Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. In this episode, we chat with jazz bassist, composer, and educator Alex McLaughlin, as he shares insights into his new 2025 album A Brand New State, his journey in music, and his evolving role as an artist and mentor.

In addition to being a dynamic performer and composer, Alex was recently named Jazz Program Director at Idyllwild Arts Academy, a prestigious international arts boarding high school near Los Angeles. His voice on the double bass reflects a deep foundation in jazz tradition and a refined understanding of the European classical canon, shaped by a unique blend of influences and training.

We explore his creative process, teaching philosophy, and what it means to lead the next generation of jazz musicians.

🎶 Tune in for a rich conversation about music, Education, and the spirit of Innovation in jazz.
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/joe-dimino/episodes/Alex-McLaughlin–Jazz-Bassist–Composer–Program-Director-on-2025-Album-A-Brand-New-State-e31djqe

🎧 Get the new album: A Brand New State by Alex McLaughlin 

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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.