Home » Jazz Articles » Radio & Podcasts » Neil Tesser: Music That Made Him and All That Jazz

Neil Tesser: Music That Made Him and All That Jazz

By Mike Jones | The Stereo Image
May 27, 2026
View read count

Click the play button to listen

In this conversation, Mike Jones and Neil Tesser explore the rich history of jazz, its personal significance in Tesser's life, and the evolution of jazz radio and clubs in Chicago. Tesser shares his early experiences with music, his transition from classical to jazz, and his journey through the vibrant Chicago jazz scene. They discuss the importance of community, education, and the avant-garde movement in jazz, reflecting on how these elements shape the current landscape of jazz music. In this engaging conversation, Mike Jones and Neil Tesser explore the rich legacy of jazz, focusing on figures like Sun Ra and the AACM, the intricacies of writing liner notes, and the personal listening habits of a jazz critic. They delve into unexpected musical influences and share anecdotes about their friendship and collaboration, highlighting the importance of connection in the music world.

FOLLOW Mike Jones and get notified whenever a new article published.
Pianist and music director for the Penn & Teller show.

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Clarinetist Virginia MacDonald's Deb...
< Previous

Sonic
Next >

Become a Sustaining Member

Since 1995, All About Jazz has championed jazz as an art form and supported the musicians who create it. Over three decades, it has grown into one of the world's leading jazz resources, serving hundreds of thousands of readers, musicians, presenters and industry professionals each month.

Help Build the Future of All About Jazz

Your support helps us continue building All About Jazz for the next generation—expanding our editorial coverage, preserving jazz history, developing new community features and creating better ways to discover the music and the people behind it.

Become a sustaining member for as little as $20 per year and you'll immediately enjoy an ad-free experience along with access to subscriber features and future articles for a full year.

Together, we're not simply sustaining All About Jazz—we're building its future. Thank you for being part of the journey.

Near

Chicago

Concert Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

Radio & Podcasts

THE OUTER VIEW
with Jerome Wilson

Matt Wilson, Bill Bruford, Bria Skonberg, and Sammy...

LISTEN NOW

ALLSTON BOYLSTON
with Hobart Taylor

Aymee Nuviola and Kemuel Roig Live at London's Ronnie...

LISTEN NOW

THE THIRD STORY
with Leo Sidran

Monty Alexander: A Student of Joy

LISTEN NOW

MONDO JAZZ
with Ludovico Granvassu

Kiefer, Nate Smith, Echoes of Zoo, Léon Phal,...

LISTEN NOW

Tune in daily to hear the internet's top jazz programs including Mondo Jazz, Jazz Bastard, The Tonearm, Liner Notes, World of Jazz, Allston Boylston, One Man's Jazz, The Outer View, Neon Jazz, A Broad Spectrum, Bitches Brew and more. View our program schedule and check this week's JazzWeek Radio Chart.