Neon Jazz Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with host Joe Dimino. On this episode, we speak with Italy-based multi-disciplinary storyteller and creative force Lisa Marie Simmons about her brand-new 2025 album NoteSpeak (In a Word) with longtime collaborator Marco Cremaschini, released on Ropeadope. This dynamic project marks the final installment in their widely acclaimed NoteSpeak spoken-word jazz series. The album continues their exploration of language as both a mirror and a catalyst for cultural transformation—blending jazz, Afrofuturism, electronica, and spoken word poetry into a vibrant, boundary-pushing soundscape. From her home on the shores of Lake Garda, Italy, Lisa leads two ensembles—Hippie Tendencies and NoteSpeak—alongside Cremaschini, collaborating across genres and artistic disciplines. Born in Colorado Springs, she survived turbulent adoptions and foster homes, eventually finding healing and direction through music, beginning with her church choir. It’s an remarkable story of resilience, artistry, and innovation. We get into all of it. Enjoy. Get the album:lisamariesimmons.bandcamp.com/album/notespeak-in-a-word 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 host Joe Dimino.On this episode, we talk with NYC Big Band Leader Glenn Crytzer about his 2025 Christmas album, Underneath the Mistletoe. The esteemed leader of the Glenn Crytzer Orchestra stops by Neon Jazz to discuss the November 20 release of this swinging new holiday project. The album features 20 tracks—including 9 new arrangements of classic holiday favorites and 11 brand-new, toe-tapping originals performed by his full 15-piece big band. Special guest vocalists Dandy Wellington and Hannah Gill join in to bring the festive spirit to life with standout performances. Glenn talks about the making of the album, the craft of big band arranging, holiday jazz influences, and what continues to fuel his creative spark. We cover quite a bit. Enjoy this interview. Get the album:glenncrytzer.bandcamp.com/album/underneath-the-mistletoe  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/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Guitarist, Vocalist, Singer & Songwriter Valeria Stewart. We caught up with this incredibly talented artist to talk about her new 2025 album Raices and her rich life in the world of music. Valeria consistently delivers captivating multilingual performances that blend Latin, folk, jazz, and Americana into a warm, personal, and expressive musical experience. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, she grew up in the Washington, DC area and brings both cultures into her art. Beyond music, Valeria works as a part-time preschool teacher in Falls Church, supporting families in transitional housing — a role she loves deeply. As a musician, she performs solo or with her trio Crooked Sparrow, and she is at her happiest when sharing her music and creating genuine connection through it. Enjoy this interview. 🎶 Get the album:https://www.valeriastewart.com/new-music  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 featuring Drummer Steven Crammer, Bassist Walter Stinson, and Pianist Evan Main of the dynamic NYC-based trio Prawntail. We dive into the release of their debut 2025 album Prawntail, explore how the trio came together, unpack their creative vision, and talk about what's ahead for this exciting collective project. All three members are highly active sidemen in the New York jazz scene, and this trio offers them the rare opportunity to present their own unified voice, perspective, and artistic identity. Their debut album highlights their chemistry, versatility, and willingness to push the boundaries of the modern piano trio format. We get into the full story — the music, the journey, and the future. Enjoy. 🎧 Get the album:https://prawntail.bandcamp.com/?label=498273&tab=artists 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 featuring Acclaimed NYC-based Jazz Trumpeter Dave Scott as we preview his December 2025 performances in Kansas City. We connected with Dave for our annual conversation about his holiday trip through KC and the exciting string of gigs he’ll be playing this season. His December lineup includes:🎺 Friday, December 26 – Westport Theater with Michael Eaton at 6 p.m.🎺 Sunday, December 28 – Westport Theater with Brad Gregory’s Sextet at 3 p.m.🎺 Monday, December 29 – The Blue Room with Tim Brewer’s Big Band We also dive into how 2025 unfolded for Dave and what he’s looking forward to creatively and personally in 2026. Always a pleasure to catch up with him.Dig this interview. 🎶 More on Dave:https://www.facebook.com/dave.scott.92317121/ 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