Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City saxophonist Ernest Melton of Blue Devil Revival, presented through Mutual Musicians Music Group. We dig into the group's 2026 four-track EP, Birth of a Revival. This contemporary Kansas City jazz recording draws inspiration from the legendary Blue Devils and the enduring musical tradition of the Mutual Musicians Foundation. It's a project that honors the city's rich jazz heritage while bringing that sound and spirit forward through a new generation of musicians.
Joining Ernest on this release is an outstanding lineup of Kansas City talent: Desmond Mason, Tyree Johnson, Deandre Manning and Chalis O'Neal. Across four tracks, Birth of a Revival moves through bebop, blues, contemporary jazz and a warm, reflective ballad, showcasing the range and character of today's Kansas City jazz scene.
In this conversation, we fully dig into the EP, the musicians behind it, the influence of Kansas City's jazz legacy and the importance of keeping this living musical tradition moving forward. From the roots of the Blue Devils to the creative energy of today's artists, this is a look at the people and sounds helping shape the next chapter of KC jazz.
If you love Kansas City jazz history, saxophone-led jazz, bebop, blues and the next generation of jazz musicians, this one is for you.
Artist: Ernest Melton
Group: Blue Devil Revival
2026 Release: Birth of a Revival
Label: Mutual Musicians Music Group
Featured Musicians: Desmond Mason, Tyree Johnson, Deandre Manning and Chalis O'Neal
Get the album — Birth of a Revival:
Listen and buy on Bandcamp
https://mutualmusiciansmusicgroup.bandcamp.com/album/birth-of-a-revival
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with musician, comedian and theoretical physicist Brian Wecht, better known to smooth jazz fans as Trey Magnifique. We caught up with Trey on the road for a deep dive into his remarkable journey through music and entertainment, his lifelong appreciation for jazz, and his 2026 album, Bebop Cowboy.
Many fans know Brian Wecht as “Ninja Brian” from the comedy music groups Ninja Sex Party and Starbomb. But as Trey Magnifique, he brings a different side of his musical personality to the forefront, embracing the smooth sounds, instrumental sophistication and musicianship of jazz.
His sophomore release, Bebop Cowboy, follows his debut album, Mature Situations, continuing his exploration of smooth jazz while celebrating the genre and the musicians who inspired him. In this conversation, we get into the new record, his creative evolution, his life in music and entertainment, and the story behind this distinctive jazz alter ego.
From comedy-rock fame to polished instrumental jazz, Trey Magnifique has carved out a musical lane all his own. Dig into the whole ride with us!
Featuring: Trey Magnifique (Brian Wecht)
2026 Album: Bebop Cowboy
Previous Album: Mature Situations
Known For: Ninja Brian, Ninja Sex Party, Starbomb
Topics: Smooth Jazz, Instrumental Jazz, Jazz Musicianship, Comedy Music, Music Production, Brian Wecht, Trey Magnifique and New Jazz Releases.
Get the music — Trey Magnifique on Bandcamp:
https://treymagnifique.bandcamp.com/
Enjoy this interview on Neon Jazz with Joe Dimino. Dig the jazz, my friends!
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz singer Lisa Rich talking about her powerful 2026 album I Still Rise. The last time Lisa joined us was in 2024 with the release of Long As You're Living, a remarkable comeback following 33 years of forced inactivity due to serious health problems. When she returned, her voice was in prime form, resulting in one of the standout vocal jazz albums of the year.
Now, I Still Rise fully confirms Lisa Rich's return to the jazz scene.
For this new project, Lisa reunites with the three musicians who joined her on Long As You're Living: pianist Marc Copland, bassist Drew Gress, and trumpeter Dave Ballou. Together, they create another deeply expressive chapter in Lisa's remarkable musical journey.
In this conversation, we get into I Still Rise, Lisa's return to music, the creative partnership behind the album, America today, jazz as a unifying language, resilience, the power of the human voice, and much more.
It's great to have Lisa back on Neon Jazz.
Get Lisa Rich – I Still Rise
I Still Rise on Bandcamp
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with dynamic New York-based jazz duo Zohar & Adam. One of the most highly anticipated young acts in the jazz scene, Zohar & Adam blend virtuosic musicianship with elements of neo-soul, hip-hop, electronica, jazz, and beyond. In this conversation, we get into their musical history, their creative partnership, and their exciting new 2026 album Osmosis.
Zohar Cabo, a 19-year-old keyboardist and pianist from Beacon, New York, has been surrounded by musical influences since birth. Adam Cabo, a 21-year-old drummer, percussionist, and producer from Beacon, NY, has been working professionally as a musician since the age of 10.
Together, they represent a fresh generation of musicians pushing jazz in new directions while maintaining a deep foundation in musicianship, improvisation, rhythm, and groove.
We cover their early musical lives, the evolution of Zohar & Adam, Osmosis, their genre-blending sound, the modern jazz scene, and what comes next for this exciting young duo.
More on Zohar & Adam:
zoharandadam.com
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz bassist Dan Loomis of the Joel Frahm Trio talking 2026 music, albums, touring, and the story behind this stellar trio.
Dan Loomis joins us to talk about the history and evolution of the Joel Frahm Trio, featuring Joel Frahm on tenor saxophone, Dan Loomis on bass, and Ernesto Cervini on drums.
The trio has released two acclaimed albums: 2021’s The Bright Side and 2024’s Lumination. Now they are preparing to hit the road for a Fall 2026 tour with stops across Missouri and California.
Joel Frahm Trio – Fall 2026 Tour
October 15 — University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO
October 16 — Tom's Town, Kansas City, MO
October 18 — We Always Swing, Columbia, MO
October 20 — San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
October 21 — San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
October 23 — Sam First, Los Angeles, CA
We get into the trio's history, their albums, their unique musical chemistry, touring, life as a working jazz musician, and what is ahead for the Joel Frahm Trio in 2026.
Great to have Dan Loomis back on the show.
Enjoy this interview.
More Dan Loomis
Dan Loomis Music
More Joel Frahm
Joel Frahm
More Ernesto Cervini
Ernesto Cervini
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