Jon Batiste, Greg Chako, Ulysses Owens Jr., Faye Carol & Matt White

In memory of the incomparable Dolly Parton, who we lost at the age of 80 on August 25, 2026, we open this edition of Neon Jazz by celebrating an artist whose music, generosity, and humanity reached far beyond the stage. Matt White carries that spirit forward with his 2026 album Dolly, offering a beautiful interpretation of the timeless classic "Jolene." From one icon to another, we then turn toward the genius of Thelonious Monk, reimagined through the remarkable vision of prodigy Jon Batiste on his new 2026 recording Monk Movements. It's a journey through jazz history, filtered through fresh ears and a fearless contemporary spirit. Along the way, we dig deeper with interview moments from artists bringing new music into the world, including Ricardo Bacelar, Negative Press Project, and Faye Carol. Their voices add another layer to a show built around the stories behind the music. And the new jazz keeps coming. We spotlight fresh sounds from Chris Whiteman with the John Toomey Quartet, Ulysses Owens Jr., Joyce Moreno, Greg Chako, and Kelly Green, reminding us once again that the jazz story is constantly being written. Finally, we close with a little history and a whole lot of soul—a jazz-rich performance from the legendary Bruce Springsteen, captured at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 2006. From Dolly to Monk, from new voices to enduring icons, this one is about the music that stays with us—and the artists who leave something behind long after the final note. Dig the jazz. Celebrate the icons. And long live Dolly Parton.

Playlist

• Matt White "Jolene" Dolly (Adhyâropa Records) 0:00
• Host talks 6:33
• Jon Batiste "Light Green Reverie" Monk Movements (Verve) 9:49
• Chris Whiteman and John Toomey Quartet "The Reveler" Live at Reveler (Reveler Records) 14:17
• Host talks 18:31
• Ulysses Owens, Jr. "Disarm" Kind of Grunge (Cellar Live) 19:29
• Ricardo Bacelar & Airto Moreira "Pé No Chão" Maracanos (Jasmin Music) 23:50
• Host talks 28:41
• Joyce Moreno "Sorria De Novo" Joyce E Tutty Moreno (Jazz is Dead) 29:15
• Negative Press Project + Friction Quartet "Be" Cycles I (Envelopmental Records) 32:22
• Host talks 35:31
• Greg Chako "Mr. Higgins" Hard Bop for the Record (Mint 400 Records) 36:46
• Faye Carol "Let the Good Times Roll" Faye Sings the Blues (Getdown Records) 42:25
• Host talks 46:26
• Kelly Green "Milestones, Here and There" Eat Your Greens (La Reserve Records) 47:43
• Host talks 52:01
• Bruce Springsteen "Pay Me My Money Down" Live at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2006 (Springsteen) 53:02