Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with Kansas City–based jazz saxophonist, singer, and songwriter Nneoma Lanea.

We caught up with this rising jazz artist to talk about her Kansas City roots, musical influences, dreams, and what the future may hold. From her early passion for music to becoming part of the vibrant jazz culture of Kansas City, Nneoma is carving out a compelling voice in today’s scene.

This conversation explores the heart of her musical vision, the inspiration behind her artistry, and where she hopes to be a decade from now as her career continues to grow.

The spark for this interview came after seeing Nneoma perform at the Noon at Thursday jazz series at The Blue Room in early March 2026—an experience that showcased the power and promise of this emerging talent.

Dig this inside look at a rising force in the Kansas City jazz community.

🎶 Follow Nneoma:https://www.instagram.com/nneomamusic/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz saxophonist and flutist Steve Wilson about his 2026 album Enduring Sonace.

On this beautiful new project, Steve reflects on a lifetime of lyrical and deeply felt songs drawn from jazz, pop, and film—music that lingers in the imagination long after the final note fades.

The album features an all-star ensemble including pianist Renee Rosnes, vibraphonist Joe Locke, bassist Jay Anderson, and drummer Kendrick Scott. Together, they bring these timeless melodies to life with elegance, emotion, and masterful musicianship.

Released through Smoke Sessions Records, Enduring Sonace explores the power of songs that stay with us across time and memory.

In this conversation, we talk about the making of the album, touring, and reflections on life and music in modern America. Steve last appeared on Neon Jazz in 2015, and a lot has happened since then. We dive into the journey and the music.

Enjoy this Neon Jazz interview.

🎶 Get the album:https://smokesessionsrecords.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with educators and musicians from the acclaimed Meridian Arts Ensemble — Daniel Grabois and Tom Curry.

We take a deep dive into their fascinating new release The Zappa House Concert, a historic recording that captures a private 1996 performance by the Meridian Arts Ensemble at the Los Angeles home of legendary composer and musician Frank Zappa.

After several years arranging Zappa’s music for brass quintet and drums, the ensemble eventually had the chance to meet with Zappa in 1992. Although Zappa passed away in 1993, the ensemble later performed a special house concert in 1996 at the Zappa residence for invited guests, preserving a unique musical moment connected to his legacy.

The Meridian Arts Ensemble was founded in 1987 by students from Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music and has since become one of the most innovative brass ensembles in contemporary music.

In this conversation, we explore the story behind the recording, the ensemble’s musical journey, and the powerful influence of Frank Zappa’s music on their work.

Enjoy this Neon Jazz interview.

🎶 Get the album:https://www.meridianartsensemble.com/zappa-house-concert

For More Neon Jazz:
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed Austin, Texas–based jazz trumpeter Jeff Lofton.

We caught up with Jeff to talk about his 2026 album ATX Rhythm and his remarkable journey in the world of jazz. This new project is a love letter to his adopted home state of Texas, blending original compositions with collaborations and interpretations of beloved jazz standards.

The album features collaborations with Ruth Ellsworth Carter and continues Jeff’s strong creative run with Tiger Turn Records. It marks his third album with the label.

Jeff is a Grammy Recording Academy member and a two-time winner of the SXSW Austin Music Awards, known for both his original music and his acclaimed tribute to Miles Davis and the classic sound of 1950s jazz.

With a career defined by creativity, musical integrity, and a deep connection to the Austin music scene, Jeff continues to push forward while honoring the traditions of jazz trumpet.

In this conversation, we explore his career, the making of ATX Rhythm, and the musical path that brought him here.

Enjoy this Neon Jazz interview.

🎶 Get the album & learn more:http://www.jefflofton.com/ 

For More Neon Jazz:
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In honor of the big 950th Episode of Neon Jazz, Show Engineer and long-time friend John Christopher chimes in on the 15 years of radio and interviews. The true maestro and pilot of The Neon Beat has some thoughts, stories and reflections.

Neon Jazz is a radio show and interview series created and distributed since 2011. Hatched & Hosted by Joe Dimino out of Kansas City, Missouri. The series has been Engineered and generously supported by John Christopher over thirteen years, hundreds of episodes and thousands of interviews. We celebrate the glory days right on into the innovations of modern players. The aim is to tell the rich story of jazz through the voice of the musician and provide an enticing kaleidoscope of sound and stories. We are always celebrating one of America's finest inventions .. Jazz. Dig in ..  

Everything Neon Jazz - https://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Everything Neon Beat - https://theneonbeat.blogspot.com/
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