Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with LA-based jazz vocalist and bandleader Nutty Sonny Moon, the creative force behind Nutty Jazz—a wildly entertaining project that reimagines classic rock and pop songs through a jazz lens. With a unique approach, Nutty rearranges familiar hits by blending them with straight-ahead jazz, big band, Latin, lounge, and even quotes from legendary jazz artists as an homage. Known for their ‘50s–‘60s swank retro style and irreverent humor, Nutty Jazz delivers a show that feels equal parts Rat Pack cool and modern mash-up. Their repertoire also includes film and TV themes, making every performance a playful, high-energy celebration of jazz culture. They regularly entertain packed crowds at LA’s historic Baked Potato and venues beyond. In this conversation, we dig into Nutty’s long history in music, the formation of Nutty Jazz, the philosophy behind genre-blending, and what makes their live shows so memorable. We also preview their upcoming performance at Liberty Hall in Lawrence on February 28, 2026, celebrating the KPR / Retro Cocktail Hour 30th Anniversary. 🎤 Dig this hip hep cat and the music. 👉 More on Nutty Sonny Moon & Nutty Jazz:https://www.nuttyjazz.com/ 🔔 Subscribe for more Neon Jazz interviews with jazz innovators, bandleaders, and genre-benders. 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. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz pianist and vocalist Rich Siegel about his new 2025 album It’s Always Been You and a full, wide-ranging life in music. On this release, Rich is joined by bassist Cameron Brown and drummer Tony Jefferson, delivering a program that highlights his expressive singing, piano playing, and songwriting. A longtime fixture in New York-area clubs, Rich has built a versatile career performing with his trio, accompanying numerous vocalists, leading orchestras at prestigious ballroom dances, and even appearing as a musician-actor in theatrical productions. It’s Always Been You reflects that depth—balancing swing, lyricism, and seasoned musical storytelling. In this conversation, we dig into the making of the album, his approach to songwriting, and the experiences that shaped his sound over decades on the bandstand. 🎹 Dig this interview. 👉 Get the album It’s Always Been You:https://richsiegel.bandcamp.com/ 🔔 Subscribe for more Neon Jazz interviews with jazz artists, composers, and vocalists from around the world. 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. On this episode, we talk with Italian-born, London-based jazz pianist Bruno D’Ambra about his new 2025 single Ain’t Nobody and an unconventional, deeply personal journey through jazz. Bruno’s recent work breaks from traditional jazz production methods, created instead through his innovative project My Session Band—a remote recording hub designed to connect musicians and spark new global collaborations. Bruno’s last three singles were crafted using this remote model, highlighting his vision of making his band accessible to artists seeking fresh musical partnerships. Born in Naples, Italy, and raised far from conservatories and concert halls, Bruno developed an intense ear for sound at a young age. In a small apartment with a battered upright piano, music became his refuge—helping him navigate childhood loss and the turbulence of adolescence. In this conversation, we explore his creative process, the philosophy behind My Session Band, the evolution of Ain’t Nobody, and how technology is reshaping the future of jazz collaboration. 🎹 Dig into this story and the sound. 👉 Get Bruno D’Ambra’s music & more:https://brunodambramusic.com/ 🔔 Subscribe for more Neon Jazz interviews with today’s jazz innovators and storytellers. 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. On this episode, we talk with Michigan-based jazz trumpeter and educator Anthony Stanco about his new 2025 album In the Groove and a jazz life that began in Detroit. A deeply swinging and soulful release, In the Groove is packed with deep-pocket grooves and the buoyant spirit of hard bop, reflecting both tradition and modern energy. A Southeast Michigan native, Anthony draws heavily from Detroit’s rich musical heritage. Under the mentorship of influential figures like Marcus Belgrave and Rodney Whitaker, he developed a strong musical foundation and a distinctive trumpet voice rooted in swing, clarity, and groove. Alongside his performing and recording career, Anthony is an assistant professor at Michigan State University, where he teaches and mentors the next generation of jazz musicians. In this conversation, we explore his journey, the making of In the Groove, the Detroit jazz lineage, and his passion for education. 🎧 Dig this story and the groove-filled conversation. 👉 Get the album In the Groove:https://originarts.com/oa2/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=22242 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. On this episode, we talk with Miami-based jazz pianist Martin Bejerano about The Purple Project and more, taking a deep dive into his 2025 release The Purple Project: A Reimagining of the Work of Prince and his vibrant life in live music. Martin has seen Prince many times in concert and was deeply influenced by the way Prince often performed his own songs in radically different ways from night to night. A lifelong lover and aficionado of jazz—shaped in part by his father, a jazz pianist—Prince embodied relentless creativity and innovation. These jazz arrangements were inspired by that same spirit of fearless reinvention. The Purple Project reimagines Prince’s music through a jazz lens while honoring the essence of his songwriting, groove, and improvisational daring. In this conversation, we explore the album’s origins, the challenges of interpretation, and how Prince’s creative philosophy aligns naturally with jazz. Over the course of his career, Martin Bejerano has performed with an extraordinary list of jazz luminaries, including Russell Malone, Roy Haynes, the Christian McBride Band, Dave Holland, Pat Metheny, and Ron Carter. We cover this Prince homage, his journey as an artist, and much more. 🎧 Enjoy this deep and soulful conversation. 👉 Get the album and learn more:https://www.martinbejerano.com/ 🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations with jazz musicians, composers, and creative innovators. 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