Marcus Miller, Harry Connick, Jr., John Coltrane & Maria Schafer

Episode 884 of Neon Jazz kicks off with the exceptional talent of Los Angeles-based singer Maria Schafer, followed by the iconic Harry Connick Jr., whose influence helped shape her journey to becoming one of the most sought-after jazz vocalists on the West Coast. From there, we dive into fresh sounds from seasoned veterans releasing new material before the year's close, including Arun Ramamuthy, Carlos Mena, and the dynamic Brooklyn-based WORKS trio of Michel Gentile, Daniel Kelly, and Rob Garcia. The spotlight then shifts to Kansas City's own Stan Kessler and Matt Otto, whose latest albums are nothing short of brilliant. Interwoven throughout the hour, we pay homage to jazz legends like Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, and Marcus Miller, blending the timeless with the contemporary. To cap things off, we feature a live cut from Chicago pianist Pat Leary that perfectly ties the session together. Until next time—keep digging the jazz, my friends.

Playlist

• Maria Schafer "You Said It" Here for You (Marsch Music) 0:00
• Host talks 4:14
• Harry Connick, Jr. "She Belongs to Me" Blue Light Red Light (Colombia Records) 5:59
• Arun Ramamurthy Tio "Walk as One" New Moon (Greenleaf Music) 9:55
• Host talks 14:25
• Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane "Nutty" Thelonious Monk with John Coltrane (Concord) 15:16
• Stanton Kessler "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans" Two's Company (Standing Bear Music) 21:38
• Host talks 26:55
• Matt Otto "Gumm" The Landscape Listens (Tiny Moon Records) 28:43
• Carlos Mena "Comenzar" Con Personas (Pinch Records) 35:31
• Host talks 43:00
• Marcus Miller "When I Fall in Love" Free (Concord Jazz) 44:11
• WORKS Trio of Michel Gentile, Daniel Kelly & Rob Garcia "Forgotten Memories" Scouring for the Elements (Brooklyn Jazz) 48:55
• Host talks 53:39
• Pat Leary "One" Live at Midnight Tea (ERT) 54:40