Jazz Cruises Conversations

#87: Gregory Porter on Nat King Cole (with Lee Mergner)

April 15, 2024 03:26 - 33 minutes - 15.5 MB

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.

#86: Mindi Abair with Talaya

April 03, 2024 16:39 - 46 minutes - 21.7 MB

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.

#85: Keb' Mo' with Alonzo Bodden

March 20, 2024 20:01 - 50 minutes - 23.3 MB

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 wh...

#84: Renee Rosnes with Catherine Russell

March 13, 2024 16:07 - 48 minutes - 22.7 MB

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 supe...

#83: Sheila E with Don Was

November 12, 2023 19:38 - 1 hour - 29 MB

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 he...

#82: Wynton Marsalis with Christian McBride

October 30, 2023 02:26 - 1 hour - 29.4 MB

This episode features a very special interview with jazz icon Wynton Marsalis by his old friend Christian McBride from The Jazz Cruise earlier this year. The two have a long history going back to 1984 when Christian was a 14-year-old bassist in Philadelphia and Wynton took him under his wing. He even assured Christian’s mother that we would watch over Christian when he moved to NYC a few years later. Given their relationship and how they both became mentors to so many musicians across mult...

#81: Brian Culbertson with Talaya

October 15, 2023 16:09 - 44 minutes - 20.8 MB

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.

#80: David Sanborn with Marcus Miller

September 29, 2023 16:02 - 1 hour - 30.8 MB

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.

#79: Christian McBride with Don Was

September 13, 2023 14:36 - 50 minutes - 23.4 MB

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.

#78: Candy Dulfer with Talaya

August 24, 2023 19:34 - 53 minutes - 25 MB

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.

#77: Marcus Miller & Alonzo Bodden

July 26, 2023 15:48 - 1 hour - 33.8 MB

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.

#76: Samara Joy with Shelly Berg

July 02, 2023 19:23 - 47 minutes - 22.2 MB

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.

#75: Michael McDonald with Marcus Miller

June 19, 2023 03:56 - 47 minutes - 22.1 MB

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 Chu...

#74: Chris Botti with Christian McBride

May 30, 2023 11:56 - 59 minutes - 27.9 MB

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 ...

#73: Renee Rosnes and Billy Childs with LeRoy Downs

May 19, 2023 21:21 - 55 minutes - 26 MB

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.

#72: Cecile McLorin Salvant with David Sanborn

May 03, 2023 19:21 - 50 minutes - 23.7 MB

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.

#71: Sullivan Fortner with Emmet Cohen

May 30, 2021 20:31 - 1 hour - 31.9 MB

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.

#70: Monty Alexander with John Clayton

May 11, 2021 15:30 - 1 hour - 31.7 MB

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 pe...

#69: John Clayton with Ken Peplowski

April 11, 2021 12:00 - 2 hours - 58.9 MB

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.

#68: Bria Skonberg with Jennifer Wharton

April 06, 2021 20:00 - 1 hour - 29.3 MB

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.

#67: Niki Haris with Ann Hampton Callaway

March 28, 2021 18:24 - 1 hour - 33.9 MB

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.

#66: Paquito D'Rivera with Ken Peplowski

February 02, 2021 22:00 - 1 hour - 31.5 MB

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.

#65: Christian McBride with Alonzo Bodden

January 20, 2021 19:00 - 1 hour - 37.3 MB

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.

#64: Nicki Parrott with John Clayton

January 12, 2021 21:30 - 1 hour - 30 MB

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.

#63: Wycliffe Gordon with Eulis Cathey

January 05, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 31.5 MB

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.

#62: Terell Stafford with Eulis Cathey

December 29, 2020 21:00 - 1 hour - 31.2 MB

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.

#61: Ann Hampton Callaway with Kurt Elling

December 22, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 30.5 MB

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.

#60: Jeff Hamilton with Ken Peplowski

December 15, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 32.1 MB

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.

#59: Joey DeFrancesco with Alonzo Bodden

December 08, 2020 14:00 - 59 minutes - 27.7 MB

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.

#58: Randy Brecker & Ada Rovatti with Eric Marienthal

November 10, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 32.6 MB

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.

#57: John Pizzarelli with Ken Peplowski

September 04, 2020 12:30 - 1 hour - 29.7 MB

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.

#56: John Clayton with Alonzo Bodden

August 28, 2020 12:00 - 53 minutes - 25.2 MB

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.

#55: Kurt Elling with Shelly Berg

August 21, 2020 21:40 - 59 minutes - 27.9 MB

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.

#54: Mindi Abair with Eric Marienthal

August 18, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 30.3 MB

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.

#53: Remembering Oscar Peterson with Kelly Peterson & Benny Green

August 11, 2020 18:43 - 1 hour - 32.6 MB

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.

#52: Melody Gardot with Mark Ruffin

August 04, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 30.3 MB

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.

#51: Catherine Russell with Eulis Cathey

July 28, 2020 12:00 - 48 minutes - 22.4 MB

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.

#50: David Sanborn with Alonzo Bodden

July 21, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 30 MB

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.

#49: Joey DeFrancesco with Mark Ruffin

July 14, 2020 18:26 - 53 minutes - 24.9 MB

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.

#48: Ramsey Lewis with Marcus Miller

June 02, 2020 12:00 - 45 minutes - 21.1 MB

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.

#47: Chris & Dan Brubeck with Eulis Cathey

May 26, 2020 12:00 - 59 minutes - 82.3 MB

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.

#46: Marcus Miller with Alonzo Bodden

May 19, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 30 MB

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.

#45: Billy Hart with Joey DeFrancesco

May 12, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 29.6 MB

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 drumme...

#44: Kamasi Washington with David Sanborn

May 05, 2020 12:00 - 42 minutes - 19.8 MB

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.

#43: Peter White with Rick Braun

April 28, 2020 12:00 - 50 minutes - 23.5 MB

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 ...

#42: Arturo Sandoval with Shelly Berg

April 21, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 29.4 MB

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.

#41: Gregory Porter with Don Was

April 14, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 28.7 MB

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.

#40: Jeff Lorber, Paul Jackson, Jr. & Everette Harp with Eric Marienthal

April 11, 2020 16:41 - 47 minutes - 22.1 MB

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.

#39: Dianne Reeves with John Clayton

March 31, 2020 12:00 - 50 minutes - 23.6 MB

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.

#38: Christian McBride with Mark Ruffin

March 24, 2020 12:00 - 55 minutes - 25.9 MB

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 b...

Jazz Cruises Conversations

Episodes

Guests