Jazz Cruises Conversations Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:25:35 -0400 https://jazzcruisesconversations.buzzsprout.com en © 2026 Jazz Cruises Conversations yes 1353b3a0-6f9e-550e-9c6f-9283915db5fc Lee Mergner episodic false Jazz Cruises Conversations invites you to escape to the high seas for the most intimate and candid conversations in music. Go beyond the stage for full-length interviews with the biggest names in jazz and smooth jazz, recorded live on the world's premier floating music festivals.

Guided by veteran host Lee Mergner (and other musicians, comedians, and on-board talent), hear legends open up about their careers, creative process, and lives on the road, all recorded exclusively on sailings of The Jazz Cruise, Blue Note at Sea, Botti at Sea, and The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Mergner and his crew’s knowledgeable perspectives ensure these aren't just chats—they are engaging, entertaining, and truly informative deep dives into the music.

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Signature Cruise Experiences is the Gold Standard for Charter Theme Cruises since 2001. In that time, we have produced over 100 full ship theme charters, most of which featured a significant music theme and top performers.

Our goal has been to present the very best musicians possible and do so with authenticity and professionalism. Our music venues are the best at sea and our sound production is Performing Art Center quality.  Nothing but the best for our talent which translates to the very best for our guests.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Jazz, Interviews, Musicians, Jazz Cruise, Conversations, Smooth Jazz, Blue Note, Jazz History, Creative Process, Artists Lee Mergner https://storage.buzzsprout.com/yga5ud5kzfbiz2tys0a124o0vwft?.jpg Jazz Cruises Conversations Lee Mergner Brass, Voice & Vision: Bria Skonberg & Benny Benack III in Conversation Brass, Voice & Vision: Bria Skonberg & Benny Benack III in Conversation Bria Skonberg has a confession: she's releasing two albums this year, one all-trumpet and one all-vocal, partly because she still hasn't figured out how to make the two coexist. "I'm always trying to find or write material that highlights them both in their best light," she says in this wide-ranging conversation with fellow trumpeter-vocalist Benny Benack III, recorded live aboard The Jazz Cruise.

The two have toured together, finished each other's sentences, and find themselves facing versions of the same creative questions: how do you balance two voices, build a discography with intention, and keep making music that matters?

Recorded on The Jazz Cruise 2026, the conversation covers the pair's prolific recording approaches (and the producer who keeps Bria from releasing six albums a year), the particular challenge of the trumpet as a lifelong pursuit, and what happens when the audience always wants more of whichever thing you just did less of. The episode also opens into a genuine conversation about jazz education and arts advocacy, sparked by audience questions, with both artists speaking from real experience in classrooms and clinics, not talking points.

A candid, energetic hour with two of the most compelling younger voices in jazz today.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Bria Skonberg has a confession: she's releasing two albums this year, one all-trumpet and one all-vocal, partly because she still hasn't figured out how to make the two coexist. "I'm always trying to find or write material that highlights them both in their best light," she says in this wide-ranging conversation with fellow trumpeter-vocalist Benny Benack III, recorded live aboard The Jazz Cruise.

The two have toured together, finished each other's sentences, and find themselves facing versions of the same creative questions: how do you balance two voices, build a discography with intention, and keep making music that matters?

Recorded on The Jazz Cruise 2026, the conversation covers the pair's prolific recording approaches (and the producer who keeps Bria from releasing six albums a year), the particular challenge of the trumpet as a lifelong pursuit, and what happens when the audience always wants more of whichever thing you just did less of. The episode also opens into a genuine conversation about jazz education and arts advocacy, sparked by audience questions, with both artists speaking from real experience in classrooms and clinics, not talking points.

A candid, energetic hour with two of the most compelling younger voices in jazz today.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18942001 Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3091 7 116 full false Benny Benack III Bria Skonberg Lee Mergner Jeff Hamilton & John Pizzarelli: Tales From the Road Jeff Hamilton & John Pizzarelli: Tales From the Road No moderator required. John Pizzarelli and Jeff Hamilton have been friends since 1984, and it shows — in the stories they finish for each other, the ones they've clearly been waiting to tell, and the ones that arrive sideways in the middle of something else entirely.

This Season 7 opener, recorded live on The Jazz Cruise 2026, is the kind of conversation that could only happen when two people have shared enough bandstands to stop performing for each other. Hamilton takes you back to his first night playing with Oscar Peterson, the Ray Brown philosophy of career preparation, and what it actually takes to pack a bag when you've been on the road since 1974. Pizzarelli traces his unlikely path to singing back to a Nat King Cole reissue, a last-minute Stash Records session, and a father who never missed a teaching moment — even when the lesson arrived as a one-liner. Stories about Bucky, Paul McCartney, James Taylor, and the future of straight-ahead jazz fill out the second half, with audience questions that are as good as the answers.

Pull up a chair. Piz and the Hammer have plenty more where this came from.


Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> No moderator required. John Pizzarelli and Jeff Hamilton have been friends since 1984, and it shows — in the stories they finish for each other, the ones they've clearly been waiting to tell, and the ones that arrive sideways in the middle of something else entirely.

This Season 7 opener, recorded live on The Jazz Cruise 2026, is the kind of conversation that could only happen when two people have shared enough bandstands to stop performing for each other. Hamilton takes you back to his first night playing with Oscar Peterson, the Ray Brown philosophy of career preparation, and what it actually takes to pack a bag when you've been on the road since 1974. Pizzarelli traces his unlikely path to singing back to a Nat King Cole reissue, a last-minute Stash Records session, and a father who never missed a teaching moment — even when the lesson arrived as a one-liner. Stories about Bucky, Paul McCartney, James Taylor, and the future of straight-ahead jazz fill out the second half, with audience questions that are as good as the answers.

Pull up a chair. Piz and the Hammer have plenty more where this came from.


Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18907780 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 2863 7 115 full false Jeff Hamilton John Pizzarelli Lee Mergner Beyond the Cheeks: Sean Jones & Brinae Ali Revisit the Genius of Gillespie Beyond the Cheeks: Sean Jones & Brinae Ali Revisit the Genius of Gillespie Recorded live on the Journey of Jazz cruise, this episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations features an in-depth discussion on the legendary Dizzy Gillespie. Host Lee Mergner is joined by trumpeter Sean Jones and tap artist Brinae Ali to explore Dizzy’s physical trademarks, his deep spirituality, and his enduring influence on the evolution of jazz.

Key Takeaways

  • The Myth of the Bent Trumpet: Sean Jones clarifies that while the most common story is that Dizzy sat on his instrument, the signature upward bend was purely cosmetic and did not change the sound of the horn.
  • The Truth Behind the Cheeks: Dizzy’s iconic puffed cheeks were actually caused by a musculature disease that progressed over time, rather than incorrect playing technique.
  • A Master Pedagogue: Despite his visual trademarks, Dizzy was a serious student and one of the greatest trumpet pedagogues in human history.
  • Musical Versatility: Dizzy’s sound extended far beyond bebop; he lent his voice to everything from large orchestras to gospel and soul records like Soul’ed Out.
  • Spirituality and Unity: A devout follower of the Bahá'í faith, Dizzy’s music—including his work with the United Nations Orchestra—was driven by a spiritual mission to bring people together.
  • The "Dizzy Spellz" Project: Brinae Ali explains her "brainchild" project, which reimagines Dizzy’s music through the lens of Afrofuturism, incorporating tap dance and a turntablist to parallel the "good, bad, and ugly" of his times.
  • Lorraine Gillespie’s Influence: Dizzy’s wife, Lorraine, was a professional tap dancer from Queens who played an instrumental role in his life and creative evolution.
  • Spontaneous Composition: Jones describes improvisation not as "making stuff up," but as spontaneous composition where the musician uses years of harmonic awareness to create in real-time.
  • The Lineage of Jazz: Jones argues there is no "separation" in the music, only extensions: Miles Davis is an extension of Dizzy, who was an extension of Louis Armstrong.

Sean Jones explains the history of jazz as a single, growing tree rather than a collection of separate plants. In this view, every new genre or legendary player is simply an "extension" of the same root system—where the sounds of the past, like those of Louis Armstrong, provide the essential nutrients for the "spontaneous compositions" of the future.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Recorded live on the Journey of Jazz cruise, this episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations features an in-depth discussion on the legendary Dizzy Gillespie. Host Lee Mergner is joined by trumpeter Sean Jones and tap artist Brinae Ali to explore Dizzy’s physical trademarks, his deep spirituality, and his enduring influence on the evolution of jazz.

Key Takeaways

  • The Myth of the Bent Trumpet: Sean Jones clarifies that while the most common story is that Dizzy sat on his instrument, the signature upward bend was purely cosmetic and did not change the sound of the horn.
  • The Truth Behind the Cheeks: Dizzy’s iconic puffed cheeks were actually caused by a musculature disease that progressed over time, rather than incorrect playing technique.
  • A Master Pedagogue: Despite his visual trademarks, Dizzy was a serious student and one of the greatest trumpet pedagogues in human history.
  • Musical Versatility: Dizzy’s sound extended far beyond bebop; he lent his voice to everything from large orchestras to gospel and soul records like Soul’ed Out.
  • Spirituality and Unity: A devout follower of the Bahá'í faith, Dizzy’s music—including his work with the United Nations Orchestra—was driven by a spiritual mission to bring people together.
  • The "Dizzy Spellz" Project: Brinae Ali explains her "brainchild" project, which reimagines Dizzy’s music through the lens of Afrofuturism, incorporating tap dance and a turntablist to parallel the "good, bad, and ugly" of his times.
  • Lorraine Gillespie’s Influence: Dizzy’s wife, Lorraine, was a professional tap dancer from Queens who played an instrumental role in his life and creative evolution.
  • Spontaneous Composition: Jones describes improvisation not as "making stuff up," but as spontaneous composition where the musician uses years of harmonic awareness to create in real-time.
  • The Lineage of Jazz: Jones argues there is no "separation" in the music, only extensions: Miles Davis is an extension of Dizzy, who was an extension of Louis Armstrong.

Sean Jones explains the history of jazz as a single, growing tree rather than a collection of separate plants. In this view, every new genre or legendary player is simply an "extension" of the same root system—where the sounds of the past, like those of Louis Armstrong, provide the essential nutrients for the "spontaneous compositions" of the future.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18402949 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 1249 6 114 full false Brinae Ali Sean Jones Lee Mergner Bria Skonberg's Reset: From Pandemic to NYC Hot Jazz Camp Director Bria Skonberg's Reset: From Pandemic to NYC Hot Jazz Camp Director Lee Mergner hosted a Listening Party with Bria Skonberg who played tracks from her recent album, "What It Means," and then talked about the making of the recording. The album blends many different influences, but it has a decidedly New Orleans flavor thanks to contributions from Herlin Riley, Don Vappie and Ben Jaffe. 

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner hosted a Listening Party with Bria Skonberg who played tracks from her recent album, "What It Means," and then talked about the making of the recording. The album blends many different influences, but it has a decidedly New Orleans flavor thanks to contributions from Herlin Riley, Don Vappie and Ben Jaffe. 

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18348283 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3984 6 113 full false Bria Skonberg Lee Mergner Dan & Chris Brubeck: The Maestro, Milhaud & "The Real Ambassadors" Dan & Chris Brubeck: The Maestro, Milhaud & "The Real Ambassadors" Host Lee Mergner interviews brothers Chris and Dan Brubeck during the sailing of The Jazz Cruise '25, where they provide a deep, intimate look at the life and immense legacy of their father, jazz legend Dave Brubeck. The conversation spans Dave Brubeck’s surprising upbringing as a ranch cowboy, his transformative experience leading an integrated army band during World War II, the controversial and vital history of the musical The Real Ambassadors, and the origins of their family's distinct approach to jazz. The episode also features tracks from recordings the brothers did with their father.

Key Takeaways

• Dave Brubeck’s Cowboy Roots: Dave Brubeck grew up working on a 45,000-acre ranch, where his father, Grandpa Pete, was the foreman. Dave’s musical ideas, such as thinking in seven or developing polyrhythms (like three against a certain time), were inspired by his ranch duties, such as riding a horse or listening to the one-stroke engines powering the water pumps for the cattle.

• The Real Ambassadors Project: Dave and Iola Brubeck, who were strong proponents of the civil rights movement, wrote the musical The Real Ambassadors to highlight the hypocrisy of segregation in the United States, especially since jazz musicians were touring globally representing American democracy.

• Star-Studded, Controversial Cast: Louis Armstrong, Carmen McRae, and the innovative vocal group Lambert, Hendricks & Ross starred in the recording. Louis Armstrong, who Joe Glazer (his manager) tried to protect from controversy, loved the character he played because it was closer to what he felt about racism but wasn't usually allowed to express publicly.

• The Monterey Regret: The musical was performed live only once, at the Monterey Jazz Festival, with the full cast. Dave Brubeck considered it one of his biggest regrets that a camera crew was prevented from filming the performance for a small fee, due to the interference of manager Joe Glazer, who wanted to wait for a major TV special.

• Integrated WWII Band: While serving as a rifleman in Patton’s army during World War II, Dave Brubeck was spotted playing piano in the mud. Colonel Brown pulled him from combat and tasked him with forming a band called the Wolfpack, specifically recruiting musicians who had been wounded (Purple Heart recipients). Due to their remote location and being "under the official radar," the Wolfpack was the first integrated band in the army.

• Iola Brubeck’s Lyrics: Dave's wife, Iola Brubeck, wrote the clever and politically relevant lyrics for The Real Ambassadors, as well as lyrics for many of Dave's other tunes, including "Ode to a Cowboy" and "My One Bad Habit".

• The Brubeck Waltz: Dave Brubeck and drummer Joe Morello innovated the jazz waltz by having the high hat play on every other beat (one, two, three, one, two, three) instead of the standard two and three. This allowed soloists, including Dave, to play in three, four, or halftime, and to stretch the time.

• The Disney Connection: Dave developed the album Dave Digs Disney (which included "Someday My Prince Will Come") after hearing Disney records softly through the wall from his children, Chris and Dan, who were listening to them while their father slept during the day.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Host Lee Mergner interviews brothers Chris and Dan Brubeck during the sailing of The Jazz Cruise '25, where they provide a deep, intimate look at the life and immense legacy of their father, jazz legend Dave Brubeck. The conversation spans Dave Brubeck’s surprising upbringing as a ranch cowboy, his transformative experience leading an integrated army band during World War II, the controversial and vital history of the musical The Real Ambassadors, and the origins of their family's distinct approach to jazz. The episode also features tracks from recordings the brothers did with their father.

Key Takeaways

• Dave Brubeck’s Cowboy Roots: Dave Brubeck grew up working on a 45,000-acre ranch, where his father, Grandpa Pete, was the foreman. Dave’s musical ideas, such as thinking in seven or developing polyrhythms (like three against a certain time), were inspired by his ranch duties, such as riding a horse or listening to the one-stroke engines powering the water pumps for the cattle.

• The Real Ambassadors Project: Dave and Iola Brubeck, who were strong proponents of the civil rights movement, wrote the musical The Real Ambassadors to highlight the hypocrisy of segregation in the United States, especially since jazz musicians were touring globally representing American democracy.

• Star-Studded, Controversial Cast: Louis Armstrong, Carmen McRae, and the innovative vocal group Lambert, Hendricks & Ross starred in the recording. Louis Armstrong, who Joe Glazer (his manager) tried to protect from controversy, loved the character he played because it was closer to what he felt about racism but wasn't usually allowed to express publicly.

• The Monterey Regret: The musical was performed live only once, at the Monterey Jazz Festival, with the full cast. Dave Brubeck considered it one of his biggest regrets that a camera crew was prevented from filming the performance for a small fee, due to the interference of manager Joe Glazer, who wanted to wait for a major TV special.

• Integrated WWII Band: While serving as a rifleman in Patton’s army during World War II, Dave Brubeck was spotted playing piano in the mud. Colonel Brown pulled him from combat and tasked him with forming a band called the Wolfpack, specifically recruiting musicians who had been wounded (Purple Heart recipients). Due to their remote location and being "under the official radar," the Wolfpack was the first integrated band in the army.

• Iola Brubeck’s Lyrics: Dave's wife, Iola Brubeck, wrote the clever and politically relevant lyrics for The Real Ambassadors, as well as lyrics for many of Dave's other tunes, including "Ode to a Cowboy" and "My One Bad Habit".

• The Brubeck Waltz: Dave Brubeck and drummer Joe Morello innovated the jazz waltz by having the high hat play on every other beat (one, two, three, one, two, three) instead of the standard two and three. This allowed soloists, including Dave, to play in three, four, or halftime, and to stretch the time.

• The Disney Connection: Dave developed the album Dave Digs Disney (which included "Someday My Prince Will Come") after hearing Disney records softly through the wall from his children, Chris and Dan, who were listening to them while their father slept during the day.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18326269 Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:00:00 -0500 2982 6 112 full true Chris Brubeck Dan Brubeck Lee Mergner Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter: The Real, Fazioli Pianos, and Creative Process Secrets Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter: The Real, Fazioli Pianos, and Creative Process Secrets This episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations features an interview by Michael Lazaroff with Journey of Jazz  '25 co-hosts Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter. The session evolved into a candid conversation where the three shared memorable cruise stories, discussed their musical influences (including Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, and Nat King Cole), recounted their extensive work in scoring films, and debated the double-edged sword of technology in the creative process. Marcus and Gregory were praised not only for being brilliant musicians but also for being two of the most wonderful, thoughtful, and caring men.

Key takeaways in bullet form

  • Gregory Porter's Influences: Gregory draws inspiration from artists spanning the musical space between Nat King Cole and Donnie Hathaway, as well as local singers like Pastor Richardson. Gregory noted that standards are "community builders".
  • Cruise Anecdotes: Marcus recounted the time he had to deal with McCoy Tyner's displeasure over performing on a Fazioli piano on the North Sea Jazz Cruise. He also shared a story about Joe Sample pausing a smooth jazz concert to scold the band for their tempo and lack of leadership.
  • Film Scoring Careers: Both guests have notable careers in film scoring. Gregory Porter was scheduled to record a song for a movie featuring Kate Winslet. Marcus Miller detailed his film scoring start with Miles Davis, who passed off a movie score (completed in two and a half weeks) to him. Marcus has since scored films like House Party, Boomerang, and Marshall (a 1939-set film for which Wynton Marsalis provided music using the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and studio, refusing payment).
  • Creative Process: Gregory Porter shared the deeply personal inspiration behind his song "Take Me to the Alley," which was written to express how his mother lived her life by running church missions in the "worst part of town."
  • Technology in Music: The conversation addressed how technology has negatively impacted music by reducing the need for musicians to play with each other and fostering "deception" through manipulated recordings. Marcus noted that producers can now "fix" vocals to the point where singers don't sound like the record live. Gregory stated he dislikes the practice of fixing "the pimples" in his recordings, valuing organic expression.
  • Future Plans: Marcus expressed a strong desire to produce music for Gregory Porter, calling him "the real".

Host and guest info and relevant links

  • Host: Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of Signature Cruise Experiences.
  • Co-host/Guest: Marcus Miller (Bassist, bandleader, composer).
  • Co-host/Guest: Gregory Porter (Vocalist, songwriter).
  • Future Cruise (Journey of Jazz '26): Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter return as co-hosts. The cruise sails January 24th through the 31st, departing from Tampa and includes two days in the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans. Wynton Marsalis will be performing for guests while the cruise is in New Orleans.
  • Learn More: Sign up for updates at journeyofjazz.com.


Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations features an interview by Michael Lazaroff with Journey of Jazz  '25 co-hosts Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter. The session evolved into a candid conversation where the three shared memorable cruise stories, discussed their musical influences (including Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, and Nat King Cole), recounted their extensive work in scoring films, and debated the double-edged sword of technology in the creative process. Marcus and Gregory were praised not only for being brilliant musicians but also for being two of the most wonderful, thoughtful, and caring men.

Key takeaways in bullet form

  • Gregory Porter's Influences: Gregory draws inspiration from artists spanning the musical space between Nat King Cole and Donnie Hathaway, as well as local singers like Pastor Richardson. Gregory noted that standards are "community builders".
  • Cruise Anecdotes: Marcus recounted the time he had to deal with McCoy Tyner's displeasure over performing on a Fazioli piano on the North Sea Jazz Cruise. He also shared a story about Joe Sample pausing a smooth jazz concert to scold the band for their tempo and lack of leadership.
  • Film Scoring Careers: Both guests have notable careers in film scoring. Gregory Porter was scheduled to record a song for a movie featuring Kate Winslet. Marcus Miller detailed his film scoring start with Miles Davis, who passed off a movie score (completed in two and a half weeks) to him. Marcus has since scored films like House Party, Boomerang, and Marshall (a 1939-set film for which Wynton Marsalis provided music using the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and studio, refusing payment).
  • Creative Process: Gregory Porter shared the deeply personal inspiration behind his song "Take Me to the Alley," which was written to express how his mother lived her life by running church missions in the "worst part of town."
  • Technology in Music: The conversation addressed how technology has negatively impacted music by reducing the need for musicians to play with each other and fostering "deception" through manipulated recordings. Marcus noted that producers can now "fix" vocals to the point where singers don't sound like the record live. Gregory stated he dislikes the practice of fixing "the pimples" in his recordings, valuing organic expression.
  • Future Plans: Marcus expressed a strong desire to produce music for Gregory Porter, calling him "the real".

Host and guest info and relevant links

  • Host: Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of Signature Cruise Experiences.
  • Co-host/Guest: Marcus Miller (Bassist, bandleader, composer).
  • Co-host/Guest: Gregory Porter (Vocalist, songwriter).
  • Future Cruise (Journey of Jazz '26): Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter return as co-hosts. The cruise sails January 24th through the 31st, departing from Tampa and includes two days in the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans. Wynton Marsalis will be performing for guests while the cruise is in New Orleans.
  • Learn More: Sign up for updates at journeyofjazz.com.


Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18271041 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 3260 6 111 full false Gregory Porter Marcus Miller Michael Lazaroff Lee Mergner Oscar Peterson's Poem to Ella: A Look at Their Deep, Loving Friendship - w/Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner & Kelly Peterson Oscar Peterson's Poem to Ella: A Look at Their Deep, Loving Friendship - w/Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner & Kelly Peterson 110: Remembering Ella Fitzgerald & Oscar Peterson w/Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner & Kelly Peterson

This episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations, hosted by Lee Mergner, is drawn from a "Jazz on Film" session on the Journey of Jazz Cruise. The session focuses on the lives, careers, and close relationship of jazz titans Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson. The episode includes the reading of a poem Oscar Peterson wrote about Ella, audio excerpts from Oscar Peterson's 1980 BBC television show appearance with Ella, and a post-screening discussion featuring contemporary artists and Oscar's widow.

Key Takeaways

  • Content Overview: The session featured clips of Ella Fitzgerald, including the earliest known film footage of her from 1957, and an excerpt from her 1980 appearance on Oscar Peterson’s BBC television show.
  • Oscar Peterson's Dedication: The episode includes the reading of a poem Oscar Peterson wrote about Ella Fitzgerald, read by Christian McBride, which emphasizes her unique talent, stating she sings "with a voice quite beyond belief."
  • The 1981 Interview and Performances: The featured audio comes from Oscar Peterson's television show appearance with Ella, recorded around 1981 when Ella was 64 years old,. During this segment, Ella and Oscar perform "Mellow Tone," "Baby Won't You Please Come Home," and the Vincent Youmans tune, "More Than You Know",,,.
  • Ella's Early Career: Ella Fitzgerald initially wanted to be a dancer. She began singing after winning an amateur contest in Yonkers by trying to sing like Connie Boswell and performing "The Object of My Affection," earning the first prize of $12.50,. She joined the Chick Webb Orchestra after an unsuccessful attempt to join Fletcher Henderson’s band, who deemed her "real skinny" and "not the glamour type",.
  • The Song Books: Oscar Peterson described her work on the Song Books as an "almost monumental project". Ella noted that the first one, the Cole Porter Song Book, was completed in only about three weeks,. Cécile McLorin Salvant views this project as a foundational part of American music history, archiving the standards and setting Ella as a "historic Mount Rushmore figure."
  • The Accompanist's Role: Pianist Sullivan Fortner affirmed Oscar Peterson's observation that Ella's singing creates a "harmonic need" within the accompanist, thus making the players better. For an accompanist playing with a singer, Fortner stresses that the lyric and the message behind the song must be the priority over the melody, tone, or the piano player's input,.
  • Ella and Oscar's Relationship: Kelly Peterson, Oscar’s widow, described the relationship between Ella and Oscar as a deep, loving friendship,. She recounted the story of Oscar’s elaborate fake ink spill prank on Ella's new white fur coat. Kelly also shared a moving anecdote about Oscar wearing the heavy gold lion pendant (his "medal" gifted by Ella) on the morning he instinctively felt she had died.
  • Vocal Evolution: When comparing early and later clips of Ella's performances, Cécile McLorin Salvant noted that while her voice quality changed (becoming deeper with a wider vibrato, often singing in lower keys), her fundamental concepts remained "spot-on".
  • Preferred Configuration: Cécile McLorin Salvant shared her preference for the quartet configuration when performing.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> 110: Remembering Ella Fitzgerald & Oscar Peterson w/Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner & Kelly Peterson

This episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations, hosted by Lee Mergner, is drawn from a "Jazz on Film" session on the Journey of Jazz Cruise. The session focuses on the lives, careers, and close relationship of jazz titans Ella Fitzgerald and Oscar Peterson. The episode includes the reading of a poem Oscar Peterson wrote about Ella, audio excerpts from Oscar Peterson's 1980 BBC television show appearance with Ella, and a post-screening discussion featuring contemporary artists and Oscar's widow.

