Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Philadelphia-based jazz pianist and composer James Fernando.

We caught up with this prodigiously talented artist — known for equal parts mischief and mastery — to talk about his 2026 album Philly 3 and his adventurous life in music.

This is James’ sixth album overall and his powerful debut recording with his working trio. The record features:

• James Fernando – Piano

• Dan McCain – Bass

• Kyon Williams – Drums

The trio first came together in 2023 after James received a last-minute call to assemble a group for a performance at the legendary Kennedy Center — with only three days’ notice.

From that moment, the chemistry of the trio sparked a new creative chapter that ultimately led to Philly 3. In this conversation, we dive into James’ nomadic journey through music, geography, collaboration, and the evolving modern jazz scene.

🎹 Get the album:
https://dlmediamusic.com/press-releases/james-fernando-the-prodigiously-talented-pianist-composer-releases-philly-3/

For More Neon Jazz:
Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/
Subscribe via Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc
Subscribe via iTunes/Apple – https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

The Home of Neon Jazz:
http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

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.