Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz guitarist Dave Stryker.

We caught up with Dave to talk about his 2026 album Blue Fire: The Van Gelder Session, a powerful new recording that captures his trio at the legendary Van Gelder Studio for the first time.

Dave first made his mark in jazz working with icons like Jack McDuff and Stanley Turrentine before launching a celebrated career as a bandleader and recording artist.

On Blue Fire, Stryker brings together his longtime trio featuring:


Jared Gold on organ


McClenty Hunter on drums

The album showcases the trio’s deep groove and chemistry through four new Stryker originals along with inspired interpretations of classics like “The Fool on the Hill” by The Beatles songwriting duo John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and “Dexterity” by bebop legend Charlie Parker.

Recording at the historic Van Gelder studio made this project a dream come true for Dave, and in this interview we dive into the music, the band’s chemistry, the inspiration behind the record, and thoughts on America today.

🎶 Get the album:https://davestryker.bandcamp.com/album/blue-fire-the-van-gelder-session

For More Neon Jazz:
Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                   
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Ottawa-based bandleader, vocalist, and trombonist Steve Berndt.

We caught up with Steve to talk about his new 2026 album Heart of Hearts, a project that explores themes of love, honesty, and emotional connection through jazz. The eleven-track release features eight original compositions along with inventive jazz interpretations of three well-known pop and rock songs from the 1970s.

Steve is also the leader of the jump blues group The Jivewires. Over the years, the band has released six albums filled mostly with original material and has toured extensively across Europe, the United States, and Eastern Canada.

In this interview, we dive into the inspiration behind Heart of Hearts, Steve’s journey through jazz and jump blues, and the stories behind a long career making music and leading bands.

🎶 Get the album & learn more:https://www.steveberndt.com/

For More Neon Jazz:
Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                   
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring South Florida–based jazz guitarist Tom Lippincott.

We caught up with Tom to talk about his new 2026 album Ode to the Possible and his journey through the world of jazz guitar, education, and musical discovery.

Tom’s path in music began at the age of 17 when his first guitar teacher, Randy Wimer, introduced him to both classical and jazz guitar fundamentals. That early mentorship sparked a passion that eventually led him to attend the renowned University of North Texas, one of the most respected jazz education programs in the world.

Throughout his career, Tom has been influenced by inspiring teachers and mentors, shaping not only his artistry but also his role as a dedicated music educator. In this conversation, we explore his creative process, the making of Ode to the Possible, and the journey that led him into a lifelong commitment to jazz performance and teaching.

🎸 Get the album and learn more:https://tomlippincott.com/ 

For More Neon Jazz:
Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                   
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Philadelphia-based jazz pianist and composer James Fernando.

We caught up with this prodigiously talented artist — known for equal parts mischief and mastery — to talk about his 2026 album Philly 3 and his adventurous life in music.

This is James’ sixth album overall and his powerful debut recording with his working trio. The record features:


James Fernando – Piano


Dan McCain – Bass


Kyon Williams – Drums

The trio first came together in 2023 after James received a last-minute call to assemble a group for a performance at the legendary Kennedy Center — with only three days’ notice.

From that moment, the chemistry of the trio sparked a new creative chapter that ultimately led to Philly 3. In this conversation, we dive into James’ nomadic journey through music, geography, collaboration, and the evolving modern jazz scene.

🎹 Get the album:https://dlmediamusic.com/press-releases/james-fernando-the-prodigiously-talented-pianist-composer-releases-philly-3/

For More Neon Jazz:
Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                   
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Chicago-based jazz trumpeter and bandleader Sam Robinson.

We caught up with Sam on February 27, 2026 — release day for his brand-new album Chasin’ the Dream. The record is out now on Miles High Records, the label founded by jazz musician, author and educator Mark Sherman.

Chasin’ the Dream features:


Sam Robinson – Trumpet


Scott Angst – Tenor Sax


Aaron Krings – Bass


Jack Macklin – Guitar


Chase Wilkins – Drums

In this conversation, we dive into his journey from Denver roots to becoming a key voice in the Chicago jazz scene. We also explore balancing life as a professional musician while teaching French by day, building community through jazz, and chasing the dream that fuels his artistry.

This is a real and inspiring conversation about dedication, craft, and the modern jazz landscape.

🎺 Get the album here:https://samrobinson2.bandcamp.com/ 

For More Neon Jazz:
Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                   
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices