Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with jazz couple and dynamic duo LehCats—featuring Karen Stachel and Norbert Stachel.

We caught up with them to discuss their 2026 album Live at the Breakroom, recorded with legendary percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo.

Norbert, a versatile saxophonist and multi-woodwind player, is known for his unique voice as both a soloist and ensemble musician across genres. Karen, a celebrated flutist and composer, blends innovation with deep roots in straight-ahead jazz—creating a sound that is both fresh and grounded.

Together as LehCats, they bring a powerful musical connection and chemistry that shines through in every performance.

In this interview, we explore their journey, creative process, and the story behind their latest release.

🎶 Get the album:https://lehcats.com/music

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with Chicago-based actor, vocalist, pianist, music director, and conductor Isabella Isherwood.

We caught up with her to discuss her debut 2026 album The Sweetest Sounds, and a promising career that continues to expand across stage, screen, and music.

A dynamic and versatile performer, Isabella has trained at The Second City, Acting Studio Chicago, and the Jazz Institute of Chicago—bringing a rich blend of theatricality and musicality to her jazz artistry.

In this conversation, we explore her journey, creative process, and the evolution of her sound as she steps into the spotlight with her first full-length release.

This is a fresh and exciting voice in modern jazz.

Dig this interview.

🎶 Get the album & more:https://www.isabellaisherwood.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 acclaimed jazz pianist Ted Rosenthal.

We dive into his 2026 release The Good Old Days, part of his ambitious “Trios in 4 Acts” series—an expansive collection of recordings featuring his two working trios. These sessions were recorded in the summer of 2024 and released in installments beginning in March 2025.

A major highlight of this project is the presence of his close collaborator, the late clarinet master Ken Peplowski. In this conversation, we reflect on their musical history, Ken’s lasting impact on jazz, and the emotional depth behind this body of work.

We also explore Ted’s approach to trio performance, recording, and sustaining the tradition while pushing it forward.

This is a rich conversation rooted in jazz history, artistry, and legacy.

Enjoy.

🎶 Get the album:https://www.tedrosenthal.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 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

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

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