Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we catch up with acclaimed jazz vocalist Alma Micic to discuss her 2025 album Lilac Wine – A Tribute to Helen Merrill, which she describes as her finest work to date. Our last conversation took place in 2018, so this interview also dives into COVID-era survival, the deeply meaningful experience of meeting Helen Merrill, and her hopes and vision for this tribute recording.

On Lilac Wine, Alma is joined by an exceptional ensemble featuring Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone), Rale Micic (guitar), Brandon McCune (piano), Alexander Claffy (bass), and Jason Tiemann (drums). Together, they bring emotional depth, elegance, and modern jazz sensibility to the timeless repertoire associated with Helen Merrill.

This conversation explores artistry, resilience, Legacy, and the enduring power of jazz vocal expression.

🎧 Listen to Lilac Wine – A Tribute to Helen Merrill:

https://music.apple.com/gb/album/lilac-wine-tribute-to-helen-merrill/1846068930

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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.