Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Luxembourg-based jazz pianist Michel Reis. In this wide-ranging conversation, we dive into the 2026 album from Reis Demuth Wiltgen, the renowned Luxembourg jazz trio featuring pianist Michel Reis, bassist Marc Demuth and drummer Paul Wiltgen. This latest project represents the most ambitious musical statement the trio has created across their nearly three-decade history together.
The story of Reis Demuth Wiltgen is a fascinating one. Michel Reis, Marc Demuth and Paul Wiltgen first formed the trio in 1998 while still in high school, performing around Luxembourg before eventually going their separate ways. More than a decade later, they reunited in 2011, bringing with them greater experience, perspective and a deeper musical vocabulary.
Since then, Michel Reis has developed into an internationally acclaimed jazz artist, performing at some of the world's most respected venues and festivals and establishing himself as an important voice in contemporary European jazz.
In this Neon Jazz interview, we talk about the new 2026 Reis Demuth Wiltgen album, the trio's extraordinary journey from teenage musicians to an internationally recognized jazz ensemble, Michel's career, his evolution as a pianist and composer, Luxembourg's jazz scene, and much more.
If you're a fan of Michel Reis, Reis Demuth Wiltgen, European jazz, Luxembourg jazz, contemporary jazz, jazz piano, jazz trios and independent jazz, dig into this conversation.
🎹 More Michel Reis: https://michelreis.com/
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Arranger, Orchestrator & Bandleader Russ Anixter on his 2026 project What’s Next? On this new release, Russ Anixter’s Hippie Big Band transforms familiar rock, funk, fusion and jam-band repertoire into something entirely new — music driven by orchestration, groove, humor and improvisation.
Rather than simply recreate the originals, the ensemble treats each song as raw material for reimagination. Big-band arranging meets the spirit of rock and jam music, creating a sound that is unmistakably Anixter while still honoring the essence of the music that inspired it.
In this conversation, Russ and Joe dig into What’s Next?, the creative process behind the Hippie Big Band, arranging familiar music for a large ensemble, improvisation, groove, humor, the relationship between jazz and other musical worlds, living and creating in modern times, and so much more.
It's a fascinating return to Neon Jazz with an artist who continues to find new ways to bring orchestration, freedom and fun together.
Get the album: Russ Anixter – What’s Next?
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Germany-based Jazz Pianist & Composer Andrew Moorhead. Dig this fascinating conversation as we explore his new 2026 album Mirage, his journey through jazz and beyond, and the unique intersection of music, physics, discipline, improvisation, and creative risk that shapes his work.
Mirage is a strikingly personal suite of etudes — music born from inquiry, discipline, experimentation, and a willingness to step into the unknown. Across the album, Moorhead explores phased time signatures, interlocking melodic cycles, and that elusive space between muscle memory and pure spontaneity.
Born in Houston, Moorhead studied piano and physics at the University of Texas. During his university years and after graduating in 2006, he became an active musician in Austin, immersing himself in a multifaceted music scene that offered opportunities to develop through jazz, metal, R&B, and other musical worlds.
Now based in Germany, Moorhead continues to explore what happens when complex ideas, deep musical study, and improvisational freedom collide.
In this conversation, we get into Mirage, his unusual musical philosophy, the relationship between physics and music, his Austin years, jazz piano, composition, experimentation, and the fascinating story behind his career.
Get Andrew Moorhead's Mirage: Origin Arts – Mirage
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Japanese-born, New York-based flutist & improviser Haruna Fukazawa. Dig this interview as we get into her brilliant new 2026 album, Plays at the Wrong Time, her journey through the world of jazz, and the creative philosophy behind bringing the flute forward as a complete jazz voice.
Clear, swinging, lyrical, and rhythmically playful, Plays at the Wrong Time turns “wrong time” into a creative principle — embracing surprise, wit, freedom, and the unexpected. Fukazawa brings together original music and fresh interpretations of familiar repertoire while drawing on both her classical discipline and the improvisational spirit that has shaped her artistry.
Her journey began as a classical flutist before she discovered a deeper creative home in jazz. A major influence along the way was legendary saxophonist and flutist Frank Wess, whose mentorship and encouragement helped bring Fukazawa to New York City and strengthened her belief in the flute as a complete improvising voice.
In this conversation, we explore her new album, her musical evolution, the influence of Frank Wess, the possibilities of the jazz flute, improvisation, creativity, and what it means to embrace the unexpected.
Listen to Plays at the Wrong Time: Apple Music
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Pittsburgh, PA-based Guitarist Ken Karsh. Ken began playing guitar at age 9 and has spent a lifetime immersed in music, performance, and music education. After attending Berklee College of Music, he earned both a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degree in performance and went on to build an incredibly diverse career across jazz, theater, film, recording, and education.
Over the years, Ken has performed live and on recordings with nationally and locally known musicians including Jimmy McGriff, Bobby McFerrin, Lee Konitz, Larry Elgart, Joey DeFrancesco, Jack McDuff, and many others.
One of his proudest musical moments came through his work as guitarist on the soundtrack for the documentary film In My Hands. His performance career has also taken him into some of the best-known productions in musical theater, including Legally Blonde, Swing, Les Misérables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess, Chicago, and many more.
Ken's commitment to music extends into education as well. He currently serves on the faculty at Slippery Rock University and California University of Pennsylvania, continuing to share his experience with the next generation of musicians.
In this conversation, we cover the whole journey — discovering the guitar at nine years old, studying at Berklee, his jazz heroes, legendary musicians he's worked with, theater gigs, recording, film, music education, Pittsburgh's music scene, and the many chapters of a career that continues to evolve.
It's a conversation about jazz, guitar, performance, teaching, and a lifetime spent following the music wherever it leads.
Enjoy this interview with Ken Karsh.
More Ken:
https://kenkarshguitar.com/
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