Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Brooklyn-based jazz pianist, composer, and improviser Yvonne Rogers.

We caught up with Yvonne to discuss her compelling 2026 solo piano album The Button Jar, a deeply personal and imaginative recording inspired by childhood memories, creativity, and artistic exploration. Growing up in rural Maine, Yvonne often found herself immersed in nature and imagination, drawing inspiration from the world around her. One enduring image was the button jar kept by her artist mother—a collection of colorful, ordinary objects that could be transformed into endless creative possibilities.

That powerful metaphor became the foundation for The Button Jar, a solo piano project that blends childlike wonder with sophisticated rhythmic and harmonic language. Produced by acclaimed pianist and composer Kris Davis, the album showcases Yvonne's distinctive voice as a composer and improviser while highlighting her ability to balance playfulness, complexity, and emotional depth.

In this conversation, we explore the making of the album, her musical journey from Maine to Brooklyn, her approach to composition and improvisation, the influence of creativity and memory on her work, and her evolving place within today's contemporary jazz scene.

Get the album and learn more:
The Button Jar on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring legendary jazz keyboardist, composer, arranger, and bandleader Mark Adams.

We caught up with Mark to discuss his acclaimed 2026 album This Is Neo-Soul, a powerful recording that celebrates the continuing evolution of soul, jazz, funk, and groove-based music while honoring the lasting influence of the late jazz-funk icon Roy Ayers.

Released just over a year after Ayers' passing, This Is Neo-Soul brings together fifteen all-star musicians connected to the working bands of Roy Ayers, Lonnie Liston Smith, Luther Vandross, Gloria Gaynor, Gil Scott-Heron, and Chaka Khan. The project is not simply a tribute album—it is a continuation of a musical language that Mark helped shape over more than two decades as the keyboardist, arranger, and musical anchor of Roy Ayers' touring group Ubiquity.

In this conversation, we explore Mark's remarkable career, his years on the road performing thousands of concerts around the world, the creation of This Is Neo-Soul, the enduring power of jazz-funk and neo-soul, and his vision for the future of the music.

This is a fascinating discussion with a musician who has lived at the intersection of jazz, soul, funk, improvisation, and groove for decades.

Get the album and learn more:
Mark Adams - This Is Neo-Soul

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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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