Kurt Elling, Laura Ann Singh, Johannes Wallmann and Ray Drummond

We open the 934th episode of Neon Jazz with a heartfelt tribute to a giant we lost on November 1, 2025—the incomparable Ray Drummond, bassist, educator, and pillar of the jazz world. From his 2006 gem 1-2-3-4, we spin "Little Waltz" to honor his legacy and say goodbye to a true master. From there, the show widens into a kaleidoscope of sound featuring Gino Amato, Zack Lober, Kurt Elling, Johannes Wallmann, Pat Mariano, and Bill Coon. We spotlight standout cuts from the sophomore album of Toronto-based pianist Anthony D'Alessandro, along with fresh artistry from David Occhipinti. The journey continues with the eclectic voice of Laura Ann Sign and brand-new music from Juan Chiavassa, offering a mix of colors, moods, and grooves. We tie it all together with a vibrant close from Alfredo Chacón, taking you out with some irresistible swing from his 2018 album Caliente Corner. Thanks for swinging by—and as always, dig the jazz, my friends.

Playlist

• Ray Drummond "Little Waltz" 1-2-3-4 (Arabesque Records) 0:00
• Host talks 4:16
• Gino Amato "Scheherazade" Latin Crossroads 2 (Ovation Records) 5:35
• Zack Lober "Behind a Myth" So We Could Live (Zennez Records) 11:24
• Host talks 14:15
• Kurt Elling "Gangster of Love" SuperBlue Guilty Pleasures Vol.2 [EP] (Big Shoulders Records) 15:24
• Anthony D'Alessandro "Four Minute Miles" City Lights (Anthony D'Alessandro) 19:21
• Host talks 24:11
• Johannes Wallmann "The Towel Snapper" Not Tired (Shifting Paradigm) 25:32
• Juán Chiavassa "Hey Open Up" Fourth Generation (Whirlwind Records) 30:13
• Host talks 34:47
• Paul Marinaro "I'm Just a Lucky So and So" Mood Ellington {Origin Records) 35:30
• David Occhipinti "Octavia" Camera Lucida (Elastic Recordings) 39:50
• Host talks 44:27
• Laura Ann Singh "River" Mean Reds (Out of Your Head Records) 45:32
• Bill Coon "Yesterdays" Standard Elegance (Cellar Live) 50:15
• Host talks 53:32
• Alfredo Chacon "Out for a Walk" Caliente Corner (Cezanne) 54:13