Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we sit down with award-winning New York–based jazz vocalist Celia Berk for a deep dive into her ambitious 2025 recording project Four Seasons of Song—a series of EPs inspired by each of the four seasons, blending emotional nuance, storytelling, and timeless jazz elegance. Celia Berk is widely celebrated for her distinctive interpretations of the Great American Songbook and her gift for uncovering hidden gems by master songwriters. Though her jazz career began later in life, her artistic journey is anything but conventional. Once an aspiring actress, Celia chose the structure of Corporate America, yet never stopped studying voice or nurturing her passion for music. Her artistry has drawn high praise, with Rex Reed calling her “one of the best singers I’ve heard in a long time,” and Stephen Holden of The New York Times writing, “Ms. Berk makes you feel about New York the same way a Cole Porter song makes you feel about Paris.” From prestigious New York stages to listeners around the world, Celia Berk’s voice carries elegance, intelligence, and emotional depth. We explore her music, career evolution, and the creative vision behind Four Seasons of Song. It’s a rich and inspiring conversation. 🎙️ Enjoy this interview. 🎶 Get the albums:https://celiaberk.com/four-seasons-of-song-summer 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 with Paris-based jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Thomas Julienne, leader of Theorem of Joy. In this episode, we catch up with Thomas about the band’s third album and 2025 release, Feux, along with his life in music, the evolution of the group, and reflections on modern living. A musician driven by collaboration and curiosity, Thomas continually draws from encounters across genres and cultures to shape his sound. Known for his eclectic style and forward-looking approach, Thomas is trained in film scoring and computer-assisted music production, and he regularly composes commissioned works for image-based media. As a double bassist, he shares his experiences performing with diverse ensembles and musicians around the world, always pushing toward new artistic territory. 🎵 Get the music:https://theoremofjoy.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 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 renowned jazz singer Jonathan Karrant about his 2025 holiday release Christmas Wish, a beautifully crafted jazz album that blends seasonal warmth with world-class musicianship. Christmas Wish features Grammy-winning jazz legend Diane Schuur, alongside an outstanding lineup including Kenny Rampton, Joe Alterman, and Houston Person. Jonathan takes us inside the creative construction of the album, from song selection and arrangements to the emotional intention behind each performance. We also explore Jonathan’s personal Christmas memories, the role of holiday music in the jazz tradition, and how this record fits into his broader artistic journey. It’s a heartfelt and illuminating conversation with one of today’s most expressive jazz vocalists. 🎙️ Enjoy this interview. 🎶 Get the album & learn more:https://www.jonathankarrant.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 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 sit down with producer Suzanne Waldowski and singer/pianist Champian Fulton to discuss the 2025 holiday jazz release Swinging in the Holidays—a vibrant album that brings fresh energy to seasonal music through original arrangements and today’s finest jazz voices. Suzanne Waldowski’s journey into jazz is a unique one. A lifelong fan of the American Songbook, she began by hosting intimate house concerts in her home. That passion grew into presenting more than 20 concerts a year across the country, and ultimately launching her own jazz label, Songbook Ink. Swinging in the Holidays is the label’s first release and sets the tone for its mission: honoring tradition while spotlighting the next generation of jazz artists. Joining her is Champian Fulton, widely regarded as one of the finest musicians in jazz today. The album features an impressive lineup including Anaïs Reno, Lucy Wijnands, Olivia Chindamo, Wyatt Michael, Angela Gray, Vanessa Perea, Rob Edwards, and Benny Benack III. Legendary clarinetist and tenor saxophonist Ken Peplowski also appears on the record and contributes insightful, often fascinating liner notes. We cover the origins of the album, the vision behind Songbook Ink, the creative process, and the state of jazz today. Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation. 🎶 Get the album:https://songbook-ink.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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Brooklyn-based composer, multi-instrumentalist, and visionary Abraham Gomez-Delgado. In this episode, we dive into his new 2025 album ¡Ya Tú Sabes! U All Reddy Noe, recorded with NYC’s powerhouse Latin X-Perimental band Zemog El Gallo Bueno. The group returns with their long-awaited seventh album, capturing a tight-knit band at the height of its powers. Sung in Spanish, English, and Spanglish, the music explores themes of immigration, indigenous ancestry, personal transformation, and the radical act of rest — all filtered through Zemog’s signature blend of experimental jazz, Latin roots, and fearless improvisation. We also trace Abraham’s journey from his beginnings to the present, covering a wide-ranging life in music and creative exploration. 🎵 Get the album and more:https://abrahamgomez-delgado.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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices