Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Miami-based jazz producer and radio host Gene De Souza.

We caught up with Gene to talk about his work with Gafieira Rio Miami and their vibrant 2026 album Beleza Pura — a title that translates to “Pure Beauty.” This exciting release, co-produced by Gene and Diogo Brown, features 10 tracks that capture the joyful, rhythmic, and captivating spirit of Brazilian jazz and samba-infused big band sounds.

In this interview, we dive into:

The making of Beleza Pura

The evolution of Gafieira Rio Miami

The influence of Brazilian music on modern jazz

Gene’s journey as a producer and radio host

The creative energy behind Miami’s jazz scene

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

If you love jazz, Brazilian rhythms, and artist stories, this is one you don’t want to miss.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City-based singer and songwriter Delynia Jannell.

This rising artist began singing at just two years old and grew up in Kansas City, developing her voice in the church at Bethel Church of God in Christ, where her father later became pastor. With strong support from her parents, Elder James C. Bailey Jr. and Janet V. Bailey, Delynia’s musical foundation was built on faith, family, and passion.

Over time, her vocal artistry has expanded far beyond gospel—embracing R&B, jazz, blues, pop, neo-soul, and even opera. Known for her powerful voice and emotional delivery, she is quickly making a name for herself as a dynamic and versatile performer.

In this interview, we dive into her journey, live performances, recordings, and what’s ahead for this exciting Kansas City talent.

👉 Learn more: https://thebosskingz.wixsite.com/delyniajannell/bio

🎧 In this episode:

Growing up in church and early musical roots

Expanding from gospel into multiple genres

Live performances and artistic evolution

The influence of family and faith

What’s next for Delynia Jannell

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Indianapolis-based jazz vocalist Rebecca Rafla.

We dive into her 2025 album Fundamentally Unfinished and her evolving journey in the jazz world. Known for her warm tone, lyrical phrasing, and deep respect for tradition, Rebecca is quickly emerging as a compelling new voice in modern jazz.

Drawing inspiration from classic vocalists while embracing a contemporary sensibility, she blends swing, ballads, and modern jazz influences into a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. Her repertoire includes selections from the Great American Songbook along with thoughtful new arrangements that showcase her nuanced storytelling and emotional depth.

This conversation explores artistry, growth, and what it means to carry the jazz tradition forward in a modern era.

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

🎧 In this episode:

The making of Fundamentally Unfinished (2025)

Rebecca’s vocal style and jazz influences

Interpreting the Great American Songbook

Balancing tradition with modern jazz expression

Her journey as a rising jazz vocalist

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more in-depth jazz interviews and artist stories. 

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC-based jazz pianist and composer Tom Oren.

We dive into his 2026 album Dark Lights on Anzic Records, along with his roots in Tel Aviv and a rapidly rising international career. This trio recording showcases an extraordinary blend of boundary-pushing technique, deep musical imagination, and a rare ability to tell vivid, emotional stories through sound.

A winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, Oren has established himself as a creative force in modern jazz. Beyond his jazz work, he has also made a strong impact in classical and orchestral settings.

In 2021, he composed a dynamic and kaleidoscopic score for director Avi Nesher’s award-winning film Image of Victory. The soundtrack, released in 2022 on Sony Music Masterworks, highlights his ability to fuse classical influences with a forward-thinking jazz language.

This conversation explores creativity, storytelling through music, and the evolution of a world-class jazz artist.

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

🎧 In this episode:

The making of Dark Lights (2026)

Tom Oren’s jazz trio sound and vision

Winning the Thelonious Monk Piano Competition

Blending jazz with classical and film scoring

From Tel Aviv roots to the NYC jazz scene

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more in-depth jazz interviews and artist stories.

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Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with multi-award-winning vocalist and saxophonist Vanessa Collier.

This powerhouse blues artist is a 2026 Blues Music Awards Triple Nominee and brings her electrifying energy to the stage on her year-long Keep It Saxy Tour. She recently rolled through Kansas City with a standout performance at Knuckleheads on April 9, 2026.

In this interview, we dive into her dynamic career, her evolution as an artist, and her latest album Do It My Own Way (2024). Known for blending funk, soul, rock, and blues, Vanessa delivers a signature sound powered by soulful vocals, fiery saxophone solos, and sharp, witty songwriting.

From picking up the saxophone in the fourth grade to balancing athletics and music, her journey is as compelling as her performances. With a rapidly rising career and a reputation for unforgettable live shows, Vanessa Collier is a force in modern blues you don’t want to miss.

👉 All things Vanessa: https://www.vanessacollier.com/

🎧 In this episode:

2026 Blues Music Awards nominations

The Keep It Saxy Tour and Kansas City stop

Behind the album Do It My Own Way

Her unique blend of blues, funk, soul & rock

From early saxophone days to the national stage

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more exclusive jazz and blues interviews.

For More Neon Jazz:
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