Key Takeaways

  • Content Overview: The session featured clips of Ella Fitzgerald, including the earliest known film footage of her from 1957, and an excerpt from her 1980 appearance on Oscar Peterson’s BBC television show.
  • Oscar Peterson's Dedication: The episode includes the reading of a poem Oscar Peterson wrote about Ella Fitzgerald, read by Christian McBride, which emphasizes her unique talent, stating she sings "with a voice quite beyond belief."
  • The 1981 Interview and Performances: The featured audio comes from Oscar Peterson's television show appearance with Ella, recorded around 1981 when Ella was 64 years old,. During this segment, Ella and Oscar perform "Mellow Tone," "Baby Won't You Please Come Home," and the Vincent Youmans tune, "More Than You Know",,,.
  • Ella's Early Career: Ella Fitzgerald initially wanted to be a dancer. She began singing after winning an amateur contest in Yonkers by trying to sing like Connie Boswell and performing "The Object of My Affection," earning the first prize of $12.50,. She joined the Chick Webb Orchestra after an unsuccessful attempt to join Fletcher Henderson’s band, who deemed her "real skinny" and "not the glamour type",.
  • The Song Books: Oscar Peterson described her work on the Song Books as an "almost monumental project". Ella noted that the first one, the Cole Porter Song Book, was completed in only about three weeks,. Cécile McLorin Salvant views this project as a foundational part of American music history, archiving the standards and setting Ella as a "historic Mount Rushmore figure."
  • The Accompanist's Role: Pianist Sullivan Fortner affirmed Oscar Peterson's observation that Ella's singing creates a "harmonic need" within the accompanist, thus making the players better. For an accompanist playing with a singer, Fortner stresses that the lyric and the message behind the song must be the priority over the melody, tone, or the piano player's input,.
  • Ella and Oscar's Relationship: Kelly Peterson, Oscar’s widow, described the relationship between Ella and Oscar as a deep, loving friendship,. She recounted the story of Oscar’s elaborate fake ink spill prank on Ella's new white fur coat. Kelly also shared a moving anecdote about Oscar wearing the heavy gold lion pendant (his "medal" gifted by Ella) on the morning he instinctively felt she had died.
  • Vocal Evolution: When comparing early and later clips of Ella's performances, Cécile McLorin Salvant noted that while her voice quality changed (becoming deeper with a wider vibrato, often singing in lower keys), her fundamental concepts remained "spot-on".
  • Preferred Configuration: Cécile McLorin Salvant shared her preference for the quartet configuration when performing.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18241216 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500 2878 Jazz Vocalists, Jazz Piano, Jazz History, American Songbook, Musical Relationships, Accompanying, Jazz on Film, Song Books, Norman Granz, Chick Webb, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson Poem 6 110 full false Cécile McLorin Salvant Kelly Peterson Sullivan Fortner Lee Mergner Marcus Miller & Ravi Coltrane: Dual Legacy, Finding Your Voice in Jazz Marcus Miller & Ravi Coltrane: Dual Legacy, Finding Your Voice in Jazz
Ravi Coltrane with Marcus Miller

Marcus Miller interviews Ravi Coltrane about his musical evolution and the dual legacy of his parents, Alice and John Coltrane. This insightful and candid talk, recorded live on the Journey of Jazz cruise, covers the challenges of growing up under the shadow of a jazz icon and finding one's own voice through the music.

Key Takeaways

  • The episode is a conversation between host Marcus Miller and guest Ravi Coltrane, focusing on Ravi's development as a jazz saxophonist.
  • Ravi's father, John Coltrane, passed away in 1967 when Ravi was 2 years old, leaving Ravi to be raised by his mother, Alice Coltrane. Ravi notes that his father’s instruments are currently in his stateroom.
  • Ravi began his musical journey playing the clarinet throughout junior high and high school. He switched to the soprano saxophone at age 16 after his mother gave it to him for his birthday as a hint, later moving to the tenor saxophone.
  • Ravi did not initially feel pressure from his famous last name because, during the 1970s in the San Fernando Valley where he grew up, John Coltrane was still considered "underground" or "counter culture".
  • The death of Ravi’s older brother, John Jr., in an automobile accident when Ravi was 17, caused a "void" that Ravi later filled by studying his father's music. Ravi began listening to his father's records to gain answers for questions asked at parties, and through this, the music "hit" him.
  • Ravi worked with key members of the John Coltrane Quartet, including joining drummer Elvin Jones's band in 1991 (though he felt he was "prematurely" ready) and later working with pianist McCoy Tyner in the 2000s.
  • Ravi and Marcus discuss the meaning of being "ready" to perform at a high level, noting that it means being "prepared to do the job properly" and recognizing that evolution and learning are continuous processes.

Host and Guest Info

Host: Lee Mergner (introduction), Marcus Miller (interview).
Guest: Ravi Coltrane.

This talk was recorded during the Journey of Jazz cruise. 

Marcus Miller provided the theme music, which is a clip from his song "High Life" on his album Aphrodesia on Blue Note.

The talk was captured by Brian Ratchkco and his production team.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]>
Ravi Coltrane with Marcus Miller

Marcus Miller interviews Ravi Coltrane about his musical evolution and the dual legacy of his parents, Alice and John Coltrane. This insightful and candid talk, recorded live on the Journey of Jazz cruise, covers the challenges of growing up under the shadow of a jazz icon and finding one's own voice through the music.

Key Takeaways

  • The episode is a conversation between host Marcus Miller and guest Ravi Coltrane, focusing on Ravi's development as a jazz saxophonist.
  • Ravi's father, John Coltrane, passed away in 1967 when Ravi was 2 years old, leaving Ravi to be raised by his mother, Alice Coltrane. Ravi notes that his father’s instruments are currently in his stateroom.
  • Ravi began his musical journey playing the clarinet throughout junior high and high school. He switched to the soprano saxophone at age 16 after his mother gave it to him for his birthday as a hint, later moving to the tenor saxophone.
  • Ravi did not initially feel pressure from his famous last name because, during the 1970s in the San Fernando Valley where he grew up, John Coltrane was still considered "underground" or "counter culture".
  • The death of Ravi’s older brother, John Jr., in an automobile accident when Ravi was 17, caused a "void" that Ravi later filled by studying his father's music. Ravi began listening to his father's records to gain answers for questions asked at parties, and through this, the music "hit" him.
  • Ravi worked with key members of the John Coltrane Quartet, including joining drummer Elvin Jones's band in 1991 (though he felt he was "prematurely" ready) and later working with pianist McCoy Tyner in the 2000s.
  • Ravi and Marcus discuss the meaning of being "ready" to perform at a high level, noting that it means being "prepared to do the job properly" and recognizing that evolution and learning are continuous processes.

Host and Guest Info

Host: Lee Mergner (introduction), Marcus Miller (interview).
Guest: Ravi Coltrane.

This talk was recorded during the Journey of Jazz cruise. 

Marcus Miller provided the theme music, which is a clip from his song "High Life" on his album Aphrodesia on Blue Note.

The talk was captured by Brian Ratchkco and his production team.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18199095 Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0500 2791 Ravi Coltrane, Marcus Miller, John Coltrane, Alice Coltrane, Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, Charlie Parker, Marilyn McLeod, Lalah Hathaway, Wynton Kelly, Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, George Coleman, Wallace Rooney, Saxophone, Tenor 6 109 full false Marcus Miller Ravi Coltrane Lee Mergner Emmet Cohen & Benny Benack III: The Future of Jazz, Community, and Inspiring Others Emmet Cohen & Benny Benack III: The Future of Jazz, Community, and Inspiring Others Pianist Emmet Cohen sits down with his longtime friend, trumpeter and singer Benny Benack III, for a conversation recorded during the recent Journey of Jazz cruise. This interview tracks Cohen's journey from a college student to becoming a celebrated artist and future host of The Jazz Cruise. Cohen discusses the inspiration behind his acclaimed "Masters Legacy Series" and the creation of his globally popular "Emmet's Place" online concert series.

Key Takeaways

The episode features an interview of pianist Emmet Cohen by his friend, Benny Benack III.

  • Cohen and Benack III have known each other since they were both in high school.
  • Cohen began his association with the cruises as part of a student group from the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, where he studied with mentor Shelly Berg.
  • His early performances on the cruise included playing passenger jams. He later performed with the New York Voices and the legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb (who played on Kind of Blue).
  • Cohen created the "Masters Legacy Series" as a concept to bring his generation closer to jazz masters, since the traditional bands of legends like Art Blakey or Miles Davis no longer existed.
  • The Masters Legacy Series includes five recorded albums spotlighting collaborations with elders such as Jimmy Cobb, Ron Carter, George Coleman, Benny Golson, Tudy Heath, and Houston Person.
  • The "Emmet's Place" online concert series began on March 20, 2020, when a gig was canceled, and the venue offered to pay his fee if he performed from his apartment.
  • The first concert, set up simply with an iPhone on a stack of books, garnered 40,000 views on Facebook.
  • Cohen felt a sense of historical continuity with the "Harlem Rent Party" tradition of the 1920s during Prohibition, which mirrored the lockdown environment.
  • Benack III noted that Cohen was always one step ahead in the jazz community, being the first to stream successfully with good sound and organization.
  • Cohen and Benack III emphasized that the future of jazz revolves around community, and being a "master musician" means uplifting others and making everyone around you sound great.
  • Cohen will be hosting The Jazz Cruise next year.

Host and Guest Info

Host: Benny Benack III. 
Guest: Emmet Cohen.

This conversation was recorded on the Journey of Jazz cruise.

The podcast theme music is by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Aphrodesia on Blue Note.


Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Pianist Emmet Cohen sits down with his longtime friend, trumpeter and singer Benny Benack III, for a conversation recorded during the recent Journey of Jazz cruise. This interview tracks Cohen's journey from a college student to becoming a celebrated artist and future host of The Jazz Cruise. Cohen discusses the inspiration behind his acclaimed "Masters Legacy Series" and the creation of his globally popular "Emmet's Place" online concert series.

Key Takeaways

The episode features an interview of pianist Emmet Cohen by his friend, Benny Benack III.

  • Cohen and Benack III have known each other since they were both in high school.
  • Cohen began his association with the cruises as part of a student group from the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, where he studied with mentor Shelly Berg.
  • His early performances on the cruise included playing passenger jams. He later performed with the New York Voices and the legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb (who played on Kind of Blue).
  • Cohen created the "Masters Legacy Series" as a concept to bring his generation closer to jazz masters, since the traditional bands of legends like Art Blakey or Miles Davis no longer existed.
  • The Masters Legacy Series includes five recorded albums spotlighting collaborations with elders such as Jimmy Cobb, Ron Carter, George Coleman, Benny Golson, Tudy Heath, and Houston Person.
  • The "Emmet's Place" online concert series began on March 20, 2020, when a gig was canceled, and the venue offered to pay his fee if he performed from his apartment.
  • The first concert, set up simply with an iPhone on a stack of books, garnered 40,000 views on Facebook.
  • Cohen felt a sense of historical continuity with the "Harlem Rent Party" tradition of the 1920s during Prohibition, which mirrored the lockdown environment.
  • Benack III noted that Cohen was always one step ahead in the jazz community, being the first to stream successfully with good sound and organization.
  • Cohen and Benack III emphasized that the future of jazz revolves around community, and being a "master musician" means uplifting others and making everyone around you sound great.
  • Cohen will be hosting The Jazz Cruise next year.

Host and Guest Info

Host: Benny Benack III. 
Guest: Emmet Cohen.

This conversation was recorded on the Journey of Jazz cruise.

The podcast theme music is by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Aphrodesia on Blue Note.


Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Signature Cruise Experiences e08c67f1-910a-4646-8671-bebe6f84fc87 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 07:49:00 -0500 3196 The Jazz Cruise, Cruise, New York City, Harlem, University of Miami, Interview, Conversation, Recorded Live, Jimmy Cobb, Ron Carter, George Coleman, Benny Golson, Tootie Heath, Houston Person, Shelly Berg, Chucho Valdés, Paquito D'Rivera, Christian McBrid 6 108 full false Benny Benack III Emmet Cohen Lee Mergner Sean Jones Interviews Wycliffe Gordon: JLCO, Teaching Jazz, and the Trombone's Sell Sean Jones Interviews Wycliffe Gordon: JLCO, Teaching Jazz, and the Trombone's Sell Show Notes: 107: Wycliffe Gordon with Sean Jones

This episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations, recorded live on the recent Journey of Jazz cruise, features trumpeter and educator Sean Jones interviewing fellow brassman Wycliffe Gordon about his remarkable life and storied career in music. Jones and Gordon share a similar background, both having Georgia roots and musical beginnings in the church and gospel tradition. The candid conversation covers Wycliffe Gordon's formative years, his pivotal experiences playing with Wynton Marsalis, and his successful solo career.

Key Takeaways

  • Early Musical Roots: Wycliffe Gordon grew up in rural Georgia, in towns like Westboro and Augusta. His musical exposure at home was classical piano music (Beethoven, Mozart, Schuman, Schubert) played on a reel-to-reel recorder by his father, who studied classical music but performed in churches. Gordon's "musical syntax" is rooted in the music of the church.
  • Introduction to Instruments: Although his first calling was drums, which his parents forbade, Gordon was introduced to the trombone in the seventh grade (age 12). His introduction to jazz came around age 13 or 14 from a five-record compilation set called an "anthology of jazz, 10 sides.” He was captivated by the music of Louis Armstrong, particularly the tune "Keyhole Blues.”
  • High School Experience: Gordon participated in the McDonald's All-American High School band in the summer of 1984, during his senior year. This experience provided many "firsts," including his first time on an airplane and his first trip to New York. His future wife was also a member of this band.
  • Work with Wynton Marsalis: Gordon was the seventh member to join Wynton Marsalis’s Septet. He was later part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO).
  • The Wynton Connection: Wycliffe first met Marsalis during a workshop at Florida A&M, where he impressed Marsalis by creating a spontaneous riff in the call-and-response tradition of the church. Although he was initially sent home after a trial gig for not being ready, he returned after dedicated practice. His first recording with Marsalis was Crescent City Christmas Card in 1989.
  • Solo Career and Education: Gordon decided to leave Wynton's band (around 2000) to pursue his own interests, including taking a teaching position at Michigan State. He later started his own record company because a Blue Note executive told him that the "trombone just doesn't sell.”
  • Multi-Instrumentalism: Gordon plays all trombones (tenor, bass, alto) and the slide trumpet, noting that the one he likes most is the one he is playing at the time. Sean Jones highlighted that Gordon is also an "amazing trumpet player," citing his tribute album, Hello Pops.
  • Education Philosophy: Wycliffe stresses the importance of accountability in his students and the necessity of creating material that makes practicing interesting, especially given the challenges young people face with attention and critical thinking skills. Sean Jones shared a moment during the National Youth Orchestra of Jazz (NYO) program where allowing students to be vulnerable and emotionally expressive created a lasting tradition of connection.


Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Show Notes: 107: Wycliffe Gordon with Sean Jones

This episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations, recorded live on the recent Journey of Jazz cruise, features trumpeter and educator Sean Jones interviewing fellow brassman Wycliffe Gordon about his remarkable life and storied career in music. Jones and Gordon share a similar background, both having Georgia roots and musical beginnings in the church and gospel tradition. The candid conversation covers Wycliffe Gordon's formative years, his pivotal experiences playing with Wynton Marsalis, and his successful solo career.

Key Takeaways

  • Early Musical Roots: Wycliffe Gordon grew up in rural Georgia, in towns like Westboro and Augusta. His musical exposure at home was classical piano music (Beethoven, Mozart, Schuman, Schubert) played on a reel-to-reel recorder by his father, who studied classical music but performed in churches. Gordon's "musical syntax" is rooted in the music of the church.
  • Introduction to Instruments: Although his first calling was drums, which his parents forbade, Gordon was introduced to the trombone in the seventh grade (age 12). His introduction to jazz came around age 13 or 14 from a five-record compilation set called an "anthology of jazz, 10 sides.” He was captivated by the music of Louis Armstrong, particularly the tune "Keyhole Blues.”
  • High School Experience: Gordon participated in the McDonald's All-American High School band in the summer of 1984, during his senior year. This experience provided many "firsts," including his first time on an airplane and his first trip to New York. His future wife was also a member of this band.
  • Work with Wynton Marsalis: Gordon was the seventh member to join Wynton Marsalis’s Septet. He was later part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO).
  • The Wynton Connection: Wycliffe first met Marsalis during a workshop at Florida A&M, where he impressed Marsalis by creating a spontaneous riff in the call-and-response tradition of the church. Although he was initially sent home after a trial gig for not being ready, he returned after dedicated practice. His first recording with Marsalis was Crescent City Christmas Card in 1989.
  • Solo Career and Education: Gordon decided to leave Wynton's band (around 2000) to pursue his own interests, including taking a teaching position at Michigan State. He later started his own record company because a Blue Note executive told him that the "trombone just doesn't sell.”
  • Multi-Instrumentalism: Gordon plays all trombones (tenor, bass, alto) and the slide trumpet, noting that the one he likes most is the one he is playing at the time. Sean Jones highlighted that Gordon is also an "amazing trumpet player," citing his tribute album, Hello Pops.
  • Education Philosophy: Wycliffe stresses the importance of accountability in his students and the necessity of creating material that makes practicing interesting, especially given the challenges young people face with attention and critical thinking skills. Sean Jones shared a moment during the National Youth Orchestra of Jazz (NYO) program where allowing students to be vulnerable and emotionally expressive created a lasting tradition of connection.


Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Signature Cruise Experiences 36da577a-c9b1-4989-a0e1-cda367938506 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500 3281 6 107 full false Sean Jones Wycliffe Gordon Lee Mergner Lift Thine Eyes: Niki Haris on Cyndi Lauper, Family, and "Optimistic" Lift Thine Eyes: Niki Haris on Cyndi Lauper, Family, and "Optimistic" This episode features a moving and candid listening party session with vocalist Niki Haris, recorded live during the Journey of Jazz cruise. Host Lee Mergner sets the scene as Niki plays and discusses several tracks from her deeply personal and spiritual album, Lift Thine Eyes. Niki reveals the challenging circumstances, including personal loss, her daughter’s diagnosis, and housing struggles, that led her to create this "inspirational record" as a form of self-encouragement and anchoring.

Key Takeaways

  • The Album's Inspiration: Niki Haris's album, Lift Thine Eyes, is described as an "inspirational record" or her "latest spiritual release," created before the pandemic. The music served to encourage Niki through personal struggles, including moving to Georgia and facing intrusive questions about her "people" at the bank, her mother's illness, her daughter's diagnosis, and losing her house after returning from a trip to Russia. The album's title references the Bible verse, "I will lift my eyes to the hills from which cometh my help and my help cometh from the Lord".
  • Track Spotlights:
    • "Optimistic" (first track on the album) is Niki's arrangement, featuring Eric Marienthal (who is the music director for all Jazz Cruises) as the musical director and Trey Mclofflin. The song encouraged her to "keep your head to the sky".
    • "It is Well with My Soul" is an arrangement by Mitch Foreman on piano. Niki shares the tragic history of the 1813 song, written by a man who lost his five daughters and home in the Chicago fires.
    • "Time After Time" is a cover of the Cyndi Lauper song, chosen because a friend, Cindy Looper, used Niki's music as an opener for her tour. The song's lyrics spoke to Niki's feeling of being alone until a couple (her daughter's pediatrician's parents) stepped in to offer support, reminding her that "the universe is conspiring for your good". Eric Marienthal also played on this track.
    • "I Got Lost" is an Irving Berlin song that Niki found spiritual. It features Mitchell Foreman on piano, whom Lee Mergner notes played in Wayne Shorter's electric band.
    • "Just Keep Going On" is a song written by Eric Bib (the blues guy), which has a slight southern influence as Niki had moved to Augusta, Georgia.
    • The final song played was the Blind Faith song (sung by Steve Winwood and featuring Eric Clapton on guitar) "Can't Find a Way to Live" (referred to as "Blind Faith song," or "In the presence" or "Find a new way to live").
  • Family Background: Niki’s father was the great jazz pianist Gene Harris.
  • Grandmother's Influence: Niki's paternal grandmother was adopted by a Jewish family in Chicago after her Native American and African-American mother passed away in a brothel in Pinebluff, Arkansas, around 1913. Her grandmother told Niki, "Everybody's my cousin," which is how Niki walks through life.
  • Music Career and Housing: Niki worked with pop artists for nearly 20 years, including Madonna. She has a song opening for Cyndi Lauper's final tour, and she performs dance music and other genres, in addition to jazz and gospel. Niki still maintains a home in St. Joseph Benton Harbor, Michigan (where Al Capone used to vacation) and rents out property to golfers in Michigan (near a golf course built by Jack Nicklaus) and in Augusta, Georgia, which she calls "mailbox money"

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This episode features a moving and candid listening party session with vocalist Niki Haris, recorded live during the Journey of Jazz cruise. Host Lee Mergner sets the scene as Niki plays and discusses several tracks from her deeply personal and spiritual album, Lift Thine Eyes. Niki reveals the challenging circumstances, including personal loss, her daughter’s diagnosis, and housing struggles, that led her to create this "inspirational record" as a form of self-encouragement and anchoring.

Key Takeaways

  • The Album's Inspiration: Niki Haris's album, Lift Thine Eyes, is described as an "inspirational record" or her "latest spiritual release," created before the pandemic. The music served to encourage Niki through personal struggles, including moving to Georgia and facing intrusive questions about her "people" at the bank, her mother's illness, her daughter's diagnosis, and losing her house after returning from a trip to Russia. The album's title references the Bible verse, "I will lift my eyes to the hills from which cometh my help and my help cometh from the Lord".
  • Track Spotlights:
    • "Optimistic" (first track on the album) is Niki's arrangement, featuring Eric Marienthal (who is the music director for all Jazz Cruises) as the musical director and Trey Mclofflin. The song encouraged her to "keep your head to the sky".
    • "It is Well with My Soul" is an arrangement by Mitch Foreman on piano. Niki shares the tragic history of the 1813 song, written by a man who lost his five daughters and home in the Chicago fires.
    • "Time After Time" is a cover of the Cyndi Lauper song, chosen because a friend, Cindy Looper, used Niki's music as an opener for her tour. The song's lyrics spoke to Niki's feeling of being alone until a couple (her daughter's pediatrician's parents) stepped in to offer support, reminding her that "the universe is conspiring for your good". Eric Marienthal also played on this track.
    • "I Got Lost" is an Irving Berlin song that Niki found spiritual. It features Mitchell Foreman on piano, whom Lee Mergner notes played in Wayne Shorter's electric band.
    • "Just Keep Going On" is a song written by Eric Bib (the blues guy), which has a slight southern influence as Niki had moved to Augusta, Georgia.
    • The final song played was the Blind Faith song (sung by Steve Winwood and featuring Eric Clapton on guitar) "Can't Find a Way to Live" (referred to as "Blind Faith song," or "In the presence" or "Find a new way to live").
  • Family Background: Niki’s father was the great jazz pianist Gene Harris.
  • Grandmother's Influence: Niki's paternal grandmother was adopted by a Jewish family in Chicago after her Native American and African-American mother passed away in a brothel in Pinebluff, Arkansas, around 1913. Her grandmother told Niki, "Everybody's my cousin," which is how Niki walks through life.
  • Music Career and Housing: Niki worked with pop artists for nearly 20 years, including Madonna. She has a song opening for Cyndi Lauper's final tour, and she performs dance music and other genres, in addition to jazz and gospel. Niki still maintains a home in St. Joseph Benton Harbor, Michigan (where Al Capone used to vacation) and rents out property to golfers in Michigan (near a golf course built by Jack Nicklaus) and in Augusta, Georgia, which she calls "mailbox money"

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Signature Cruise Experiences 761d8c13-7420-467b-b07c-94287d8d9ce3 Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:55:00 -0400 3957 6 106 full false Niki Haris Lee Mergner Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra: 40 Years of Big Band "Gravy" & Serving the Music Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra: 40 Years of Big Band "Gravy" & Serving the Music Show Notes: 105: John Clayton & Jeff Hamilton with Marcus Miller

This episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations, recorded live on the Journey of Jazz '25 cruise, features an interview conducted by co-host Marcus Miller with John Clayton (bassist/arranger) and Jeff Hamilton (drummer), the longtime co-leaders of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (CHJO). The conversation focused on the formation and 40-year history of their Grammy Award-winning big band, which performed on the cruise and also backed Diana Krall.

