Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Shawn Lovato.

In this episode, we discuss his acclaimed 2026 release, Biotic, a bold and imaginative project that redefines the possibilities of the chordless tenor trio.

Joining Shawn on the album are celebrated tenor saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and drummer Henry Mermer. Together, they create a sound that blends atmospheric textures, adventurous improvisation, punk-inspired energy, and deep jazz tradition.

Growing up outside New York City, Shawn’s earliest influences came from punk, metal, and hip-hop rather than jazz. Those underground sounds helped shape his creative voice and ultimately informed his unique approach to improvised music. His path through jazz was unconventional, leading him to discover and reinterpret the Legacy of chordless tenor ensembles through a modern lens.

We discuss the making of Biotic, composition, improvisation, musical influences, collaboration, jazz history, and the ongoing evolution of contemporary jazz.

Get the album:
Biotic 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.