Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Chicago-based jazz trumpeter, composer, educator, and rising star Ella Grace.

In this episode, we discuss her remarkable debut album, Figments, released through Shifting Paradigm Records. The project features seven original contemporary jazz compositions that showcase Ella's distinctive voice as both a composer and bandleader.

Joining her on the album is an exceptional cast of young Chicago musicians, including drummer Jayden Richardson, bassist Marion Mallard, pianist Aval Stanley, saxophonist Garret Munz, and vocalist Julia Danielle.

Originally emerging from the vibrant Twin Cities jazz scene, Ella relocated to Chicago in 2021 to pursue Jazz Studies at DePaul University. Immersed in one of America's most exciting jazz communities, she quickly established herself as both a compelling bandleader and in-demand collaborator. Her growing reputation was recognized through her selection to the 2024 Chicago Music Scene Fellowship.

We discuss the inspiration behind Figments, the creative process, jazz education, original composition, Chicago's thriving music scene, and the exciting future ahead for one of jazz's emerging voices.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
Figments on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz organist, composer, songwriter, and recording artist Larry Goldings.

In this episode, we discuss the highly anticipated 2026 album Rhombus, featuring Larry's legendary trio with guitarist Peter Bernstein and drummer Bill Stewart. After 35 years of musical collaboration, the trio continues to set the standard for modern organ jazz.

Scheduled for release on August 7, 2026 via Smoke Sessions Records, Rhombus showcases the chemistry, creativity, and deep musical connection that have made this ensemble one of the most respected groups in jazz. The trio will celebrate the release with performances at Smoke Jazz Club in New York City from August 19–23, 2026.

Widely praised by critics and fans alike, the trio has been recognized by The New York Times as one of the premier organ groups in contemporary jazz. Beyond his trio work, Larry Goldings has enjoyed a remarkable career collaborating with some of music's most influential artists, including James Taylor, Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, John Scofield, Maceo Parker, Jack DeJohnette, Jim Hall, Steve Gadd, and John Mayer.

We discuss the making of Rhombus, the longevity of the trio, organ jazz, touring, recording, collaboration, and a lifetime dedicated to musical excellence.

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Listen to the album:
Rhombus on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Shawn Lovato.

In this episode, we discuss his acclaimed 2026 release, Biotic, a bold and imaginative project that redefines the possibilities of the chordless tenor trio.

Joining Shawn on the album are celebrated tenor saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and drummer Henry Mermer. Together, they create a sound that blends atmospheric textures, adventurous improvisation, punk-inspired energy, and deep jazz tradition.

Growing up outside New York City, Shawn's earliest influences came from punk, metal, and hip-hop rather than jazz. Those underground sounds helped shape his creative voice and ultimately informed his unique approach to improvised music. His path through jazz was unconventional, leading him to discover and reinterpret the legacy of chordless tenor ensembles through a modern lens.

We discuss the making of Biotic, composition, improvisation, musical influences, collaboration, jazz history, and the ongoing evolution of contemporary jazz.

Get the album:
Biotic on Bandcamp

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and creative visionary Maria Grand.

In this episode, we discuss her powerful and deeply personal 2026 release, Both Sides, along with her artistic journey, live performances, creative process, and perspectives on music and culture in 2026.

As her fourth full-length album, Both Sides explores duality in both structure and storytelling. One side of the project features Maria's working quartet with bassist Rashaan Carter, percussionist Shakoor Hakeem, and drummer Miguel Russell, delivering the adventurous, expressive, and emotionally resonant music that has become her signature.

The album's other side expands beyond traditional performance through audio liner notes narrated by Jasmine Wilson, featuring Maria on saxophone alongside acclaimed pianist Angelica Sanchez. The result is a unique listening experience that merges music, reflection, narrative, and personal history.

Throughout this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind Both Sides, the evolution of her sound, the importance of storytelling in jazz, the realities of performing and creating in today's musical landscape, and her thoughts on America and the arts in 2026.

Maria Grand continues to emerge as one of the most compelling and original voices in contemporary jazz, and this interview offers a fascinating look into the mind of an artist unafraid to push boundaries while remaining deeply connected to personal truth and expression.

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Both Sides on Bandcamp

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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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