Helen Sung Interview – Oracles (2026) | Big Band Jazz, Mentors, AI & The Future of Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and educator Helen Sung, celebrating the release of her stunning 2026 album Oracles.Marking her big band recording debut, Oracles is a sweeping musical statement of freedom, unity, gratitude, and hope. At a time when the world faces division and uncertainty, Helen channels the enduring spirit of jazz—a music built on inclusion, collaboration, and creative expression. Through richly orchestrated compositions and inspired improvisation, Oracles reminds us that every voice has a place at the table.The album also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the legendary jazz masters who shaped Helen's artistic journey. Each composition honors one of the iconic mentors from the inaugural class of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance.Helen Sung has earned international recognition as one of today's most innovative jazz pianists and composers, and Oracles stands as one of the year's most meaningful and ambitious jazz releases.Listen and learn more:https://helensung.bandcamp.com/Subscribe to Neon Jazz for exclusive interviews with today's leading jazz musicians, composers, educators, and innovators from around the world.For More Neon Jazz:Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkcSubscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2The Home of Neon Jazz:http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER