Monty Alexander, Rahsaan Barber, Sean Mason & NicoleYvette

From a fresh voice lighting up the jazz world with style, soul and undeniable charm, we launch the 979th Episode of Neon Jazz with NicoleYvette and the title track from her dazzling 2026 debut album, Say Yes. From there, we dive deeper into the voices and stories shaping jazz right now, featuring recent conversations with Hannah Marks and Amber Weekes. Along the way, we turn up the volume on an eclectic mix of sounds from Event Horizon Jazz Quartet, Rahsaan Barber, Dave Fox Group and the Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra. And because every great jazz journey needs a little history in the mix, we sprinkle in some legendary soul and artistry from Monty Alexander and Fumi Tomita before bringing the hour home with music from the great Sean Mason and his powerful 2026 recording, State of the Art. New voices. Timeless legends. Fresh sounds. Deep grooves. This is another hour where the jazz keeps moving, evolving and surprising us at every turn. Dig this hour of jazz art, my friends.

Playlist

• NicoleYvette "Say Yes" Say Yes (Bright Frame) 0:00
• Host talks 5:22
• Event Horizon Jazz Quartet "Fourthwith" Consternation (Event Horizon Jazz Quartet) 7:14
• Doug Webb "She's Funny That Way" Watch Your Step (Cellar Live) 11:49
• Host talks 15:16
• Rahsaan Barber "Sanctuary (At Seaside)" Eternal (Rahsaan Barber) 15:52
• Hannah Marks "Feed the Fire" Feed the Fire (Endectomorph Records) 20:40
• Host talks 24:53
• The Dave Fox Group "Funky Sunday" Odell Place (Blue Pie Productions) 25:55
• Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra "Banquet Scene" Royalty The Music of Duke Ellington & Count Basie (T2 Music) 30:28
• Host talks 33:51
• Monty Alexander "Skamento" A Jamarican in Paris (PeeWee!) 34:35
• Amber Weekes "Mr. Kicks" To Oscar with Love (Amber Weekes) 38:44
• Host talks 41:16
• The Elliott Caine Quintet "Furiositee" Furiositee (Rhombus Records) 42:14
• Fumi Tomita "Betobeto" Yokai: Songs Of The Japanese Supernatural (Fumi Tomita) 46:32
• Host talks 50:46
• Sean Mason "A Good Day" State of the Art (Taylor Christian Records) 51:49