Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring veteran guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, composer, and longtime SiriusXM personality Early Times.
On this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 release Border Crossings, a dynamic recording that seamlessly blends jazz, blues, Latin rhythms, and American roots music into a vibrant and soulful musical statement.
What makes Border Crossings especially compelling is the way it was recorded—captured live in a single session with an all-star ensemble featuring legendary drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Luques Curtis, pianist Zaccai Curtis, and saxophonist Craig Handy. The result is a recording filled with spontaneity, chemistry, and world-class musicianship.
Beyond his recording career, Early Times is a familiar voice to music lovers across North America as a foundational on-air personality at SiriusXM, where he is widely recognized for his work on B.B. King’s Bluesville and Deep Tracks. His decades-long career has connected him to countless artists, recordings, and musical traditions.
In this conversation, we discuss the making of Border Crossings, working with legendary musicians, the evolution of blues and jazz, songwriting, recording live in the studio, radio broadcasting, and a lifetime dedicated to music.
We cover the whole story.
Enjoy.
Get the album and learn more:
Early Times Official Page
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/
Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ERÂ
