Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Brooklyn-based, Grammy-nominated bassist, composer, bandleader, educator, and recording artist Stephan Crump.

Born in Memphis and based in Brooklyn since 1994, Stephan Crump has become one of the most respected and creative voices in contemporary jazz. As a bandleader, composer, and collaborator, he has released ten critically acclaimed albums while also contributing to numerous film scores and multidisciplinary artistic projects.

In this conversation, we discuss his acclaimed 2025 release, Star Mountain, along with his remarkable career in jazz, composition, improvisation, and creative music.

Over the years, Stephan has worked with an extraordinary range of artists, including Patti Austin, Gordon Gano, and members of the acclaimed band Portishead. He is also widely known for his longstanding role in the Vijay Iyer Trio and Sextet, helping shape some of the most influential jazz recordings and performances of the modern era.

Coming from a family rich in artistic tradition—including architects, sculptors, painters, musicians, storytellers, civic leaders, and craftsmen—Stephan brings a unique perspective to creativity, collaboration, and artistic expression.

In this interview, we explore Star Mountain, jazz composition, improvisation, collaboration, film scoring, artistic influences, creative process, and the lessons learned from decades at the forefront of contemporary music.

Get the album and learn more:
Stephan Crump Official Website

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Brooklyn-based jazz saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, educator, and performer Luke Norris.

We caught up with Luke to discuss his new 2026 album, Moment from the Past, and his ongoing journey through the diverse worlds of jazz, Broadway, commercial music, composition, and education.

A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Berklee College of Music, Luke has built an impressive career as a versatile performer and creative artist. He maintains an active schedule performing across multiple musical genres while also operating a successful private teaching studio.

As a sideman, Luke has shared the stage with celebrated artists including Danilo Pérez, Luciana Souza, and David Binney. He has also performed in the acclaimed Broadway production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, demonstrating his versatility across jazz and theatrical performance.

In this conversation, we explore the creation of Moment from the Past, his development as a composer and improviser, balancing multiple musical careers, jazz education, Broadway experiences, and the creative influences that continue to shape his evolving sound.

Learn more about Luke:
Luke Norris Instagram

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring accomplished jazz bassist, composer, arranger, and educator Matt Dwonszyk.

We caught up with Matt to discuss his outstanding 2026 release, Live at the Side Door, and his remarkable journey through the world of jazz.

Based in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, Matt has become one of the most sought-after bassists in New England. A graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz and holder of a master's degree from SUNY Purchase College, he has built a respected career as both a performer and educator. Today, he serves on the faculty of Manchester Community College and Central Connecticut State University while maintaining a busy performance schedule.

Matt began playing electric bass at age eleven before transitioning to upright bass during his time at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. That decision launched a lifelong dedication to jazz, improvisation, composition, and musical excellence.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of Live at the Side Door, the experience of recording live jazz, his development as a bassist and bandleader, the importance of jazz education, and the lessons learned from years of performing with some of the region's finest musicians.

Get the album:
Live at the Side Door on Bandcamp

Learn more about Matt:
Matt Dwonszyk Official Website

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring veteran Delaware-based jazz pianist, composer, and improviser Ray Jozwiak.

We caught up with Ray to discuss his latest 2025 album, Ray's Music, and his fascinating lifelong relationship with jazz, improvisation, and creative expression.

The album features a collection of instrumental compositions filled with deep improvisation, adventurous musical ideas, and a personal artistic vision that reflects decades of musical exploration. While music was not his sole profession throughout his life, Ray has remained deeply committed to the art form and is now creating some of his most inspired work in retirement.

In this conversation, Ray reflects on his musical journey, his unique approach to creativity, and his willingness to follow his own artistic instincts rather than popular trends. We also discuss his years performing with OHO, the influential Baltimore-area musical collective that played a significant role in shaping his musical identity and continues to inspire his work today.

From jazz improvisation and composition to artistic independence and lifelong creativity, this interview offers a thoughtful look at a musician who has always followed his own path.

Learn more about Ray and his music:
Ray Jozwiak Official Website

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Canadian jazz saxophonist, composer, educator, and researcher John Sweenie.

We caught up with John to discuss his debut album, Mysticism for Intellectuals, and his unique journey through the worlds of jazz performance, composition, education, and scholarly research.

Recorded live over two nights at the legendary The Yardbird Suite, the album features an all-star ensemble and captures the energy, spontaneity, and depth of modern jazz performance. Mysticism for Intellectuals exists at the fascinating intersection of rigorous study and intuitive expression, reflecting John's ongoing effort to reconcile analytical understanding with artistic instinct.

In this conversation, we explore his roots in the bebop tradition, the influence of Black American Improvised Music, the process of internalizing and transmitting improvisational language, and how his work bridges performance, composition, and research. We also discuss the making of the album, live recording, jazz education, creative development, and the future of improvisational music.

John's thoughtful approach offers a compelling perspective on how jazz continues to evolve while remaining deeply connected to its rich traditions.

Learn more and get the album:
John Sweenie Official Website

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