Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist, songwriter, bandleader, entrepreneur, and former club owner Marcus Goldhaber.

In this episode, we discuss his outstanding 2026 album, The Promise of You, along with his fascinating journey through the world of jazz, performance, songwriting, and club ownership.

On his sixth recording as a leader, Marcus presents a compelling collection that balances original compositions with timeless jazz standards. The album reflects both artistic Growth and a renewed commitment to music after an important chapter in his life as the founder and owner of Room 623, a beloved Harlem listening room that became known for intimate performances and a deep appreciation of jazz artistry.

While operating Room 623 was a labor of Love, it also required Marcus to place much of his recording career on hold. After closing the club, he returned his focus fully to creating music, resulting in the heartfelt and sophisticated recordings found on The Promise of You.

Co-produced with acclaimed pianist Art Hirahara, the album features a stellar ensemble including bassist Michael O’Brien and drummer Alvester Garnett, along with special guest appearances from GRAMMY-nominated guitarist Paul Bollenback, saxophonist and clarinetist Jay Rattman, trumpeter Summer Camargo, and three-time GRAMMY-winning percussionist Keita Ogawa.

We discuss the making of the album, jazz vocals, songwriting, entrepreneurship, running a music venue, artistic reinvention, and the experiences that shaped Marcus’s unique path through the jazz world.

This is an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, creativity, and the enduring power of great music.

Get the album and learn more:
The Promise of You on Bandcamp

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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.