Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Spokane, WA-based Trumpeter & Composer Tim Larkin. We caught up with this acclaimed musician to discuss his brand-new 2025 album Setting Standards and his rich life in music. This project features jazz arrangements of pop classics and includes collaborations with members of Earth, Wind & Fire and top studio musicians. Tim’s storied career includes work with James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, Natalie Cole, and Sheila E. Beyond the studio, he’s conducting a 100-piece orchestra performing his game scores at this year’s DOTA 2 International at Barclay’s Arena in Hamburg, Germany, blending jazz artistry with cinematic spectacle. It’s quite a story—tune in and enjoy.🎺 Get the album: https://music.apple.com/us/album/setting-standards/1827111425 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=2The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Salt Lake City-based Jazz Vocalist, Performance Coach & Educator Jennifer Madsen. We talk about her brand-new 2025 CD Reimagine and a life dedicated to music. This fifth studio album features innovative arrangements and collaborations with Brent Edstrom, Clipper Anderson, and Mark Ivester, showcasing Jennifer’s modern interpretations of jazz classics with soulful depth and elegance. With her magnetic stage presence, technical mastery, and emotional authenticity, Jennifer continues to inspire both audiences and students alike. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at Snow College.🎧 Listen & Learn More: https://www.jennifermadsen.com/For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dhThe Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Artistic Director of the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra (CJRO), Drew T. Zaremba. We catch up with this dynamic composer, arranger, and bandleader to talk about his work with CJRO and their new 2025 album Golden Lady — a soulful, funk- and R&B-infused big band project featuring powerhouse vocalist Tatiana “LadyMay” Mayfield.At its heart, Golden Lady celebrates the legacy of influential Black women songwriters, reimagined through the orchestra’s vibrant, contemporary jazz sound. Released on the Outside in Music label, this album showcases Zaremba’s bold arrangements, creative vision, and deep respect for jazz tradition and innovation.We dive into the making of the album, live performances, and Drew’s ongoing mission to push big band jazz into new territory. Enjoy.🎶 Get the album → https://www.coloradojazz.org/store/goldenladyFor More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dhThe Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Swiss-born, UK-based Jazz Guitarist Nicolas Meier. We caught up with this prodigious talent to talk about his new music, creative journey, and what the future holds.Known for blending Turkish, Eastern, Middle Eastern, Flamenco, and Tango influences with modern jazz, Nicolas has established himself as one of the world’s most original and expressive guitarists. His distinctive sound and international appeal caught the ear of rock legend Jeff Beck, who brought him into The Jeff Beck Group, touring the world together and introducing his artistry to global audiences.We get into his inspirations, cross-genre collaborations, and the path that continues to define his evolution as a boundary-pushing jazz guitarist. Enjoy this wonderful story.🎸 All things Nicolas → https://www.meiergroup.com/For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dhThe Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Vancouver-born, NYC-based Jazz Bassist Marshal Herridge. We caught up with him to discuss his brand-new 2025 CD Midsummer Lullaby and his evolving journey through the world of jazz.Over the years, Marshal has shared the stage with many of North America’s finest jazz artists, including Anthony Wonsey, Kirk MacDonald, Joe Sullivan, Joe Farnsworth, Donny McCaslin, and more. He holds degrees from Humber College and McGill University, along with an Artist Diploma from NYU, reflecting his deep academic and artistic foundation.We explore his inspirations, collaborations, and what’s next on his musical path. Enjoy this story of passion, creativity, and growth.🎧 Get the album → https://www.allaboutjazz.com/album/midsummer-lullaby-marshal-herridgeFor More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dhThe Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with NOLA-based Jazz Saxophonist, Composer & Arranger David Bode.We take a deep dive into his debut album Good Hang and his life in jazz. Supported by a grant from the Threadhead Cultural Foundation, this project was released 20 years to the day after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans—a city whose timeless creative spirit has inspired David since childhood.As the first musician in his family, David’s journey required persistence, passion, and connection. A graduate of Loyola University and the University of New Orleans, he began performing professionally while still in high school. Over the past two decades, he has built a career of performing, writing, and recording across New Orleans and beyond.Get the album → https://davidbodemusic.bandcamp.com/album/good-hangFor More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dhThe Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Acclaimed Chicago-based Jazz Artist Brian Culbertson.We dive into his brand-new 2025 album Day Trip, his upcoming national tour kicking off October 17th in Rockford, Illinois, and his celebrated life in music. This project showcases Brian’s genre-bending artistry, blending contemporary jazz, funk, fusion, and deeply soulful grooves, with an all-star lineup of collaborators.With 29 albums and over 40 Billboard #1 singles, Brian has solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting and genre-defying instrumentalists of our time. A powerhouse keyboardist, songwriter, and producer, he continues to push musical boundaries while delighting fans worldwide.Get the album → https://www.brianculbertson.com/daytrip For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dhThe Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Jazz Violinist, Educator, Composer & Improviser Richard Carr. We dive into his new 2025 album The Escarpment and his celebrated life in music.This new project blends jazz improvisation, classical elegance, and global traditions. Richard holds a Doctorate in Music Education from Columbia University and has recorded numerous albums—both as a leader and with legends like Bootsy Collins, Sly & Robbie, The Swans, Milt Hinton, Bucky Pizzarelli, John Pizzarelli Jr., and more.Over the past 30 years, he has toured