Neon Jazz Interviews

In honor of the big 950th Episode of Neon Jazz, Show Engineer and long-time friend John Christopher chimes in on the 15 years of radio and interviews. The true maestro and pilot of The Neon Beat has some thoughts, stories and reflections.

Neon Jazz is a radio show and interview series created and distributed since 2011. Hatched & Hosted by Joe Dimino out of Kansas City, Missouri. The series has been Engineered and generously supported by John Christopher over thirteen years, hundreds of episodes and thousands of interviews. We celebrate the glory days right on into the innovations of modern players. The aim is to tell the rich story of jazz through the voice of the musician and provide an enticing kaleidoscope of sound and stories. We are always celebrating one of America's finest inventions .. Jazz. Dig in ..  

Everything Neon Jazz - https://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Everything Neon Beat - https://theneonbeat.blogspot.com/
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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring seasoned singer, guitarist, and composer Billy Brandt.

We caught up with Billy to talk about his 2025 album The Lucky Hustle & The Side Show Shuffle and his long journey in music. His sound carries a working-class appeal that radiates grit, charm, and a storyteller’s soul. With a voice often described as dark roasted coffee with a hint of cream, Billy delivers songs that blend jazz, blues, and Americana with a distinctive narrative style.

Originally raised in Hanover Massachusetts, Billy now calls the Seattle area home and has become a mainstay on the Pacific Northwest music scene. He performs regularly in clubs around the city and has built a reputation as a captivating live performer.

As both a singer and composer, Billy’s storytelling style has often drawn comparisons to artists like Tom Waits, though his voice carries a more refined and nuanced tone.

In this conversation, we dive into the new album, the inspiration behind his songwriting, his life in music, and the stories that continue to shape his sound.

🎶 Get the album and learn more:https://billybrandtmusic.com/music/

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

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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:                   
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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:                   
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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 
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