Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Cory Combs, Executive Director of the Stanford Jazz Workshop, discussing the highly anticipated 54th Annual Stanford Jazz Festival.

In this conversation, Cory takes us through his journey from Wichita to one of the most respected positions in jazz education and presents a comprehensive look at the six-week celebration of music, culture, and learning taking place from June 21 through July 31, 2026.

Since its founding in 1972, the Stanford Jazz Festival has grown into one of America's premier jazz destinations, attracting thousands of music lovers from around the world to the beautiful campus of Stanford University. The 2026 edition celebrates jazz's rich history while showcasing its vibrant future through more than 25 performances, educational opportunities, world premieres, family-friendly events, and international collaborations.

Highlights include centennial celebrations honoring jazz legends Miles Davis and Jimmy Heath, featuring performances by acclaimed artists Jeremy Pelt, Jeb Patton, and David Wong.

The festival lineup also includes world-renowned performers such as Billy Childs, George Cables, Branford Marsalis, and Anat Cohen, alongside celebrated artists including The Westerlies, Nick Rossi, Nicolas Bearde, and Sasha Berliner.

We discuss jazz education, the importance of live performance, the festival's unique atmosphere, community impact, and why Stanford Jazz Festival remains one of the most exciting annual events on the jazz calendar.

For program details, artist updates, and tickets:
Stanford Jazz Festival Official Website

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Brooklyn-based jazz pianist, composer, improviser, and sonic explorer Luke Marantz.

In this episode, we discuss his mesmerizing 2026 release, Echoes, and take a deep dive into his journey through jazz, improvisation, composition, and modern music.

Created alongside bassist and guitarist Simon Jermyn, Echoes presents a captivating collection of duets that showcase a musical partnership developed over more than a decade. The album explores expansive sonic landscapes while blending jazz improvisation with elements of electronic music, contemporary classical composition, ambient textures, and post-rock influences. Additional contributions from drummer Josh Dion add further depth to the project.

Recognized by NPR as “among the best young American jazz pianists,” Luke has established himself as one of the most creative voices of his generation. Whether performing on acoustic piano or synthesizer, he continuously pushes the boundaries of genre while maintaining a strong connection to improvisation and jazz tradition.

We discuss the making of Echoes, artistic growth, collaboration, improvisation, electronic textures, contemporary composition, and the experiences that have shaped his musical voice—from his roots in Dallas to his time in Boston and his current home in Brooklyn.

This conversation offers a fascinating look into the creative process of an artist redefining what modern jazz can be.

Get the album and learn more:
Chill Tone Records Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Los Angeles-based jazz vocalist, songwriter, performer, and recording artist Sylvia Brooks.

In this episode, we dive into her sixth album, Soliloquy, and explore a remarkable creative journey shaped by music, acting, storytelling, and artistic expression.

Raised by parents who were both musicians and artists, Sylvia grew up immersed in a world of creativity and performance. That rich artistic foundation has informed a career marked by authenticity, elegance, and a deep commitment to meaningful storytelling through song.

On Soliloquy, Sylvia delivers a powerful collection of four jazz standards and four original compositions that explore the many dimensions of the human experience. The album examines life's joys, challenges, heartbreaks, triumphs, compassion, resilience, romance, and beauty through vivid lyrics and expressive performances.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind the album, songwriting, jazz vocals, acting, creativity, artistic growth, performance, and the lessons learned throughout her career in music and entertainment.

Sylvia shares insights into her creative process, her passion for connecting with audiences, and how personal experiences have shaped the emotional depth found throughout Soliloquy.

This is a thoughtful and engaging discussion for jazz fans, vocal music enthusiasts, songwriters, performers, and anyone who appreciates compelling storytelling through music.

Get the album and learn more:
Sylvia Brooks Official Website

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring married jazz collaborators, guitarist Al Schulman and vocalist Stacey Schulman.

In this episode, we dive into their thought-provoking new 2026 album, Crazy World, and explore their shared journey through music, creativity, collaboration, and life together.

Created during a period marked by cultural upheaval, rapid technological change, and uncertainty, Crazy World captures the feeling of living in an era where familiar foundations often seem to be shifting beneath our feet. Rather than offering easy answers, the album embraces the complexity of the modern moment—examining questions of truth, perception, authenticity, and human connection.

The project features an exceptional lineup of musicians, including legendary drummer Jeff Watts, bassist Corcoran Holt, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Dante Pope, and acclaimed pianist, arranger, and producer Gil Goldstein.

Beyond the music, we discuss how Al and Stacey first met, their evolution as artists and partners, the creative process behind the album, and the unique experience of building a musical life together.

This is an engaging conversation about jazz, relationships, artistic expression, collaboration, and finding meaning through music in a rapidly changing world.

Get the album:
Crazy World on Amazon Music

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist, songwriter, bandleader, entrepreneur, and former club owner Marcus Goldhaber.

In this episode, we discuss his outstanding 2026 album, The Promise of You, along with his fascinating journey through the world of jazz, performance, songwriting, and club ownership.

On his sixth recording as a leader, Marcus presents a compelling collection that balances original compositions with timeless jazz standards. The album reflects both artistic growth and a renewed commitment to music after an important chapter in his life as the founder and owner of Room 623, a beloved Harlem listening room that became known for intimate performances and a deep appreciation of jazz artistry.

While operating Room 623 was a labor of love, it also required Marcus to place much of his recording career on hold. After closing the club, he returned his focus fully to creating music, resulting in the heartfelt and sophisticated recordings found on The Promise of You.

Co-produced with acclaimed pianist Art Hirahara, the album features a stellar ensemble including bassist Michael O'Brien and drummer Alvester Garnett, along with special guest appearances from GRAMMY-nominated guitarist Paul Bollenback, saxophonist and clarinetist Jay Rattman, trumpeter Summer Camargo, and three-time GRAMMY-winning percussionist Keita Ogawa.

We discuss the making of the album, jazz vocals, songwriting, entrepreneurship, running a music venue, artistic reinvention, and the experiences that shaped Marcus's unique path through the jazz world.

This is an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, creativity, and the enduring power of great music.

Get the album and learn more:
The Promise of You on Bandcamp

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