Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we catch up with acclaimed jazz vocalist Alma Micic to discuss her 2025 album Lilac Wine – A Tribute to Helen Merrill, which she describes as her finest work to date. Our last conversation took place in 2018, so this interview also dives into COVID-era survival, the deeply meaningful experience of meeting Helen Merrill, and her hopes and vision for this tribute recording. On Lilac Wine, Alma is joined by an exceptional ensemble featuring Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone), Rale Micic (guitar), Brandon McCune (piano), Alexander Claffy (bass), and Jason Tiemann (drums). Together, they bring emotional depth, elegance, and modern jazz sensibility to the timeless repertoire associated with Helen Merrill. This conversation explores artistry, resilience, legacy, and the enduring power of jazz vocal expression. 🎧 Listen to Lilac Wine – A Tribute to Helen Merrill:https://music.apple.com/gb/album/lilac-wine-tribute-to-helen-merrill/1846068930 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. In this episode, we talk with Peru-based jazz flutist, composer, sound artist, researcher, and music curator Camilo Ángeles about the newly released album Algol by his electroacoustic trio of the same name. The group features Camilo Ángeles, German drummer and producer Christian Lillinger, and Austrian composer and performer Elias Stemeseder—three internationally acclaimed artists working at the forefront of electroacoustic experimentation, improvised music, contemporary composition, and avant-garde jazz. The Algol project was born during a collaborative tour and recording sessions in early 2024, spanning Mexico City and Guadalajara, and has since expanded through performances across Europe and Latin America. The album captures a fearless approach to sound, texture, and improvisation, pushing the boundaries of modern jazz and experimental music. This conversation explores the album, the trio’s history, creative process, and the evolving language of electroacoustic and avant-garde jazz. 🎧 Get the album Algol:https://buhrecords.bandcamp.com/album/algol 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. In this episode, we catch up with French-born jazz composer and pianist Laurent Ziliani to discuss his powerful new 2025 CD Skybound, along with composing, life in the music world, and the role of travel in shaping his sound. Skybound is a deeply personal musical tribute to Laurent’s dear friend, the late violinist and pilot Ben Powell. Written shortly after Ben’s passing, the work was later recorded by an ensemble of first-class musicians, many of whom were close friends and long-time collaborators. Joining Laurent on this recording are Peter Erskine (drums), Nicholas Daley (trombone), Nick Mancini (vibraphone), Kyle Newmaster (trumpet & flugelhorns), Darius Scheider (guitar), Michael Valerio (upright bass), Leah Zeger (violin), and Zac Zinger (saxophones, alto flute & clarinets)—a lineup that brings depth, emotion, and modern jazz sophistication to the project. A native of Cannes, France, Laurent studied music while pursuing a Master of Science, before committing fully to music at the renowned Berklee College of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Film Scoring. 🎶 This conversation explores the story behind Skybound, Laurent’s compositional voice, and the intersection of jazz, cinematic writing, and lived experience. 🎧 Get the album Skybound:https://www.crossovermedia.net/artists/laurent-ziliani/projects/skybound/album/ 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. In this episode, we talk with Miami-based celebrated Brazilian percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Gilmar Gomes about his debut 2025 album 11:11 and a remarkable life in music that has taken him across the globe. The number 11 holds deep meaning for Gilmar, and fittingly, the album was released on 11/11/25. 11:11 is a vibrant record full of dynamic percussion and global pop sophistication—often described as having a “Brazilian Sting” spirit—while expanding the boundaries of modern world music. Gilmar blends Brazilian samba, salsa, Afro-Cuban influences, roots sounds, and cross-cultural collaborations into an eclectic and forward-thinking musical vision. Since 2001, Gilmar has been a core member of Enrique Iglesias’ touring and recording band, playing a crucial role in the pop star’s live performances worldwide. Over the years, he has also toured and recorded with an extraordinary range of artists including Harry Belafonte, Shakira, Rihanna, Esperanza Spalding, and many others.  🎶 This conversation explores the making of 11:11, Gilmar’s global musical journey, and the evolving language of percussion in contemporary world music. 🔗 More Gilmar Gomes: https://www.instagram.com/gilmargomes/🎧 Listen to 11:11: https://music.apple.com/za/album/11-11/1849733056 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. On this episode, we talk with LA-based jazz vocalist and bandleader Nutty Sonny Moon, the creative force behind Nutty Jazz—a wildly entertaining project that reimagines classic rock and pop songs through a jazz lens. With a unique approach, Nutty rearranges familiar hits by blending them with straight-ahead jazz, big band, Latin, lounge, and even quotes from legendary jazz artists as an homage. Known for their ‘50s–‘60s swank retro style and irreverent humor, Nutty Jazz delivers a show that feels equal parts Rat Pack cool and modern mash-up. Their repertoire also includes film and TV themes, making every performance a playful, high-energy celebration of jazz culture. They regularly entertain packed crowds at LA’s historic Baked Potato and venues beyond. In this conversation, we dig into Nutty’s long history in music, the formation of Nutty Jazz, the philosophy behind genre-blending, and what makes their live shows so memorable. We also preview their upcoming performance at Liberty Hall in Lawrence on February 28, 2026, celebrating the KPR / Retro Cocktail Hour 30th Anniversary. 🎤 Dig this hip hep cat and the music. 👉 More on Nutty Sonny Moon & Nutty Jazz:https://www.nuttyjazz.com/ 🔔 Subscribe for more Neon Jazz interviews with jazz innovators, bandleaders, and genre-benders. 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