Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz saxophonist and educator Dr. Justin Pierce! We dive into his debut 2026 album, Sway, and explore his journey through the world of jazz, from his musical roots to building a career centered on performance, education, and connection.

Based in Dallas, Justin brings together some of the area's most accomplished jazz musicians in an ensemble built on world-class talent, musical versatility, and Texas hospitality. With more than 15 years of experience and hundreds of performances across the country, Justin Pierce Music specializes in transforming ordinary events into unforgettable celebrations.

We talk about the inspiration behind Sway, his life as a saxophonist and educator, the Dallas jazz scene, the art of live performance, and the experiences that have shaped his musical path. Join us for a wide-ranging conversation about jazz, dedication, and the power of bringing people together through music.

🎧 Discover the album, Sway:
http://justinpiercemusic.com/sway

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Los Angeles-based jazz singer Chris Standring, returning for his third visit to the program. We dive into his 2026 album, Time of Change—a heartfelt collection of eleven inspired compositions that draws on the sounds, sophistication, and soulful spirit of a golden age.

This retro-soulful project evokes a nostalgic era when lush arrangements, beautiful harmonies, and timeless musical craftsmanship were in fashion. Featuring a top-flight four-piece horn section and a rich palette of orchestral colors, Time of Change brings classic sensibilities into a fresh and compelling musical experience.

Chris joins us to discuss the inspiration behind the album, the creative journey that brought it to life, release-day excitement, upcoming live shows, and much more. It's always a pleasure to welcome Chris back to Neon Jazz for another great conversation about music, artistry, and the stories behind the songs.

🎧 Get the album, Time of Change:
https://chrisstandringjazz.bandcamp.com/album/time-of-change

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz multi-instrumentalist and composer Rob Scheps. With deep Kansas City roots, Rob returns to Neon Jazz to discuss his 2026 album, Blue States, and his latest chapter with the long-running Core Tet on the legendary SteepleChase label.

Building on a career defined by musical curiosity and consistently compelling recordings, Blue States finds Rob continuing to evolve the Core Tet sound. With a vibrant frontline featuring trumpet, soprano saxophone, and flute, the ensemble reimagines music by Shunzo Ohno, Carla Bley, Sam Jones, Ronnie Boykins, and John Abercrombie through its distinctive musical voice.

Rob is joined by pianist Jamie Reynolds, bassist David Kingsnorth, and drummer Victor Jones for a project that blends thoughtful arrangements, adventurous interplay, and a deep respect for jazz tradition with a forward-looking spirit.

We explore the inspiration behind Blue States, Rob's return to SteepleChase, the evolution of Core Tet, his Kansas City connections, and the creative drive behind a career built on musical excellence. It's a fascinating conversation with an artist continuing to push forward while honoring the music and musicians who came before him.

🎧 Discover more from Rob Scheps:

Website: https://www.robschepsmusic.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnzuBFkZdZVsr-Qtx6QMlrQ

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed trombonist Steve Davis, returning to the program to share the remarkable story behind his 2026 album, Steve Davis Meets Hank Jones, Volume 2.

In June 2008, Steve Davis, bassist Peter Washington, and legendary pianist Hank Jones entered the studio for a session that was never intended to become a major archival release. Just a month before Jones’s 90th birthday, and a year and a half after undergoing quadruple bypass surgery, the jazz icon still possessed the musical brilliance, elegance, and unmistakable touch that made him a legend. Jones passed away in 2010, but the magic captured during that session endured.

It took 15 years for this music to begin reaching listeners, with the first volume arriving in 2024. Now, Volume 2 continues the story, offering another opportunity to hear a master at work alongside two outstanding jazz musicians.

We dig into the history behind these recordings, the experience of playing with Hank Jones, the journey from studio session to album release, and the enduring power of great jazz. It's a rich, fascinating conversation about musicianship, legacy, and the moments that make jazz history.

🎧 Get the album, Steve Davis Meets Hank Jones, Volume 2:
https://stevedavissmoke.bandcamp.com/album/steve-davis-meets-hank-jones-volume-2

It's great to have Steve Davis back on Neon Jazz for this unforgettable story. Dig the jazz, my friends.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz saxophonist and composer Paul Carlon, returning to the program to discuss his stellar 2026 trio album, Between Us Three! We catch up with Paul for a wide-ranging conversation about the inspiration and hopes behind this new project, the art of making music in today's ever-changing world, and the importance of human creativity and connection. We also explore the growing presence of artificial intelligence in everyday life, the energy of live performances, and what it means to keep creating, collaborating, and moving forward as a musician in the modern era.

Paul brings thoughtful perspective and musical insight to a conversation that goes beyond the notes. It's always a pleasure to welcome him back to Neon Jazz, and this time we're diving deep into the ideas and artistry behind Between Us Three.

🎧 Get the album, Between Us Three:
https://trrstore.bandcamp.com/album/between-us-three

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Italy-born, NYC-based guitarist and harmonica player Noe Socha. We get into his new 2026 album View From Inside and a stellar life in the world of music.

Originally from the small town of Carpi, Italy, Noe has developed a distinctive musical voice shaped by folk icons Bob Dylan and Neil Young, Delta blues legends Mississippi John Hurt, Muddy Waters, and Lightnin’ Hopkins, along with a touch of Jimi Hendrix-inspired fire. His signature sound blends fiery guitar technique, virtuosic harmonica playing, blues-rooted expression, and an adventurous musical spirit.

Over the years, Noe has toured, performed, and recorded with a wide range of artists, building a career defined by versatility, passion, and originality. He was also recently featured in a Netflix documentary from Norman’s Rare Guitars, bringing his musical journey and guitar artistry to an even wider audience.

We explore the inspiration behind View From Inside, his evolution as a guitarist and harmonica player, the musical influences that shaped his sound, his journey from Italy to New York City, and the experiences that have defined his life in music.

Discover more about Noe Socha:

http://www.noemusic.net/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Stockholm-based Italian bassist and composer Ilaria Capalbo! We caught up with Ilaria to explore her new 2026 album, The Brightest Sun, her journey in music, and the life experiences that shaped this deeply personal project.

Inspired by the transformative experience of motherhood, The Brightest Sun emerged from fragmented composing sessions while Ilaria was expecting her child and during the early days of motherhood. The result is music with an experimental, exploratory quality, reflecting a creative process shaped by change, discovery, and a new perspective on life.

We discuss the inspiration behind the album, the realities of balancing motherhood and music, her evolving artistic voice, and the journey that brought this compelling new work to life. Join us for an engaging conversation about creativity, transformation, and the power of musical exploration.

🎧 Get the album, The Brightest Sun:
https://ilariacapalbo.bandcamp.com/album/the-brightest-sun

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Jazz Composer, Arranger & Pianist Steve Rawlins. We get into his new 2026 release, Word on the Street, and a remarkable life spent in the world of music. After more than five decades composing, arranging, performing and helping other artists realize their musical visions, Steve Rawlins steps fully into the spotlight with Word on the Street. This vibrant ensemble recording brings together music from different chapters of his career while introducing fresh compositions shaped specifically for his wildly adventurous quintet.

Steve’s career spans an extraordinary range of musical experiences. He has arranged music for legendary recording artists including Smokey Robinson, Bette Midler and Chaka Khan. His work has also reached the stages of the Academy Awards and Emmy Award ceremonies, along with television productions including The Crazy Ones, 24 and Jeopardy!.

In this conversation, we explore Steve’s new album, his creative process, the evolution of his musical voice and the experiences that have shaped more than 50 years in the business. We dig into the art of jazz composition and arranging, working with celebrated artists, and finally bringing his own musical vision to the forefront with Word on the Street.

From a lifetime behind the scenes to a fresh chapter leading his own adventurous quintet, Steve Rawlins has a tremendous story to tell.

Enjoy this interview, celebrate a remarkable musical career, and discover the sounds of Word on the Street.

GET THE ALBUM & MORE:
https://www.steverawlins.com/

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