Oscar Peterson, Terri Lyne Carrington, Greg Abate and Scott Sadlon

From the dental chair to the drum throne, Arizona dentist-by-day and drummer-by-night Scott Saldon kicks off the 975th Episode of Neon Jazz—and he's bringing some serious company. Joined by Rachel Eckroth and Tim Lefebvre, Scott sets the tone with music from his 2026 album Songs from Thin Air. From there, we launch into an hour that moves across generations, styles and sounds. Jazz veterans Terri Lyne Carrington, Dave Bass, Greg Abate, Jeff Corella and Putter Smith deliver new music with plenty of experience behind every note. But jazz never stands still. We also spotlight a fresh wave of artists pushing the music forward, including Juliann Kuchoki, Dwayne Dolphin, Jalen Baker and Andrew Toombs. And to bring it all home, we close the hour with the timeless brilliance of the legendary Oscar Peterson, featured in his ongoing Around the World Live collection. New voices. Veteran masters. Unexpected connections. One hour of jazz from all over the map. Dig the jazz, my friends.

Playlist

• Scott Sadlon "The Way Out" Songs from Thin Air (8968920 Records) 0:00
• Host talks 5:59
• Terri Lyne Carrington with Social Science "Identity Song" Trip the Night Fantastic (Candid Records) 8:46
• Juliann Kuchocki "Waltz of the Heart" Kuchocki Sings DiNovi—But Only for You (Juliann Kuchocki) 13:07
• Host talks 15:54
• Dave Bass "Black Swan" Trio Nuevo Vol. 3 (SS) 16:45
• Dwayne Dolphin "Were They Only Dreams" Let the Music Play (Imani Records) 20:35
• Host talks 24:59
• WDR Big Band "Suite for Sean Jones I—The Artist" Jagged Edges & Elegant Lines The Music of Ayn Inserto (Summit Records) 25:34
• Jalen Baker "Smile" RePaved (Cellar Live) 30:46
• Host talks 34:42
• Greg Abate "All or Nothin'" In the Moment (Summit Records) 35:14
• E.E. Pointer "MisterEllis5" Ambient Series (EGR) 39:38
• Host talks 44:16
• Andrew Toombs "The Slot" Alloy (Andrew Toombs) 45:34
• Jeff Colella and Putter Smith "Voyage" Between Friends (AJI) 49:00
• Host talks 51:38
• Oscar Peterson "Reunion Blues" Around the World Live (Mack Avenue) 52:36