  • Formation and Longevity: Clayton and Hamilton first discussed starting a big band in 1972 while in college at Indiana University, but officially began the orchestra in 1985. Keeping the band together for 40 years involved delegating tasks: John was responsible for writing the charts and arranging, while Jeff managed the finances and knew which musicians in Los Angeles to call and who would "get along together and played great".
  • Musician Selection and Personality: The CHJO intentionally seeks out musicians who bring personality and "gravy" to their playing, rejecting the "clean studio precision" typical of many Los Angeles "reading bands" and "rehearsal bands". John Clayton's arrangements are often written specifically for the personalities of the musicians, much like Duke Ellington did.
  • Integration and Inclusivity: The co-leaders were determined to have a "rainbow colored band" and were both vocal about wanting an integrated band, contrasting with the predominantly white or all-white bands historically prevalent in jazz. They continue to be open to musicians regardless of sex or definition, provided they maintain the band’s quality. 
  • Working with Vocalists: The band has successfully collaborated with singers such as Joe Williams, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Barbara Morrison, and Ernie Andrews. When arranging for a vocalist like Diana Krall, John Clayton writes for the individual person.
  • Program Selection: The CHJO prioritizes playing music that makes the band happy, rather than catering to audience requests.
  • Big Band Challenges: The challenges for big bands have changed over the decades. Unlike the past where touring was common via bus, big bands now rely on opportunities like music series in concert halls across the US and may fly to do single concerts.
  • Drummer's Role: Jeff Hamilton (the drummer) adheres to the philosophy of Mel Lewis that a musician should not change their style for the group but rather "serve the music" and invite others into their beat. John Clayton praised Jeff's ability to achieve a sound that is "not loud but it's full," allowing the music to reach all parts of the bandstand without monitors.
  • Arranging Style: To keep his compositions contemporary and avoid being in a "rut," John Clayton actively seeks out different resources to expand his writing vocabulary, colors, and ideas. The CHJO's arrangements include John's unique sound, or "gravy," often written with specific musicians in mind, like Mel Lewis's loose relaxation or Oscar Brashear's personality.
  • Mentorship and Education: Both Clayton and Hamilton actively teach and share their knowledge. John Clayton received guidance from Ray Brown when he was 16, who instilled the responsibility of "passing it on" to others. Jeff Hamilton noted that they had a CHJO youth orchestra for about three years in Los Angeles and have mentored many successful musicians, including Diana Krall, Sullivan Fortner and Benny Benack III, who were also on the cruise.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Show Notes: 105: John Clayton & Jeff Hamilton with Marcus Miller

This episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations, recorded live on the Journey of Jazz '25 cruise, features an interview conducted by co-host Marcus Miller with John Clayton (bassist/arranger) and Jeff Hamilton (drummer), the longtime co-leaders of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (CHJO). The conversation focused on the formation and 40-year history of their Grammy Award-winning big band, which performed on the cruise and also backed Diana Krall.

  • Formation and Longevity: Clayton and Hamilton first discussed starting a big band in 1972 while in college at Indiana University, but officially began the orchestra in 1985. Keeping the band together for 40 years involved delegating tasks: John was responsible for writing the charts and arranging, while Jeff managed the finances and knew which musicians in Los Angeles to call and who would "get along together and played great".
  • Musician Selection and Personality: The CHJO intentionally seeks out musicians who bring personality and "gravy" to their playing, rejecting the "clean studio precision" typical of many Los Angeles "reading bands" and "rehearsal bands". John Clayton's arrangements are often written specifically for the personalities of the musicians, much like Duke Ellington did.
  • Integration and Inclusivity: The co-leaders were determined to have a "rainbow colored band" and were both vocal about wanting an integrated band, contrasting with the predominantly white or all-white bands historically prevalent in jazz. They continue to be open to musicians regardless of sex or definition, provided they maintain the band’s quality. 
  • Working with Vocalists: The band has successfully collaborated with singers such as Joe Williams, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Barbara Morrison, and Ernie Andrews. When arranging for a vocalist like Diana Krall, John Clayton writes for the individual person.
  • Program Selection: The CHJO prioritizes playing music that makes the band happy, rather than catering to audience requests.
  • Big Band Challenges: The challenges for big bands have changed over the decades. Unlike the past where touring was common via bus, big bands now rely on opportunities like music series in concert halls across the US and may fly to do single concerts.
  • Drummer's Role: Jeff Hamilton (the drummer) adheres to the philosophy of Mel Lewis that a musician should not change their style for the group but rather "serve the music" and invite others into their beat. John Clayton praised Jeff's ability to achieve a sound that is "not loud but it's full," allowing the music to reach all parts of the bandstand without monitors.
  • Arranging Style: To keep his compositions contemporary and avoid being in a "rut," John Clayton actively seeks out different resources to expand his writing vocabulary, colors, and ideas. The CHJO's arrangements include John's unique sound, or "gravy," often written with specific musicians in mind, like Mel Lewis's loose relaxation or Oscar Brashear's personality.
  • Mentorship and Education: Both Clayton and Hamilton actively teach and share their knowledge. John Clayton received guidance from Ray Brown when he was 16, who instilled the responsibility of "passing it on" to others. Jeff Hamilton noted that they had a CHJO youth orchestra for about three years in Los Angeles and have mentored many successful musicians, including Diana Krall, Sullivan Fortner and Benny Benack III, who were also on the cruise.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Signature Cruise Experiences c2c6fd70-bfc0-4910-9cfd-7c8dc3cbf80e Tue, 21 Oct 2025 08:23:00 -0400 2677 6 105 full false Jeff Hamilton John Clayton Marcus Miller Lee Mergner Sullivan Fortner: Storytelling, Stride Piano, and Lessons from Ellis Marsalis Sullivan Fortner: Storytelling, Stride Piano, and Lessons from Ellis Marsalis This episode captures a coffee talk session from the recent Journey of Jazz Cruise, where host Lee Mergner interviews the great pianist Sullivan Fortner ("Sully"). Since Fortner does not enjoy talking about himself, the interview uses prompts featuring names of influential people in his life. Fortner, an adept mimic and great storyteller, shared profound lessons from his mentors and even played the piano for the audience in the mode of Oscar Peterson.

Key Takeaways

  • Musical Beginnings: Fortner's mother was his first music teacher. He and his two younger sisters were "weaned on gospel music" and learned ear training by singing in three-part harmony. His father, who played trumpet in high school, taught him about responsibility.
  • A Stern Mentor: Fortner attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA). During a lesson with Ellis Marsalis, after playing "Lush Life" and making a mistake, Marsalis retrieved the sheet music, threw the chart in his face, and asked, "Any questions," ending the lesson.
  • The Oberlin Shift: Fortner studied at Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio. He describes the food as a "culture shock" but the experience as the best thing he could have done, as he "wasn't ready for place like New York". He had to "pretty much relearn how to play the piano" in Ohio. His teacher, Dan Wall, was his "musical father".
  • Learning from Masters:
    • Jason Moran instructed him to focus on stride, boogie woogie, rag time, and solo piano, rather than the more common influences of Herbie Hancock or Keith Jarrett.
    • Barry Harris's workshop, which he attended every Tuesday, was held in the Baroness Pannonica's old house. Fortner recounts the story of receiving his first and only 30-minute lesson from Harris after playing a Thelonious Monk tune on Thelonious Monk's piano (which Harris refused to touch).
  • Seven Years with Roy Hargrove: Fortner spent seven years in Roy Hargrove's band, describing the experience as a "doctor's diploma and road chops". He witnessed Hargrove's dedication despite intense physical struggles, including an incident in Italy where a "geyser of blood" shot out of Hargrove's arm during a gig, yet Roy continued to play.
  • Vocal Collaborations: He met Samara Joy as a scared freshman at Barry Harris's class and contributed to her Grammy-winning holiday album. He has played with Cécile McLorin Salvant for 10 years. Salvant's repertoire is wide, including music from 500 BC and songs sung in five languages. He described Dee Dee Bridgewater as "fearless" and a "triple quadruple threat".
  • The Oscar Peterson Challenge: Fortner participated in a tour playing Oscar Peterson's music with John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, noting that Oscar's playing was "demanding," "relentless," and "very complicated and complex".
  • Awards and Albums: Fortner's albums include the Grammy-nominated Solo Game (the one with the upside-down cover) and Southern Nights. He recently received the inaugural Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award ($300,000 over four years).

Host and Guest Information

Guest | Sullivan Fortner | Pianist, Grammy-nominated artist, recent recipient of the Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award. Named Peter Martin (founder of Open Studio) as his first piano teacher.
Interviewer/Host | Lee Mergner | Host of Jazz Cruises Conversations.
Collaborators Mentioned | Roy Hargrove | Fortner spent seven years in his band.
| Cécile McLorin Salvant | Fortner has worked with her for 10 years.
| Dee Dee Bridgewater

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This episode captures a coffee talk session from the recent Journey of Jazz Cruise, where host Lee Mergner interviews the great pianist Sullivan Fortner ("Sully"). Since Fortner does not enjoy talking about himself, the interview uses prompts featuring names of influential people in his life. Fortner, an adept mimic and great storyteller, shared profound lessons from his mentors and even played the piano for the audience in the mode of Oscar Peterson.

Key Takeaways

  • Musical Beginnings: Fortner's mother was his first music teacher. He and his two younger sisters were "weaned on gospel music" and learned ear training by singing in three-part harmony. His father, who played trumpet in high school, taught him about responsibility.
  • A Stern Mentor: Fortner attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA). During a lesson with Ellis Marsalis, after playing "Lush Life" and making a mistake, Marsalis retrieved the sheet music, threw the chart in his face, and asked, "Any questions," ending the lesson.
  • The Oberlin Shift: Fortner studied at Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio. He describes the food as a "culture shock" but the experience as the best thing he could have done, as he "wasn't ready for place like New York". He had to "pretty much relearn how to play the piano" in Ohio. His teacher, Dan Wall, was his "musical father".
  • Learning from Masters:
    • Jason Moran instructed him to focus on stride, boogie woogie, rag time, and solo piano, rather than the more common influences of Herbie Hancock or Keith Jarrett.
    • Barry Harris's workshop, which he attended every Tuesday, was held in the Baroness Pannonica's old house. Fortner recounts the story of receiving his first and only 30-minute lesson from Harris after playing a Thelonious Monk tune on Thelonious Monk's piano (which Harris refused to touch).
  • Seven Years with Roy Hargrove: Fortner spent seven years in Roy Hargrove's band, describing the experience as a "doctor's diploma and road chops". He witnessed Hargrove's dedication despite intense physical struggles, including an incident in Italy where a "geyser of blood" shot out of Hargrove's arm during a gig, yet Roy continued to play.
  • Vocal Collaborations: He met Samara Joy as a scared freshman at Barry Harris's class and contributed to her Grammy-winning holiday album. He has played with Cécile McLorin Salvant for 10 years. Salvant's repertoire is wide, including music from 500 BC and songs sung in five languages. He described Dee Dee Bridgewater as "fearless" and a "triple quadruple threat".
  • The Oscar Peterson Challenge: Fortner participated in a tour playing Oscar Peterson's music with John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, noting that Oscar's playing was "demanding," "relentless," and "very complicated and complex".
  • Awards and Albums: Fortner's albums include the Grammy-nominated Solo Game (the one with the upside-down cover) and Southern Nights. He recently received the inaugural Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award ($300,000 over four years).

Host and Guest Information

Guest | Sullivan Fortner | Pianist, Grammy-nominated artist, recent recipient of the Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist Award. Named Peter Martin (founder of Open Studio) as his first piano teacher.
Interviewer/Host | Lee Mergner | Host of Jazz Cruises Conversations.
Collaborators Mentioned | Roy Hargrove | Fortner spent seven years in his band.
| Cécile McLorin Salvant | Fortner has worked with her for 10 years.
| Dee Dee Bridgewater

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Signature Cruise Experiences c6dd10c6-0fca-4fb6-a6c0-f81dd86f0890 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:22:00 -0400 2997 6 104 full false Dee Dee Bridgewater: Storytelling, Legacy, and Mentoring Women in Jazz Dee Dee Bridgewater: Storytelling, Legacy, and Mentoring Women in Jazz This week's episode, recorded during the Journey of Jazz Cruise on the West Coast, features Dee Dee Bridgewater in conversation with co-host Marcus Miller, sharing stories from her remarkable five-decade career. The interview explores her journey from setting big goals at age seven to her life in Paris, discussing how she overcame adversity and developed the tools to succeed both artistically and professionally.

Key Takeaways

  • Early Ambitions & Idols: Dee Dee decided at the age of seven that she would be an internationally known jazz singer, well-respected by musicians, and would live in Paris, France—all of which came true. Her greatest idol was Nancy Wilson, whom she admired for her voice, style, and class, along with Lena Horn and Diahann Carroll.
  • The Importance of Storytelling: Dee Dee transitioned from focusing primarily on musical notes and melody to telling the story of a song. This shift was heavily influenced by her time in the Broadway production of The Wiz and working with its director, her second husband, Gilbert Moses.
  • Life in France: Dee Dee lived in Europe for 24 years. Her celebrity status in France was jump-started when a poster of her from the musical Sophisticated Ladies was used throughout Paris. She found great success, including filling 3,000-4,000 seat theaters after a successful duet with Ray Charles.
  • Josephine Baker Connection: Dee Dee served as the honorary president of the Josephine Baker Association. Her great aunt, Lahi G. (Ladi G E), was responsible for bringing Josephine Baker to Paris and is referenced in Baker's biographies.
  • China Moses's Start: When Dee Dee was offered a rock album deal with Virgin Records, she declined it and instead convinced the label to sign her daughter, China Moses, who was 16 at the time. Dee Dee acted as a "tough mama," refusing to critique China's style, ensuring China's success stemmed solely from her own efforts.
  • The Thad Jones School: Dee Dee's musical education primarily came from the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, which she joined before John Fattis. Thad Jones gave her the nickname "Renion" and taught her to learn by ear, often changing arrangements mid-song ("We're going back to letter C").
  • The Woodshed Network: Dee Dee founded the Woodshed Network in 2019 for young women in jazz to create a safe space and provide them with essential business tools for successful careers. The idea originated after she observed issues while on the faculty of the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program.

Host and Guest Information

RoleNameDetails from Source
Guest | Dee Dee Bridgewater | Charismatic and expressive jazz singer, career spanning five decades. Discusses her album Just Family (produced by Stanley Clark) which features the song "Maybe Today". Winner of a Tony Award for The Wiz.
Interviewer/Host | Marcus Miller | Co-host of the Journey of Jazz Cruise. Provided the theme music: "High Life" from the album Aphrodesia on Blue Note.
Host | Lee Mergner | Host of Jazz Cruises Conversations podcast.


Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This week's episode, recorded during the Journey of Jazz Cruise on the West Coast, features Dee Dee Bridgewater in conversation with co-host Marcus Miller, sharing stories from her remarkable five-decade career. The interview explores her journey from setting big goals at age seven to her life in Paris, discussing how she overcame adversity and developed the tools to succeed both artistically and professionally.

Key Takeaways

  • Early Ambitions & Idols: Dee Dee decided at the age of seven that she would be an internationally known jazz singer, well-respected by musicians, and would live in Paris, France—all of which came true. Her greatest idol was Nancy Wilson, whom she admired for her voice, style, and class, along with Lena Horn and Diahann Carroll.
  • The Importance of Storytelling: Dee Dee transitioned from focusing primarily on musical notes and melody to telling the story of a song. This shift was heavily influenced by her time in the Broadway production of The Wiz and working with its director, her second husband, Gilbert Moses.
  • Life in France: Dee Dee lived in Europe for 24 years. Her celebrity status in France was jump-started when a poster of her from the musical Sophisticated Ladies was used throughout Paris. She found great success, including filling 3,000-4,000 seat theaters after a successful duet with Ray Charles.
  • Josephine Baker Connection: Dee Dee served as the honorary president of the Josephine Baker Association. Her great aunt, Lahi G. (Ladi G E), was responsible for bringing Josephine Baker to Paris and is referenced in Baker's biographies.
  • China Moses's Start: When Dee Dee was offered a rock album deal with Virgin Records, she declined it and instead convinced the label to sign her daughter, China Moses, who was 16 at the time. Dee Dee acted as a "tough mama," refusing to critique China's style, ensuring China's success stemmed solely from her own efforts.
  • The Thad Jones School: Dee Dee's musical education primarily came from the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, which she joined before John Fattis. Thad Jones gave her the nickname "Renion" and taught her to learn by ear, often changing arrangements mid-song ("We're going back to letter C").
  • The Woodshed Network: Dee Dee founded the Woodshed Network in 2019 for young women in jazz to create a safe space and provide them with essential business tools for successful careers. The idea originated after she observed issues while on the faculty of the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program.

Host and Guest Information

RoleNameDetails from Source
Guest | Dee Dee Bridgewater | Charismatic and expressive jazz singer, career spanning five decades. Discusses her album Just Family (produced by Stanley Clark) which features the song "Maybe Today". Winner of a Tony Award for The Wiz.
Interviewer/Host | Marcus Miller | Co-host of the Journey of Jazz Cruise. Provided the theme music: "High Life" from the album Aphrodesia on Blue Note.
Host | Lee Mergner | Host of Jazz Cruises Conversations podcast.


Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Signature Cruise Experiences 615e4213-cc40-456f-9617-0f6aa0af579d Mon, 06 Oct 2025 08:20:00 -0400 2587 6 103 full false Dee Dee Bridgewater Marcus Miller Lee Mergner Marcus Miller & Alonzo Bodden: Bass Lines, Punchlines, and Bombing Marcus Miller & Alonzo Bodden: Bass Lines, Punchlines, and Bombing A Revealing Give-and-Take Between Friends Recorded live during the inaugural Journey of Jazz cruise, this episode features a unique "double interview" between longtime friends and colleagues Alonzo Bodden and Marcus Miller, with Alonzo asking Marcus about music and Marcus asking Alonzo about comedy.. From the hilarious pitfalls of bombing on stage to the technical reasons why bass players make the best conductors, nothing is off-limits in this wide-ranging conversation introduced by Music Director Eric Marienthal.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Key Takeaways

• The "Jazz" of Comedy: Comedian Alonzo Bodden explains that "crowd work"—improvising based on audience interaction—is essentially jazz because it requires creating and reacting in the moment.

• Rehearsal vs. "Working it Out": While musicians can rehearse in a studio, comics must practice in front of a live audience to know if a joke works, a process they call "working it out".

• Song Evolution: Marcus Miller describes a studio recording as the "baby" version of a song, while the live performance after a year of touring becomes the "adult" version.

• The Cruelty of Comics: Bodden reveals a "cruel" aspect of the comedy fraternity: there is nothing more fun for a comic than watching a fellow friend "bomb" or "die a slow death" on stage.

• Legendary Bailouts: The duo discusses legendary moments of stage mastery, such as Bill Burr attacking a hostile Philly crowd and Bernie Mac’s fearless 1990s Def Jam set where he famously declared, "I ain't scared of you".

• Bassist as Conductor: Marcus explains that bass players make natural music directors because their role requires them to keep their "heads up," connecting rhythm to harmony while listening to the entire sound of the ensemble.

• The Joe Sample Incident: Miller and Bodden reminisce about a famous "unfiltered" moment on a cruise where the late Joe Sample cussed out his band and the audience for singing "Street Lights" instead of his hit "Street Life".

• Musical Lineage: Marcus reflects on his responsibility to pass down stories of legends like Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie to younger musicians who never had the chance to meet them.

• Electric vs. Upright: Miller explains why he primarily expresses himself through the electric bass, noting that while the acoustic bass is beautiful, he came up during the "glory era" of the bass guitar in the 1970s

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> A Revealing Give-and-Take Between Friends Recorded live during the inaugural Journey of Jazz cruise, this episode features a unique "double interview" between longtime friends and colleagues Alonzo Bodden and Marcus Miller, with Alonzo asking Marcus about music and Marcus asking Alonzo about comedy.. From the hilarious pitfalls of bombing on stage to the technical reasons why bass players make the best conductors, nothing is off-limits in this wide-ranging conversation introduced by Music Director Eric Marienthal.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Key Takeaways

• The "Jazz" of Comedy: Comedian Alonzo Bodden explains that "crowd work"—improvising based on audience interaction—is essentially jazz because it requires creating and reacting in the moment.

• Rehearsal vs. "Working it Out": While musicians can rehearse in a studio, comics must practice in front of a live audience to know if a joke works, a process they call "working it out".

• Song Evolution: Marcus Miller describes a studio recording as the "baby" version of a song, while the live performance after a year of touring becomes the "adult" version.

• The Cruelty of Comics: Bodden reveals a "cruel" aspect of the comedy fraternity: there is nothing more fun for a comic than watching a fellow friend "bomb" or "die a slow death" on stage.

• Legendary Bailouts: The duo discusses legendary moments of stage mastery, such as Bill Burr attacking a hostile Philly crowd and Bernie Mac’s fearless 1990s Def Jam set where he famously declared, "I ain't scared of you".

• Bassist as Conductor: Marcus explains that bass players make natural music directors because their role requires them to keep their "heads up," connecting rhythm to harmony while listening to the entire sound of the ensemble.

• The Joe Sample Incident: Miller and Bodden reminisce about a famous "unfiltered" moment on a cruise where the late Joe Sample cussed out his band and the audience for singing "Street Lights" instead of his hit "Street Life".

• Musical Lineage: Marcus reflects on his responsibility to pass down stories of legends like Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie to younger musicians who never had the chance to meet them.

• Electric vs. Upright: Miller explains why he primarily expresses himself through the electric bass, noting that while the acoustic bass is beautiful, he came up during the "glory era" of the bass guitar in the 1970s

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Signature Cruise Experiences 1b956a29-6c0d-4e7b-a442-631cecf8a524 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0400 3233 6 102 full false Alonzo Bodden Eric Marienthal Marcus Miller Lee Mergner Christian McBride with Dan Wilson: From Church Pews to the Jazz Vanguard Christian McBride with Dan Wilson: From Church Pews to the Jazz Vanguard A Masterclass in Church Roots and Jazz Virtuosity Recorded live during The Jazz Cruise, this episode features a soulful and humorous interview between eight-time Grammy-winning bassist Christian McBride and his friend and protégé, guitarist Dan Wilson. Originally taped for McBride’s SiriusXM show, The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian, the two discuss Wilson’s unique musical upbringing and his refusal to leave his home in Akron, Ohio, for the bright lights of New York City. In keeping with the format of Christian’s show, the two also play some improvised music together.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Key Takeaways

• The Pride of Akron: Despite the common belief that jazz musicians must move to New York, Wilson has remained in Akron, Ohio, developing a world-class sound within the competitive "church guitar" culture of the Midwest.

• Church as a Training Ground: Wilson recalls getting his "behind kicked" during services three days a week by older guitarists who blended the styles of Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, and George Benson.

• Breaking Sacred Boundaries: Dan shares how he would get in trouble for playing jazz-influenced lines in a traditional church setting, even though the congregation would "shout" along to his playing.

• The Historian’s Ear: The duo discusses the often-forgotten history of the song "Breezin’," noting that it was written by Bobby Womack, not George Benson.

• Blues Influences: Wilson highlights T-Bone Walker and Howlin' Wolf as major influences, noting that Howlin' Wolf’s personal history as a sharecropper in Alabama mirrored his own great-grandfather’s life.

• The "Blindfold Test": In a signature segment, Wilson correctly identifies the playing of Pat Martino, Russell Malone, and Derek Trucks, while discussing his 20-year friendship with the late Malone.

• Cinematic Connection: McBride and Wilson demonstrate their deep personal bond through a shared obsession with the 1989 film Lean on Me and the specific nuances of James Brown records.


Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> A Masterclass in Church Roots and Jazz Virtuosity Recorded live during The Jazz Cruise, this episode features a soulful and humorous interview between eight-time Grammy-winning bassist Christian McBride and his friend and protégé, guitarist Dan Wilson. Originally taped for McBride’s SiriusXM show, The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian, the two discuss Wilson’s unique musical upbringing and his refusal to leave his home in Akron, Ohio, for the bright lights of New York City. In keeping with the format of Christian’s show, the two also play some improvised music together.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Key Takeaways

• The Pride of Akron: Despite the common belief that jazz musicians must move to New York, Wilson has remained in Akron, Ohio, developing a world-class sound within the competitive "church guitar" culture of the Midwest.

• Church as a Training Ground: Wilson recalls getting his "behind kicked" during services three days a week by older guitarists who blended the styles of Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, and George Benson.

• Breaking Sacred Boundaries: Dan shares how he would get in trouble for playing jazz-influenced lines in a traditional church setting, even though the congregation would "shout" along to his playing.

• The Historian’s Ear: The duo discusses the often-forgotten history of the song "Breezin’," noting that it was written by Bobby Womack, not George Benson.

• Blues Influences: Wilson highlights T-Bone Walker and Howlin' Wolf as major influences, noting that Howlin' Wolf’s personal history as a sharecropper in Alabama mirrored his own great-grandfather’s life.

• The "Blindfold Test": In a signature segment, Wilson correctly identifies the playing of Pat Martino, Russell Malone, and Derek Trucks, while discussing his 20-year friendship with the late Malone.

• Cinematic Connection: McBride and Wilson demonstrate their deep personal bond through a shared obsession with the 1989 film Lean on Me and the specific nuances of James Brown records.


Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 3029610c-52d3-4401-9a54-526cf97a4766 Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:37:00 -0400 3926 6 101 full false Christian McBride Dan Wilson Lee Mergner John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell: Tales of Les Paul, Bucky & Fistfights John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell: Tales of Les Paul, Bucky & Fistfights A Centennial Celebration of Jazz Stories In this milestone 100th episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations, recorded live on The Jazz Cruise '25, legendary guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli sits down with his longtime friend and collaborator, vocalist Catherine Russell. For the last few years, John and Catherine have been performing together in a project they call 'Billie and Blue Eyes,' spotlighting the music of Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra. John talked about coming up in the jazz and music world and hanging (and playing) with legends like Benny Goodman, Les Paul, Joe Venuti, Zoot Sims, Slam Stewart, Clark Terry, George Shearing, and of course, his father Bucky. Plus, John shared some stories about working with pop icons James Taylor and Paul McCartney.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Key Takeaways

• The Family Business: John began his musical journey on the tenor banjo at age six before switching to the guitar at 12. He grew up in a house so full of music that if you wanted to sit on the couch, you had to move a guitar first.

• Trumpet Troubles: Before committing to the guitar, John played trumpet from fourth grade through his sophomore year of college. He admits "trumpet is hard," but his classical training on the instrument gave him an immediate "in" when he first met Wynton Marsalis.

• Pranks with Les Paul: Living only 15 minutes away from the Pizzarelli home, Les Paul was a frequent visitor who enjoyed playing tricks, such as de-tuning John’s guitar or pulling out his patch cord in the middle of a performance.

• The "Highlights in Jazz" Fistfight: John recounts his first New York City gig with his father, Bucky Pizzarelli, which featured Zoot Sims as a surprise guest. While the musicians were focused on learning "Ghost of a Chance" backstage, the promoter and a friend of Bucky’s broke into an actual fistfight—one that no one stopped because they were too busy rehearsing.

• Pop Collaborations: John shares the "pajama-intimate" details of co-producing James Taylor’s Grammy-winning standards album in a barn studio and recording "Paper Moon" with Paul McCartney at Capitol Records.

• The "Eyebrow" Method: John reveals the secret musical shorthand he shared with his father during their 12 years of performing as a duo: as soon as Bucky’s eyebrows went up, it was John's signal to take the solo

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> A Centennial Celebration of Jazz Stories In this milestone 100th episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations, recorded live on The Jazz Cruise '25, legendary guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli sits down with his longtime friend and collaborator, vocalist Catherine Russell. For the last few years, John and Catherine have been performing together in a project they call 'Billie and Blue Eyes,' spotlighting the music of Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra. John talked about coming up in the jazz and music world and hanging (and playing) with legends like Benny Goodman, Les Paul, Joe Venuti, Zoot Sims, Slam Stewart, Clark Terry, George Shearing, and of course, his father Bucky. Plus, John shared some stories about working with pop icons James Taylor and Paul McCartney.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Key Takeaways

• The Family Business: John began his musical journey on the tenor banjo at age six before switching to the guitar at 12. He grew up in a house so full of music that if you wanted to sit on the couch, you had to move a guitar first.

• Trumpet Troubles: Before committing to the guitar, John played trumpet from fourth grade through his sophomore year of college. He admits "trumpet is hard," but his classical training on the instrument gave him an immediate "in" when he first met Wynton Marsalis.

• Pranks with Les Paul: Living only 15 minutes away from the Pizzarelli home, Les Paul was a frequent visitor who enjoyed playing tricks, such as de-tuning John’s guitar or pulling out his patch cord in the middle of a performance.

• The "Highlights in Jazz" Fistfight: John recounts his first New York City gig with his father, Bucky Pizzarelli, which featured Zoot Sims as a surprise guest. While the musicians were focused on learning "Ghost of a Chance" backstage, the promoter and a friend of Bucky’s broke into an actual fistfight—one that no one stopped because they were too busy rehearsing.

• Pop Collaborations: John shares the "pajama-intimate" details of co-producing James Taylor’s Grammy-winning standards album in a barn studio and recording "Paper Moon" with Paul McCartney at Capitol Records.

• The "Eyebrow" Method: John reveals the secret musical shorthand he shared with his father during their 12 years of performing as a duo: as soon as Bucky’s eyebrows went up, it was John's signal to take the solo

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises fadeedf9-155e-4412-b279-a6f5224e8f5f Sat, 22 Mar 2025 16:21:00 -0400 2999 6 100 full false Eric Marienthal w/ James Morrison: Why You Should Play, Never Practice Eric Marienthal w/ James Morrison: Why You Should Play, Never Practice This conversation was recorded during The Jazz Cruise '24 and features an interview with world-renowned multi-instrumentalist James Morrison by Music Director Eric Marienthal. In this episode, Morrison discusses his unique approach to musicianship, the mental "switch" required to play multiple instruments at a high level, and his parallel lives as a professional race car driver and an airplane pilot who flies his own band to their gigs.

Key Takeaways

• The "Play, Don't Practice" Philosophy: Morrison argues that traditional "practicing" can lead to a mindset of "getting ready" rather than "doing". He advocates for a mental paradigm where intention causes manifestation, noting that once a musician has successfully played a note, they should never doubt their ability to do so again.

• Multi-Instrumental Mastery: James explains the difficulty of playing trumpet and piano simultaneously in two different keys; he succeeds by turning off the analytical part of his brain and focusing purely on the sound. He also reveals that the hardest part of playing trumpet and trombone together is the inability to move the trombone slide, requiring him to hit every pitch using only his lips.

• The 2000 Sydney Olympics Fanfare: Morrison composed and performed the opening fanfare for the Sydney Olympics, a feat that required him to circular breathe while holding a double high G for a massive global audience.

• Solo Big Band Project: James shares the story of a recording project where he played every instrument in a 17-piece big band (except for the drums, which were added later by Jeff Hamilton).

• Life in the Fast Lane: Beyond music, James has been a professional driver for Toyota in the World Rally Championship, a host of Top Gear Australia, and is a licensed pilot who regularly flies his band to tour dates.

• Innovation in Brass: A deep dive into the design of Morrison's custom E-flat flugelhorn, which uses rotary valves to produce a rich, haunting sound that mimics a French horn in its upper register.


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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This conversation was recorded during The Jazz Cruise '24 and features an interview with world-renowned multi-instrumentalist James Morrison by Music Director Eric Marienthal. In this episode, Morrison discusses his unique approach to musicianship, the mental "switch" required to play multiple instruments at a high level, and his parallel lives as a professional race car driver and an airplane pilot who flies his own band to their gigs.

Key Takeaways

• The "Play, Don't Practice" Philosophy: Morrison argues that traditional "practicing" can lead to a mindset of "getting ready" rather than "doing". He advocates for a mental paradigm where intention causes manifestation, noting that once a musician has successfully played a note, they should never doubt their ability to do so again.

• Multi-Instrumental Mastery: James explains the difficulty of playing trumpet and piano simultaneously in two different keys; he succeeds by turning off the analytical part of his brain and focusing purely on the sound. He also reveals that the hardest part of playing trumpet and trombone together is the inability to move the trombone slide, requiring him to hit every pitch using only his lips.

• The 2000 Sydney Olympics Fanfare: Morrison composed and performed the opening fanfare for the Sydney Olympics, a feat that required him to circular breathe while holding a double high G for a massive global audience.

• Solo Big Band Project: James shares the story of a recording project where he played every instrument in a 17-piece big band (except for the drums, which were added later by Jeff Hamilton).

• Life in the Fast Lane: Beyond music, James has been a professional driver for Toyota in the World Rally Championship, a host of Top Gear Australia, and is a licensed pilot who regularly flies his band to tour dates.

• Innovation in Brass: A deep dive into the design of Morrison's custom E-flat flugelhorn, which uses rotary valves to produce a rich, haunting sound that mimics a French horn in its upper register.


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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 88497d8b-d139-4e55-870d-21d2fea30a86 Tue, 26 Nov 2024 11:46:00 -0500 2936 5 99 full false #98: Mindi Abair with Talaya #98: Mindi Abair with Talaya This conversation with saxophonist Mindi Abair, hosted by Talaya of "Watercolors" on SiriusXM, was recorded on the second week of The Smooth Jazz Cruise earlier this year.  The two talked about Mindi's storied career and her interests off the bandstand.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This conversation with saxophonist Mindi Abair, hosted by Talaya of "Watercolors" on SiriusXM, was recorded on the second week of The Smooth Jazz Cruise earlier this year.  The two talked about Mindi's storied career and her interests off the bandstand.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 5a5992bd-bddc-4599-b601-479849abcc9e Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:10:00 -0500 3254 false #97: Randy Brecker on Miles Davis (with Lee Mergner) #97: Randy Brecker on Miles Davis (with Lee Mergner) In this conversation recorded during Botti at Sea '24, as part of the Jazz on Film series hosted by Lee Mergner, we showed a bit of Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool, Stanley Nelson's 2019 documentary about the great trumpeter.  To talk about Miles' life and legacy, we asked another great trumpeter, Randy Brecker, who has always been a marvelous story teller.  Perhaps no other artist lends themself more to stories than Miles Davis.  Randy not only put Miles' singular influence in perspective, but shared some of his personal encounters with Miles, including their exchange about who discovered the wah wah peddle first. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this conversation recorded during Botti at Sea '24, as part of the Jazz on Film series hosted by Lee Mergner, we showed a bit of Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool, Stanley Nelson's 2019 documentary about the great trumpeter.  To talk about Miles' life and legacy, we asked another great trumpeter, Randy Brecker, who has always been a marvelous story teller.  Perhaps no other artist lends themself more to stories than Miles Davis.  Randy not only put Miles' singular influence in perspective, but shared some of his personal encounters with Miles, including their exchange about who discovered the wah wah peddle first. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 3f73f028-d4f1-43c1-a3ba-1df5ed6a8264 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 22:16:00 -0400 2362 false #96: Jazzmeia Horn & Cyrille Aimee with Catherine Russell #96: Jazzmeia Horn & Cyrille Aimee with Catherine Russell This conversation was recorded on The Jazz Cruise earlier this year and it featured a talk with Jazzmeia Horn and Cyrille Aimee, moderated by fellow vocalist Catherine Russell, who is also one of the hosts of The Jazz Cruise.  The two talked about their unique musical roots – Jazzmeia's in gospel and Cyrille's in French gypsy music and how they first got into jazz.  They also share their creative process for recording and composing.  And there's lots more, including questions from our discerning guests.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This conversation was recorded on The Jazz Cruise earlier this year and it featured a talk with Jazzmeia Horn and Cyrille Aimee, moderated by fellow vocalist Catherine Russell, who is also one of the hosts of The Jazz Cruise.  The two talked about their unique musical roots – Jazzmeia's in gospel and Cyrille's in French gypsy music and how they first got into jazz.  They also share their creative process for recording and composing.  And there's lots more, including questions from our discerning guests.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises bc23c707-1422-45e3-989f-a022e0820d90 Sat, 28 Sep 2024 20:22:00 -0400 3024 false #95: Rick Braun, Richard Elliot & Peter White with Talaya #95: Rick Braun, Richard Elliot & Peter White with Talaya This conversation with three of our artists was recorded on the first sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise earlier this year. It features a talk with Rick Braun, Richard Elliot and Peter White, moderated by one of our hosts, Talaya from Sirius XM. The three old friends talked about the first time they met, mostly going back to the 80s, when fusion was at its peak and Smooth Jazz was just emerging as a genre.  Then, Rick talked about working with Sade, Peter explained why almost every British band sings with an American accent, and Richard recalled his formative time with Tower of Power. But there's lot's more in this very engaging and often funny conversation.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This conversation with three of our artists was recorded on the first sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise earlier this year. It features a talk with Rick Braun, Richard Elliot and Peter White, moderated by one of our hosts, Talaya from Sirius XM. The three old friends talked about the first time they met, mostly going back to the 80s, when fusion was at its peak and Smooth Jazz was just emerging as a genre.  Then, Rick talked about working with Sade, Peter explained why almost every British band sings with an American accent, and Richard recalled his formative time with Tower of Power. But there's lot's more in this very engaging and often funny conversation.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises b09b6624-fe0f-42d6-b5d1-1c188f4e88ad Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:13:00 -0400 3083 false #94: Jose James on Bill Withers (with Lee Mergner) #94: Jose James on Bill Withers (with Lee Mergner) As part of the Jazz on Film series on Botti at Sea '24, host Lee Mergner showed a bit of the documentary "Still Bill" about Bill Withers.  Jose James, who paid tribute to Bill with his album "Lean on Me," then talked with Lee about the great singer-songwriter's music, life and legacy.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> As part of the Jazz on Film series on Botti at Sea '24, host Lee Mergner showed a bit of the documentary "Still Bill" about Bill Withers.  Jose James, who paid tribute to Bill with his album "Lean on Me," then talked with Lee about the great singer-songwriter's music, life and legacy.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises da47ea74-b16a-4745-8d26-fc342cd485d1 Tue, 27 Aug 2024 13:40:00 -0400 2016 false #93: Bria Skonberg & Benny Benack III with James Morrison #93: Bria Skonberg & Benny Benack III with James Morrison This conversation recorded on the Jazz Cruise earlier this year is from one of our LEARN sessions held during the day. James Morrison interviewed fellow trumpeters Bria Skonberg and Benny Benack the third.  They talk plenty of brass of course, but also about how they balance playing and singing.  And the two talk about how their own style and sound evolved.  Finally, they take a bunch of interesting questions from the audience.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This conversation recorded on the Jazz Cruise earlier this year is from one of our LEARN sessions held during the day. James Morrison interviewed fellow trumpeters Bria Skonberg and Benny Benack the third.  They talk plenty of brass of course, but also about how they balance playing and singing.  And the two talk about how their own style and sound evolved.  Finally, they take a bunch of interesting questions from the audience.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises f74b446a-04c3-4153-9681-d924430d7eb5 Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:11:00 -0400 2979 false #92: Marcus Miller & Alonzo Bodden #92: Marcus Miller & Alonzo Bodden In this episode, two of our longtime cruise hosts and headliners—Alonzo Bodden and Marcus Miller—talk music, comedy and life in a free-wheeling and entertaining conversation recorded on The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Although Alonzo kicks it off as the interviewer, in reality any session with these two longtime friends is bound to go back and forth, with one turning the tables on the other, and with a healthy dose of good-spirited razzing along the way.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this episode, two of our longtime cruise hosts and headliners—Alonzo Bodden and Marcus Miller—talk music, comedy and life in a free-wheeling and entertaining conversation recorded on The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Although Alonzo kicks it off as the interviewer, in reality any session with these two longtime friends is bound to go back and forth, with one turning the tables on the other, and with a healthy dose of good-spirited razzing along the way.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 6e944630-37cd-47de-8501-1e479452ab5d Mon, 15 Jul 2024 22:11:00 -0400 3776 false Alonzo Bodden Marcus Miller Lee Mergner #91: Samara Joy on Sarah Vaughan (with Lee Mergner) #91: Samara Joy on Sarah Vaughan (with Lee Mergner) This conversation was recorded on the inaugural sailing of Botti at Sea in 2024 and it featured an interview with the great vocalist Samara Joy, as part of the Jazz on Film series Lee Mergner hosted that week.  Samara talked in depth about Sarah's incredible legacy and about her own evolution as a jazz singer in this candid conversation.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This conversation was recorded on the inaugural sailing of Botti at Sea in 2024 and it featured an interview with the great vocalist Samara Joy, as part of the Jazz on Film series Lee Mergner hosted that week.  Samara talked in depth about Sarah's incredible legacy and about her own evolution as a jazz singer in this candid conversation.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 0fc962c9-53a7-4eb2-92fd-4974eca9f2ea Sun, 23 Jun 2024 13:46:00 -0400 1912 false #90: Kenny Barron with Shelly Berg #90: Kenny Barron with Shelly Berg This conversation was recorded during the most recent sailing of The Jazz Cruise and it featured an interview of NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron by our artistic director Shelly Berg.  Kenny talked with Shelly about his early formative years growing up in Philadelphia, as well as about lessons learned from playing with jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Yusef Lateef, Charle Haden and Stan Getz.  Kenny and Shelly also geek out about both the piano and teaching piano. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This conversation was recorded during the most recent sailing of The Jazz Cruise and it featured an interview of NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron by our artistic director Shelly Berg.  Kenny talked with Shelly about his early formative years growing up in Philadelphia, as well as about lessons learned from playing with jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Yusef Lateef, Charle Haden and Stan Getz.  Kenny and Shelly also geek out about both the piano and teaching piano. 

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises be8b7538-4751-4424-8785-0ae42fa26b2e Mon, 17 Jun 2024 11:59:00 -0400 2850 false #89: Jeffrey Osborne with Marcus Miller #89: Jeffrey Osborne with Marcus Miller This conversation with vocalist Jeffrey Osborne was recorded during a recent sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Jeffrey talked with Marcus Miller about his rigorous health regimen and about his early years as a vocalist and his time with LTD, which started as a back up band for Sam and Dave. Did you know that Jeffrey actually started out as a drummer?  With the O'Jays, no less. You'll learn even more interesting aspects about Jeffrey's music and career during this fascinating talk. Oh, and a fellow vocalist makes a late but funny cameo appearance during the interview.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This conversation with vocalist Jeffrey Osborne was recorded during a recent sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Jeffrey talked with Marcus Miller about his rigorous health regimen and about his early years as a vocalist and his time with LTD, which started as a back up band for Sam and Dave. Did you know that Jeffrey actually started out as a drummer?  With the O'Jays, no less. You'll learn even more interesting aspects about Jeffrey's music and career during this fascinating talk. Oh, and a fellow vocalist makes a late but funny cameo appearance during the interview.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises b68b3075-4b36-4bd3-9a3f-86f59c9f9ce0 Tue, 04 Jun 2024 20:07:00 -0400 3102 false Jeffrey Osborne Marcus Miller Lee Mergner #88: Chucho Valdes & Paquito D'Rivera with James Morrison #88: Chucho Valdes & Paquito D'Rivera with James Morrison This conversation was recorded during the most recent sailing of The Jazz Cruise and it featured an interview with two longtime friends and colleagues—Paquito D'Rivera and Chucho Valdes.  Going back to their native land of Cuba, Paquito played in Irakere, a band founded in 1973 by Chucho who led that band for more than four decades.  The two recently reunited for an album called I Missed You Too as well as for a tour with their sextet.  The Jazz Cruise All-Star James Morrison handled the moderator duties in this very animated conversation filled with wit and wisdom.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This conversation was recorded during the most recent sailing of The Jazz Cruise and it featured an interview with two longtime friends and colleagues—Paquito D'Rivera and Chucho Valdes.  Going back to their native land of Cuba, Paquito played in Irakere, a band founded in 1973 by Chucho who led that band for more than four decades.  The two recently reunited for an album called I Missed You Too as well as for a tour with their sextet.  The Jazz Cruise All-Star James Morrison handled the moderator duties in this very animated conversation filled with wit and wisdom.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner 91f24a14-b35b-48e3-9ee6-af4c22a831ef Sun, 05 May 2024 13:36:00 -0400 2987 false #87: Gregory Porter on Nat King Cole (with Lee Mergner) #87: Gregory Porter on Nat King Cole (with Lee Mergner) This conversation was recorded on the inaugural sailing of Botti at Sea and it featured an interview with the great vocalist Gregory Porter by Lee Mergner, as part of the Jazz on Film series he hosted that week.  This episode is about the legendary Nat King Cole. Most people know about Gregory's professional affinity for Nat and his music, but may not know just how personal that affinity is.  He explains his deep love for Nat and even sings a few tunes that make that connection clear.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This conversation was recorded on the inaugural sailing of Botti at Sea and it featured an interview with the great vocalist Gregory Porter by Lee Mergner, as part of the Jazz on Film series he hosted that week.  This episode is about the legendary Nat King Cole. Most people know about Gregory's professional affinity for Nat and his music, but may not know just how personal that affinity is.  He explains his deep love for Nat and even sings a few tunes that make that connection clear.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises b419d9a6-d70a-4e4f-9196-b515a1546a3e Sun, 14 Apr 2024 23:26:00 -0400 1994 false Gregory Porter Lee Mergner #86: Mindi Abair with Talaya #86: Mindi Abair with Talaya In this conversation recorded on The Smooth Jazz Cruise 24.1, saxophonist Mindi Abair talks with cruise host Talaya from SiriusXM.  . Mindi talked about collaborating with other artists on The Smooth Jazz Cruise.  And about breaking into the music business when she first moved to LA where she was discovered by Bobby Lyle.  She also reflects on partnering with guitarist Randy Jacobs in the band The Boneshakers.  And of course she discusses her wine and jazz adventures. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this conversation recorded on The Smooth Jazz Cruise 24.1, saxophonist Mindi Abair talks with cruise host Talaya from SiriusXM.  . Mindi talked about collaborating with other artists on The Smooth Jazz Cruise.  And about breaking into the music business when she first moved to LA where she was discovered by Bobby Lyle.  She also reflects on partnering with guitarist Randy Jacobs in the band The Boneshakers.  And of course she discusses her wine and jazz adventures. 

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 9207c23b-1692-449d-bab2-a9d2b3a9bd46 Wed, 03 Apr 2024 12:39:00 -0400 2793 5 86 false #85: Keb' Mo' with Alonzo Bodden #85: Keb' Mo' with Alonzo Bodden In this one-on-one conversation from Botti at Sea earlier this year, Alonzo Bodden, our longtime comedian in residence, sat down with Keb' Mo' to talk about his storied career in music. And that career has truly been storied, starting with the fact that Keb' released his first album way back when, billed by his given name of Kevin Moore. Of course, that became grist for material for our friend Alonzo.

Make no mistake, Keb' is a humble yet gifted guitarist, singer and songwriter. Someone who has earned every bit of his remarkable success.

As is often the case, the audience got into the act at the end with informed questions and comments. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this one-on-one conversation from Botti at Sea earlier this year, Alonzo Bodden, our longtime comedian in residence, sat down with Keb' Mo' to talk about his storied career in music. And that career has truly been storied, starting with the fact that Keb' released his first album way back when, billed by his given name of Kevin Moore. Of course, that became grist for material for our friend Alonzo.

Make no mistake, Keb' is a humble yet gifted guitarist, singer and songwriter. Someone who has earned every bit of his remarkable success.

As is often the case, the audience got into the act at the end with informed questions and comments. 

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises f629a6f3-146a-4fe2-8807-e6ebc87fd7da Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:01:00 -0400 3003 false Alonzo Bodden Keb' Mo' Lee Mergner #84: Renee Rosnes with Catherine Russell #84: Renee Rosnes with Catherine Russell In this conversation from The Jazz Cruise '24, Catherine Russell interviewed pianist Renee Rosnes about her upbringing in Canada as a student of classical music who was introduced to jazz by an important mentor. Renee also reflected on working with jazz legends like Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson and James Moody. She also talked about her own music as a longtime bandleader and her very special collaborations with her husband, fellow pianist Bill Charlap. And, of course, about Artemis, the super group she founded that performed on the cruise.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this conversation from The Jazz Cruise '24, Catherine Russell interviewed pianist Renee Rosnes about her upbringing in Canada as a student of classical music who was introduced to jazz by an important mentor. Renee also reflected on working with jazz legends like Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson and James Moody. She also talked about her own music as a longtime bandleader and her very special collaborations with her husband, fellow pianist Bill Charlap. And, of course, about Artemis, the super group she founded that performed on the cruise.

Send us Fan Mail

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 84bff2ab-efa4-4732-bc22-642249ad305c Wed, 13 Mar 2024 12:07:00 -0400 2921 5 84 full false #83: Sheila E with Don Was #83: Sheila E with Don Was In this interview from Blue Note at Sea '23, noted record producer Don Was spoke with the great percussionist and bandleader Sheila E.  Sheila talked with Don about her unique musical relationship with her father Pete Escovedo and her brothers.  She shared stories of working with legendary artists such as Ringo Starr, Marvin Gaye, George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Michael Jackson and Prince.  She also explained the mission for her Elevate Oakland community organization.  And she told us about her practice regimen.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this interview from Blue Note at Sea '23, noted record producer Don Was spoke with the great percussionist and bandleader Sheila E.  Sheila talked with Don about her unique musical relationship with her father Pete Escovedo and her brothers.  She shared stories of working with legendary artists such as Ringo Starr, Marvin Gaye, George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Michael Jackson and Prince.  She also explained the mission for her Elevate Oakland community organization.  And she told us about her practice regimen.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 707a6e21-d916-4d6a-bb42-10503548a615 Sun, 12 Nov 2023 14:38:00 -0500 3736 false Christian McBride w/ Wynton Marsalis: History, Nerds, and a Blindfold Test Christian McBride w/ Wynton Marsalis: History, Nerds, and a Blindfold Test Episode 82: Wynton Marsalis with Christian McBride

Recorded live in front of a studio audience during The Jazz Cruise 2023, this episode features a deeply personal and insightful conversation between jazz icon Wynton Marsalis and host Christian McBride. The two explore their nearly 40-year relationship, which began when McBride was a 14-year-old bassist in Philadelphia, and discuss the vital roles of mentorship, discipline, and cultural heritage in the world of jazz.

