Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Brazilian jazz pianist, composer, and fusion artist Henrique Mota. We caught up with him from his base in Brazil to talk about his new 2026 release Waning Moon and his life in the world of music.

Waning Moon presents an intimate and contemporary approach to solo jazz piano, blending lyrical themes with rhythmic subtlety, harmonic depth, improvisation, and emotional storytelling. Henrique brings together influences from jazz, classical music, Brazilian rhythms, and fusion to create a deeply expressive and modern musical experience.

Henrique holds a degree in Classical Piano and has earned growing recognition within the Brazilian instrumental music scene, particularly in jazz and fusion. Throughout his career, he has performed and recorded with internationally respected artists including Bob Mintzer, David Binney, Rachel Therrien, Seamus Blake, and many others.

He has released six original albums, all receiving strong acclaim from respected jazz publications and music critics worldwide. In this interview, we discuss solo piano performance, composition, improvisation, Brazilian jazz, fusion, creativity, recording, collaboration, and the inspiration behind Waning Moon.

Dig this thoughtful and inspiring story with Henrique Mota.

More music from Henrique Mota:https://www.instagram.com/henriquemotamusic/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring jazz vocalist Sivan Arbel and pianist Andrea Goretti.

We dive into their 2026 album Bazrima, a deeply expressive duo recording that captures the beauty of musical connection and creative flow. This marks Sivan’s first duo album with the acclaimed Italian pianist, creating an intimate and fluid sonic dialogue.

Bazrima means “flow” in Hebrew — a perfect reflection of the natural musical exchange between the two artists as they move seamlessly between composition and improvisation.

Their music explores both the tension and tenderness of modern life, embracing complexity while ultimately leaning toward unity, balance, and emotional clarity.

In this interview, we cover:

How Sivan Arbel & Andrea Goretti met

The making of Bazrima

The meaning behind the album’s concept

Duo performance and improvisation

Blending voice and piano in modern jazz

🎧 Listen to the album:https://open.spotify.com/album/6RFjc5Y66Rl2TnsMxVHrdl

If you love vocal jazz, intimate duo recordings, and emotionally rich improvisation, this is a must-watch.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City jazz organist, composer, and bandleader Chris Hazelton. We caught up with this very busy musician to talk about his new 2026 album In Rotation, his work with the Cory Weeds Duo covering Huey Lewis tunes, live performances, and much more.

Following up his acclaimed 2023 release After Dark, In Rotation explores time, texture, groove, improvisation, and mood through a distinctive instrumental lineup featuring Hammond B-3 organ, vibraphone, saxophone, and drums. The album showcases an exceptional lineup of Kansas City jazz talent including Brett Jackson on tenor and baritone saxophone, Peter Schlamb on vibraphone, and John Kizilarmut on drums.

Known for his soulful Hammond organ sound, inventive improvisation, and energetic live performances, Chris Hazelton continues to be a major force in the Kansas City jazz scene and beyond.

In this interview, we discuss jazz organ, composition, live performance, modern jazz, improvisation, Kansas City music, collaboration, recording, touring, Huey Lewis reinterpretations, and the inspiration behind In Rotation.

We dig into all of it and more. Enjoy this interview with Chris Hazelton.

More Chris Hazelton & music:https://chrishazelton.bandcamp.com/album/chris-hazeltonhttps://www.chrishazelton.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with UK-based jazz vocalist, pianist, songwriter, and performer Jeremy Sassoon. We caught up with him to talk about his new 2026 album Older and Wiser and his remarkable musical journey.

In the beginning, Jeremy attended medical school while continuing to play music — but ultimately music became his true destiny. Since launching his solo career in 2011, he has developed a distinctive and evocative style that blends jazz, blues, soul, storytelling, and heartfelt emotion. He is widely acclaimed for his soulful voice, dynamic piano playing, engaging stage presence, and entertaining repartee as a frontman.

Over the years, Jeremy has headlined sold-out performances at legendary venues including Ronnie Scott’s, The 606 Club, and The Jazz Café. His latest project, Older and Wiser, is a deeply personal storytelling album, with many of the songs reflecting emotional challenges, life transitions, growth, relationships, and the wisdom gained through experience.

In this interview, we discuss songwriting, jazz performance, storytelling through music, blues, soul, career evolution, live performance, creativity, emotional expression, and the inspiration behind Older and Wiser.

Enjoy this insightful and soulful conversation with Jeremy Sassoon.

Get the album and learn more:https://jeremysassoon.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with award-winning guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader Derrick Dove of The Peacekeepers.

We dive into his musical roots, the beginnings of the band, their evolution over the years, and their upcoming performance at Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. After years of building a strong grassroots following, Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers are having a major breakthrough moment, coming off top honors at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, where Derrick also earned the prestigious “Best Guitarist” award.

His musical story began on a bandstand in South Georgia, playing drums in his father’s band at just ten years old — long before stepping into the spotlight as a guitarist and vocalist. After spending time in Nashville and touring with various groups, he eventually returned home and formed The Peacekeepers around 2010, building a sound rooted in blues, soul, Southern rock, groove, and authentic storytelling.

In this interview, we discuss blues music, songwriting, touring life, live performance, guitar playing, Kansas City, Memphis blues, Southern music roots, band leadership, new music, and the growing momentum behind The Peacekeepers.

Dig this powerful and soulful conversation with Derrick Dove.

Shows, music & more:https://derrickdove.com/

For More Neon Jazz:
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