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We open the 911th episode of Neon Jazz with a heartfelt tribute to the late, great Al Foster—a true titan behind the kit. In his honor, we spin music from his beautifully introspective 2022 album Reflections, a fitting way to remember the legacy of a drummer who helped shape the sound of modern jazz. From there, the mood lifts with a whimsical and swinging take on "The Force Theme" from Star Wars—courtesy of Scott Whitfield and his Jazz Orchestra. It's cinematic jazz at its finest. Then, the floodgates open on a cascade of fresh brilliance: new sounds from seasoned masters like Brad Turner, Steve Holt, Anat Cohen, and Michael Dease remind us why they continue to lead the charge. But we also spotlight rising voices and regional treasures: Kansas City guitarist Jeff Shirley teams up with singer Jenna Bauer for some rich local flavor, and we welcome back powerhouse vocalist Brittany Davis, the Seattle standout with deep KC roots. And to bring it all home? The fearless chops and time-bending flair of Joe Kennedy, closing us out with tracks from his bold 2025 release Time Travel. So buckle in and dig the jazz, my friends—this one's a ride.

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