Christian also gave Wynton a three-song Blindfold Test, featuring trumpeters. You can guess how that went. The two also played a couple of duets. But throughout their talk, it's the stories about their elders that resonated.

Key Takeaways

  • The Power of Mentorship: Christian McBride recalls how Marsalis set a professional standard for young musicians in the 1980s and even personally convinced McBride’s mother to let him move to New York City.
  • Defining "Hip" through Discipline: Marsalis emphasizes that true achievement isn't "hanging" all night, but having the discipline to get up and function professionally the next morning.
  • Intellectual Growth: Wynton shares stories of his 30-year relationship with the late writer and "Doctor of Connections," Stanley Crouch, who pushed him to be as well-read and knowledgeable off his instrument as he was on it.
  • Integrity of Elders: The discussion highlights the uncompromising artistic integrity of legends like Betty Carter and Art Blakey, who mentored Marsalis and shaped his approach to leadership.
  • Cultural Icons: Marsalis reflects on his connections to giants of Black American culture, including Ralph Ellison, Romare Bearden, Alvin Ailey, and August Wilson.
  • The Blindfold Test: Wynton aced a three-song trumpet challenge, identifying and sharing anecdotes about Harry "Sweets" Edison, Clark Terry, and Woody Shaw.
  • Musical Connection: The episode features the two masters performing "All the Things You Are," illustrating their spontaneous musical chemistry.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Episode 82: Wynton Marsalis with Christian McBride

Recorded live in front of a studio audience during The Jazz Cruise 2023, this episode features a deeply personal and insightful conversation between jazz icon Wynton Marsalis and host Christian McBride. The two explore their nearly 40-year relationship, which began when McBride was a 14-year-old bassist in Philadelphia, and discuss the vital roles of mentorship, discipline, and cultural heritage in the world of jazz.

Christian also gave Wynton a three-song Blindfold Test, featuring trumpeters. You can guess how that went. The two also played a couple of duets. But throughout their talk, it's the stories about their elders that resonated.

Key Takeaways

  • The Power of Mentorship: Christian McBride recalls how Marsalis set a professional standard for young musicians in the 1980s and even personally convinced McBride’s mother to let him move to New York City.
  • Defining "Hip" through Discipline: Marsalis emphasizes that true achievement isn't "hanging" all night, but having the discipline to get up and function professionally the next morning.
  • Intellectual Growth: Wynton shares stories of his 30-year relationship with the late writer and "Doctor of Connections," Stanley Crouch, who pushed him to be as well-read and knowledgeable off his instrument as he was on it.
  • Integrity of Elders: The discussion highlights the uncompromising artistic integrity of legends like Betty Carter and Art Blakey, who mentored Marsalis and shaped his approach to leadership.
  • Cultural Icons: Marsalis reflects on his connections to giants of Black American culture, including Ralph Ellison, Romare Bearden, Alvin Ailey, and August Wilson.
  • The Blindfold Test: Wynton aced a three-song trumpet challenge, identifying and sharing anecdotes about Harry "Sweets" Edison, Clark Terry, and Woody Shaw.
  • Musical Connection: The episode features the two masters performing "All the Things You Are," illustrating their spontaneous musical chemistry.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> ea0e2cde-7180-4890-9344-df260a42b00a Sun, 29 Oct 2023 22:26:00 -0400 3782 4 82 full true #81: Brian Culbertson with Talaya #81: Brian Culbertson with Talaya This episode features an interview with keyboardist/trombonist/bandleader Brian Culbertson by Talaya from The Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2023.  Brian talks about recording his first album in his apartment when he was in college at DePaul in Chicago. He also explained how he came to develop his streaming show The Hang and how he recorded numerous albums during the pandemic.  Along the way, Brian shares his creative process for writing, arranging and producing. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This episode features an interview with keyboardist/trombonist/bandleader Brian Culbertson by Talaya from The Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2023.  Brian talks about recording his first album in his apartment when he was in college at DePaul in Chicago. He also explained how he came to develop his streaming show The Hang and how he recorded numerous albums during the pandemic.  Along the way, Brian shares his creative process for writing, arranging and producing. 

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 1e4d1319-acfb-4209-8d3c-d9076ab85446 Sun, 15 Oct 2023 12:09:00 -0400 2674 false #80: David Sanborn with Marcus Miller #80: David Sanborn with Marcus Miller In this conversation recorded during Blue Note at Sea '23, saxophonist David Sanborn talks with his old friend and colleague Marcus Miller about his storied life and career in music. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this conversation recorded during Blue Note at Sea '23, saxophonist David Sanborn talks with his old friend and colleague Marcus Miller about his storied life and career in music. 

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 3ff03d6f-a1fc-47d8-97c8-b378b19c0247 Fri, 29 Sep 2023 12:02:00 -0400 3970 false David Sanborn Marcus Miller Lee Mergner #79: Christian McBride with Don Was #79: Christian McBride with Don Was In this conversation from Blue Note at Sea '23, host Don Was interviews Christian McBride about his practice regimen for the bass, his early years growing up in Philadelphia, his love of James Brown and how he handles his many roles as a musician, composer, bandleader, radio host and educator.  

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this conversation from Blue Note at Sea '23, host Don Was interviews Christian McBride about his practice regimen for the bass, his early years growing up in Philadelphia, his love of James Brown and how he handles his many roles as a musician, composer, bandleader, radio host and educator.  

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 0c5ba8f8-0912-4343-9cfd-89aaa7d5f869 Wed, 13 Sep 2023 10:36:00 -0400 3012 false #78: Candy Dulfer with Talaya #78: Candy Dulfer with Talaya This episode recorded on The Smooth Jazz Cruise features an interview with saxophonist Candy Dulfer by one of our hosts Talaya. Candy talked about her very musical upbringing in the Netherlands with her father Hans, a noted jazz saxophonist, as well as her own unique journey, crossing paths and collaborating with Dave Stewart, Prince and Van Morrison, and establishing herself as a solo artist.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This episode recorded on The Smooth Jazz Cruise features an interview with saxophonist Candy Dulfer by one of our hosts Talaya. Candy talked about her very musical upbringing in the Netherlands with her father Hans, a noted jazz saxophonist, as well as her own unique journey, crossing paths and collaborating with Dave Stewart, Prince and Van Morrison, and establishing herself as a solo artist.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 62a12ba3-01df-499a-8198-539d4c5c70b5 Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:34:00 -0400 3223 false #77: Marcus Miller & Alonzo Bodden #77: Marcus Miller & Alonzo Bodden This episode features a true 1:1 conversation between two old friends, comedian Alonzo Bodden and bassist/bandleader/composer Marcus Miller.  Recorded on Blue Note at Sea '23, the two talked about music and comedy and everything in between.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This episode features a true 1:1 conversation between two old friends, comedian Alonzo Bodden and bassist/bandleader/composer Marcus Miller.  Recorded on Blue Note at Sea '23, the two talked about music and comedy and everything in between.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 9fc4218a-18a1-4630-9597-11826ed40ac3 Wed, 26 Jul 2023 11:48:00 -0400 4350 77 false Alonzo Bodden Marcus Miller Lee Mergner #76: Samara Joy with Shelly Berg #76: Samara Joy with Shelly Berg In this conversation recorded during The Jazz Cruise '23, Shelly Berg interviewed vocal jazz sensation Samara Joy for his "Generation Next" show on SiriusXM's Real Jazz channel.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this conversation recorded during The Jazz Cruise '23, Shelly Berg interviewed vocal jazz sensation Samara Joy for his "Generation Next" show on SiriusXM's Real Jazz channel.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 6fe07b38-aede-4cff-8924-ea6e267196d0 Sun, 02 Jul 2023 15:23:00 -0400 2852 false #75: Michael McDonald with Marcus Miller #75: Michael McDonald with Marcus Miller This week's episode of the Jazz Cruises Conversations podcast features a very special interview by Marcus Miller with Michael McDonald, recorded on The Smooth Jazz Cruise earlier this year.

Marcus talked with Michael about his long and storied career, which started out in St. Louis, playing and singing in local cover bands. The rest is history, which you'll hear about in this engaging and entertaining talk. How about this little fact? Michael's local young band backed Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry back in the day. And he explains the origin of the band name The Doobie Brothers. And Michael tells how he came to duet famously with Patti LaBelle on their smash hit "On My Own."  And now they're doing a cruise together, the McDonald Labelle Cruise with us April 10-13 to Nassau in the Bahamas.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This week's episode of the Jazz Cruises Conversations podcast features a very special interview by Marcus Miller with Michael McDonald, recorded on The Smooth Jazz Cruise earlier this year.

Marcus talked with Michael about his long and storied career, which started out in St. Louis, playing and singing in local cover bands. The rest is history, which you'll hear about in this engaging and entertaining talk. How about this little fact? Michael's local young band backed Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry back in the day. And he explains the origin of the band name The Doobie Brothers. And Michael tells how he came to duet famously with Patti LaBelle on their smash hit "On My Own."  And now they're doing a cruise together, the McDonald Labelle Cruise with us April 10-13 to Nassau in the Bahamas.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 848f4ffb-54ca-4f27-8401-11d28b13505a Sun, 18 Jun 2023 23:56:00 -0400 2845 false Marcus Miller Michael McDonald Lee Mergner #74: Chris Botti with Christian McBride #74: Chris Botti with Christian McBride In this one-on-one conversation from Blue Note at Sea earlier this year, Christian McBride interviewed Chris Botti for an episode of his Sirius XM radio show "The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian." Chris talked about the rewards and challenges of his long-running residency at the Blue Note in New York City.  The two also talked about Chris' beginnings in Portland, Oregon, as well as the impact of the music program at the University of Indiana.  Chris explained why the trumpet is such a difficult instrument to master. He talked about the impact of working with Paul Simon and Sting.  And he even told a Frank Sinatra story. Finally, Christian gave Chris a little Blindfold Test with three trumpeters.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this one-on-one conversation from Blue Note at Sea earlier this year, Christian McBride interviewed Chris Botti for an episode of his Sirius XM radio show "The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian." Chris talked about the rewards and challenges of his long-running residency at the Blue Note in New York City.  The two also talked about Chris' beginnings in Portland, Oregon, as well as the impact of the music program at the University of Indiana.  Chris explained why the trumpet is such a difficult instrument to master. He talked about the impact of working with Paul Simon and Sting.  And he even told a Frank Sinatra story. Finally, Christian gave Chris a little Blindfold Test with three trumpeters.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 75e391a1-fffb-4541-851b-ee23df44fa64 Tue, 30 May 2023 07:56:00 -0400 3591 74 false #73: Renee Rosnes and Billy Childs with LeRoy Downs #73: Renee Rosnes and Billy Childs with LeRoy Downs In this episode of the newly renamed Jazz Cruises Conversations podcast, pianists Renee Rosnes and Billy Childs talked with host LeRoy Downs about their common history and inspirations. 

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this episode of the newly renamed Jazz Cruises Conversations podcast, pianists Renee Rosnes and Billy Childs talked with host LeRoy Downs about their common history and inspirations. 

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 013078f7-c6e0-4632-85e8-94cdd275f2ab Fri, 19 May 2023 17:21:00 -0400 3350 false #72: Cecile McLorin Salvant with David Sanborn #72: Cecile McLorin Salvant with David Sanborn This conversation from Blue Note at Sea '23 featured the acclaimed singer and songwriter Cecile McLorin Salvant, who was interviewed by  David SanbornThe two talked about Cecile's passion and gift for the visual arts, and they dug very deep on her recent album Ghost Song, which he clearly listened to a lot. And they got into Cecile's multi-genre project Ogress and her latest album Melusine. Throughout it all, Cecile candidly deconstructs her unique creative process.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This conversation from Blue Note at Sea '23 featured the acclaimed singer and songwriter Cecile McLorin Salvant, who was interviewed by  David SanbornThe two talked about Cecile's passion and gift for the visual arts, and they dug very deep on her recent album Ghost Song, which he clearly listened to a lot. And they got into Cecile's multi-genre project Ogress and her latest album Melusine. Throughout it all, Cecile candidly deconstructs her unique creative process.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 3ef49e05-4f30-4d2b-9070-cfc0d4a68909 Wed, 03 May 2023 15:21:00 -0400 3045 4 72 full false #71: Sullivan Fortner with Emmet Cohen #71: Sullivan Fortner with Emmet Cohen Sullivan Fortner sits down with fellow pianist Emmet Cohen to talk about coming from New Orleans to New York City and his emergence on the jazz scene. Sullivan and Emmet talk about the various piano competitions they entered together.  Sullivan also discusses his musical relationship with vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant.  And he shows Emmet some of his practice regimen on the piano.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Sullivan Fortner sits down with fellow pianist Emmet Cohen to talk about coming from New Orleans to New York City and his emergence on the jazz scene. Sullivan and Emmet talk about the various piano competitions they entered together.  Sullivan also discusses his musical relationship with vocalist Cecile McLorin Salvant.  And he shows Emmet some of his practice regimen on the piano.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 7134b80a-0da2-4cd2-a75a-18c6053f07e4 Sun, 30 May 2021 16:31:23 -0400 4105 3 71 false #70: Monty Alexander with John Clayton #70: Monty Alexander with John Clayton In this episode from our live conversation series on Facebook and YouTube, the noted pianist Monty Alexander talks with bassist and former bandmate John Clayton about his storied life in music.  It's a reunion of sorts because back in the mid-70s, Monty led a trio with John and drummer Jeff Hamilton. The three road warriors performed about 300 days a year and recording two albums including the seminal "Montreux Alexander '76." Monty reminisces about growing up in Jamaica and learning from people like Ray Brown and Oscar Peterson. We also surprised Monty with a special guest who dropped into the conversation for the last 15 minutes. This episode was sponsored by Vail Jazz.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this episode from our live conversation series on Facebook and YouTube, the noted pianist Monty Alexander talks with bassist and former bandmate John Clayton about his storied life in music.  It's a reunion of sorts because back in the mid-70s, Monty led a trio with John and drummer Jeff Hamilton. The three road warriors performed about 300 days a year and recording two albums including the seminal "Montreux Alexander '76." Monty reminisces about growing up in Jamaica and learning from people like Ray Brown and Oscar Peterson. We also surprised Monty with a special guest who dropped into the conversation for the last 15 minutes. This episode was sponsored by Vail Jazz.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 12054bfe-b3ed-459d-81a2-3a0eedc90388 Tue, 11 May 2021 11:30:00 -0400 4077 3 70 false #69: John Clayton with Ken Peplowski #69: John Clayton with Ken Peplowski In this Before & After listening session, co-presented on Zoom with JazzTimes, Ken Peplowski plays a dozen tunes for his friend and colleague John Clayton, who shows off his very acute ears.  Besides going deep on the cuts, the two talk about a wide range of topics, including the nuance of the beat, the dangers of the metronome, and why fake books hurt rather than help young musicians. 

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this Before & After listening session, co-presented on Zoom with JazzTimes, Ken Peplowski plays a dozen tunes for his friend and colleague John Clayton, who shows off his very acute ears.  Besides going deep on the cuts, the two talk about a wide range of topics, including the nuance of the beat, the dangers of the metronome, and why fake books hurt rather than help young musicians. 

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 11356624-b119-402f-94a8-2e5a4bff1aff Sun, 11 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0400 7592 3 69 false #68: Bria Skonberg with Jennifer Wharton #68: Bria Skonberg with Jennifer Wharton In  a recent conversation streamed online, bass trombonist Jennifer Wharton interviewed trumpeter and singer Bria Skonberg about her life in music.  The two discussed everything from choosing the right mutes to balancing the professional demands of playing music with the personal demands of family life.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In  a recent conversation streamed online, bass trombonist Jennifer Wharton interviewed trumpeter and singer Bria Skonberg about her life in music.  The two discussed everything from choosing the right mutes to balancing the professional demands of playing music with the personal demands of family life.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises a88ba36e-3fd9-41f0-b304-d1cefa3153cb Tue, 06 Apr 2021 16:00:00 -0400 3775 3 68 false #67: Niki Haris with Ann Hampton Callaway #67: Niki Haris with Ann Hampton Callaway This singer-on-singer chat was streamed live at part of Jazz Cruise Conversations Live series on social media.  Niki Haris talked with fellow vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway about her colorful and unique career from singing and touring with Madonna to performing jazz at festivals and venues all over the world. Niki also talks about growing up as the daughter of legendary jazz pianist Gene Harris.  And the two share memories of their time together on The Jazz Cruise.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This singer-on-singer chat was streamed live at part of Jazz Cruise Conversations Live series on social media.  Niki Haris talked with fellow vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway about her colorful and unique career from singing and touring with Madonna to performing jazz at festivals and venues all over the world. Niki also talks about growing up as the daughter of legendary jazz pianist Gene Harris.  And the two share memories of their time together on The Jazz Cruise.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz Cruises 4da58b9b-b1a9-47fc-b06d-0799f3a2a5a0 Sun, 28 Mar 2021 14:24:48 -0400 4359 3 67 false #66: Paquito D'Rivera with Ken Peplowski #66: Paquito D'Rivera with Ken Peplowski Paquito D'Rivera spoke with fellow clarinetist (and saxophonist) Ken Peplowski in this chat that was streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. The two voluble favorites of The Jazz Cruise talk clarinet of course, but they also discuss Paquito growing up in Cuba, his introduction to music and jazz, his affinity for Brazilian music and his long musical relationship with trumpeter Claudio Roditit, who passed away recently. 

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]]> Paquito D'Rivera spoke with fellow clarinetist (and saxophonist) Ken Peplowski in this chat that was streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. The two voluble favorites of The Jazz Cruise talk clarinet of course, but they also discuss Paquito growing up in Cuba, his introduction to music and jazz, his affinity for Brazilian music and his long musical relationship with trumpeter Claudio Roditit, who passed away recently. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 7531a47a-b915-40ac-a41b-6c6beb956810 Tue, 02 Feb 2021 17:00:00 -0500 4058 3 66 false #65: Christian McBride with Alonzo Bodden #65: Christian McBride with Alonzo Bodden Bassist/bandleader/composer/radio host/educator/artistic director Christian McBride talks with comedian Alonzo Bodden about social issues, sports, comedy, jazz and of course, the bass.  We also surprise Christian with some special guests who show up about 45 minutes in and who kept the conversation going for another half hour.  

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Bassist/bandleader/composer/radio host/educator/artistic director Christian McBride talks with comedian Alonzo Bodden about social issues, sports, comedy, jazz and of course, the bass.  We also surprise Christian with some special guests who show up about 45 minutes in and who kept the conversation going for another half hour.  

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 20f3a18e-9fad-443f-af83-25e1c79452bb Wed, 20 Jan 2021 14:00:00 -0500 4800 3 65 false Alonzo Bodden Christian McBride Lee Mergner #64: Nicki Parrott with John Clayton #64: Nicki Parrott with John Clayton The multi-faceted bassist AND singer Nicki Parrott talks with fellow bassist John Clayton about growing up in Australia and about how and why she took up the bass.  The two share their memories of Ray Brown, a mentor to John and a big influence on Nicki. They also discuss their common appreciation for cooking and Nicki shares a short clip from her well-produced web series Chez Nicki Jams, in which she shares a favorite recipe and performs a short number while the dish cooks.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> The multi-faceted bassist AND singer Nicki Parrott talks with fellow bassist John Clayton about growing up in Australia and about how and why she took up the bass.  The two share their memories of Ray Brown, a mentor to John and a big influence on Nicki. They also discuss their common appreciation for cooking and Nicki shares a short clip from her well-produced web series Chez Nicki Jams, in which she shares a favorite recipe and performs a short number while the dish cooks.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 96eaced8-3df4-49ae-8d5b-3abeed1c3433 Tue, 12 Jan 2021 16:30:00 -0500 3861 2 64 false #63: Wycliffe Gordon with Eulis Cathey #63: Wycliffe Gordon with Eulis Cathey The virtuoso trombonist Wycliffe Gordon talks with Sirius XM radio host Eulis Cathey about his long and storied career, which began in Augusta, Georgia.  Wycliffe explains the impact of playing music in the church there in Augusta.  He also discusses his introduction to jazz, as well as the far-reaching influence of his mentor, Wynton Marsalis.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> The virtuoso trombonist Wycliffe Gordon talks with Sirius XM radio host Eulis Cathey about his long and storied career, which began in Augusta, Georgia.  Wycliffe explains the impact of playing music in the church there in Augusta.  He also discusses his introduction to jazz, as well as the far-reaching influence of his mentor, Wynton Marsalis.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions a9f50a7d-1e17-4117-aea8-a66cceb12ef2 Tue, 05 Jan 2021 13:00:00 -0500 4051 2 63 false #62: Terell Stafford with Eulis Cathey #62: Terell Stafford with Eulis Cathey Noted trumpeter and educator Terell Stafford talks with Sirius XM radio host Eulis Cathey about his background as a classical musicians and how he made the transition to become an accomplished and influential jazz musician. Terell talks about some of his mentors and also about what he tries to teach his students in his role as head of the music department (including classical and jazz) at Temple University.

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]]> Noted trumpeter and educator Terell Stafford talks with Sirius XM radio host Eulis Cathey about his background as a classical musicians and how he made the transition to become an accomplished and influential jazz musician. Terell talks about some of his mentors and also about what he tries to teach his students in his role as head of the music department (including classical and jazz) at Temple University.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions a7bac2b0-2391-4c3f-b808-0c6b5542182c Tue, 29 Dec 2020 16:00:00 -0500 4019 2 62 false #61: Ann Hampton Callaway with Kurt Elling #61: Ann Hampton Callaway with Kurt Elling Ann Hampton Callaway talks with fellow singer and songwriter Kurt Elling about growing up in Chicago and she shares insight into her creative process for choosing and writing songs.  The two talk about the legacy of Freddy Cole whom they both got to know well during sailings of The Jazz Cruise over the years. Ann even performs a song in memory of their old friend Freddy.

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]]> Ann Hampton Callaway talks with fellow singer and songwriter Kurt Elling about growing up in Chicago and she shares insight into her creative process for choosing and writing songs.  The two talk about the legacy of Freddy Cole whom they both got to know well during sailings of The Jazz Cruise over the years. Ann even performs a song in memory of their old friend Freddy.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 38a49b14-95f5-4b07-8f39-5ef62e24ee9d Tue, 22 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -0500 3921 2 61 false #60: Jeff Hamilton with Ken Peplowski #60: Jeff Hamilton with Ken Peplowski Jazz drum great Jeff Hamilton talks with his longtime friend and colleague Ken Peplowski about his life's journey in music, including how he got started on drums, his work with legends like Ray Brown and Oscar Peterson, and leading his own groups, such as his two trios and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

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]]> Jazz drum great Jeff Hamilton talks with his longtime friend and colleague Ken Peplowski about his life's journey in music, including how he got started on drums, his work with legends like Ray Brown and Oscar Peterson, and leading his own groups, such as his two trios and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions d7c68bb3-703c-4d78-9ef3-9f8fd7da4e6d Tue, 15 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0500 4128 2 60 false #59: Joey DeFrancesco with Alonzo Bodden #59: Joey DeFrancesco with Alonzo Bodden In this edition of Jazz Cruise Conversations Live, the noted organist (and multi-instrumentalist) Joey DeFrancesco talks with comedian Alonzo Bodden about his lifelong love of the Hammond B-3, as well as about how he was "discovered" by Miles Davis with whom he would play when he was a teenager. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this edition of Jazz Cruise Conversations Live, the noted organist (and multi-instrumentalist) Joey DeFrancesco talks with comedian Alonzo Bodden about his lifelong love of the Hammond B-3, as well as about how he was "discovered" by Miles Davis with whom he would play when he was a teenager. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 0dea3956-e527-484a-bf6e-d18cd8111ca1 Tue, 08 Dec 2020 09:00:00 -0500 3561 2 59 false Alonzo Bodden Joey DeFrancesco Lee Mergner #58: Randy Brecker & Ada Rovatti with Eric Marienthal #58: Randy Brecker & Ada Rovatti with Eric Marienthal Legendary trumpeter Randy Brecker and saxophonist Ada Rovatti talked with their friend and colleague Eric Marienthal about how they've balance their marriage and their music. They also discuss the legacy of the Brecker Brothers and how they've strived to keep that music alive. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Legendary trumpeter Randy Brecker and saxophonist Ada Rovatti talked with their friend and colleague Eric Marienthal about how they've balance their marriage and their music. They also discuss the legacy of the Brecker Brothers and how they've strived to keep that music alive. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner 8703d713-ce17-4192-98de-d252a2935cff Tue, 10 Nov 2020 08:00:00 -0500 4199 2 58 false #57: John Pizzarelli with Ken Peplowski #57: John Pizzarelli with Ken Peplowski Guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli sits down in a virtual chat online with his friend Ken Peplowski to talk about the legacy of John's father, Bucky Pizzarelli, the session guitarist, jazz player and bigger than life personality. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Guitarist and singer John Pizzarelli sits down in a virtual chat online with his friend Ken Peplowski to talk about the legacy of John's father, Bucky Pizzarelli, the session guitarist, jazz player and bigger than life personality. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 8eee3646-e408-4f33-af29-ed85e4bfdd2f Fri, 04 Sep 2020 08:30:00 -0400 3827 2 57 false #56: John Clayton with Alonzo Bodden #56: John Clayton with Alonzo Bodden This conversation with the noted bassist/arranger/bandleader John Clayton was streamed live to thousands of jazz fans. Comedian Alonzo Bodden handled the moderator duties and talked with John about the impact of various mentors in his life, including Ray Brown, Count Basie and Monty Alexander. John also explained what it's like to lead and conduct a big band or orchestra. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This conversation with the noted bassist/arranger/bandleader John Clayton was streamed live to thousands of jazz fans. Comedian Alonzo Bodden handled the moderator duties and talked with John about the impact of various mentors in his life, including Ray Brown, Count Basie and Monty Alexander. John also explained what it's like to lead and conduct a big band or orchestra. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 184beea3-74a7-45c9-aeeb-cc6740a7c75e Fri, 28 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400 3237 2 56 false Alonzo Bodden John Clayton Lee Mergner #55: Kurt Elling with Shelly Berg #55: Kurt Elling with Shelly Berg Jazz vocal great Kurt Elling sits down for a virtual chat and play with pianist Shelly Berg and they discuss Kurt's most recent recording, playing with the Branford Marsalis Quartet, moving back to his hometown Chicago and their mutual appreciation for Al Jarreau.

