Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Argentine-born Vocalist, Guitarist, Songwriter & Arranger Tom Ricci. Tom joins us to talk about his brand-new 2026 album, Happening in Buenos Aires, his career in jazz, and the international musical journey that has shaped his sound. Born in Buenos Aires and of Italian descent, Tom now calls Southern California home, bringing a unique perspective to music that crosses borders and genres.
His music moves naturally through jazz, bossa nova, Latin American song, blues, singer-songwriter traditions, and the emotional directness of rock. In this conversation, we get into the whole ride — from his roots in Argentina to his life as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, arranger and jazz artist.
Dig into Tom Ricci’s story, his new music, his Buenos Aires connection and the many influences that continue to shape his artistic voice.
Enjoy this interview with Tom Ricci on Neon Jazz.
Featuring: Tom Ricci
Album: Happening in Buenos Aires (2026)
Topics: Tom Ricci, Argentine Jazz, Buenos Aires Music, Jazz Guitar, Jazz Vocals, Bossa Nova, Latin American Music, Blues, Singer-Songwriter, Contemporary Jazz, Southern California Jazz
More Tom & Music:
Tom Ricci Music
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Scotland-based Jazz Composer, Producer & Pianist Andy Alston as we dig into the exciting new Glasgow Speakeasy at the historic Glasgow Art Club. Andy joins us to talk about this brand-new monthly jazz club, designed to bring intimate live jazz to one of Glasgow’s historic cultural spaces. The first Speakeasy featured In Dreams, an intimate evening of live jazz, launching a new chapter for the Glasgow jazz scene.
We also get into Andy’s latest musical work, including his brand-new jazz album and a new album he wrote and produced for a young Dundee jazz guitar sensation. With decades of experience as a composer, pianist, producer and creative force, Andy gives us a fascinating look inside his musical world and what inspired this new Glasgow venture.
Dig this return of Andy Alston to Neon Jazz and get an inside look at the music, artists and ideas helping shape the contemporary Scottish jazz scene.
Featuring: Andy Alston
Based in: Scotland / Glasgow
Topics: Glasgow Jazz, Scottish Jazz, Jazz Piano, Jazz Composition, Jazz Production, Glasgow Speakeasy, Glasgow Art Club, New Jazz, Jazz Albums, Live Jazz, Dundee Jazz, Jazz Guitar
Check out the Glasgow Art Club and the new Speakeasy:
Glasgow Art Club
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City saxophonist Ernest Melton of Blue Devil Revival, presented through Mutual Musicians Music Group. We dig into the group's 2026 four-track EP, Birth of a Revival. This contemporary Kansas City jazz recording draws inspiration from the legendary Blue Devils and the enduring musical tradition of the Mutual Musicians Foundation. It's a project that honors the city's rich jazz heritage while bringing that sound and spirit forward through a new generation of musicians.
Joining Ernest on this release is an outstanding lineup of Kansas City talent: Desmond Mason, Tyree Johnson, Deandre Manning and Chalis O'Neal. Across four tracks, Birth of a Revival moves through bebop, blues, contemporary jazz and a warm, reflective ballad, showcasing the range and character of today's Kansas City jazz scene.
In this conversation, we fully dig into the EP, the musicians behind it, the influence of Kansas City's jazz legacy and the importance of keeping this living musical tradition moving forward. From the roots of the Blue Devils to the creative energy of today's artists, this is a look at the people and sounds helping shape the next chapter of KC jazz.
If you love Kansas City jazz history, saxophone-led jazz, bebop, blues and the next generation of jazz musicians, this one is for you.
Artist: Ernest Melton
Group: Blue Devil Revival
2026 Release: Birth of a Revival
Label: Mutual Musicians Music Group
Featured Musicians: Desmond Mason, Tyree Johnson, Deandre Manning and Chalis O'Neal
Get the album — Birth of a Revival:
Listen and buy on Bandcamp
https://mutualmusiciansmusicgroup.bandcamp.com/album/birth-of-a-revival
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with musician, comedian and theoretical physicist Brian Wecht, better known to smooth jazz fans as Trey Magnifique. We caught up with Trey on the road for a deep dive into his remarkable journey through music and entertainment, his lifelong appreciation for jazz, and his 2026 album, Bebop Cowboy.
Many fans know Brian Wecht as “Ninja Brian” from the comedy music groups Ninja Sex Party and Starbomb. But as Trey Magnifique, he brings a different side of his musical personality to the forefront, embracing the smooth sounds, instrumental sophistication and musicianship of jazz.
His sophomore release, Bebop Cowboy, follows his debut album, Mature Situations, continuing his exploration of smooth jazz while celebrating the genre and the musicians who inspired him. In this conversation, we get into the new record, his creative evolution, his life in music and entertainment, and the story behind this distinctive jazz alter ego.
From comedy-rock fame to polished instrumental jazz, Trey Magnifique has carved out a musical lane all his own. Dig into the whole ride with us!
Featuring: Trey Magnifique (Brian Wecht)
2026 Album: Bebop Cowboy
Previous Album: Mature Situations
Known For: Ninja Brian, Ninja Sex Party, Starbomb
Topics: Smooth Jazz, Instrumental Jazz, Jazz Musicianship, Comedy Music, Music Production, Brian Wecht, Trey Magnifique and New Jazz Releases.
Get the music — Trey Magnifique on Bandcamp:
https://treymagnifique.bandcamp.com/
Enjoy this interview on Neon Jazz with Joe Dimino. Dig the jazz, my friends!
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz singer Lisa Rich talking about her powerful 2026 album I Still Rise. The last time Lisa joined us was in 2024 with the release of Long As You're Living, a remarkable comeback following 33 years of forced inactivity due to serious health problems. When she returned, her voice was in prime form, resulting in one of the standout vocal jazz albums of the year.
Now, I Still Rise fully confirms Lisa Rich's return to the jazz scene.
For this new project, Lisa reunites with the three musicians who joined her on Long As You're Living: pianist Marc Copland, bassist Drew Gress, and trumpeter Dave Ballou. Together, they create another deeply expressive chapter in Lisa's remarkable musical journey.
In this conversation, we get into I Still Rise, Lisa's return to music, the creative partnership behind the album, America today, jazz as a unifying language, resilience, the power of the human voice, and much more.
It's great to have Lisa back on Neon Jazz.
Get Lisa Rich – I Still Rise
I Still Rise on Bandcamp
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