Betty Bryant – 96 Years Young | New Jazz Album & Career Reflections

Welcome to a special edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with a bit of a curveball. During the recording of Episode 953 on April Fool’s Day 2026, Neon Beat host and creator John Christopher flipped the script and asked Neon Jazz host & creator Joe Dimino to reflect on the lore, legacy, and lasting impact of legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk. What followed was an insightful, spontaneous, and thought-provoking conversation about one of the most enigmatic figures in jazz history. From Monk’s unconventional style and compositional brilliance to his enduring influence on modern jazz, this episode dives deep into the mind and mythology of a true icon. Whether you're a lifelong jazz fan or just discovering Monk’s genius, this candid exchange offers a unique perspective you won’t hear anywhere else. 🎧 In this episode: The mystique and mythology of Thelonious Monk His influence on modern jazz and improvisation Personal reflections from Joe Dimino A spontaneous April Fool’s Day twist 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more exclusive jazz interviews and stories. 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 legendary Kansas City-born, Los Angeles-based jazz singer, pianist, and composer Betty Bryant. At the remarkable age of 96, Betty returns with her 2026 album Nothin’ Better to Do — a recording that radiates the natural confidence of a seasoned club performance, where the music speaks for itself. With a storyteller’s instinct and deep respect for melody, she delivers a timeless jazz experience shaped by decades of artistry, not trends. Produced by Robert Kyle, the album features an exceptional group of Southern California musicians who create a sound that is both intimate and expansive—perfectly supporting Betty’s voice without overshadowing it. In this interview, we explore: The making of Nothin’ Better to Do Her incredible journey through jazz history Growing up in Kansas City Her connection to fellow jazz great Marilyn Maye Performing and recording at 96 years young 🎧 Get the album here:https://betybryant.bandcamp.com/album/nothin-better-to-do?from=discover_page 👉 Subscribe for more Neon Jazz interviews with legendary artists and rising stars 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 acclaimed jazz pianist and composer Yelena Eckemoff. Known for her richly imaginative musical storytelling, Yelena returns with her 2026 album Rosendals Garden—a stunning trio project inspired by the natural beauty, history, and quiet magic of Sweden. Set for worldwide release on March 27, 2026, this 11-track album marks her 23rd release since 2010. Recorded with some of Sweden’s most prominent musicians, the project goes beyond capturing picturesque landscapes—it dives deep into emotion, memory, and the composer’s personal reflections on the natural world. Inspired by her travels and the serene sanctuary of Rosendals Garden, the album blends sophisticated jazz improvisation with a deeply expressive narrative. Adding another artistic layer, the cover features Yelena’s own painting, further connecting her visual and musical creativity. In this interview, we explore the album, her creative process, inspirations, and her ongoing evolution as one of modern jazz’s most distinctive voices. Enjoy this immersive and inspiring conversation. 🎶 Get the album:https://yelenaeckemoff.bandcamp.com/album/rosendals-garden 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 trumpeter and advocate Jeffrey Nussbaum and celebrated drummer Bobby Sanabria. We dive into the powerful story behind the 2026 album From My Shiny Imagination: Music by Sam Baum, a project that brings heart, purpose, and extraordinary musicianship together. Jeffrey shares the inspiring journey of his son Sam, an autistic jazz pianist and composer who has forged a path into the professional music world. Through his nonprofit Special Audiences and Musicians, Jeff is helping create real performance opportunities for musicians with autism and disabilities—building a community rooted in inclusion and artistic excellence. The album, released on April 3, 2026, aligns with World Autism Awareness Day and National Autism Awareness Month, amplifying its message of awareness and empowerment. Joining Bobby on this project is an incredible lineup, including Dan Block and the legendary David Amram, who appears on penny whistle. In this conversation, we explore the making of the album, the mission behind the music, and the profound impact of creating opportunities for all artists. Enjoy this moving and meaningful interview. 🎶 Get the album:https://specialaudiencesandmusicians.bandcamp.com/album/from-my-shiny-imagination-tunes-by-sam-baum 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 Latin Grammy Award-winning percussionist and composer Samuel Torres. Born in Bogotá, Samuel has built an extraordinary international career, blending Latin rhythms with jazz sophistication and classical textures. We caught up with him to discuss his 2024 album A Dance for Birds, a deeply personal and visionary project brought to life by his Latin Chamber Ensemble and featuring the acclaimed Bergamot String Quartet. This album showcases a rich fusion of styles—where rhythm, melody, and orchestration meet to create a unique and immersive musical experience. In this interview, we dive into his journey, inspirations, the making of the album, and his evolution as an artist on the global stage. Dig into this vibrant and powerful conversation. 