Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Chicago-based jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Stephen Parisi Jr..

On this episode, we dive into his outstanding debut 2026 album Buddy!, a deeply personal recording that pays tribute to the mentors, family members, musical communities, and experiences that helped shape his artistic voice.

Originally from Buffalo, Stephen built a strong reputation as one of Western New York's most sought-after bassists before relocating to Chicago, where he continues to immerse himself in one of America's richest jazz traditions. Along the way, he developed a distinctive sound rooted in tradition while embracing the creative possibilities of modern jazz.

Produced by Buffalo jazz piano legend and longtime mentor George Caldwell, Buddy! features an exciting ensemble of emerging musicians performing a collection of original compositions that showcase Stephen's abilities as both a bassist and composer.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of Buddy!, mentorship, family influences, composition, the transition from Buffalo to Chicago, building a career in jazz, working with George Caldwell, and the importance of community in artistic growth.

The result is a heartfelt debut that celebrates friendship, gratitude, artistic development, and the people who help shape a musician's path.

We cover the whole story.

Enjoy.

Get the album:
Buddy! on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz guitarist, educator, author, and clinician Barry Greene.

On this episode, we sit down with the Jacksonville, Florida-based guitarist to discuss his outstanding 2026 release Giants, a deeply personal recording that honors the legendary musicians who helped shape his artistic voice and lifelong relationship with jazz.

Giants serves as a heartfelt tribute to some of the most influential guitarists in jazz history, including Pat Martino, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, and Russell Malone. Through organ trio performances, modern ensemble arrangements, and intimate solo guitar explorations, Barry celebrates their influence while showcasing his own distinctive musical identity.

Known throughout the jazz world for his exceptional musicianship and decades of dedication to music education, Barry has inspired generations of students through teaching, clinics, masterclasses, instructional materials, and performances. His approach combines deep respect for jazz tradition with a highly personal and expressive artistic voice.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of Giants, the legacy of the guitar masters who inspired him, jazz education, improvisation, technique, mentorship, performing, recording, and the lessons learned from a lifetime devoted to music.

We also explore his journey from New Jersey to an internationally respected career as one of today's most admired jazz guitar educators and performers.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
Giants on Origin Records

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring veteran guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, composer, and longtime SiriusXM personality Early Times.

On this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 release Border Crossings, a dynamic recording that seamlessly blends jazz, blues, Latin rhythms, and American roots music into a vibrant and soulful musical statement.

What makes Border Crossings especially compelling is the way it was recorded—captured live in a single session with an all-star ensemble featuring legendary drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Luques Curtis, pianist Zaccai Curtis, and saxophonist Craig Handy. The result is a recording filled with spontaneity, chemistry, and world-class musicianship.

Beyond his recording career, Early Times is a familiar voice to music lovers across North America as a foundational on-air personality at SiriusXM, where he is widely recognized for his work on B.B. King's Bluesville and Deep Tracks. His decades-long career has connected him to countless artists, recordings, and musical traditions.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of Border Crossings, working with legendary musicians, the evolution of blues and jazz, songwriting, recording live in the studio, radio broadcasting, and a lifetime dedicated to music.

We cover the whole story.

Enjoy.

Get the album and learn more:
Early Times Official Page

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, arranger, educator, and bandleader Ben Markley.

On this episode, we discuss his outstanding 2026 big band release Tuesday Morning Feeling, a recording that showcases his evolving artistic vision, masterful compositions, and distinctive approach to modern jazz orchestration.

Ben's musical journey began in rural Kansas and traveled through the rich jazz traditions of Kansas City and Denver before leading him to his current home in Wyoming. Along the way, he has established himself as one of the most respected voices in contemporary jazz composition, arranging, and performance.

With Tuesday Morning Feeling, Ben takes another significant step forward as a composer and bandleader. The album features seven original compositions alongside imaginative new arrangements of music by jazz giants Thelonious Monk and Cedar Walton. The recording balances strong melodic concepts with open-ended frameworks that encourage interaction, spontaneity, risk-taking, and collective creativity.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the making of the album, the art of big band writing, arranging jazz standards, composition, improvisation, education, leadership, and the lifelong pursuit of artistic growth.

We also discuss his influences, career path, and the creative lessons learned from a life dedicated to jazz.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
Tuesday Morning Feeling on Origin Records

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Kansas City jazz saxophonist, composer, educator, and bandleader Matt Otto.

On this episode, we discuss his highly anticipated 2026 album Ephemeral, scheduled for release on June 26, 2026. Even before its release, the project has already received recognition for its stunning album artwork created by acclaimed visual artist Philip Burke.

Ephemeral is a deeply personal and artistically ambitious recording that showcases Matt's distinctive compositional voice while celebrating family, friendship, creativity, and the rich musical community of Kansas City. The album includes a special piece written as a 50th birthday gift for his sister-in-law, along with musical acknowledgments to legendary creative music pioneer Wadada Leo Smith and other important influences.

The recording also features an impressive lineup of Kansas City jazz talent, including Peter Schlamb, Roger Wilder, Ben Leifer, and many other outstanding musicians contributing to the project.

In this conversation, we explore the making of Ephemeral, the Kansas City jazz scene, composition, improvisation, collaboration, artistic inspiration, album artwork, and Matt's ongoing journey as one of the Midwest's most respected modern jazz voices.

We also discuss life in Kansas City, creative growth, and the future of jazz.

Enjoy this interview.

Learn more about Matt Otto and Ephemeral:
Matt Otto Official Website
Ephemeral Album Artwork Feature

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/

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