Joey Alexander, Marilyn Maye, Charles Tolliver, NicoleYvette & Eddie Bruce

The 969th Episode of Neon Jazz opens with the unmistakable style, natural charisma, and velvet-smooth vocals of Eddie Bruce, featuring music from his outstanding 2026 album, For Dreamers and Their Dreams. From there, we pay tribute to one of Kansas City's true musical legends as Eddie's former vocal coach, the incomparable Marilyn Maye, lights up the hour with selections from her brilliant 2026 release, Live at Jazz at Lincoln Center. The journey continues with an exciting lineup of fresh voices and fearless creativity, featuring new music and insightful commentary from Laura Chu Weins, Luke Marantz, Ella Grace, and Shawn Lovato. Along the way, we keep the momentum flowing with standout tracks from Joey Alexander, Charles Tolliver, Kamasi Washington, Brent Birckhead, and the dynamic rising star NicholeYevette, showcasing the vibrant pulse of today's jazz scene. We close this summer-soaked hour on a high note with the masterful guitar work of the acclaimed Doug MacDonald, featuring music from his exceptional 2026 album, Tribute to South Central. Settle in, turn it up, and enjoy another unforgettable hour of the finest jazz from around the world. Thanks for listening, my friends.

Playlist

• Eddie Bruce "Once in a Lifetime" For Dreamers and Their Dreams (OPM Recordings) 0:00
• Host talks 3:22
• Marilyn Maye "Don't Nobody Bring Me No Bad News" Magic of Marilyn Maye Live at Jazz at Lincoln Center (Blue Engine Records) 5:44
• Laura Chu-Wiens (AurallaurA) "Oh No Honey" The Critique Of Capital An Engaging Revue (AurallaurA) 8:45
• Host talks 12:03
• Joey Alexander "Deep Calls to Deep" Celestial Keepers (Mack Avenue Records) 13:33
• Luke Marantz & Simon Jermyn "Country" Echoes (Chill Tone Records) 18:31
• Host talks 22:31
• Charles Tolliver "Right Now" Right Now .. And Then (Mack Avenue Records) 23:41
• Ella Grace "Echo" Figments (Shifting Paradigm Records) 29:18
• Host talks 33:00
• Kamasi Washington "Hard Way to Wonder" Lazarus—Adult Swim Soundtrack (Milan Records) 33:43
• Shawn Lovato "Frequent Flyer" Biotic (Endectomorph Records) 38:16
• Host talks 43:46
• Brent Birckhead "Moonlit Waters" Exchange—Live at the Keystone Korner (Birckhead Music Group) 44:51
• NicoleYvette "Saturday" Say Yes (Brightframe LLC) 48:55
• Host talks 53:33
• Doug MacDonald "Captain Bacardi" Tribute to South Central (Dmac Music) 54:10