Julian Lage, Rick Roe, Kate Wyatt & Maria Kaushansky

We launch Episode 942 of Neon Jazz by spotlighting a rising force out of New York City—pianist Maria Kaushansky—with the title track from her 2025 album Northbound to Finch. It's a bold, expressive opening that sets the tone for the hour. From there, we pause to honor a true Kansas City jazz ambassador, Anita Dixon Brown, whose sudden passing in early January 2026 left a deep mark on the community. In tribute to her life and spirit, we turn up the volume with Herbie Hancock's Headhunters, digging into their iconic live Chicago performance of "Watermelon Man." The journey continues with a fast-moving sweep through jazz heavyweights John Clay, Mattias Svensson, Rick Roe, and Mike Casey, blending power, precision, and soul. Along the way, we shine a light on compelling voices like Kate Wyatt and Theorem of Joy, adding texture and discovery to the mix. We bring this episode to a close with guitar virtuoso Julian Lage, featuring fresh music from his 2026 album Scenes from Above—a fitting, expansive finale. Settle in and dig this full hour of jazz, my friends.

Playlist

• Maria Kaushansky "Northbound to Finch" Northbound to Finch (Flat 6th Records) 0:00
• Host talks 4:32
• The Headhunters "Watermelon Man" Live at Gracious in Chicago (Sigum Records) 6:25
• John Clay "Humpty Dumpty" About Time (Cellar Live) 11:30
• Host talks 15:00
• Mattias Svensson "Cheddar" Embrace (Origin Records) 15:35
• Kate Wyatt "Going to the Sun" Murmurations (Kate Wyatt) 20:54
• Host talks 26:14
• Rick Roe "The Ringer" Wake Up Call (The Music Of Gregg Hill) (Cold Plunge Records) 27:24
• Gil Livni "Red Bird" All In (OA2 Records) 32:50
• Host talks 38:18
• Mike Casey "Space Chill" WPAA TV Sesson {Mike Casey) 39:03
• Theorem of Joy "New Spring" Feux (Bridge the Gap) 43:21
• Host talks 47:34
• Glenn Makos and Bru "The Last Straw" Arrowsic (WTR Records) 48:39
• Host talks 52:17
• Julian Lage "Opal" Scenes from Above (Blue Note) 53:08