extensively across the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Mexico. Beyond performing, he’s also been a radio host on WDST in Woodstock, NY. This conversation takes a deep dive into his artistry, career, and vision.Get the album → https://infrequentseams.com/album/the-escarpmentFor More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dhThe Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series! On this episode, we talk with COO & Guitarist Zach Larmer, Bass Player & Student Director Noah Orlowsky, and Singer Valentina Koehler of the Young Musicians Unite (YMU) Jazz Collective in Miami. This inspiring youth-driven group has been performing, recording, and sharing their love of jazz throughout Florida—while learning the craft at a high level. They recently returned from a groundbreaking cultural exchange tour in Brazil, the first of its kind for YMU, which is the second-largest provider of free music education in the U.S. We dive into their mission, history, travels, recordings, and vision for the future. A vibrant story of jazz, education, and cultural connection. Enjoy!More on YMU → https://ymu.org For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dhThe Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with legendary jazz multi-instrumentalist Eddie Daniels on his 2025 Resonance Records release To Milton with Love.This master clarinetist & saxophonist pays homage to Brazilian great Milton Nascimento with a bold re-creation of his 1969 CTI Records classic Courage. To Milton with Love marks Eddie’s third tribute album to an icon of Brazilian music, showcasing his deep respect for and ongoing celebration of Brazil’s legendary sounds.He is joined in the studio by an all-star band: Grammy-nominated guitarist Anthony Wilson, pianist Josh Nelson, bassist Kevin Axt, and drummer Ray Brinker. From his home base in Santa Fe, Eddie shares insights on Milton’s influence, the making of the album, and his lifelong journey through jazz and beyond.👉 Get the album → https://eddiedanielsjazz.bandcamp.com/album/to-milton-with-loveFor More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dhThe Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Toronto-based Drummer Joe Bowden on his powerful new 2025 album Music is Life.Joe began composing, producing, and recording in 2010, releasing his first critically acclaimed album Voices In My Head in 2012. Over a decade later, his artistic voice has fully blossomed with his sixth album, Music is Life.The project features an international ‘A’ Team of players including pianist & arranger Manuel Valera, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, and bassists Mike Downes & Rich Brown. Joe opens up about his creative journey, his evolution as an artist, and the making of this stellar new record.Dig into the music, the story, and the rhythm of life.👉 Get the album → https://orangegrovepublicity.com/Clients/joe-bowden-music-is-life/ For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dhThe Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Acclaimed New Jersey-based Jazz Singer Carrie Jackson.We talk in depth about her brand-new 2025 CD Jersey Bounce and her remarkable life in the jazz world. For over 30 years, Carrie has built her reputation performing with greats like Houston Person, Stanley Jordan, Barry Harris, and many more.Known for her multifaceted singing style, she swings and harmonizes through jazz standards with soul while also shining as a gifted lyricist. Born and raised in Newark, NJ, Carrie honed her craft locally before bringing her artistry to stages worldwide.Dig into this story of passion, jazz, and timeless music.👉 Get the album & more → https://www.cjayrecords.com/For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dhThe Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Chicago-based Jazz Trumpeter, Author & Artist Joe Clark. We explore his bold new 2025 project Deep Cuts — a collaboration with Radiant Black writers Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark, joined by an all-star lineup of bestselling artists.The Deep Cuts miniseries will feature six double-length issues from Image Comics, paired with original music, creating a unique multimedia experience. Joe Clark’s music is described by AllAboutJazz as “an emphatic new voice that should be heard”, blending traditions into a fresh and innovative sound.We discuss the inspiration behind this ambitious project, the creative spark fueled by the pandemic, and Joe’s journey through the vibrant Chicago music scene. It’s an inspiring story at the intersection of jazz, comics, and storytelling. Dig this interview.🎶 More on Deep Cuts → https://imagecomics.com/comics/series/deep-cuts For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dhThe Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC-based Composer Rich Shemaria.We catch up with this prolific creative to discuss his new blog series and several upcoming albums on the horizon. Long encouraged to start a blog, Rich is now sharing layered, personal, and revealing insights into his creative journey and inner workings.This summer, he recorded fresh arrangements for the album Dear Elvin J. with Tony Moreno’s band featuring legendary bassist Gene Perla (of Elvin Jones’ group) alongside top NYC musicians. He also wrote the arrangement for the title track of Steve John’s new Steeplechase Records release, Murray Avenue.In this follow-up to our June 2025 conversation, we explore Rich’s passion for music, baseball, NYC life, writing, and creativity. Enjoy this deep dive into the artistry of one of New York’s great modern composers.🖊️ Explore Rich’s Blog & More → https://www.richshemaria.com/blogFor More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dhThe Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz vocalist Jonathan Karrant. We talk about his brand new 2025 CD Live in Concert and his career in music. For this project, Jonathan teams up with longtime collaborator and pianist Joe Alterman to capture the energy and spontaneity of their live performances. Together, they deliver an intimate, high-spirited set that transports listeners directly into the concert room. Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the foothills of the Ozarks, Jonathan has built an impressive career from his base in Las Vegas. We dig into his story, the making of this album, and much more. Enjoy this conversation!🎶 Get the album → https://www.jonathankarrant.com/For More Famous Interviews:Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dhThe Home of Famous Interviews:http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                  https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER