, electronic and progressive music, creating a listening experience that is cerebral, hypnotic and meditative. The album also pays homage to the non-Western jazz musicians who have mentored and influenced Danny throughout his career, reflecting a broad musical perspective and a willingness to push beyond familiar boundaries.
The Anglo-Irish artist is regularly called upon to collaborate with some of the most renowned musicians of our time. With Kinesis, he steps into the role of visionary, bringing together the musicians around him to realize his own distinctive musical ideas.
In this conversation, we get into the inspirations behind Kinesis, Danny's evolution as an artist, the influence of his mentors, the creative process and his life in the ever-changing world of music.
Dig into a fascinating conversation about experimentation, collaboration and the limitless possibilities of contemporary jazz.
Featuring: Danny Keane
2026 Album: Kinesis
Based in: London, England
Background: Anglo-Irish instrumentalist, composer and producer
Topics: Contemporary Jazz, Experimental Jazz, Electronic Music, Progressive Music, Meditative Music, Musical Collaboration, Jazz Composition and Creative Evolution.
Get the album — Kinesis:
https://dannyiskeane.bandcamp.com/album/kinesis
For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/
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