Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with jazz composer David Cieri about his work on the 2026 documentary THOREAU.

This highly anticipated film by legendary filmmaker Ken Burns premieres on March 30, 2026, and features an all-star cast including George Clooney as narrator, Jeff Goldblum as Henry David Thoreau, Meryl Streep as Margaret Fuller, and Ted Danson as Ralph Waldo Emerson.

As is often the case with his work, David composed and performed the music for the film, with the official soundtrack release arriving the same day via Ropeadope.

Ken Burns praised Cieri’s artistry, calling him a master composer capable of capturing every nuance of image and sound—from emotionally sublime passages to rhythmically hypnotic moments.

In this interview, we explore the creative process behind scoring a major documentary, the intersection of jazz and film, and David’s journey as a composer.

Dig this deep dive into music, storytelling, and cinematic art.

🎬 Learn more about the film:https://www.pbs.org/show/henry-david-thoreau/

🎶 Get the soundtrack & more:https://www.davidcieri.com/music-for-film

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with New Orleans–based jazz clarinetist and composer Benjamin Cousins.

We dive into his debut 2026 album What We Dream It To Be, a forward-looking and reflective project that reconnects with the optimism of childhood while exploring the power of honoring dreams and realizing their full potential.

From his roots in New Orleans to studying at Berklee College of Music and eventually returning home, Benjamin’s journey is a compelling story of growth, creativity, and musical identity.

In this conversation, we explore his influences, his evolution as an artist, and the deeper inspiration behind his music.

Dig this interview with a rising voice in modern jazz.

🎶 Get the album & learn more:https://www.benjamincousins.com/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with Kansas City–based jazz saxophonist, singer, and songwriter Nneoma Lanea.

We caught up with this rising jazz artist to talk about her Kansas City roots, musical influences, dreams, and what the future may hold. From her early passion for music to becoming part of the vibrant jazz culture of Kansas City, Nneoma is carving out a compelling voice in today’s scene.

This conversation explores the heart of her musical vision, the inspiration behind her artistry, and where she hopes to be a decade from now as her career continues to grow.

The spark for this interview came after seeing Nneoma perform at the Noon at Thursday jazz series at The Blue Room in early March 2026—an experience that showcased the power and promise of this emerging talent.

Dig this inside look at a rising force in the Kansas City jazz community.

🎶 Follow Nneoma:https://www.instagram.com/nneomamusic/

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz saxophonist and flutist Steve Wilson about his 2026 album Enduring Sonace.

On this beautiful new project, Steve reflects on a lifetime of lyrical and deeply felt songs drawn from jazz, pop, and film—music that lingers in the imagination long after the final note fades.

The album features an all-star ensemble including pianist Renee Rosnes, vibraphonist Joe Locke, bassist Jay Anderson, and drummer Kendrick Scott. Together, they bring these timeless melodies to life with elegance, emotion, and masterful musicianship.

Released through Smoke Sessions Records, Enduring Sonace explores the power of songs that stay with us across time and memory.

In this conversation, we talk about the making of the album, touring, and reflections on life and music in modern America. Steve last appeared on Neon Jazz in 2015, and a lot has happened since then. We dive into the journey and the music.

Enjoy this Neon Jazz interview.

🎶 Get the album:https://smokesessionsrecords.com/ 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with educators and musicians from the acclaimed Meridian Arts Ensemble — Daniel Grabois and Tom Curry.

We take a deep dive into their fascinating new release The Zappa House Concert, a historic recording that captures a private 1996 performance by the Meridian Arts Ensemble at the Los Angeles home of legendary composer and musician Frank Zappa.

After several years arranging Zappa’s music for brass quintet and drums, the ensemble eventually had the chance to meet with Zappa in 1992. Although Zappa passed away in 1993, the ensemble later performed a special house concert in 1996 at the Zappa residence for invited guests, preserving a unique musical moment connected to his legacy.

The Meridian Arts Ensemble was founded in 1987 by students from Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music and has since become one of the most innovative brass ensembles in contemporary music.

In this conversation, we explore the story behind the recording, the ensemble’s musical journey, and the powerful influence of Frank Zappa’s music on their work.

Enjoy this Neon Jazz interview.

🎶 Get the album:https://www.meridianartsensemble.com/zappa-house-concert

For More Neon Jazz:
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