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]]> Jazz vocal great Kurt Elling sits down for a virtual chat and play with pianist Shelly Berg and they discuss Kurt's most recent recording, playing with the Branford Marsalis Quartet, moving back to his hometown Chicago and their mutual appreciation for Al Jarreau.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 733e2257-e379-4448-ac3a-c46196bf1321 Fri, 21 Aug 2020 17:40:36 -0400 3585 2 55 false #54: Mindi Abair with Eric Marienthal #54: Mindi Abair with Eric Marienthal This conversation with saxophonists Mindi Abair and Eric Marienthal took place online last week. Eric, who is the music director for The Smooth Jazz Cruise, interviewed Mindi about her unique and remarkable career—from studying at Berklee to playing in the band on "American Idol" to touring with Aerosmith and to her own successful run as a recording artist and bandleader.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This conversation with saxophonists Mindi Abair and Eric Marienthal took place online last week. Eric, who is the music director for The Smooth Jazz Cruise, interviewed Mindi about her unique and remarkable career—from studying at Berklee to playing in the band on "American Idol" to touring with Aerosmith and to her own successful run as a recording artist and bandleader.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 11492178-2f4c-4038-93f8-fbc1250142b7 Tue, 18 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400 3907 2 54 false #53: Remembering Oscar Peterson with Kelly Peterson & Benny Green #53: Remembering Oscar Peterson with Kelly Peterson & Benny Green Oscar Peterson's widow and the executor of his estate Kelly Peterson is joined by pianist Benny Green and radio host Dick Golden for a discussion of Peterson's legacy in jazz history. The conversation was recorded on The Jazz Cruise '20 during which Green performed with his trio. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM's Real Jazz channel.

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]]> Oscar Peterson's widow and the executor of his estate Kelly Peterson is joined by pianist Benny Green and radio host Dick Golden for a discussion of Peterson's legacy in jazz history. The conversation was recorded on The Jazz Cruise '20 during which Green performed with his trio. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM's Real Jazz channel.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 2e5b4234-73dc-47b5-b57f-a7677251804a Tue, 11 Aug 2020 14:43:05 -0400 4196 2 53 false #52: Melody Gardot with Mark Ruffin #52: Melody Gardot with Mark Ruffin The singer and songwriter Melody Gardot talks with Mark Ruffin from SiriusXM about growing up in the Philadelphia music scene, about her long recovery from a nearly fatal bike accident and how living in Paris has inspired her personally and creatively. This episode is sponsored by the Monterey Jazz Festival.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> The singer and songwriter Melody Gardot talks with Mark Ruffin from SiriusXM about growing up in the Philadelphia music scene, about her long recovery from a nearly fatal bike accident and how living in Paris has inspired her personally and creatively. This episode is sponsored by the Monterey Jazz Festival.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions c699ade7-ea42-43b1-bd8d-d31fe48db900 Tue, 04 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400 3897 2 52 false #51: Catherine Russell with Eulis Cathey #51: Catherine Russell with Eulis Cathey The noted jazz and pop vocalist Catherine Russell talks with Eulis Cathey from SiriusXM about her evolution as a singer in this conversation from The Jazz Cruise '20. Catherine has had a unique double career both as an accomplished backing singer for pop stars and as a leader of her own performing jazz at clubs, theaters and festivals all over the world. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM's Real Jazz channel.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> The noted jazz and pop vocalist Catherine Russell talks with Eulis Cathey from SiriusXM about her evolution as a singer in this conversation from The Jazz Cruise '20. Catherine has had a unique double career both as an accomplished backing singer for pop stars and as a leader of her own performing jazz at clubs, theaters and festivals all over the world. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM's Real Jazz channel.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions aadf560e-b095-4ccf-bf5b-c752baf09a77 Tue, 28 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0400 2881 2 51 false #50: David Sanborn with Alonzo Bodden #50: David Sanborn with Alonzo Bodden In this interview from Blue Note at Sea '20, saxophonist David Sanborn talks with our comedian-in-residence Alonzo Bodden about his life and music – from his childhood growing up in St. Louis to his time as the first-call sax soloist on pop records to his career playing his unique brand of soul jazz.  He even shares his feelings about the term Smooth Jazz. This episode is sponsored by Berks Jazz Fest.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this interview from Blue Note at Sea '20, saxophonist David Sanborn talks with our comedian-in-residence Alonzo Bodden about his life and music – from his childhood growing up in St. Louis to his time as the first-call sax soloist on pop records to his career playing his unique brand of soul jazz.  He even shares his feelings about the term Smooth Jazz. This episode is sponsored by Berks Jazz Fest.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 6e5a3c96-945c-4db2-bd91-1c47ba18809b Tue, 21 Jul 2020 09:00:00 -0400 3863 2 50 false Alonzo Bodden David Sanborn Lee Mergner #49: Joey DeFrancesco with Mark Ruffin #49: Joey DeFrancesco with Mark Ruffin Organist and bandleader Joey DeFrancesco talks with SiriusXM host Mark Ruffin in an interview from Blue Note at Sea '20. DeFrancesco talks about growing up in Philadelphia, how he met and worked with Miles Davis and his lifelong love affair with jazz organ. This podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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]]> Organist and bandleader Joey DeFrancesco talks with SiriusXM host Mark Ruffin in an interview from Blue Note at Sea '20. DeFrancesco talks about growing up in Philadelphia, how he met and worked with Miles Davis and his lifelong love affair with jazz organ. This podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 57820098-3689-431a-8793-7794633a5180 Tue, 14 Jul 2020 14:26:00 -0400 3204 2 49 false #48: Ramsey Lewis with Marcus Miller #48: Ramsey Lewis with Marcus Miller The legendary pianist Ramsey Lewis turned 85 last week, and although he had retired from touring, he did make the trip to Ft. Lauderdale to sail and perform on The Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2020. Ramsey sat down with bassist and cruise host Marcus Miller to talk about his storied career, from his early years recording jazz hits with his trio to his later years as a radio and TV broadcaster. This episode is sponsored by Sirius XM's Watercolors channel. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> The legendary pianist Ramsey Lewis turned 85 last week, and although he had retired from touring, he did make the trip to Ft. Lauderdale to sail and perform on The Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2020. Ramsey sat down with bassist and cruise host Marcus Miller to talk about his storied career, from his early years recording jazz hits with his trio to his later years as a radio and TV broadcaster. This episode is sponsored by Sirius XM's Watercolors channel. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions db7a320d-41a0-4c40-846f-938298b69e15 Tue, 02 Jun 2020 08:00:00 -0400 2712 2 48 false Marcus Miller Ramsey Lewis Lee Mergner #47: Chris & Dan Brubeck with Eulis Cathey #47: Chris & Dan Brubeck with Eulis Cathey Two of Dave Brubeck's sons, Chris and Dan, sat down with Sirius XM host Eulis Cathey during The Jazz Cruise in 2020 to discuss their father's legacy in jazz and American culture.  Chris and Dan lead the Brubeck Brothers Quartet who performed on the cruise. This year marks the centennial of Dave Brubeck's birth. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions. 

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]]> Two of Dave Brubeck's sons, Chris and Dan, sat down with Sirius XM host Eulis Cathey during The Jazz Cruise in 2020 to discuss their father's legacy in jazz and American culture.  Chris and Dan lead the Brubeck Brothers Quartet who performed on the cruise. This year marks the centennial of Dave Brubeck's birth. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 8f8ff092-1cda-4e6e-b17b-f03bdccd3f51 Tue, 26 May 2020 08:00:00 -0400 3593 2 47 false #46: Marcus Miller with Alonzo Bodden #46: Marcus Miller with Alonzo Bodden In this freewheeling conversation Alonzo Bodden, comedian-in-residence for The Smooth Jazz Cruise, interviews his friend, the bassist and bandleader Marcus Miller about everything from what instruments he plays to how he almost replaced Jaco Pastorius in Weather Report. This episode is sponsored by the Blue Note Jazz Clubs. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions. 

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this freewheeling conversation Alonzo Bodden, comedian-in-residence for The Smooth Jazz Cruise, interviews his friend, the bassist and bandleader Marcus Miller about everything from what instruments he plays to how he almost replaced Jaco Pastorius in Weather Report. This episode is sponsored by the Blue Note Jazz Clubs. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions. 

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]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 2d8a90e4-ae07-41e8-af2f-91db86dad215 Tue, 19 May 2020 08:00:00 -0400 3868 2 46 false Alonzo Bodden Marcus Miller Lee Mergner #45: Billy Hart with Joey DeFrancesco #45: Billy Hart with Joey DeFrancesco In this conversation from The Jazz Cruise in 2021, organist Joey DeFrancesco interviews his friend and bandmate—the legendary jazz drummer Billy Hart—about his long and illustrious career. Billy talks about growing up in Washington, DC and the influence of some of the elder jazz drummers. Naturally, they had to talk about Billy's stint with the legendary organist Jimmy Smith. Billy is truly a drummer's drummer and so the audience for this session was filled with just about every other drummer from the Cruise. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.  

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this conversation from The Jazz Cruise in 2021, organist Joey DeFrancesco interviews his friend and bandmate—the legendary jazz drummer Billy Hart—about his long and illustrious career. Billy talks about growing up in Washington, DC and the influence of some of the elder jazz drummers. Naturally, they had to talk about Billy's stint with the legendary organist Jimmy Smith. Billy is truly a drummer's drummer and so the audience for this session was filled with just about every other drummer from the Cruise. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.  

