Click the play button to listen

From across the pond, we proudly kick off the 877th episode of Neon Jazz with a masterful touch from veteran pianist Phil Merriman and his trio, showcasing fresh sounds from his 2024 release The Roots Beneath. Following that, we dive into the brilliance of Merriman's mentor, the legendary British pianist John Taylor, whose sextet delivers tasty grooves from an album that originally lived on cassette but now shines in vibrant digital form. Next, we spotlight a stellar group of seasoned jazz titans with their latest 2024 offerings, including Dwayne Clemons, Jon Gold, and The Bad Plus. We balance these heavyweights with rising stars like the UNLV Jazz Ensemble and the new energy of drummer Zach Adleman. Then, we move west to celebrate the artistry of Los Angeles composer Woody Jackson, featuring the title track from his captivating 2024 album Cowboy Yoga. To wrap it all up, we close with one of Jackson's all-time inspirations—John Coltrane—delivering the iconic "Giant Steps." Sit back, relax, and dig into the jazz, my friends.

Playlist

•