🎶 Get the album & more:https://www.samueltorres.com/latin-chamber-ensemble-members 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 musicians Kyle Nasser and Nick Jost of the Brooklyn-based trio Triple Blind. Formed during the COVID-19 lockdown, Triple Blind brings together longtime collaborators Kyle Nasser, Nick Jost, and drummer Peter Kronreif—musicians who had been performing together in various settings for over a decade before officially launching the group. Following their 2021 debut, the trio returns with their 2026 sophomore release Cold Walk, featuring Dov Manski on keys. The album captures the spirit of modern jazz with a deep sense of interplay, improvisation, and the pulse of contemporary life. We caught up with them from Brooklyn to talk about the new album, their creative evolution, touring, and navigating music in today’s world. Dig this insightful and forward-looking jazz conversation. 🎶 Get the album:https://tripleblind.bandcamp.com/album/cold-walk 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 Boston-based jazz guitarist Matt Greenwood. We caught up with Matt to talk about his 2026 album, Daybreak, and his life in his new American home of Boston. Matt’s sophomore release builds on the artistic promise of his 2023 debut, Atlas, showcasing his growth as a composer and guitarist. The nine-track album blends modern jazz harmonies, subtle world-music influences, blues-rock guitar lines, and ambient cinematic soundscapes. In this interview, we discuss: The creative process behind Daybreak How his music has evolved since his debut album Touring and performing as a jazz guitarist His move from Toronto to Boston Influences from jazz, world music, blues, and ambient music 🎵 Listen to Daybreak on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/album/5Km1xgP0mLHQUuWo0zi2aM 🎙️ Subscribe for more jazz interviews, album insights, and behind-the-scenes stories from contemporary jazz 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 with acclaimed jazz saxophonist Rob Scheps. We caught up with Rob to discuss a busy and exciting 2026, including his upcoming Kansas City performance at Upcycle Piano Craft on Sunday May 17, 2026 with the Brad Gregory Sextet. Rob will be performing on soprano saxophone and flute, while also contributing original compositions to the set. We also dive into his brand-new book, “Rob Scheps: 30 More Original Compositions,” along with his recent travels across the United States and his continued impact on the modern jazz scene. This interview explores creativity, composition, life on the road, and the evolving world of jazz in 2026. 🎷 Learn more about Rob Scheps:https://www.robschepsmusic.com/ 🎹 Event Info – Upcycle Piano Craft (Kansas City):https://www.upcyclepianocraft.com/ 👉 Subscribe for more in-depth jazz interviews, artist stories, and live music insights from Neon Jazz. 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 San Francisco-based jazz trumpeter, composer, producer, and bandleader Cameron Washington of Lazy Californians. We caught up with Cameron to dive into his 2026 debut album Back to San Francisco, a high-energy project that blends the spirit of New Orleans jazz and brass band traditions with the vibrant pulse of San Francisco. Leading a dynamic nine-piece ensemble, Cameron brings bold arrangements, infectious rhythms, and a powerful sense of groove that captures the raw energy and charisma of live brass performance. Rooted in his New Orleans influences and shaped by his experiences on the West Coast, Back to San Francisco is both a celebration of tradition and a fresh, modern take on jazz. In this conversation, we explore his musical journey, influences, creative process, and the story behind this explosive debut. Dig this interview. 🎶 Get the album & more:https://www.lazycalifornians.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

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz pianist Brian Haas of the New Orleans band Nolatet. We dive deep into their latest 2026 album, Somethin’ to Relax With, exploring the laid-back vibes, swinging grooves, and the inspiration behind the music. Brian joins legendary musicians Mike Dillon (vibraphone), James Singleton (bass), and Johnny Vidacovich (drums) to discuss life on the road, the creative process, and the rich jazz history that influenced this project, including nods to Chet Baker. We also talk about their upcoming Kansas City show at Greenwood Social Hall on Saturday, April 11, 2026. If you love jazz, smooth grooves, and insightful artist interviews, this is a must-watch! 🎵 Get the album & support Nolatet:Somethin’ to Relax With on BandcampSomethin’ to Relax With at Royal Potato Family 🎷 See the show:Greenwood Social Hall Events 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