Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring veteran guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, composer, and longtime SiriusXM personality Early Times.

On this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 release Border Crossings, a dynamic recording that seamlessly blends jazz, blues, Latin rhythms, and American roots music into a vibrant and soulful musical statement.

What makes Border Crossings especially compelling is the way it was recorded—captured live in a single session with an all-star ensemble featuring legendary drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Luques Curtis, pianist Zaccai Curtis, and saxophonist Craig Handy. The result is a recording filled with spontaneity, chemistry, and world-class musicianship.

Beyond his recording career, Early Times is a familiar voice to music lovers across North America as a foundational on-air personality at SiriusXM, where he is widely recognized for his work on B.B. King's Bluesville and Deep Tracks. His decades-long career has connected him to countless artists, recordings, and musical traditions.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of Border Crossings, working with legendary musicians, the evolution of blues and jazz, songwriting, recording live in the studio, radio broadcasting, and a lifetime dedicated to music.

We cover the whole story.

Enjoy.

Get the album and learn more:
Early Times Official Page

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, arranger, educator, and bandleader Ben Markley.

On this episode, we discuss his outstanding 2026 big band release Tuesday Morning Feeling, a recording that showcases his evolving artistic vision, masterful compositions, and distinctive approach to modern jazz orchestration.

Ben's musical journey began in rural Kansas and traveled through the rich jazz traditions of Kansas City and Denver before leading him to his current home in Wyoming. Along the way, he has established himself as one of the most respected voices in contemporary jazz composition, arranging, and performance.

With Tuesday Morning Feeling, Ben takes another significant step forward as a composer and bandleader. The album features seven original compositions alongside imaginative new arrangements of music by jazz giants Thelonious Monk and Cedar Walton. The recording balances strong melodic concepts with open-ended frameworks that encourage interaction, spontaneity, risk-taking, and collective creativity.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the making of the album, the art of big band writing, arranging jazz standards, composition, improvisation, education, leadership, and the lifelong pursuit of artistic growth.

We also discuss his influences, career path, and the creative lessons learned from a life dedicated to jazz.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
Tuesday Morning Feeling on Origin Records

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Kansas City jazz saxophonist, composer, educator, and bandleader Matt Otto.

On this episode, we discuss his highly anticipated 2026 album Ephemeral, scheduled for release on June 26, 2026. Even before its release, the project has already received recognition for its stunning album artwork created by acclaimed visual artist Philip Burke.

Ephemeral is a deeply personal and artistically ambitious recording that showcases Matt's distinctive compositional voice while celebrating family, friendship, creativity, and the rich musical community of Kansas City. The album includes a special piece written as a 50th birthday gift for his sister-in-law, along with musical acknowledgments to legendary creative music pioneer Wadada Leo Smith and other important influences.

The recording also features an impressive lineup of Kansas City jazz talent, including Peter Schlamb, Roger Wilder, Ben Leifer, and many other outstanding musicians contributing to the project.

In this conversation, we explore the making of Ephemeral, the Kansas City jazz scene, composition, improvisation, collaboration, artistic inspiration, album artwork, and Matt's ongoing journey as one of the Midwest's most respected modern jazz voices.

We also discuss life in Kansas City, creative growth, and the future of jazz.

Enjoy this interview.

Learn more about Matt Otto and Ephemeral:
Matt Otto Official Website
Ephemeral Album Artwork Feature

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Billboard-charting artist, author, musician, and podcaster Miist.

On this episode, we discuss the launch of her inspiring 2026 initiative, The Love Project, including the new single and video Love Will Show Us Our Way, along with her remarkable journey through music, writing, and personal transformation.

Miist's story is one of resilience, hope, and reinvention. Abandoned at the age of five, later facing a life-threatening health crisis in her late twenties, she discovered songwriting in her thirties despite having no formal musical training. That discovery became a turning point that transformed her life and inspired a creative mission centered on connection, compassion, and healing.

Within just a few years, Miist wrote more than 100 songs and became the first native Chinese artist to chart on Billboard's Pop/AC chart. Her work continues to inspire audiences worldwide through music, storytelling, and messages of hope.

We also discuss her new book, Make Me Smile with Miist, a unique short-form, music-integrated experience that explores how simple daily actions can positively impact mindset, deepen human connection, and create meaningful change.

From her home base in San Francisco, we dive into her music career, songwriting process, creative inspiration, personal challenges, new projects, and her mission to spread love and positivity through art.

This is an uplifting conversation about perseverance, creativity, healing, and the power of human connection.

Enjoy.

Learn more about Miist:
Miist Official Website

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring South Korea-based jazz bassist, composer, educator, and bandleader Sean Pentland.

On this episode, we discuss the powerful 2026 release Windward, recorded by The Pentland/Bergonzi Quartet, featuring legendary saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, Sean Pentland, pianist Julian Shore, and drummer Jongkuk Kim.

More than just a recording project, Windward was born from profound loss. The album was inspired by the tragic and unexpected passing of friend and colleague Sebastian Nay, with whom Jerry and Sean had planned to reunite on a German tour. Dedicated to his memory, the music serves as both tribute and reflection, seeking to give voice to his spirit and the emotions that continue to resonate through those he touched.

Sean's musical journey spans multiple continents. Having lived and performed throughout Great Britain, Germany, and South Korea, he has developed a unique international perspective that informs both his bass playing and compositions. His career has led him to perform alongside some of the most respected names in modern jazz, including Don Braden, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jim Snidero, and Jerry Bergonzi.

In this conversation, we discuss Windward, jazz composition, international touring, collaboration, mentorship, loss, creativity, and the universal language of music that connects artists and audiences across cultures and generations.

We cover the whole story.

Enjoy.

Get the album and learn more:
Sean Pentland Official Website

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/

Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc

Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

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