Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with up-and-coming Chicago-based jazz pianist, writer, and composer Julian Davis Reid.

We dive deep into his outstanding 2026 album Vocation and his evolving journey in the world of jazz. Known for his acclaimed work with The Ju Ju Exchange and Isaiah Collier, Julian is steadily building a powerful artistic identity of his own through music that blends jazz, gospel, spirituality, storytelling, and emotional depth.

Vocation is an immersive and richly layered exploration of sound and narrative rooted in jazz while reaching deeply into gospel traditions and collective human experience. The album highlights the depth and versatility of Reid’s ensemble, with each musician contributing meaningfully to the project’s lush emotional arc and dynamic musical textures.

At his core, Julian Davis Reid is an artist-theologian whose work invites listeners to rejoice, lament, reflect, and hope together through music. His creative voice bridges improvisation, faith, social consciousness, and modern jazz expression in ways that feel deeply personal and universally resonant.

Having toured throughout Asia, Europe, and North America, Julian continues expanding his reach as one of the compelling emerging voices in contemporary jazz. In this conversation, we discuss composition, spirituality, gospel influences, improvisation, jazz piano, touring, collaboration, creative identity, and the inspiration behind Vocation.

Enjoy this artist and conversation.

Get the album:
https://juliandavisreid.bandcamp.com/album/vocation

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with veteran Faroe Islands-based jazz bassist and composer Arnold Ludvig.

We caught up with Arnold to discuss the 2025 release of his quintet album Live @ Maggies '18, his remarkable journey through the music world, and winning the 2026 Faroese Music Award for Special Release of the Year.

This powerful live recording documents music Arnold Ludvig composed across different chapters of his life, with songs written between 1993 and 2014 in Reykjavik, Montreal, Copenhagen, and Torshavn. The album beautifully weaves together Celtic folk traditions, modern Nordic jazz, blues influences, and African-American jazz into a deeply personal and expansive musical statement.

A bassist since 1980 and composer since 1991, Arnold has spent decades developing a distinctive sound rooted in storytelling, atmosphere, improvisation, and cultural connection. His music reflects the landscapes and experiences of the Faroe Islands while embracing the broader global traditions of jazz and folk music.

In this interview, we discuss composition, Nordic jazz, live performance, bass playing, jazz improvisation, European jazz culture, blues influence, the Faroese music scene, and the inspiration behind Live @ Maggies '18.

It’s a stellar musical journey full of wisdom, artistry, and global perspective. Dig this interview.

Get music & more:
https://arnoldludvig.com/
https://www.tutlrecords.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz trombonist Joey Devassy of the Interplay Jazz Orchestra.

We caught up with Joey to talk about the orchestra’s outstanding new 2026 album Bite Your Tongue, his personal journey into jazz, and the continuing evolution of the Interplay Jazz Orchestra.

Formed in 2013 as an offshoot of the Hofstra Alumni Jazz Orchestra, the Interplay Jazz Orchestra emerged from a shared desire to create a more composer-driven vision for the modern jazz orchestra. Led by Joey Devassy and Gary Henderson, the ensemble operates as a true collective — showcasing original compositions and arrangements that reflect the unique voices of its members while giving nearly every musician an opportunity to shine as a soloist.

The new album Bite Your Tongue moves effortlessly through a wide range of jazz styles and textures, including straight-ahead swing, samba, ballads, slow blues, hard bop, and funk. It’s a dynamic and richly layered recording that highlights both ensemble precision and adventurous improvisation.

In this interview, we discuss jazz composition, arranging, big band leadership, improvisation, modern jazz orchestra culture, trombone performance, ensemble collaboration, New York jazz, and the creative process behind this exciting new release.

This is a conversation jazz fans, musicians, composers, and lovers of big band innovation will truly appreciate. Dig this interview.

Get the album and more:
https://interplayjazzorchestra.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Matt Fillingham of the Back Alley Brass Band on their 2026 album Some Bright Morning.

The popular Kansas City-based brass band returns with another vibrant and energetic project filled with music they’ve performed and developed over the last several years. Rooted in the spirit and swagger of New Orleans brass band tradition, Some Bright Morning captures the infectious live energy, soulful grooves, and celebratory atmosphere that has helped Back Alley Brass Band become one of the Midwest’s rising live music acts.

In this conversation, Matt reflects on the band’s journey, the making of the new album, live performances, brass band culture, Kansas City’s evolving music scene, and upcoming World Cup-related gigs happening in Kansas City during the summer of 2026.

Known for blending jazz, funk, second line rhythms, and New Orleans bravado, Back Alley Brass Band continues building a loyal following through electrifying performances and community-driven music experiences.

We dive into the new record, touring, live music, KC culture, brass band influences, and what lies ahead for this exciting ensemble. Tune in.

Get the album & more:
https://backalleybrassband.bandcamp.com/album/some-bright-morning
https://www.backalleybrass.com/
https://backalleybrassband.bandcamp.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and Kansas City jazz mainstay Alex Abramovitz on the new 2026 album Jumpin’ on Grand Live at Black Dolphin with his Swing’n Kansas City Jazz Band.

We caught up with this veteran KC musician to discuss the rich Kansas City jazz scene, his longtime performances at iconic venues like the Green Lady Lounge and Black Dolphin, the making of this exciting live album, and the deep tradition of swing jazz that continues to thrive in KCMO.

Recorded live at Black Dolphin on October 18, 2025 during one of the band’s regular Saturday night “swing shift” performances, the album captures the authentic energy, improvisation, and timeless spirit of live Kansas City jazz. From his early musical experiences playing with John Scott to assembling one of the city’s premier swing ensembles, Alex shares stories, history, and insight from decades in the jazz world.

The official CD release event takes place Saturday, June 13 from 9:45 PM to 1 AM at Black Dolphin, located at 1813 Grand Blvd. in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

In this interview, we discuss live jazz performance, Kansas City swing, jazz history, improvisation, jazz clubs, recording live albums, the modern KC jazz scene, bandleading, and the enduring power of traditional jazz music.

This is a great conversation for jazz lovers, musicians, and anyone passionate about live music and Kansas City culture. Dig in.

Get the album and more:
https://www.swingnkansascityjazz.com/
https://greenladylounge.com/lp.html

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