Episodes

  • Kansas City Organist Chris Hazelton Talks 2026 Album In Rotation, Projects & Shows

    Kansas City Organist Chris Hazelton Talks 2026 Album In Rotation, Projects & Shows
    May 13 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City jazz organist, composer, and bandleader Chris Hazelton. We caught up with this very busy musician to talk about his new 2026 album In Rotation, his work with the Cory Weeds Duo covering Huey Lewis tunes, live performances, and much more. Following up his acclaimed 2023 release After Dark, In Rotation explores time, texture, groove, improvisation, and mood through a distinctive instrumental lineup featuring Hammond B-3 organ, vibraphone, saxophone, and drums. The album showcases an exceptional lineup of Kansas City jazz talent including Brett Jackson on tenor and baritone saxophone, Peter Schlamb on vibraphone, and John Kizilarmut on drums. Known for his soulful Hammond organ sound, inventive improvisation, and energetic live performances, Chris Hazelton continues to be a major force in the Kansas City jazz scene and beyond. In this interview, we discuss jazz organ, composition, live performance, modern jazz, improvisation, Kansas City music, collaboration, recording, touring, Huey Lewis reinterpretations, and the inspiration behind In Rotation. We dig into all of it and more. Enjoy this interview with Chris Hazelton. More Chris Hazelton & music:https://chrishazelton.bandcamp.com/album/chris-hazeltonhttps://www.chrishazelton.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
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    21 mins
  • UK Jazz Vocalist Jeremy Sassoon Talks Older and Wiser & His Music Journey

    UK Jazz Vocalist Jeremy Sassoon Talks Older and Wiser & His Music Journey
    May 12 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with UK-based jazz vocalist, pianist, songwriter, and performer Jeremy Sassoon. We caught up with him to talk about his new 2026 album Older and Wiser and his remarkable musical journey. In the beginning, Jeremy attended medical school while continuing to play music — but ultimately music became his true destiny. Since launching his solo career in 2011, he has developed a distinctive and evocative style that blends jazz, blues, soul, storytelling, and heartfelt emotion. He is widely acclaimed for his soulful voice, dynamic piano playing, engaging stage presence, and entertaining repartee as a frontman. Over the years, Jeremy has headlined sold-out performances at legendary venues including Ronnie Scott’s, The 606 Club, and The Jazz Café. His latest project, Older and Wiser, is a deeply personal storytelling album, with many of the songs reflecting emotional challenges, life transitions, growth, relationships, and the wisdom gained through experience. In this interview, we discuss songwriting, jazz performance, storytelling through music, blues, soul, career evolution, live performance, creativity, emotional expression, and the inspiration behind Older and Wiser. Enjoy this insightful and soulful conversation with Jeremy Sassoon. Get the album and learn more:https://jeremysassoon.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
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    27 mins
  • Award-Winning Guitarist Derrick Dove on Blues Success, KC Show & Career

    Award-Winning Guitarist Derrick Dove on Blues Success, KC Show & Career
    May 11 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with award-winning guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and bandleader Derrick Dove of The Peacekeepers. We dive into his musical roots, the beginnings of the band, their evolution over the years, and their upcoming performance at Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. After years of building a strong grassroots following, Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers are having a major breakthrough moment, coming off top honors at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, where Derrick also earned the prestigious “Best Guitarist” award. His musical story began on a bandstand in South Georgia, playing drums in his father’s band at just ten years old — long before stepping into the spotlight as a guitarist and vocalist. After spending time in Nashville and touring with various groups, he eventually returned home and formed The Peacekeepers around 2010, building a sound rooted in blues, soul, Southern rock, groove, and authentic storytelling. In this interview, we discuss blues music, songwriting, touring life, live performance, guitar playing, Kansas City, Memphis blues, Southern music roots, band leadership, new music, and the growing momentum behind The Peacekeepers. Dig this powerful and soulful conversation with Derrick Dove. Shows, music & more:https://derrickdove.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
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    30 mins
  • Israeli Jazz Pianist Gregory Golub Talks Fusion, Composition, Career & New Music

