David Kikowski, Nick Finzer, Michelle Lordi & Nancy King

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 James Danderfer, Eshaan Sood, and Todd Herbert. At the halfway point, we shine a spotlight on Kansas City's own Jackie Myers—a singer, songwriter, and driving force behind the long-awaited revival of the Kansas City Jazz & Blues Festival happening October 3-4, 2025. We close the journey with the rhythm and fire of Juan Pastor Chinchano, sending you off on a vibrant note. So lean in, listen close, and dig the jazz, my friends.

Playlist

• Nancy King "Ain't Misbehavin'" Live at Jazz Standard (Mack Avenue) 0:00
• Host talks 6:00
• David Kikowski "Winney's Garden" Weekend at Smalls (Cellar Live) 7:59
• James Danderfer "Garden of Weeds" If Not Now (Cellar Live) 14:49
• Host talks 19:00
• Eshaan Sood Presents The Sonic Alchemists "Mountain Muse" Dream River (Eshaan Sood) 19:35
• Michelle LordiI with Matthew Parrish "Close Your Eyes" Live at Dirty Dog (Bump Jazz Productions) 25:09
• Host talks 29:24
• Nick Finzer "Just Passed the Horizon" The Jazz Orchestra Vol. 1 (Outside in Music) 30:45
• Jackie Myers "What About the Butterfly" What About the Butterfly (Jackie Myers) 36:59
• Host talks 42:50
• Todd Herbert "Look into the Abyss" Captain Hubs {TH Productions) 44:15
• Juliet Ewing "Slap that Bass" Simply 'S Wonderful The Magic of Gershwin (Lexicon Classics) 49:29
• Host talks 52:07
• Juan Pastor Chinchano "Celinda" Memorias (Bace Records) 52:49