Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Trumpeter, Composer, Arranger & Lyricist Simon Wettenhall and Grammy-winning Pianist, Double-Bassist, Vocalist, Arranger & Teacher Conal Fowkes of the High Society New Orleans Jazz Band. We caught up with these band co-founders to dig into their new 2025 album Live at Birdland, the band’s evolution, their connection to New Orleans tradition, and so much more.

Simon’s musical journey began in Australia, first on piano before Louis Armstrong’s sound pulled him toward the trumpet for good. Conal, a master of multiple jazz and Latin styles, began in the classical world with standout studies at the Royal College of Music in London before shifting toward jazz and performing on some of Europe’s most renowned stages.

Together, they lead a powerhouse seven-piece New Orleans–style jazz band with a long-running NYC residency and a deep Love for classic jazz energy. Dig this story and the spirit of true New Orleans tradition alive in New York.

Get the album: thehighsocietyneworleansjazzband.bandcamp.com 

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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.