    Israeli Jazz Pianist Gregory Golub Talks Fusion, Composition, Career & New Music
    May 10 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Israeli composer, jazz pianist, arranger, songwriter, and independent producer Gregory Golub. From his base in Israel, we talk about his latest 2025 release, African and Other Jazz Passions, and his lifelong journey through the world of music. This new album is an original world-inflected jazz fusion project created independently through his label, Gregory Golub Music Concept. His music stands at the crossroads of jazz, contemporary instrumental music, fusion, and genre-crossing composition, blending rich melodies, rhythmic exploration, and global influences into a deeply personal artistic statement. Gregory began playing piano at the age of 12 and later received formal musical education in Russia and Ukraine. Early in his career, he participated in a jazz festival in Russia where he earned an excellence prize for best original jazz compositions. Since moving to Israel in 1990, he has built an expansive catalog spanning jazz, multi-genre instrumental music, songwriting, poetry, and independent production. In this interview, we discuss jazz composition, world music influences, African-inspired rhythms, independent artistry, fusion music, piano performance, creative evolution, songwriting, arranging, and the inspiration behind African and Other Jazz Passions. We cover the whole story. Enjoy this insightful and inspiring conversation with Gregory Golub. More Gregory Golub:https://gregorygolub.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
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    23 mins
  • Spanish-Born Artist Alicia Lazaro on There is No End to Anything Round (2026) & Creative Vision

    Spanish-Born Artist Alicia Lazaro on There is No End to Anything Round (2026) & Creative Vision
    May 9 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Spanish-born, Sweden-based pianist, vocalist, and composer Alicia Lazaro about her debut 2026 album There is No End to Anything Round. Her work blends piano, voice, and electronics with immersive visual elements, creating powerful soundscapes that explore the emotional connection between sound, space, and imagery. The result is a unique artistic experience that lives between neoclassical, art pop, and electronic music. Alicia has premiered her work at renowned venues including National Concert Hall and Auditorio 400 at the Museo Nacional Reina Sofía. We dive into her creative process, her global journey, and the inspiration behind this striking new release. 👉 More Alicia: https://www.alicialazaro.com/about-bio 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
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    23 mins
  • Jazz Pianist Darren Litzie on Career, Touring & New Jazz 2026 Album On My Own Time

    Jazz Pianist Darren Litzie on Career, Touring & New Jazz 2026 Album On My Own Time
    May 8 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with jazz pianist and composer Darren Litzie about his 2026 album On My Own Time. With over fifteen years of professional experience, Darren has performed in a wide range of musical settings and collaborated with world-renowned artists. From 2009–2010, he toured as a keyboardist with Andrew Strong, known for his role in The Commitments. He has appeared on multiple recordings as a sideman and released acclaimed projects as a bandleader on Summit Records. On My Own Time stands as a powerful reflection of his musical voice and artistic journey. We dive into the album, his career path, collaborations, and the evolution of his sound. 👉 Get the album: https://summitrecords.com/release/on-my-own-time-darren-litzie/ 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
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    30 mins
  • Modern Jazz Guitarist Russ Spiegel Returns – Inside the 2026 Album Timepieces

    Modern Jazz Guitarist Russ Spiegel Returns – Inside the 2026 Album Timepieces
    May 7 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we welcome back jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader Russ Spiegel to talk about his 2026 album Timepieces. After our first conversation in Spring 2025, Russ returns with a fresh collection of modern jazz compositions built around intricate rhythms and odd meters. Featuring collaborators Tal Cohen, Vincent Dupont, and Brandon Lee Lewis, Timepieces showcases Russ’s signature approach as a composer, arranger, and producer. Beyond this release, Russ has built a diverse career—performing everything from solo guitar to leading a 17-piece jazz orchestra, composing for film, TV, and musicals, and touring extensively around the world. We dive into the making of the album, his creative process, and what’s next as he hits the road to promote this new music. 👉 Get the album: https://russ-spiegel.bandcamp.com/album/timepieces 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
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    10 mins
  • Matthew Curry Live at KC's Knuckleheads on 5.21.26, New 2026 Album One For The Ride & His Career

    Matthew Curry Live at KC's Knuckleheads on 5.21.26, New 2026 Album One For The Ride & His Career
    May 6 2026
    Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed roots, blues, and rock artist Matthew Curry about his 2026 Spring/Summer One For The Ride Tour and new album of the same name. The tour kicks off at Knuckleheads Saloon on May 21, 2026—launching a run of shows that celebrate a life built on the road and in the music. Born and raised in Bloomington, Matthew picked up the guitar at age four, was performing live by eight, and leading his own band by eleven. His powerful blend of blues, rock, southern rock, and classic country has earned him a devoted global following. Over the years, he has shared stages with legendary acts like The Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller Band, Peter Frampton, and Journey. We dive into the new album, the tour, and the journey behind the music. 👉 Get tickets: https://knuckleheadskc.com/👉 More Matthew: https://matthewcurry.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
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    26 mins