Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Jazz Saxophonist, Composer, and Educator Jordan VanHemert. We dive into the release of his powerful new 2025 album, Survival of the Fittest, marking his fifth critically acclaimed project. This release features a stellar lineup, including Terell Stafford, producer Michael Dease, Helen Sung, Rodney Whitaker, and Lewis Nash—a true all-star ensemble.

Born in Korea and raised in Michigan, Jordan VanHemert brings a bold, politically conscious voice to modern jazz, using the genre as a tool for dialogue on race, identity, and social justice. Rooted in the jazz tradition and infused with contemporary urgency, his music speaks with purpose and fire.

We talk about his creative process, musical influences, and the deeper meaning behind this standout new album.

🎧 Listen to the album: Survival of the Fittest – Origin Records

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Joe Dimino Podcaster/Artist

Joe Dimino has been writing & creating in a variety of capacities since his college days at the University of Missouri-Kansas City somewhere around 1993. If you are keeping score, that would be about 29 years+. It all began at UMKCs University News as a Sports Writer & turned into a myriad of expressive avenues. Inventing poems, art, video & audio has always been in the proverbial cards.