Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with San Diego-based jazz keyboardist and composer Hindy Bare. We dive into her debut 2026 album Jillo, a powerful and personal project inspired by Jill Ker Conway, the first female president of Smith College.

Hindy shares her journey through jazz and blues, including her work with guitarist Fuzzy Watkins and her evolution as a solo artist. After raising a family, she returned to school during the pandemic to earn a master’s degree in jazz—proving it’s never too late to pursue your passion.

Her story began at the Berklee College of Music, where she studied jazz piano with Donald Brown, laying the foundation for a lifetime in music.

This is a conversation about resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of jazz.

👉 Get the album & more: https://www.hindybare.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with award-winning jazz conductor, composer, producer, and radio host Mitch Glickman. His diverse career spans film, concerts, opera, and recordings. He is the founder and music director of the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra and serves as Director of Music Programs for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

We dive into the highly anticipated “Tribute to Maurice White,” honoring the legendary founder of Earth, Wind & Fire. These special concerts will premiere new symphonic jazz arrangements by Marshall Gilkes, John Clayton, Derrick Hodge, and Vince Mendoza, along with the world premiere of a previously unheard composition by Maurice White.

The performances take place May 9–10, 2026, at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach, bringing audiences a powerful orchestral experience that bridges eras and genres while celebrating White’s enduring legacy.

We also explore Mitch’s career, the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra, and his impact on jazz, education, and broadcasting.

🎟️ Get tickets: SJOmusic.org📻 Listen to his radio show: https://kkjz.org/programming/hosts/bios/?host=79

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz singer, songwriter, actress, and charismatic entertainer Rachel Sutton.

We dive into her brand-new 2026 album Realms, a project that captures the magic of her live performances while adding rich studio nuance and musical depth. Rachel shares insights into her journey through jazz, her work on international stages, and how her theatrical training shapes every performance.

Known for her emotive voice, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, Rachel has captivated audiences at major venues and festivals across the UK and beyond. In addition to her music career, she has performed in award-winning productions at the Edinburgh and New York Fringe Festivals, blending acting and jazz into a truly unique artistic voice.

This is a conversation about creativity, performance, and passion you don’t want to miss.

👉 Get the album & more: https://rachelsuttonmusic.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with international jazz pianist, composer, and humanitarian Monika Herzig about her 2026 album Transparent.

Known for blending artistry with purpose, Monika continues her tradition of using music as a platform for meaningful expression. Transparent is a deeply personal and powerful instrumental project that combines rich, melodic compositions with themes of clarity, identity, and unconditional love.

The album’s title reflects both musical transparency and a deeply human story — inspired by her experience as a parent of a transgender child. Through this work, she brings empathy, awareness, and compassion into the world of modern jazz.

Featuring a collection of compelling original compositions along with a reimagined version of Elton John’s classic “Your Song,” the album bridges past and future, tradition and innovation.

In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind Transparent, the role of music in advocacy, and how art can help foster understanding and connection in today’s world.

👉 Get the album: https://dlmediamusic.com/artists/monika-herzig-transparent/

🎷 Neon Jazz features in-depth interviews with top jazz artists from around the world.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer Jeff Lederer about his 2026 album There’s a Yearnin’.

In a career defined by bold artistic choices, this project stands as one of his most ambitious statements — a powerful convergence of jazz and notated music that brings important, under-heard works back into the spotlight.

Released on his imprint Little (i) Music, the album features the first recording of a woodwind sextet by Eric Dolphy, a new realization of Ornette Coleman’s rarely performed Forms and Sounds, and newly arranged works by Oliver Nelson for winds and voice. The project is anchored by a newly rescored original composition from Lederer himself.

A key collaborator throughout the album is vocalist Mary LaRose, whose deep connection to Oliver Nelson’s music — including writing lyrics inspired by his themes and solos — helps reimagine these works in a fresh and compelling way.

In this conversation, we explore the creative process behind the album, the intersection of jazz and composition, and the importance of preserving and evolving musical legacies in today’s world.

👉 Get the album: https://www.littleimusic.com/

🎷 Neon Jazz brings you in-depth conversations with top jazz artists from around the world. 

For More Neon Jazz:
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