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 9b76be20-439e-4244-b523-f5de8d5f8aef Tue, 12 May 2020 08:00:00 -0400 3811 2 45 false #44: Kamasi Washington with David Sanborn #44: Kamasi Washington with David Sanborn In this conversation from Blue Note at Sea '20, Kamasi Washington talks with fellow saxophonist David Sanborn about growing up in South Central LA and how the jazz and music community there shaped him as an artist. Kamasi also discusses the influence of his father, saxophonist Ricky Washington, who still plays with his son today. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this conversation from Blue Note at Sea '20, Kamasi Washington talks with fellow saxophonist David Sanborn about growing up in South Central LA and how the jazz and music community there shaped him as an artist. Kamasi also discusses the influence of his father, saxophonist Ricky Washington, who still plays with his son today. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 5af64e17-aa5a-4c77-8b79-d0bc63d90bfa Tue, 05 May 2020 08:00:00 -0400 2548 false #43: Peter White with Rick Braun #43: Peter White with Rick Braun In a conversation recorded during The Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2020, the guitarist Peter White talks with fellow musician, trumpeter Rick Braun, about his early years playing with the singer-songwriter Al Stewart and how that experience changed his life and career.  Peter explains how he found his own voice on his instrument and why that was so important. He also plays a little and takes question from the audience. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In a conversation recorded during The Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2020, the guitarist Peter White talks with fellow musician, trumpeter Rick Braun, about his early years playing with the singer-songwriter Al Stewart and how that experience changed his life and career.  Peter explains how he found his own voice on his instrument and why that was so important. He also plays a little and takes question from the audience. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 77c5d973-bcc6-466a-a1d4-f6867b30d082 Tue, 28 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0400 3024 2 43 false #42: Arturo Sandoval with Shelly Berg #42: Arturo Sandoval with Shelly Berg The Cuban jazz trumpeter, pianist and sometime vocalist Arturo Sandoval talks with pianist and The Jazz Cruise music director Shelly Berg about his work composing music for films, his affinity for beautiful melodies and the dearth of jazz on television. The two play a few songs together as well. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> The Cuban jazz trumpeter, pianist and sometime vocalist Arturo Sandoval talks with pianist and The Jazz Cruise music director Shelly Berg about his work composing music for films, his affinity for beautiful melodies and the dearth of jazz on television. The two play a few songs together as well. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 55e34615-3fd8-4570-888f-8fb04117ad65 Tue, 21 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0400 3784 2 42 false #41: Gregory Porter with Don Was #41: Gregory Porter with Don Was Singer and songwriter Gregory Porter sat down with veteran producer and Blue Note Records president Don Was during Blue Note at Sea. The two talked about Gregory's evolution as a recording artist and performer. And they previewed cuts from his upcoming album "All Rise" which is now scheduled for release in late August. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Singer and songwriter Gregory Porter sat down with veteran producer and Blue Note Records president Don Was during Blue Note at Sea. The two talked about Gregory's evolution as a recording artist and performer. And they previewed cuts from his upcoming album "All Rise" which is now scheduled for release in late August. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions cab0bf6b-24e1-44a7-88d9-68ec0cd52f10 Tue, 14 Apr 2020 08:00:00 -0400 3694 2 41 false Don Was Gregory Porter Lee Mergner #40: Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson, Jr. & Everette Harp with Eric Marienthal #40: Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson, Jr. & Everette Harp with Eric Marienthal In this conversation taken from the Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2020, Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson, Jr. and Everette Harp - three of the most prominent figures in the genre – talk with Eric Marienthal about their affinity for jazz fusion, funk and soul, as well as about their common experiences, as both leaders and sidemen. This episode is sponsored by the Berks Jazz Fest. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this conversation taken from the Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2020, Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson, Jr. and Everette Harp - three of the most prominent figures in the genre – talk with Eric Marienthal about their affinity for jazz fusion, funk and soul, as well as about their common experiences, as both leaders and sidemen. This episode is sponsored by the Berks Jazz Fest. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 679233be-2242-4fc9-84a2-3d3c6140c452 Sat, 11 Apr 2020 12:41:45 -0400 2844 2 40 false #39: Dianne Reeves with John Clayton #39: Dianne Reeves with John Clayton The Grammy Award-winning vocalist sat down with bassist and arranger John Clayton during The Jazz Cruise in 2020 to talk about growing up in a diverse musical household and how her family shaped her musical vision. This episode is sponsored by SFJAZZ. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> The Grammy Award-winning vocalist sat down with bassist and arranger John Clayton during The Jazz Cruise in 2020 to talk about growing up in a diverse musical household and how her family shaped her musical vision. This episode is sponsored by SFJAZZ. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions cdc6ecdc-ccfa-429f-8da3-ea29363cd6a8 Tue, 31 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0400 3035 2 39 false #38: Christian McBride with Mark Ruffin #38: Christian McBride with Mark Ruffin Bassist and bandleader Christian McBride talked with Mark Ruffin in a taping of "The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian" show that Christian hosts on SiriusXM.  In this conversation from Blue Note at Sea '20, Christian and Mark talk about how they produce the show, and Christian discusses his roots in Philadelphia and his lifelong love of sports. And he tells stories about his relationship with Lou Donaldson and James Brown. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Bassist and bandleader Christian McBride talked with Mark Ruffin in a taping of "The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian" show that Christian hosts on SiriusXM.  In this conversation from Blue Note at Sea '20, Christian and Mark talk about how they produce the show, and Christian discusses his roots in Philadelphia and his lifelong love of sports. And he tells stories about his relationship with Lou Donaldson and James Brown. This episode is sponsored by SiriusXM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 328d60a9-4984-42dc-aeb7-a91748bb1320 Tue, 24 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0400 3332 2 38 false #37: Jonathan Butler with Marcus Miller #37: Jonathan Butler with Marcus Miller Guitarist and vocalist Jonathan Butler sat down with Marcus Miller during The Smooth Jazz Cruise to talk about growing up a child star in South Africa and the challenges he faced personally and professionally as a result of Apartheid.  And he explains his special relationship with Nelson Mandela. This episode, the third in our second season, is sponsored by the Real Jazz Channel on Sirius XM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Guitarist and vocalist Jonathan Butler sat down with Marcus Miller during The Smooth Jazz Cruise to talk about growing up a child star in South Africa and the challenges he faced personally and professionally as a result of Apartheid.  And he explains his special relationship with Nelson Mandela. This episode, the third in our second season, is sponsored by the Real Jazz Channel on Sirius XM. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 58c8d2b1-a35c-45d3-97de-d75138a9856e Tue, 17 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0400 2765 2 37 false Jonathan Butler Marcus Miller Lee Mergner #36: Kurt Elling with Eulis Cathey #36: Kurt Elling with Eulis Cathey The dynamic and creative jazz vocalist Kurt Elling talks with Eulis Cathey of SiriusXM about his early years in Chicago finding his own voice and career path. In this conversation recorded on The Jazz Cruise in 2020 the Grammy award-winning singer discusses the impact of some of his mentors in Chicago, including saxophone great Von Freeman. This episode, the second of our second season, is sponsored by the Sarasota Jazz Festival. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> The dynamic and creative jazz vocalist Kurt Elling talks with Eulis Cathey of SiriusXM about his early years in Chicago finding his own voice and career path. In this conversation recorded on The Jazz Cruise in 2020 the Grammy award-winning singer discusses the impact of some of his mentors in Chicago, including saxophone great Von Freeman. This episode, the second of our second season, is sponsored by the Sarasota Jazz Festival. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 21bf3682-c8de-4efe-b7e6-39c946a8909d Tue, 10 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0400 3985 2 36 false #35: Chris Botti with Don Was #35: Chris Botti with Don Was In this interview recorded at the Blue Note at Sea tent at the Monterey Jazz Festival, trumpeter Chris Botti sits down with Don Was of Blue Note Records to talk about growing up in the Pacific Northwest and his evolution as a musician and performer. This episode is the first of our second season and is sponsored by Monterey Jazz Festival. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this interview recorded at the Blue Note at Sea tent at the Monterey Jazz Festival, trumpeter Chris Botti sits down with Don Was of Blue Note Records to talk about growing up in the Pacific Northwest and his evolution as a musician and performer. This episode is the first of our second season and is sponsored by Monterey Jazz Festival. The podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions a80d3bcf-9b3a-4623-beed-4192428002ce Tue, 03 Mar 2020 08:00:00 -0500 3086 2 35 false Bob James, David Sanborn & Marcus Miller with Don Was Bob James, David Sanborn & Marcus Miller with Don Was One of the most popular tours on the jazz circuit in 2019 was the Double Vision Revisited with Bob James and David Sanborn, along with Marcus Miller, performing the songs from the 1986 album Double Vision.  The three sat down with musician, producer and Blue Note Records exec Don Was for a conversation in the Blue Note at Sea tent at the Monterey Jazz Festival in September 2019. The three talk about their early breaks and experiences navigating through the music business and about how the album came about and about how it inadvertently created a genre of music – Smooth Jazz. This episode is sponsored by Blue Note Records. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> One of the most popular tours on the jazz circuit in 2019 was the Double Vision Revisited with Bob James and David Sanborn, along with Marcus Miller, performing the songs from the 1986 album Double Vision.  The three sat down with musician, producer and Blue Note Records exec Don Was for a conversation in the Blue Note at Sea tent at the Monterey Jazz Festival in September 2019. The three talk about their early breaks and experiences navigating through the music business and about how the album came about and about how it inadvertently created a genre of music – Smooth Jazz. This episode is sponsored by Blue Note Records. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> c39b488cd369440da841cd929cb92247 Tue, 12 Nov 2019 09:00:00 -0500 2866 1 34 full false Bob James David Sanborn Don Was Marcus Miller Lee Mergner Chucho Valdes with Eulis Cathey Chucho Valdes with Eulis Cathey Legendary Cuban jazz pianist Chucho Valdes talks with Eulis Cathey from SiriusXM about growing up in Cuba in a very musical family including his father – pianist Bebo Valdes. In this interview from the Jazz Cruise in 2019, Chucho also discusses his band Irakere, the Havana Jazz Festival, Dave Brubeck and Roy Hargrove. This episode is sponsored by SFJAZZ. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Legendary Cuban jazz pianist Chucho Valdes talks with Eulis Cathey from SiriusXM about growing up in Cuba in a very musical family including his father – pianist Bebo Valdes. In this interview from the Jazz Cruise in 2019, Chucho also discusses his band Irakere, the Havana Jazz Festival, Dave Brubeck and Roy Hargrove. This episode is sponsored by SFJAZZ. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> e9f084f72a954051ae35188729d74db5 Tue, 05 Nov 2019 12:14:26 -0500 3667 1 33 full false Chucho Valdés Eulis Cathey Lee Mergner Drum Talk with Mark Ruffin Drum Talk with Mark Ruffin In this conversation from Blue Note at Sea in 2019, Mark Ruffin talks with four drummers and percussionists - Gene Coye, Conor Parks, Marijus Aleksa and Weedie Braimah – about their initial exposure to jazz, what drummers initially inspired them and their lives in music.  This episode is sponsored by the Real Jazz channel on SiriusXM. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this conversation from Blue Note at Sea in 2019, Mark Ruffin talks with four drummers and percussionists - Gene Coye, Conor Parks, Marijus Aleksa and Weedie Braimah – about their initial exposure to jazz, what drummers initially inspired them and their lives in music.  This episode is sponsored by the Real Jazz channel on SiriusXM. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> ff00c503631a4bf9a762da33017b625a Tue, 29 Oct 2019 21:18:40 -0400 4034 1 32 full false Connor Parks Gene Coye Marijus Aleksa Mark Ruffin Weedie Braimah Lee Mergner Lalah Hathaway with Marcus Miller Lalah Hathaway with Marcus Miller Vocalist Lalah Hathaway talks with one of her early mentors – bassist/bandleader Marcus Miller – in this conversation recorded in front of a live audience in the second of the two sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2019.  The two old friends talk about Lalah's early days at Berklee, the importance of collaboration and much more. This episode is sponsored by the Blue Note. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Vocalist Lalah Hathaway talks with one of her early mentors – bassist/bandleader Marcus Miller – in this conversation recorded in front of a live audience in the second of the two sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2019.  The two old friends talk about Lalah's early days at Berklee, the importance of collaboration and much more. This episode is sponsored by the Blue Note. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> 54d9b3118b9d4557b6a22d887de01554 Tue, 22 Oct 2019 10:23:43 -0400 2621 1 31 full false Lalah Hathaway Marcus Miller Lee Mergner Kenny Barron, Gerald Clayton & James Francies with Don Was Kenny Barron, Gerald Clayton & James Francies with Don Was Don Was talks with pianists Kenny Barron, Gerald Clayton & James Francies in this roundtable discussion taped in the Blue Note Sea tent at the Monterey Jazz Festival.  This episode is sponsored by Blue Note Records. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Don Was talks with pianists Kenny Barron, Gerald Clayton & James Francies in this roundtable discussion taped in the Blue Note Sea tent at the Monterey Jazz Festival.  This episode is sponsored by Blue Note Records. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> 23a52f34632748b8a818d30f144292c4 Tue, 15 Oct 2019 09:00:00 -0400 2884 1 30 full false Gerald Clayton James Francies Kenny Barron Lee Mergner Marcus Miller, Eric Marienthal & Michael Lazaroff on Blue Note at Sea Marcus Miller, Eric Marienthal & Michael Lazaroff on Blue Note at Sea Michael Lazaroff, executive director of Entertainment Cruise Productions (ECP), sat down with Eric Marienthal and Marcus Miller during the Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2019 to talk about the origins and unique aspects of Blue Note at Sea, which was created by ECP in partnership with Blue Note Records and the Blue Note. Eric serves as the music director and Marcus is one of the three hosts for Blue Note at Sea. This episode is sponsored by the Blue Note. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Michael Lazaroff, executive director of Entertainment Cruise Productions (ECP), sat down with Eric Marienthal and Marcus Miller during the Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2019 to talk about the origins and unique aspects of Blue Note at Sea, which was created by ECP in partnership with Blue Note Records and the Blue Note. Eric serves as the music director and Marcus is one of the three hosts for Blue Note at Sea. This episode is sponsored by the Blue Note. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> 017db70c39d8449a946940a194d374b3 Wed, 09 Oct 2019 11:05:48 -0400 1400 1 29 full false Eric Marienthal Marcus Miller Michael Lazaroff Lee Mergner Road Stories with Brian Simpson Road Stories with Brian Simpson Brian Simpson, keyboardist and one of the hosts of the Smooth Jazz Cruise, sat down with fellow musicians to exchange tales of being a working and traveling musician.  Among the artists sharing their stories with Brian were Steve Oliver, Jerry Johnson, Nathaniel Kearney, Jr. and Third Richardson. This episode is sponsored by the Exit Zero Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Brian Simpson, keyboardist and one of the hosts of the Smooth Jazz Cruise, sat down with fellow musicians to exchange tales of being a working and traveling musician.  Among the artists sharing their stories with Brian were Steve Oliver, Jerry Johnson, Nathaniel Kearney, Jr. and Third Richardson. This episode is sponsored by the Exit Zero Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 69e62e59cadf4a3d91392f5a6a16c5e9 Tue, 01 Oct 2019 17:21:30 -0400 3694 1 28 full true Brian Simpson Nathaniel Kearney Jr. Steve Oliver Third Richardson Lee Mergner Tommy Igoe with Eulis Cathey Tommy Igoe with Eulis Cathey In this conversation from The Jazz Cruise '19, drummer and bandleader Tommy Igoe talks with Sirius XM Real Jazz host Eulis Cathey about growing up in a very musical household. The energetic Tommy tells stories about his drummer/educator father Sonny, who served as a model for his son. Tommy also explains how he came to host a weekly gig at Birdland in NYC and he shares his experiences as the longtime drummer for "The Lion King" on Broadway. This episode is sponsored by SFJAZZ.  The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this conversation from The Jazz Cruise '19, drummer and bandleader Tommy Igoe talks with Sirius XM Real Jazz host Eulis Cathey about growing up in a very musical household. The energetic Tommy tells stories about his drummer/educator father Sonny, who served as a model for his son. Tommy also explains how he came to host a weekly gig at Birdland in NYC and he shares his experiences as the longtime drummer for "The Lion King" on Broadway. This episode is sponsored by SFJAZZ.  The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> 137e41cd7ab4402181b104bb9a383549 Tue, 24 Sep 2019 09:00:00 -0400 3744 1 27 full false Eulis Cathey Tommy Igoe Lee Mergner Pianists Roundtable with Mark Ruffin Pianists Roundtable with Mark Ruffin In this roundtable discussion taped on Blue Note at Sea '19, six of the pianists performing on the cruise – Gerald Clayton, Sullivan Fortner, Ashley Henry, Stu Mindeman, Takeshi Ohbayashi and Brett Williams – sat down with Mark Ruffin of Sirius XM to talk about their entry into playing music, their influences and their creative process. They also discuss how they approach playing with singers and what they'd tell their children about pursuing a life in music. This episode is sponsored by Blue Note Records. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this roundtable discussion taped on Blue Note at Sea '19, six of the pianists performing on the cruise – Gerald Clayton, Sullivan Fortner, Ashley Henry, Stu Mindeman, Takeshi Ohbayashi and Brett Williams – sat down with Mark Ruffin of Sirius XM to talk about their entry into playing music, their influences and their creative process. They also discuss how they approach playing with singers and what they'd tell their children about pursuing a life in music. This episode is sponsored by Blue Note Records. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions c02833799b39483cae32762f36b04685 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 09:00:00 -0400 4051 1 26 full false Ashley Henry Brett Williams Gerald Clayton Stu Mindeman Sullivan Fortner Takeshi Ohbayashi Lee Mergner Marcus Miller with Alonzo Bodden Marcus Miller with Alonzo Bodden This interesting 1:1 session was moderated by our comedian-in-residence Alonzo Bodden who interviewed his friend and fellow host for both the Smooth Jazz Cruise and Blue Note at Sea – Marcus Miller. The bassist and bandleader talked with Alonzo about the real chronology of his life, including EXACTLY how old he was when he started playing with Miles Davis. And about how his pork-pie hat became his professional, but not personal, look.  And so much more. This episode is sponsored by the Blue Note. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This interesting 1:1 session was moderated by our comedian-in-residence Alonzo Bodden who interviewed his friend and fellow host for both the Smooth Jazz Cruise and Blue Note at Sea – Marcus Miller. The bassist and bandleader talked with Alonzo about the real chronology of his life, including EXACTLY how old he was when he started playing with Miles Davis. And about how his pork-pie hat became his professional, but not personal, look.  And so much more. This episode is sponsored by the Blue Note. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 9bcce8562edf41639a009b0a212fa44b Tue, 10 Sep 2019 11:03:12 -0400 2877 1 25 full false Alonzo Bodden Marcus Miller Lee Mergner Veronica Swift & Emmet Cohen with Shelly Berg Veronica Swift & Emmet Cohen with Shelly Berg In this taping of Shelly Berg's Sirius/XM show "Generation Next," Shelly sat down with two rising stars in jazz: vocalist Veronica Swift and pianist Emmet Cohen, both of whom he taught at the University of Miami. In this conversation recorded on The Jazz Cruise '19, they talk about and play cuts from their latest albums and also perform an impromptu tune with Shelly. This episode is sponsored by Birdland Jazz. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this taping of Shelly Berg's Sirius/XM show "Generation Next," Shelly sat down with two rising stars in jazz: vocalist Veronica Swift and pianist Emmet Cohen, both of whom he taught at the University of Miami. In this conversation recorded on The Jazz Cruise '19, they talk about and play cuts from their latest albums and also perform an impromptu tune with Shelly. This episode is sponsored by Birdland Jazz. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 6455417903094fc98845f16aefe2f83c Thu, 05 Sep 2019 12:52:38 -0400 4392 1 24 full false Emmet Cohen Shelly Berg Veronica Swift Lee Mergner Vocal Rap with Mark Ruffin Vocal Rap with Mark Ruffin This panel from Blue Note at Sea '19 features four vocalists who performed on the cruise: Cecile McLorin Salvant, Jose James, Kevin Whalum and Kathy Kosins, who share stories about their very different experiences in the jazz and music world.  This episode is sponsored by the Monterey Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This panel from Blue Note at Sea '19 features four vocalists who performed on the cruise: Cecile McLorin Salvant, Jose James, Kevin Whalum and Kathy Kosins, who share stories about their very different experiences in the jazz and music world.  This episode is sponsored by the Monterey Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 1df0db8755de4439910aaffc3a76e26b Tue, 27 Aug 2019 11:18:36 -0400 4021 1 23 full true Cécile McLorin Salvant José James Kathy Kosins Kevin Whalum Mark Ruffin Lee Mergner The Women's Hour with Candy Dulfer The Women's Hour with Candy Dulfer Candy Dulfer moderated this conversation with Lalah Hathaway, Lindsey Webster, Nadira Kimberly Scruggs and Honey LaRochelle about a range of topics, including how they got into music and jazz, as well as about their advice for young women entering the music business. They also addressed the issue of women being stereotyped as vocalists rather than instrumentalists in the world of jazz. Plus, they talked about a topic rarely discussed at any other panel. This episode is sponsored by the Detroit Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Candy Dulfer moderated this conversation with Lalah Hathaway, Lindsey Webster, Nadira Kimberly Scruggs and Honey LaRochelle about a range of topics, including how they got into music and jazz, as well as about their advice for young women entering the music business. They also addressed the issue of women being stereotyped as vocalists rather than instrumentalists in the world of jazz. Plus, they talked about a topic rarely discussed at any other panel. This episode is sponsored by the Detroit Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 75e11474ba574fde9df9bcbf3f5332d0 Tue, 20 Aug 2019 09:00:00 -0400 4159 1 22 full false Candy Dulfer Honey LaRochelle Lalah Hathaway Lindsey Webster Nadira Kimberly Scruggs-Butler Lee Mergner Mary Stallings with Dick Golden Mary Stallings with Dick Golden Vocalist Mary Stallings sat down with author and radio host Dick Golden to talk about her storied career, including her early experiences touring with Count Basie, performing with Dizzy Gillespie and hanging with Billy Eckstine. Stallings, who celebrated her 80th birthday this week, had a long hiatus from full-time singing while she raised her daughter, but has been releasing acclaimed albums since 1990. This episode is sponsored by Sirius/XM. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Vocalist Mary Stallings sat down with author and radio host Dick Golden to talk about her storied career, including her early experiences touring with Count Basie, performing with Dizzy Gillespie and hanging with Billy Eckstine. Stallings, who celebrated her 80th birthday this week, had a long hiatus from full-time singing while she raised her daughter, but has been releasing acclaimed albums since 1990. This episode is sponsored by Sirius/XM. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Entertainment Cruise Productions 3030fb7fa2ff4dfbbec5c50adc837630 Tue, 13 Aug 2019 10:19:15 -0400 4119 1 21 full false Dick Golden Mary Stallings Lee Mergner Keyboardists Talk with Robert Glasper Keyboardists Talk with Robert Glasper Six keyboardists from Blue Note at Sea '19 sat down with Robert Glasper to talk about their beginnings, influences and current direction.  You get to hear from Geoffrey Keezer, Sullivan Fortner, Terrace Martin, Taylor McFerrin, Lawrence Fields and Kandace Springs. Plus, Robert who sits in as part of the all keyboard "band" on this one. This episode is sponsored by the Detroit Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Six keyboardists from Blue Note at Sea '19 sat down with Robert Glasper to talk about their beginnings, influences and current direction.  You get to hear from Geoffrey Keezer, Sullivan Fortner, Terrace Martin, Taylor McFerrin, Lawrence Fields and Kandace Springs. Plus, Robert who sits in as part of the all keyboard "band" on this one. This episode is sponsored by the Detroit Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner 665bce27d38a4f7188be73bd04e7e6b8 Tue, 06 Aug 2019 14:14:52 -0400 3896 1 20 full false Geoffrey Keezer Kandace Springs Lawrence Fields Robert Glasper Sullivan Fortner Taylor McFerrin Terrace Martin Lee Mergner Guitarists Talk with Marcus Miller Guitarists Talk with Marcus Miller A remarkable roundtable discussion with five stellar guitarists who performed on the Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2019: Lee Ritenour, Raul Midon, Jonathan Butler, Nick Colionne and Steve Oliver.  Marcus Miller moderated this fascinating conversation about the instrument and the music. Plus, the five jam and create at least one tune on the spot together, prodded by Marcus of course.  This episode is sponsored by Jazz House Kids and the Montclair Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> A remarkable roundtable discussion with five stellar guitarists who performed on the Smooth Jazz Cruise in 2019: Lee Ritenour, Raul Midon, Jonathan Butler, Nick Colionne and Steve Oliver.  Marcus Miller moderated this fascinating conversation about the instrument and the music. Plus, the five jam and create at least one tune on the spot together, prodded by Marcus of course.  This episode is sponsored by Jazz House Kids and the Montclair Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner d80675abe1624d70a49c9964db18589e Tue, 30 Jul 2019 09:00:00 -0400 4449 1 19 full false Jonathan Butler Lee Ritenour Marcus Miller Nick Colionne Raul Midón Steve Oliver Lee Mergner Joey Alexander with Shelly Berg Joey Alexander with Shelly Berg In this taping of Shelly Berg's Sirius/XM show "Generation Next" in front of a live audience during the Jazz Cruise '19, Shelly sat down with piano phenom Joey Alexander for a fascination conversation that includes some live performances by Joey and closes with a duet by the two. In between, they discuss Joey's unusual journey to jazz stardom before he's able to legally drive. This episode is sponsored by SFJAZZ. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this taping of Shelly Berg's Sirius/XM show "Generation Next" in front of a live audience during the Jazz Cruise '19, Shelly sat down with piano phenom Joey Alexander for a fascination conversation that includes some live performances by Joey and closes with a duet by the two. In between, they discuss Joey's unusual journey to jazz stardom before he's able to legally drive. This episode is sponsored by SFJAZZ. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner 81da6cb0e09b4b37ace67bbcf055b15a Tue, 23 Jul 2019 09:00:00 -0400 4305 1 18 full false Joey Alexander Shelly Berg Lee Mergner Bass Talk with Marcus Miller Bass Talk with Marcus Miller In this roundtable discussion from Blue Note at Sea '19, Marcus Miller talks with fellow bassists Vicente Archer, Luques Curtis, Derrick Hodge and David Mrakpor. The five musicians talk about the unique qualities of bassists, as well as the special role of the bassist in the band. They also recommend their favorite rhythm sections in jazz and music. This episode is sponsored by San Jose Jazz. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this roundtable discussion from Blue Note at Sea '19, Marcus Miller talks with fellow bassists Vicente Archer, Luques Curtis, Derrick Hodge and David Mrakpor. The five musicians talk about the unique qualities of bassists, as well as the special role of the bassist in the band. They also recommend their favorite rhythm sections in jazz and music. This episode is sponsored by San Jose Jazz. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner d822f6ba1ff7480fbe8cedd103784ec3 Tue, 16 Jul 2019 09:00:00 -0400 3762 1 17 full false David Mrakpor Derrick Hodge Luques Curtis Marcus Miller Vincente Archer Lee Mergner Lalah Hathaway with Marcus Miller Lalah Hathaway with Marcus Miller The daughter of the influential soul and R&B singer Donny Hathaway, Lalah Hathaway has made her own way through a long career as one of the more accomplished vocalists of her generation, eventually earning five Grammy awards and recording with everyone from Joe Sample to Snarky Puppy. During one of the two sailings of the Smooth Jazz Cruise, Lalah sat for a 1:1 conversation with Marcus Miller who was one of her earliest mentors. They talk about the influence of her father, her education at Berklee and her growth as a singer. This episode is sponsored by the Newport Jazz Festival.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> The daughter of the influential soul and R&B singer Donny Hathaway, Lalah Hathaway has made her own way through a long career as one of the more accomplished vocalists of her generation, eventually earning five Grammy awards and recording with everyone from Joe Sample to Snarky Puppy. During one of the two sailings of the Smooth Jazz Cruise, Lalah sat for a 1:1 conversation with Marcus Miller who was one of her earliest mentors. They talk about the influence of her father, her education at Berklee and her growth as a singer. This episode is sponsored by the Newport Jazz Festival.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner 73b1fd6ee6dc4f9e9c4ae1fe54ad7752 Tue, 09 Jul 2019 09:00:00 -0400 3012 1 16 full false Lalah Hathaway Marcus Miller Lee Mergner Renee Rosnes with Eulis Cathey Renee Rosnes with Eulis Cathey Over the last few years, Renee Rosnes has become a regular performer on The Jazz Cruise, playing with her trio or with a quartet or even solo. She's recorded nearly two dozen albums as a leader and also played in the bands of jazz greats such as Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Bobby Hutcherson, James Moody and Ron Carter. A founding member of the SFJAZZ Collective, more recently she's been the music director for the all-women band Artemis.  During the Jazz Cruise earlier this year Renee sat down for a fascinating one-on-one conversation with Sirius/XM host Eulis Cathey.  In this very interesting discussion, Renee talked about growing up in western Canada, learning to play jazz, getting her first break with Joe Henderson and the unfolding of her own very impressive career. This episode is sponsored by the Birdland Jazz Club in New York City.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Over the last few years, Renee Rosnes has become a regular performer on The Jazz Cruise, playing with her trio or with a quartet or even solo. She's recorded nearly two dozen albums as a leader and also played in the bands of jazz greats such as Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, Bobby Hutcherson, James Moody and Ron Carter. A founding member of the SFJAZZ Collective, more recently she's been the music director for the all-women band Artemis.  During the Jazz Cruise earlier this year Renee sat down for a fascinating one-on-one conversation with Sirius/XM host Eulis Cathey.  In this very interesting discussion, Renee talked about growing up in western Canada, learning to play jazz, getting her first break with Joe Henderson and the unfolding of her own very impressive career. This episode is sponsored by the Birdland Jazz Club in New York City.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner 71b51da1d01f4473a509c487d87e01af Tue, 02 Jul 2019 09:00:00 -0400 3471 1 15 full false Eulis Cathey Renee Rosnes Lee Mergner Vocalists Roundtable with Mark Ruffin Vocalists Roundtable with Mark Ruffin Four vocalists on Blue Note at Sea '19 - Kurt Elling, Niki Haris, Kandace Springs and Ivan Peroti – sat down with Mark Ruffin of the Real Jazz channel on Sirius/XM in front of a live audience during the cruise. During this lively panel discussion, the four singers talked about their repertoire, their approach to performing and their influences. This episode is sponsored by Sirius/XM. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Four vocalists on Blue Note at Sea '19 - Kurt Elling, Niki Haris, Kandace Springs and Ivan Peroti – sat down with Mark Ruffin of the Real Jazz channel on Sirius/XM in front of a live audience during the cruise. During this lively panel discussion, the four singers talked about their repertoire, their approach to performing and their influences. This episode is sponsored by Sirius/XM. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner 551b6776c7c14842913429f532157f19 Tue, 25 Jun 2019 09:00:00 -0400 3878 1 14 full false Ivan Peroti Kandace Springs Kurt Elling Mark Ruffin Niki Haris Lee Mergner Lee Ritenour with Marcus Miller Lee Ritenour with Marcus Miller Guitarist Lee Ritenour has recorded more than two dozen albums as a leader since his debut "First Course" in 1976, as well as countless recordings as a studio player. A founding member of the contemporary jazz group Fourplay, Ritenour has been nominated for 16 Grammy awards. During one of the two sailings of the Smooth Jazz Cruise '19 he spoke with Marcus Miller about his life as a first-call studio musician in LA in the 70s and 80s and his transition to becoming a leader of contemporary jazz groups. This episode is sponsored by the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Guitarist Lee Ritenour has recorded more than two dozen albums as a leader since his debut "First Course" in 1976, as well as countless recordings as a studio player. A founding member of the contemporary jazz group Fourplay, Ritenour has been nominated for 16 Grammy awards. During one of the two sailings of the Smooth Jazz Cruise '19 he spoke with Marcus Miller about his life as a first-call studio musician in LA in the 70s and 80s and his transition to becoming a leader of contemporary jazz groups. This episode is sponsored by the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner d4db8957c7674b5488f55fb83470b6ba Tue, 18 Jun 2019 09:00:00 -0400 3838 1 13 full false Lee Ritenour Marcus Miller Lee Mergner Steve Tyrell with Dick Golden Steve Tyrell with Dick Golden Coming out of his hometown of Houston as a young singer, Steve Tyrell had an auspicious introduction to the music business as a producer working with Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and as an A&R man with Sceptor Records. He eventually turned to singing full-time and has had several hit albums. His performance of "The Way You Look Tonight" in the film "Father of the Bride" brought him to a wider audience. During the Jazz Cruise '19, Tyrell sat down with jazz author and radio host Dick Golden to talk about his career and his affinity for the Great American Songbook. This episode is sponsored by KKJZ, also known as KJazz.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Coming out of his hometown of Houston as a young singer, Steve Tyrell had an auspicious introduction to the music business as a producer working with Burt Bacharach and Hal David, and as an A&R man with Sceptor Records. He eventually turned to singing full-time and has had several hit albums. His performance of "The Way You Look Tonight" in the film "Father of the Bride" brought him to a wider audience. During the Jazz Cruise '19, Tyrell sat down with jazz author and radio host Dick Golden to talk about his career and his affinity for the Great American Songbook. This episode is sponsored by KKJZ, also known as KJazz.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner 3caceb1035174678b61bb33a6566ec89 Tue, 11 Jun 2019 09:00:00 -0400 3976 1 12 full false Dick Golden Steve Tyrell Lee Mergner Horn Talk From Blue Note at Sea Horn Talk From Blue Note at Sea Panel discussion featuring saxophonists Candy Dulfer and Nubaya Garcia as well as trumpeters Russell Gunn and Marquis Hill, from Blue Note at Sea 2019. This conversation was ably moderated by Sirius XM's Mark Ruffin and includes an interesting cross-section of players from very different backgrounds. They each talked about their early experiences and exposure to jazz, as well as about their work with artists as diverse as Solange, Prince, Van Morrison and Wynton Marsalis. This episode sponsored by Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Panel discussion featuring saxophonists Candy Dulfer and Nubaya Garcia as well as trumpeters Russell Gunn and Marquis Hill, from Blue Note at Sea 2019. This conversation was ably moderated by Sirius XM's Mark Ruffin and includes an interesting cross-section of players from very different backgrounds. They each talked about their early experiences and exposure to jazz, as well as about their work with artists as diverse as Solange, Prince, Van Morrison and Wynton Marsalis. This episode sponsored by Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner f87be68c8f3a40f492b41eb76180606c Tue, 04 Jun 2019 09:00:00 -0400 3831 1 11 full false Candy Dulfer Mark Ruffin Marquis Hill Nubya Garcia Russell Gunn Lee Mergner Boney James with Alonzo Bodden Boney James with Alonzo Bodden Saxophonist Boney James was initially a reluctant cruiser several years ago, but these days he's not only a regular artist, but also one of the hosts of the Smooth Jazz Cruise.  During one of the two sailings of the Smooth Jazz Cruise, Boney sat down with our comedian in residence (and contemporary jazz aficionado) Alonzo Bodden to talk about how his career developed and grew from being a sideman to a leader. This episode is sponsored by the DC Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Saxophonist Boney James was initially a reluctant cruiser several years ago, but these days he's not only a regular artist, but also one of the hosts of the Smooth Jazz Cruise.  During one of the two sailings of the Smooth Jazz Cruise, Boney sat down with our comedian in residence (and contemporary jazz aficionado) Alonzo Bodden to talk about how his career developed and grew from being a sideman to a leader. This episode is sponsored by the DC Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner d219f68a23b7418295a87c9cc62a3d24 Tue, 28 May 2019 09:00:00 -0400 3165 1 10 full false Alonzo Bodden Boney James Lee Mergner Ken Peplowski with Eulis Cathey Ken Peplowski with Eulis Cathey Clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski has been an important part of the Jazz Cruise family for many years. Widely considered one of the greatest living jazz clarinetists, the very witty musician has served as programmer, music director and host for the cruise. During the Jazz Cruise 2019, Peplowski sat down with Sirius/XM host Eulis Cathey to talk about his roots in Cleveland and his storied life as a jazz musician. This episode is sponsored by Vail Jazz. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Clarinetist and saxophonist Ken Peplowski has been an important part of the Jazz Cruise family for many years. Widely considered one of the greatest living jazz clarinetists, the very witty musician has served as programmer, music director and host for the cruise. During the Jazz Cruise 2019, Peplowski sat down with Sirius/XM host Eulis Cathey to talk about his roots in Cleveland and his storied life as a jazz musician. This episode is sponsored by Vail Jazz. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner fd872ec631384cce8b0073bedf305182 Tue, 21 May 2019 09:00:00 -0400 4083 1 9 full false Eulis Cathey Ken Peplowski Lee Mergner Michael Cuscuna & Don Was with Mark Ruffin Michael Cuscuna & Don Was with Mark Ruffin Michael Cuscuna and Don Was have a lot in common.  Both produced Bonnie Raitt, albeit 20 years apart, and more importantly both have played a large part in the legacy of Blue Note Records, with Cuscuna working closely with Bruce Lundvall to produce both new releases and reissues during the 80s and 90s and with Was directing the label as its president since 2012. During Blue Note at Sea, the two sat down with Mark Ruffin at Sirius/XM to talk about their experiences with the label. This episode is sponsored by JazzTimes Magazine. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Michael Cuscuna and Don Was have a lot in common.  Both produced Bonnie Raitt, albeit 20 years apart, and more importantly both have played a large part in the legacy of Blue Note Records, with Cuscuna working closely with Bruce Lundvall to produce both new releases and reissues during the 80s and 90s and with Was directing the label as its president since 2012. During Blue Note at Sea, the two sat down with Mark Ruffin at Sirius/XM to talk about their experiences with the label. This episode is sponsored by JazzTimes Magazine. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18181179 Tue, 14 May 2019 00:00:00 -0400 3918 1 8 full false Don Was Mark Ruffin Michael Cuscuna Lee Mergner Dave Grusin with Marcus Miller Dave Grusin with Marcus Miller Pianist and composer Dave Grusin has had a long and successful career not only as a recording artist and performer but also as a scorer in film and television. Winner of both Grammy and Oscar awards, Grusin has contributed to the scores and soundtracks of more than 100 films and dozens of TV shows.  In partnership with the late Larry Rosen, he founded GRP Records, one of the most important record labels in contemporary jazz. During the Smooth Jazz Cruise 2019, Grusin spoke with Marcus Miller about his unique career in music. This episode is sponsored by the Monterey Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Pianist and composer Dave Grusin has had a long and successful career not only as a recording artist and performer but also as a scorer in film and television. Winner of both Grammy and Oscar awards, Grusin has contributed to the scores and soundtracks of more than 100 films and dozens of TV shows.  In partnership with the late Larry Rosen, he founded GRP Records, one of the most important record labels in contemporary jazz. During the Smooth Jazz Cruise 2019, Grusin spoke with Marcus Miller about his unique career in music. This episode is sponsored by the Monterey Jazz Festival. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18181170 Tue, 07 May 2019 00:00:00 -0400 3664 1 7 full false Dave Grusin Marcus Miller Lee Mergner Cyrille Aimee with Eulis Cathey Cyrille Aimee with Eulis Cathey The dynamic young vocalist Cyrille Aimee wowed audiences of The Jazz Cruise 2019 with sets that mixed Gypsy jazz, mainstream jazz, and even a little beat boxing, as well as material from her latest album of Sondheim songs.  She sat down with Eulis Cathey to talk about how moving to New Orleans revitalized and inspired her. This episode is sponsored by Sirius/XM’s Real Jazz channel. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> The dynamic young vocalist Cyrille Aimee wowed audiences of The Jazz Cruise 2019 with sets that mixed Gypsy jazz, mainstream jazz, and even a little beat boxing, as well as material from her latest album of Sondheim songs.  She sat down with Eulis Cathey to talk about how moving to New Orleans revitalized and inspired her. This episode is sponsored by Sirius/XM’s Real Jazz channel. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18181165 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0400 3727 1 6 full false Cyrille Aimée Eulis Cathey Lee Mergner Robert Glasper with Don Was Robert Glasper with Don Was In this interview from Blue Note at Sea 2019, pianist/keyboardist Robert Glasper talks with Don Was about his creative process and how he seeks new sources of inspiration from contemporary music.  Both Glasper and Was are hosts for the cruise which features contemporary jazz. This episode is sponsored by the Blue Note Jazz Clubs. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> In this interview from Blue Note at Sea 2019, pianist/keyboardist Robert Glasper talks with Don Was about his creative process and how he seeks new sources of inspiration from contemporary music.  Both Glasper and Was are hosts for the cruise which features contemporary jazz. This episode is sponsored by the Blue Note Jazz Clubs. The Jazz Cruise Conversations podcast is produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, the worldwide leader in music-themed cruises.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18181161 Tue, 23 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0400 3377 1 5 full false Don Was Robert Glasper Lee Mergner Bill Charlap on Tony Bennett: A Jazz Singer's Interactive Art Bill Charlap on Tony Bennett: A Jazz Singer's Interactive Art This episode of Jazz Cruise Conversations features a highly insightful interview between host and renowned jazz radio personality Dick Golden and Grammy Award-winning pianist Bill Charlap, recorded live during The Jazz Cruise 2019.

