Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with legendary Kansas City-born, Los Angeles-based jazz singer, pianist, and composer Betty Bryant.

At the remarkable age of 96, Betty returns with her 2026 album Nothin’ Better to Do — a recording that radiates the natural confidence of a seasoned club performance, where the music speaks for itself. With a storyteller’s instinct and deep respect for melody, she delivers a timeless jazz experience shaped by decades of artistry, not trends.

Produced by Robert Kyle, the album features an exceptional group of Southern California musicians who create a sound that is both intimate and expansive—perfectly supporting Betty’s voice without overshadowing it.

In this interview, we explore:

• The making of Nothin’ Better to Do
• Her incredible journey through jazz history
• Growing up in Kansas City
• Her connection to fellow jazz great Marilyn Maye
• Performing and recording at 96 years young

🎧 Get the album here:
https://betybryant.bandcamp.com/album/nothin-better-to-do?from=discover_page

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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.