Articles by Joe Dimino
David Kikowski, Nick Finzer, Michelle Lordi & Nancy King
by Joe Dimino
We open the 926th episode of Neon Jazz by honoring the incomparable Nancy King, joined here with Fred Hersch, as we bid farewell to her remarkable voice. She passed on August 5, 2025, at the age of 85, leaving behind a luminous legacy of music that will echo for generations. From there, the hour unfolds with a dynamic mix--new works from seasoned masters like David Kikowski, Michelle Lordi, Nick Finzer, and Juliet Ewing, alongside fresh energy from rising talents including ...
Continue ReadingArmen Donelian, The Birdland Big Band, Brandon Suarez and Dave Douglas
by Joe Dimino
We kick off the 924th episode of Neon Jazz with none other than New York's own jazz titan Dave Douglas, showcasing music from his brand-new 2025 release Alloy. From there, the journey takes us straight into the spirited sounds of The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band, setting the tone for an hour packed with discovery and swing. Along the way, we dive into fresh cuts from some of today's finest voices in jazz--Joe Policastro, Tom Gershwin, Jeff Walton, Kat ...
Continue ReadingMichael Wolff, Laufey, Bob Curnow and Bob Schlesinger
by Joe Dimino
From the soul of Denver's own Bob Schlesinger, we launch into another irresistible hour of Neon Jazz with episode 923. This one's packed with flavor--starting with Bob himself and moving into the legendary Michael Wolff, plus a wave of fresh sounds lighting up Summer 2025. You'll hear the brilliance of Steve Rosenbloom and his Big Band, Jim Witzel, Alberto Pibiri, and Jason Forsythe. Along the way, we mix in some unexpected gems--lush vibes from Laufey, island grooves courtesy of The ...
Continue ReadingCount Basie, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong & John Coltrane
by Joe Dimino
Welcome to a special themed hour of jazz as we journey deep into the pages of Larry Tye's acclaimed book Jazz Men. This compelling work brings to life the triumphs, struggles, and sheer brilliance of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong--three giants who not only shaped jazz but also helped move America forward during an era when civil rights were still finding their voice. Throughout this hour, we weave in Larry Tye's insights with a handpicked soundtrack that tells ...
Continue ReadingJane Ira Bloom, Kieran Brown, Charlie Parker & Sheila Jordan
by Joe Dimino
Our journey into the 921st episode of Neon Jazz begins with the incomparable Sheila Jordan--a legend whose fearless spirit and boundless artistry will forever echo through jazz. She left us on August 11, 2025, at the age of 96, after a life lived with unmatched courage, grace, and musical brilliance. In her honor, we open with “Comes Love" from her long-lost 1960 session, a reminder of her timeless voice and devotion to the art form. From there, we celebrate her ...
Continue ReadingPatricia Brennan, Eddie Palmieri, Tatum Langley & Eric Alexander
by Joe Dimino
We blast into the 920th episode of Neon Jazz with the powerhouse duo of Eric Alexander & Vincent Herring, featuring music from their brand-new 2025 release Split Decision. From there, the journey takes us deep into the treasure chest of fresh sounds landing in the Neon Jazz mailbox--spotlighting Tatum Langley, Emma Hedrick, Randy Napoleon, Marc Seals, and Mike Pope. On a bittersweet note, we bid farewell to a towering figure who left his mark on jazz and beyond, the legendary ...
Continue ReadingMark Winkler, Lauren Henderson, Ben Clifton & Hal Galper
by Joe Dimino
We step into the 919th episode of Neon Jazz with a bittersweet note--bidding farewell to jazz titan Hal Galper, who left us at the age of 87 on July 18, 2025. His impact on the music was profound, but it was his role as an educator that continues to echo through generations of musicians. From that moment of reflection, we turn the dial forward into a vibrant mix of new sounds--fresh releases from the US Air Force Airmen of Note, ...
Continue ReadingChuck Mangione, Joe Farnsworth, Sarah Wilson & Hermon Mehari
by Joe Dimino
Welcome to Episode 918 of Neon Jazz--a journey that kicks off in true style with the soulful synergy of Paris-based trumpeter Hermon Mehari and pianist Tony Tixier on their new organic duo project, Soul Song. Hermon, with his deep Kansas City roots, continues to illuminate the European jazz scene with grace and power. From there, we tip our hats and say a heartfelt farewell to the legendary Chuck Mangione, revisiting a classic cut from his iconic Feels So Good album--a ...
Continue ReadingSonny Rollins, Greg Tardy, Sam Dillon, Jimmy Greene and Dave Anderson
by Joe Dimino
From a seasoned jazz cat who keeps the flame burning bright, we kick off the 917th episode of Neon Jazz with the ever-inventive Dave Anderson, spinning tracks from his soulful new 2025 release, In Lieu of Flowers. It all starts with his sound--modern yet rooted--and a nod to where it all began: witnessing the legendary Sonny Rollins live in concert. That spark set the stage for a lifelong jazz journey. From there, we dive into a powerful mix of new ...
Continue ReadingMary Halvorson, Michael Andrew, John Sturino, Dee Dee Bridgewater & Bill Charlap
by Joe Dimino
Kicking off the 916th episode of Neon Jazz, we dive straight into the deep end of excellence with a powerhouse pairing--jazz royalty Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap--serving up fresh brilliance from their 2025 release, Elementa. From there, the journey gets bold and unpredictable, featuring fearless new sounds from Emile Londoner, Mary Halvorson, John Sturino, Michael Andeew, and Tim Jago. We turn the spotlight on some hometown soul with Kansas City's The Freedom Affair, and venture to Portland for a ...
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