Red Garland, Samara Joy, Billy Hart, Mark Sherman & Marilyn Maye

We step into the 935th episode of Neon Jazz with unmistakable class and pure showbiz magic courtesy of Kansas City's own vocal icon Marilyn Maye, shining brightly with "Time and Time Again" from the newly remastered 2024 album Interludes. She's gearing up for a heartfelt homecoming at the historic Folly Theater on December 21, 2025—a venue that's rising strong after a recent wave of vandalism and ready once again for greatness. From there, we follow the torch as it's carried forward by GRAMMY-winning sensation Samara Joy, who's gliding into 2025 with her silky new single Three Little Words. She absolutely brought the house down at The Folly on November 22, 2025, delivering a performance Kansas City won't soon forget. The journey continues with fresh sounds from Kerry Politzer, the Laura Camacho Tango Project, Dave McMurray, Mark Sherman, and Billy Hart. We also spotlight KC-based guitarist Brian Baggett, featuring music from his electric new release Live at the Green Lady Lounge. That legendary venue is rolling out a slate of new live albums, and Brian is at the forefront, capturing the pulse of modern jazz as it evolves in real time. And before the hour winds down—after a taste of new music from Aaron Parks—we dip into the irresistible swing of the Red Garland classic "Hey Now." Dig the jazz, my friends. Always.

Playlist

• Marilyn Maye "Time and Time Again" Interludes (Fresh Sound Records) 0:00
• Host talks 4:31
• Samara Joy "Three Little Words" Single (Verve) 6:36
• Kerry Politzer "No Present Like the Time" Alternative Route (Whirlwind Recordings) 11:31
• Host talks 15:25
• Laura Camacho Tango Project "Todo Tiempo Pasado" Todo Tiempo Pasado (Athens Tango Project) 16:14
• Brian Baggett Trio Faded Village" Nothing Left to Lose: Live at Green Lady Lounge Volume 2 (Jazz Daddy Records) 18:17
• Host talks 25:19
• Dave McMurray "Find Your Pease (4 Tani)" I LOVE LIVE event when I'm hurting (Blue Note) 26:38
• Mark Sherman "Bop Contest" Bop Contest (Miles High Records) 31:58
• Host talks 36:55
• Billy Hart "Showdown" Multidirectional {Smoke Sessions) 38:13
• Marisa Balistreri Trio and Stefan Hall "Curve Veloci" Single (Marisa Balistreri) 44:13
• Host talks 47:05
• Red Garland Trio "Hey Now" Groovy (Concord) 47:59
• Host talks 51:18
• Aaron Parks "Parks Lope" By All Means (Blue Note) 52:18