Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz organist Pat Bianchi on his powerful new 2026 album Confluence.

We originally caught up with Pat back in 2018 following a memorable performance at The Blue Room in Kansas City, and now we reconnect in 2026 to dive into a thrilling new chapter in his musical journey.

Confluence is a high-energy organ trio recording that captures the raw immediacy and fearless creativity of three master musicians pushing themselves to the edge. Joined by two of New York City’s finest — saxophonist Troy Roberts and drummer Colin Stranahan — the album channels the spirit of a live performance with spontaneous interplay, deep groove, explosive improvisation, and modern jazz intensity.

Widely regarded as one of the leading jazz organists of his generation, Pat Bianchi continues carrying the rich Hammond B-3 tradition forward while adding his own contemporary voice and adventurous musical perspective. In this conversation, we discuss the making of Confluence, the evolution of organ jazz, live performances, touring, creativity, jazz in America in 2026, and the ongoing power of improvisation and connection through music.

This is a lively and insightful conversation with one of modern jazz’s most respected organists. Dig this interview.

Get the album:
Pat Bianchi Bandcamp - Confluence

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Russian-born, NYC-based jazz vocalist Anna Kolchina.

We caught up with this rising jazz vocalist to discuss her beautiful new 2026 album Reach for Tomorrow and her remarkable journey through the world of jazz music. Born in the Soviet Union nearly 18 hours from Moscow, Anna’s early life was shaped by a deep fascination with horses — symbols of strength, grace, movement, and poetic freedom that would later influence her artistic voice and musical expression.

Her path led through the music conservatory in St. Petersburg and eventually to Italy, where a life-changing meeting with legendary jazz vocalist Sheila Jordan encouraged her to pursue jazz more deeply and ultimately move to New York City. After releasing her debut album on the acclaimed Japanese Venus label with her Italian ensemble, Anna relocated to NYC in 2017 and has continued building an impressive international jazz career ever since.

Reach for Tomorrow showcases Anna Kolchina’s emotional depth, vocal sophistication, storytelling ability, and evolving artistry within the modern jazz landscape. In this interview, we discuss jazz vocals, improvisation, international jazz culture, artistic growth, moving to New York, musical mentorship, creativity, European jazz influences, and the inspiration behind her latest album.

Her journey and music are inspiring. Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
https://originarts.com/oa2/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=22247

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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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