Ted Rosenthal, Bernie Senensky, Michel Petrucciani, Faye Carol & Ken Peplowski

We kick off the 953rd Episode of Neon Jazz in style—guided by the elegant touch of Ted Rosenthal and the timeless voice of the late, great Ken Peplowski. Their music from the 2026 album The Good Old Days sets the tone—both a celebration and a heartfelt nod to a true legend whose sound remains woven into the fabric of jazz. From there, the journey opens up with a wave of fresh energy and seasoned mastery. We dive into new sounds from veterans like Brian Landrus, Bernie Senesky, Beto Paciello, and Cyger & Butterworth—each bringing their own fire to the modern jazz landscape. Along the way, we shine a light on standout voices including Christian Dillingham, Faye Carol, and the unforgettable artistry of Michel Petrucciani. Then, we tip our hat to the spirit of late-night television, honoring Frank Owens—the original musical director for David Letterman during his early NBC days. We close things out with the iconic, jazz-soaked theme that helped define Late Night with David Letterman. Turn it up and take the ride... dig the jazz, my friends.

Playlist

• Ted Rosenthal Trio with Ken Peplowski "Sunny Side Up" The Good Old Days (TMR Music) 0:00
• Host talks 6:12
• Brian Landrus "Beyond" Just When You Think You Know (Palmetto Records) 9:36
• Christian Dillingham "As it Relates to Now" As it Relates to Now (CDR Records) 14:33
• Host talks 19:32
• Cyger and Butterworth "Plaid Pants" Plaid Pants (Cyger and Butterworth) 20:25
• Bernie Senensky & Pat LaBarbera "I Thought About You" Duos (Cellar Live) 24:47
• Host talks 29:15
• Michel Petrucciani and Eddy Louiss "Simply Bop (Live)" Original Album Classics (Dreyfuss Jazz) 30:04
• Faye Carol "Last Two Dollars" Forever Dynamic (Gamble Girl Records) 34:25
• Host talks 39:27
• Beto Paciello "Tempus Fugit" The Stoic Suite (11 Moon Arts) 40:06
• Gilad Barakan "Kasemono" Unsettled (Elza One Records) 43:38
• Host talks 47:40
• Frank Owens "Corner of the Sky" Brown 'N Serve (Essential Media Group) 48:39
• Host talks 52:43
• Late Night with David Letterman Theme Song "Theme Song" Single (NBC) 53:47