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/goldenlady

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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/

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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-herridge

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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-hang

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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

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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-escarpment

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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

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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-love

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