The core of the conversation focuses on Charlap's profound and multi-faceted collaboration with NEA Jazz Master and American original, Tony Bennett. The discussion is anchored by their critically acclaimed 2017 Jerome Kern tribute CD, The Silver Lining, for which Charlap shared a Grammy Award, and includes tracks from their nominated 2018 album with Diana Krall, Love is Here to Stay.

Charlap reveals the deep mutual respect between himself and Bennett, detailing recording sessions, discussing the essence of jazz singing, and reflecting on the timeless genius of the Great American Songbook composers.


Key Takeaways

  • The Definition of a Jazz Singer: Charlap categorizes Tony Bennett as a jazz singer primarily because his art is interactive. Like a member of a rhythm section, Bennett is constantly listening and responding to the accompaniment, making his performance the work of an improviser.
  • Bennett's Musical Lineage: Tony Bennett's singing style is a unique blend of "great belcanto Italian singing and jazz singing". Charlap noted that Bennett draws deep inspiration from various sources, including Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, and even the emotional honesty found in the singing of Billy Holiday,.
  • The Silver Lining Collaboration: The acclaimed Jerome Kern tribute album integrated several formats: Bennett in duet with Charlap, with the full Bill Charlap Trio (Peter Washington and Kenny Washington), and in duo piano settings with Charlap's wife, Renée Rosnes.
  • The Maestro of Melody (Kern): Charlap describes Jerome Kern (born 1885) as "the angel at the top of the tree of popular songwriters," noting that other composers looked up to him as the pioneer of the American Popular Song. Kern’s writing was sophisticated yet accessible, exemplified by the complex chromaticism in songs like "All the Things You Are",.
  • Spontaneous Creativity in the Studio: Charlap detailed several moments of pure, intense instinct from Bennett during recordings. For the Hoagy Carmichael song "I Get Along Without You Very Well," Bennett picked up and reacted to Charlap’s specific piano voicing, incorporating it into his sung phrase. On Kern's "All the Things You Are," Bennett spontaneously initiated a key change mid-solo, forcing Charlap to accompany him a half-step up and create a "marvelous moment",.
  • Bennett's Life Philosophy: Drawing on lessons learned from his mother during his upbringing in Astoria, Queens, Bennett lives with a "permanent enthusiasm". A non-musical lesson Charlap shared was Bennett's belief that singing is not a choice, but a compulsion he "had to sing," a sentiment attributed to Joe Williams,.
  • Connection and Humanity: Dick Golden noted Bennett's custom of acknowledging and connecting with all people, regardless of status, such as housekeeping staff in the green room.
  • Album Production Trivia: The photography for the The Silver Lining CD jacket, taken in a studio full of mirrors, resulted in a humorous illusion: the images of drummer Kenny Washington and bassist Peter Washington appeared backwards, leading Ron Carter to call Charlap to ask why the rhythm section was set up in reverse.

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  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> This episode of Jazz Cruise Conversations features a highly insightful interview between host and renowned jazz radio personality Dick Golden and Grammy Award-winning pianist Bill Charlap, recorded live during The Jazz Cruise 2019.

The core of the conversation focuses on Charlap's profound and multi-faceted collaboration with NEA Jazz Master and American original, Tony Bennett. The discussion is anchored by their critically acclaimed 2017 Jerome Kern tribute CD, The Silver Lining, for which Charlap shared a Grammy Award, and includes tracks from their nominated 2018 album with Diana Krall, Love is Here to Stay.

Charlap reveals the deep mutual respect between himself and Bennett, detailing recording sessions, discussing the essence of jazz singing, and reflecting on the timeless genius of the Great American Songbook composers.


Key Takeaways

  • The Definition of a Jazz Singer: Charlap categorizes Tony Bennett as a jazz singer primarily because his art is interactive. Like a member of a rhythm section, Bennett is constantly listening and responding to the accompaniment, making his performance the work of an improviser.
  • Bennett's Musical Lineage: Tony Bennett's singing style is a unique blend of "great belcanto Italian singing and jazz singing". Charlap noted that Bennett draws deep inspiration from various sources, including Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, and even the emotional honesty found in the singing of Billy Holiday,.
  • The Silver Lining Collaboration: The acclaimed Jerome Kern tribute album integrated several formats: Bennett in duet with Charlap, with the full Bill Charlap Trio (Peter Washington and Kenny Washington), and in duo piano settings with Charlap's wife, Renée Rosnes.
  • The Maestro of Melody (Kern): Charlap describes Jerome Kern (born 1885) as "the angel at the top of the tree of popular songwriters," noting that other composers looked up to him as the pioneer of the American Popular Song. Kern’s writing was sophisticated yet accessible, exemplified by the complex chromaticism in songs like "All the Things You Are",.
  • Spontaneous Creativity in the Studio: Charlap detailed several moments of pure, intense instinct from Bennett during recordings. For the Hoagy Carmichael song "I Get Along Without You Very Well," Bennett picked up and reacted to Charlap’s specific piano voicing, incorporating it into his sung phrase. On Kern's "All the Things You Are," Bennett spontaneously initiated a key change mid-solo, forcing Charlap to accompany him a half-step up and create a "marvelous moment",.
  • Bennett's Life Philosophy: Drawing on lessons learned from his mother during his upbringing in Astoria, Queens, Bennett lives with a "permanent enthusiasm". A non-musical lesson Charlap shared was Bennett's belief that singing is not a choice, but a compulsion he "had to sing," a sentiment attributed to Joe Williams,.
  • Connection and Humanity: Dick Golden noted Bennett's custom of acknowledging and connecting with all people, regardless of status, such as housekeeping staff in the green room.
  • Album Production Trivia: The photography for the The Silver Lining CD jacket, taken in a studio full of mirrors, resulted in a humorous illusion: the images of drummer Kenny Washington and bassist Peter Washington appeared backwards, leading Ron Carter to call Charlap to ask why the rhythm section was set up in reverse.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18181156 Tue, 16 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0400 4153 1 4 full false Bill Charlap Dick Golden Lee Mergner Wynton Marsalis w/ Marcus Miller on New Orleans Roots & Jazz at Lincoln Center Wynton Marsalis w/ Marcus Miller on New Orleans Roots & Jazz at Lincoln Center Show Notes: Wynton Marsalis with Marcus Miller (Blue Note at Sea 2019)

This compelling episode of Jazz Cruise Conversations captures an animated, insightful interview with legendary jazz trumpeter, band leader, composer, and ambassador, Wynton Marsalis, recorded live during Blue Note at Sea 2019. Hosted by bassist and fellow cruise headliner Marcus Miller, the conversation offers a deep look into Marsalis’s formative years, his rigorous musical training, and the intellectual and philosophical foundations that shaped his career.

Marsalis addresses his upbringing in segregated New Orleans, the challenges of navigating both the classical and jazz worlds, and the profound lessons learned from his highly dedicated parents regarding music and education. The discussion provides rich detail on the genesis of his career and the philosophy that guides the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO).

  • The Power of Innate Talent: Marsalis recalls his father, Ellis Marsalis, dismissing concerns about studying with a player who couldn't read music by stating, "Son, people can either play or they can't play". Ellis Marsalis believed pure musical ability superseded formal training (though he also noted Wynton's ability to read music as a strength).
  • The Classical Challenge: Marsalis detailed the extraordinary demands of his classical auditions for schools like Juilliard, specifically citing advice from trumpet player Thomas Stevens to memorize approximately 25 complex orchestral excerpts, advising him to "learn your audition from memory" and "get the right equipment".
  • The Revelation of the Orchestra: His introduction to classical music came from hearing a recording of Maurice Andre, but his first experience playing orchestral music at age 14 with the New Orleans Philharmonic, rehearsing in the "middle of the hood," profoundly impacted his performance perspective. The massive, deep sound of the first chord gave him goosebumps.
  • The Struggle with Jazz Changes: Despite being heralded as a young genius, Marsalis admitted that achieving harmonic comfort and learning to "play on changes" (adjusting improvisational notes to match changing chords) was a significant, long-term challenge, estimating it took him until he was about 28 or 29.
  • The Substance of Education: Marsalis often quotes his mother, who was philosophically strong and insightful, advising him to focus on the "substance of your education," warning that a diploma could be given in "hating yourself". Her views shaped his strong opinions on black culture and representation.
  • Mentorship and Intellectual Foundation: Marsalis attributed his extensive intellectual and artistic education to spending time with figures like Albert Murray, Stanley Crouch, Ralph Ellison, and Romare Bearden. Albert Murray specifically educated him on the value of Duke Ellington's music.
  • The JLCO's Mission: Marsalis recounted asking Dizzy Gillespie for advice about forming the big band, to which Dizzy responded, "One should never consider it an achievement to lose one's orchestral heritage". The JLCO was formed in 1992, combining young musicians with legendary "original Ellingtonians," who taught them discipline and the music's heritage.
  • The Blues as a Fundamental: Marsalis firmly stated that the blues is the bottom line on everything in American root music, serving as a harmonic concept found throughout music from Eastern traditions to Western classical composition (the 1-4-5 chord structure). He cited Duke Ellington as "the greatest blues musician".

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Show Notes: Wynton Marsalis with Marcus Miller (Blue Note at Sea 2019)

This compelling episode of Jazz Cruise Conversations captures an animated, insightful interview with legendary jazz trumpeter, band leader, composer, and ambassador, Wynton Marsalis, recorded live during Blue Note at Sea 2019. Hosted by bassist and fellow cruise headliner Marcus Miller, the conversation offers a deep look into Marsalis’s formative years, his rigorous musical training, and the intellectual and philosophical foundations that shaped his career.

Marsalis addresses his upbringing in segregated New Orleans, the challenges of navigating both the classical and jazz worlds, and the profound lessons learned from his highly dedicated parents regarding music and education. The discussion provides rich detail on the genesis of his career and the philosophy that guides the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra (JLCO).

  • The Power of Innate Talent: Marsalis recalls his father, Ellis Marsalis, dismissing concerns about studying with a player who couldn't read music by stating, "Son, people can either play or they can't play". Ellis Marsalis believed pure musical ability superseded formal training (though he also noted Wynton's ability to read music as a strength).
  • The Classical Challenge: Marsalis detailed the extraordinary demands of his classical auditions for schools like Juilliard, specifically citing advice from trumpet player Thomas Stevens to memorize approximately 25 complex orchestral excerpts, advising him to "learn your audition from memory" and "get the right equipment".
  • The Revelation of the Orchestra: His introduction to classical music came from hearing a recording of Maurice Andre, but his first experience playing orchestral music at age 14 with the New Orleans Philharmonic, rehearsing in the "middle of the hood," profoundly impacted his performance perspective. The massive, deep sound of the first chord gave him goosebumps.
  • The Struggle with Jazz Changes: Despite being heralded as a young genius, Marsalis admitted that achieving harmonic comfort and learning to "play on changes" (adjusting improvisational notes to match changing chords) was a significant, long-term challenge, estimating it took him until he was about 28 or 29.
  • The Substance of Education: Marsalis often quotes his mother, who was philosophically strong and insightful, advising him to focus on the "substance of your education," warning that a diploma could be given in "hating yourself". Her views shaped his strong opinions on black culture and representation.
  • Mentorship and Intellectual Foundation: Marsalis attributed his extensive intellectual and artistic education to spending time with figures like Albert Murray, Stanley Crouch, Ralph Ellison, and Romare Bearden. Albert Murray specifically educated him on the value of Duke Ellington's music.
  • The JLCO's Mission: Marsalis recounted asking Dizzy Gillespie for advice about forming the big band, to which Dizzy responded, "One should never consider it an achievement to lose one's orchestral heritage". The JLCO was formed in 1992, combining young musicians with legendary "original Ellingtonians," who taught them discipline and the music's heritage.
  • The Blues as a Fundamental: Marsalis firmly stated that the blues is the bottom line on everything in American root music, serving as a harmonic concept found throughout music from Eastern traditions to Western classical composition (the 1-4-5 chord structure). He cited Duke Ellington as "the greatest blues musician".

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18181149 Tue, 09 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0400 3860 1 3 full false Marcus Miller Wynton Marsalis Lee Mergner Benny Golson: From Coltrane & Blakey to Mission Impossible Benny Golson: From Coltrane & Blakey to Mission Impossible Jazz icon, NEA Jazz Master, and composer Benny Golson (who celebrated his 90th birthday during the cruise) sits down with SiriusXM's Eulis Cathey aboard The Jazz Cruise 2019 to share candid stories from his unparalleled career,,. Golson recounts growing up in Philadelphia, his path from aspiring concert pianist to saxophone legend, his pivotal, early relationship with John Coltrane (including the famous "Sunny Side of the Street" anecdote), his time with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers (including the origin of "Blues March"), and his move to Hollywood to score films like Mission Impossible.

Key Takeaways

  • Early Musical Start: Golson started taking piano lessons at age 9 for 75 cents an hour, initially aiming to become a concert pianist,.
  • The Switch to Saxophone: After skipping school to see the Lionel Hampton band at the Earl Theater, he was mesmerized by a saxophone solo, leading him to tell his mother he wanted to play jazz saxophone,,. His mother eventually bought him a brand new Martin saxophone for a dollar down.
  • The Coltrane Encounter: As a teenager, he met John Coltrane—then described as a "country bumpkin"—who sounded just like Johnny Hodges,. Golson's mother was so impressed she would only ask Coltrane to play On the Sunny Side of the Street, much to the annoyance of the young musicians who were trying to play the music of Charlie Parker,.
  • The Prophecy: After Golson and Coltrane were fired from the local band Jimmy Johnson and his Ambassadors, Golson's mother, who was suspicious because the gig was canceled only two hours beforehand, comforted them with the prophecy: "One day the two of you will be so good they won't have enough money to pay you",. This prophecy proved true years later at the Newport Festival.
  • Mentorship and Blues March: While working with the R&B band Bull Moose Jackson and his Buffalo Bearcats, he was mentored in composing by piano player Tad Damarind,. Later, as a member of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, he suggested that Blakey get a new band, recommending a Philadelphia lineup including Lee Morgan and Bobby Timmons, leading Blakey to joke, "What is this Philadelphia crap I'm hearing?". Golson also famously suggested that Blakey start his set with a march, which became the hit "Blues March",.
  • "I Remember Clifford": Golson noted that it took him two weeks to write the song, a process much slower than his typical output of two or three songs a day. He stated, "I wish I hadn't written that song," explaining he meant he regretted the death of Clifford Brown that necessitated its creation.
  • Hollywood Career: Encouraged by Quincy Jones, Golson moved to LA and scored films and TV shows, starting with It Takes a Thief and later moving on to Mission Impossible, The Partridge Family, and MASH. He once compensated for a reduced string section by hiding an organist in the arrangement.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Jazz icon, NEA Jazz Master, and composer Benny Golson (who celebrated his 90th birthday during the cruise) sits down with SiriusXM's Eulis Cathey aboard The Jazz Cruise 2019 to share candid stories from his unparalleled career,,. Golson recounts growing up in Philadelphia, his path from aspiring concert pianist to saxophone legend, his pivotal, early relationship with John Coltrane (including the famous "Sunny Side of the Street" anecdote), his time with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers (including the origin of "Blues March"), and his move to Hollywood to score films like Mission Impossible.

Key Takeaways

  • Early Musical Start: Golson started taking piano lessons at age 9 for 75 cents an hour, initially aiming to become a concert pianist,.
  • The Switch to Saxophone: After skipping school to see the Lionel Hampton band at the Earl Theater, he was mesmerized by a saxophone solo, leading him to tell his mother he wanted to play jazz saxophone,,. His mother eventually bought him a brand new Martin saxophone for a dollar down.
  • The Coltrane Encounter: As a teenager, he met John Coltrane—then described as a "country bumpkin"—who sounded just like Johnny Hodges,. Golson's mother was so impressed she would only ask Coltrane to play On the Sunny Side of the Street, much to the annoyance of the young musicians who were trying to play the music of Charlie Parker,.
  • The Prophecy: After Golson and Coltrane were fired from the local band Jimmy Johnson and his Ambassadors, Golson's mother, who was suspicious because the gig was canceled only two hours beforehand, comforted them with the prophecy: "One day the two of you will be so good they won't have enough money to pay you",. This prophecy proved true years later at the Newport Festival.
  • Mentorship and Blues March: While working with the R&B band Bull Moose Jackson and his Buffalo Bearcats, he was mentored in composing by piano player Tad Damarind,. Later, as a member of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, he suggested that Blakey get a new band, recommending a Philadelphia lineup including Lee Morgan and Bobby Timmons, leading Blakey to joke, "What is this Philadelphia crap I'm hearing?". Golson also famously suggested that Blakey start his set with a march, which became the hit "Blues March",.
  • "I Remember Clifford": Golson noted that it took him two weeks to write the song, a process much slower than his typical output of two or three songs a day. He stated, "I wish I hadn't written that song," explaining he meant he regretted the death of Clifford Brown that necessitated its creation.
  • Hollywood Career: Encouraged by Quincy Jones, Golson moved to LA and scored films and TV shows, starting with It Takes a Thief and later moving on to Mission Impossible, The Partridge Family, and MASH. He once compensated for a reduced string section by hiding an organist in the arrangement.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18181145 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0400 4003 1 2 full false Benny Golson Eulis Cathey Lee Mergner Marcus Miller & Alonzo Bodden: Miles, Studio Secrets, and the Pork Pie Hat Marcus Miller & Alonzo Bodden: Miles, Studio Secrets, and the Pork Pie Hat Bassist, bandleader, and host Marcus Miller sits down for an insightful and entertaining one-on-one session with his friend and comedian-in-residence, Alonzo Bodden. Recorded on The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2019, Miller discusses the definitive chronology of his life, clarifying that he was 21 years old when he started playing with Miles Davis, not 14. The conversation also delves into his prolific career as a New York studio musician, the story behind his signature pork pie hat, and how he mentors the next generation of jazz talent.

Key Takeaways

  • Career Output: Marcus Miller estimates he has performed on somewhere between 500 and 700 records or sessions.
  • The Studio Musician Era: Miller detailed the demanding nature of being a studio musician in New York during that era; they were prized for being excellent readers who could get recordings done quickly because studio time was very expensive. He recalls that for a recording date with Frank Sinatra, conductor Quincy Jones required the big band to have the music ready for a single take.
  • Early Milestones: Miller's professional timeline included going on the road with flute player Bobby Humphrey at age 16 and touring with Lenny White at age 18. At 19, his reading ability—which he attributed to his classical clarinet background—impressed producer Ralph McDonald, leading to Miller working in studios from 9:00 a.m. until midnight every day.
  • Joining Miles Davis: Miller confirmed he was 21 years old when Miles Davis called him. He recounted that the call came with only a couple of hours' notice, which was "perfect" because it prevented him from making himself nervous by practicing every Miles Davis song he knew.
  • Mentorship: Now the veteran, Miller enjoys playing with young musicians because their energy reminds him of his own youth and they "hip you to stuff that's current". He believes this practice of incorporating young talent is what Miles Davis wanted when using new musicians—to stay tied into what was happening now.
  • Creative Inspiration: Miller often finds musical inspiration from everyday life, such as the rhythm of windshield wipers while waiting at a red light. He shared a memorable anecdote about Luther Vandross requesting that a mix sound like "Skippy Peanut Butter Chunky" rather than "Skippy peanut butter smooth," meaning he wanted the instruments popping out of the mix.
  • Hearing and Focus: Miller revealed that he lost hearing in one ear due to measles or scarlet fever when he was two or three years old, but does not recognize it as a handicap. He noted that his wife, Brenda, is careful to place herself on his non-working side at restaurants so he doesn't have to strain to hear or stare at people while they talk.
  • The Pork Pie Hat Image: The hat became his professional look after he wore it on The Arsenio Hall Show in the early 90s. He realized taking it off allowed him to move around unrecognized, like Clark Kent's glasses. He appreciates the connection the pork pie hat gives him to the tradition of old bebop musicians, citing Lester Young and Charles Mingus's song "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat".
  • Staying Grounded: Family is crucial for keeping Miller grounded, preventing him from "believ[ing] the hype". He noted that after profound moments with fans, he returns home to real-life issues, like his wife mentioning, "the toilet's been stopped up for three weeks".
  • Musical Prejudice: Miller uses his band's knowledge of jazz history to combat musical snobbery in audiences.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Bassist, bandleader, and host Marcus Miller sits down for an insightful and entertaining one-on-one session with his friend and comedian-in-residence, Alonzo Bodden. Recorded on The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2019, Miller discusses the definitive chronology of his life, clarifying that he was 21 years old when he started playing with Miles Davis, not 14. The conversation also delves into his prolific career as a New York studio musician, the story behind his signature pork pie hat, and how he mentors the next generation of jazz talent.

Key Takeaways

  • Career Output: Marcus Miller estimates he has performed on somewhere between 500 and 700 records or sessions.
  • The Studio Musician Era: Miller detailed the demanding nature of being a studio musician in New York during that era; they were prized for being excellent readers who could get recordings done quickly because studio time was very expensive. He recalls that for a recording date with Frank Sinatra, conductor Quincy Jones required the big band to have the music ready for a single take.
  • Early Milestones: Miller's professional timeline included going on the road with flute player Bobby Humphrey at age 16 and touring with Lenny White at age 18. At 19, his reading ability—which he attributed to his classical clarinet background—impressed producer Ralph McDonald, leading to Miller working in studios from 9:00 a.m. until midnight every day.
  • Joining Miles Davis: Miller confirmed he was 21 years old when Miles Davis called him. He recounted that the call came with only a couple of hours' notice, which was "perfect" because it prevented him from making himself nervous by practicing every Miles Davis song he knew.
  • Mentorship: Now the veteran, Miller enjoys playing with young musicians because their energy reminds him of his own youth and they "hip you to stuff that's current". He believes this practice of incorporating young talent is what Miles Davis wanted when using new musicians—to stay tied into what was happening now.
  • Creative Inspiration: Miller often finds musical inspiration from everyday life, such as the rhythm of windshield wipers while waiting at a red light. He shared a memorable anecdote about Luther Vandross requesting that a mix sound like "Skippy Peanut Butter Chunky" rather than "Skippy peanut butter smooth," meaning he wanted the instruments popping out of the mix.
  • Hearing and Focus: Miller revealed that he lost hearing in one ear due to measles or scarlet fever when he was two or three years old, but does not recognize it as a handicap. He noted that his wife, Brenda, is careful to place herself on his non-working side at restaurants so he doesn't have to strain to hear or stare at people while they talk.
  • The Pork Pie Hat Image: The hat became his professional look after he wore it on The Arsenio Hall Show in the early 90s. He realized taking it off allowed him to move around unrecognized, like Clark Kent's glasses. He appreciates the connection the pork pie hat gives him to the tradition of old bebop musicians, citing Lester Young and Charles Mingus's song "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat".
  • Staying Grounded: Family is crucial for keeping Miller grounded, preventing him from "believ[ing] the hype". He noted that after profound moments with fans, he returns home to real-life issues, like his wife mentioning, "the toilet's been stopped up for three weeks".
  • Musical Prejudice: Miller uses his band's knowledge of jazz history to combat musical snobbery in audiences.

Send us Fan Mail

  • Listen to more episodes of Jazz Cruises Conversations on Spotify, iTunes, or wherever you get your podcasts. The back catalog contains more than a hundred interviews from past sailings.
  • Theme Music: Provided by Marcus Miller from his song "High Life" on his album Afrodeezia on Blue Note.


]]> Lee Mergner Buzzsprout-18181139 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0400 4178 1 1 full false Alonzo Bodden Marcus Miller Lee Mergner