Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz clarinetist Todd Marcus of the Baltimore Jazz Collective.

We dive into the formation of this powerful ensemble and their self-titled 2025 debut album — a project that captures the soul, swing, and spirit of one of America’s most musically rich cities.

Founded by trumpeter Sean Jones, the group reflects the deep musical roots of Baltimore. As Sean says, “Musically, Baltimore is one of the most soulful cities, and you can’t really put the scene in a box.”

This dynamic collective features a lineup of nationally renowned artists:

• Todd Marcus – bass clarinet
• Alex Brown – piano
• Kris Funn – bass
• Quincy Phillips – drums
• Brinae Ali – vocals, tap dance

Together, they create a vibrant, collaborative sound rooted in original compositions and shared creative vision — celebrating community while exploring deeper truths through music.

In this interview, we cover:

• The origins of Baltimore Jazz Collective
• The making of the 2025 debut album
• Baltimore’s unique jazz identity
• Collaboration among top-tier musicians
• The role of community in modern jazz

🎶 Get the album & learn more:
https://www.baltimorejazzcollective.com/

If you Love modern jazz, creative ensembles, and artist-driven music rooted in place and purpose, this is a must-watch.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more Neon Jazz interviews.

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.