Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with host Joe Dimino. On this episode, we speak with Italy-based multi-disciplinary storyteller and creative force Lisa Marie Simmons about her brand-new 2025 album NoteSpeak (In a Word) with longtime collaborator Marco Cremaschini, released on Ropeadope.

This dynamic project marks the final installment in their widely acclaimed NoteSpeak spoken-word jazz series. The album continues their exploration of language as both a mirror and a catalyst for cultural transformation—blending jazz, Afrofuturism, electronica, and spoken word poetry into a vibrant, boundary-pushing soundscape.

From her home on the shores of Lake Garda, Italy, Lisa leads two ensembles—Hippie Tendencies and NoteSpeak—alongside Cremaschini, collaborating across genres and artistic disciplines. Born in Colorado Springs, she survived turbulent adoptions and foster homes, eventually finding healing and direction through music, beginning with her church choir.

It’s an remarkable story of resilience, artistry, and Innovation. We get into all of it. Enjoy.

Get the album:

lisamariesimmons.bandcamp.com/album/notespeak-in-a-word

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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.