Jazz Cruises Conversations

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 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.

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#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. 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.

#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. 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.