Miles Davis, Ben Sidran, Max Roach & Isaiah J. Thompson

Episode 909 of Neon Jazz ignites with brilliance—and it starts with a rising star lighting up the modern jazz sky: Isaiah J. Thompson. We dive into fresh, soul-stirring tracks from his powerful 2025 release, The Book of Isaiah—Modern Jazz Ministry, where faith, groove, and virtuosity collide. From there, it's a rich journey through the past and present of jazz. We revisit the legends—Gerry Mulligan, Miles Davis, Ben Webster, Max Roach, and Charles Mingus—through stunning remastered recordings that breathe new life into timeless classics. But that's just the beginning. We spotlight compelling new sounds from Michika Fukumori, Ben Sidran, Nicolas Ferron, and Mike Thompson—artists carving their own path through today's jazz landscape. And we close things out with the finely tuned strings of Vermont-based guitarist Dan Greenleaf, bringing it all home with taste and tone. From iconic echoes to bold new voices, this is jazz in all its glory. Dig in. Feel it. Live it.

Playlist

• Isaiah J. Thompson "The Cakewalk Dilemma" The Book of Isaiah: Modern Jazz Ministry (Mack Avenue) 0:00
• Host talks 5:45
• Gerry Mulligan "Lonesome Boulevard" Nocturne (Red Records) 7:29
• Michika Fukumori "There is Always Light" Eternity and a Day (Summit Records) 12:18
• Host talks 16:58
• Miles Davis "The Theme" Live at Festival Mondial Du Jazz AntibesJuan-Les-Pins, France—July 26, 1963 (Craft Recordings) 17:50
• Ben Sidran "Pardon Live in Paris at Sunside" Are We There Yet (Bonsai Music) 20:41
• Host talks 25:34
• Ben Webster "Reniassance Blues" Live at the Reniassance in Hollywood 1960 (Craft Recordings) 26:19
• Nicolas Ferron "Multiverse" Multiverse (Diese Onze Records) 32:04
• Host talks 38:21
• Max Roach "Jodie's Cha-Cha" Deeds Not Words Mono Mix (Craft Recordings) 39:22
• Mike Thompson "6th Avenue" 6th Avenue (Bespoke Jazz) 44:07
• Host talks 49:05
• Charles Mingus "Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams (Take 4)" Reincarnations (Candid) 49:38
• Host talks 52:33
• Dan Greenleaf "A Tree or a Cloud" Live at Ford Hall (Future Fields) 53:47