Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with Italian jazz pianist Federica Colangelo.

We caught up with her from Rome to discuss her latest work with her trio Acquaphonica, including their fourth album Forward.

Her music is defined by continuous exploration—blending jazz with 20th-century European and American classical influences, along with the intricate rhythmic traditions of South Indian Carnatic music. The result is a truly unique and global compositional voice.

We also talk about her recent tour in India and how those experiences continue to shape her evolving sound.

This is a deep dive into creativity, culture, and modern jazz expression.

Enjoy this conversation.

🎶 Get the album:https://folderolrecords.bandcamp.com/album/forward

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with big band leader, orchestrator, arranger, and film & TV composer Dave Slonaker.

Based in Los Angeles, Dave has built a dynamic career creating music for film, television, and the jazz world. We dive into his 2026 album Shifty Paradigms, a project that showcases his deep understanding of big band arranging and modern composition.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Dave’s journey began with a fascination for big band sounds as a teenager—spending hours at the Carnegie Library studying how the music was constructed from the ground up.

That curiosity evolved into a decades-long career scoring for film and television while continuing to push boundaries in jazz orchestration.

In this conversation, we explore his musical roots, creative process, and the evolving world of composition across jazz and screen.

Dig this insightful interview.

🎶 Get the album:https://originarts.com/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=82944

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 jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, and scholar Dave Wilson.

We dive into his 2026 release When Evan Goes East, a project that continues his exploration of sound at the intersection of avant-garde jazz, experimental music, and groove-driven styles like R&B and electronic music.

Dave’s work is known for bringing together unique configurations of collaborators—each project creating new musical conversations while expanding on past ideas. This album is no exception, pushing boundaries while staying rooted in expressive, evolving jazz traditions.

In this conversation, we explore the creative process behind the album, the blending of genres, and perspectives on music and modern America.

Dig this forward-thinking conversation.

🎶 Get the album:https://davewilsonmusic.bandcamp.com/ 

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 storied jazz pianist and vocalist James Judson.

We dive into his powerful 2026 album Songs of My Dreams, a project that marks an extraordinary return to music after a 30-year hiatus.

James began performing at just five years old and quickly found success, winning singing contests and playing local venues throughout his youth in Boulder. Music seemed destined to be his life’s path—until his mid-thirties, when he made the difficult decision to step away and focus on raising a family and building a construction business.

For three decades, his musical gifts remained on hold—until now.

Co-produced with GRAMMY-winning producer Tim Sonnefeld, Songs of My Dreams is more than an album—it’s a story of rediscovery, passion, and the enduring power of music.

We explore his journey, the return to jazz, and what it means to finally share these songs with the world.

Dig this inspiring story.

🎶 Get the album:https://www.jamesjudson.com/songs-of-my-dreams 

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 GRAMMY-winning jazz pianist, composer, and arranger John Beasley.

We dive into his upcoming 2026 album Invisible Piano, releasing May 8, 2026—a bold and immersive project that explores the creative mind of a composer and arranger, featuring the acclaimed SWR Big Band.

John is also touring with his ensemble Unlimited Miles, celebrating the centennials of jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane. A former keyboardist for Freddie Hubbard and Miles Davis, his playing reflects a rich blend of generational jazz influences.

We also talk about bringing the Miles tribute show to The Folly Theater on March 29, 2026, along with his approach to performance, composition, and the evolving jazz landscape.

This is a deep dive into artistry, legacy, and innovation in modern jazz.

Dig in.

🎶 Everything John Beasley:https://www.johnbeasleymusic.com/ 

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

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