Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Writer & Musician Michael Stephans on the 2025 Bob Brookmeyer book On the Way to The Sky. He’s created a deeply eloquent and comprehensive remembrance of jazz icon Bob Brookmeyer, the Kansas City–born musical genius who passed away in 2011 just shy of his 82nd birthday. The book is part memoir, part biography, featuring essays from luminaries like Maria Schneider and Jim McNeely, along with tributes from prominent musicians, writers, and Family.

Despite Brookmeyer’s six decades as an influential composer, arranger, and educator, he never received the widespread recognition he deserved — and Michael seeks to explore why. With a PhD, two master’s degrees, and years of university teaching, he brings depth and insight to the story. Dig this interview.

Life & Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juJF5WWmEGE&pp=ygUlIFRoZSBMaWZlIGFuZCBNdXNpYyBvZiBCb2IgQnJvb2ttZXllcg%3D%3D

Get the book:
https://untpress.unt.edu/catalog/stephans-on-the-way-to-the-sky/ 

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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.