Jazz Notes: 4.10.25

Celebrating Jazz Appreciation Month ’25

Thus far, we have been directing the various conversations about Jazz Appreciation Month. We love doing so, for sure, but we know that others have some thoughts, opinions and ideas about how JAM should be celebrated, what it means and why this music is so important.

Jazz Notes is received by nearly 100,000 fans, each of whom elect to be part of our community and our Signature Cruise Experiences’ family. Later in this note, we will be inviting each of you to send in your note about Jazz Appreciation Month and your passion for jazz. But, before doing so, we would like to share some thoughts from other very important members of our community – some of your very favorite jazz musicians.

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Circling the Basses

To start our survey of stars, let’s “circle the basses” by asking some of our favorite cruise bassists to share their thoughts about Jazz Appreciation Month.

 

John Clayton

Big Band Director and 25-Year Participant of The Jazz Cruise

“Jazz Appreciation Month is like a World Thanksgiving feast, enjoyed by the entire globe! The musicians are the hosts and primary cooks, but the audiences bring side dishes to accompany the bounty. They contribute their love and energy. True to the American and Canadian holidays, it’s a LOT of food and everyone is expected to go away with full, satisfied stomachs and souls. We already know about the power of jazz and its ability to bring people from all walks of life together to celebrate these sounds, grooves and contagious spirit. How wise that it is now officially recognized by the planet. That inspires us all to fill our lives with jazz, not only in February, but throughout the year.”

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Christian McBride

Former Co-Host of The Jazz Cruise and current Host of Christian McBride’s World at Sea

“Jazz is a perfect example of democracy in action. It is also one of the most effective communicative tools among people from different cultures. It strengthens creativity and intellectualism. But most of all, it just makes you pretty doggone cool and makes people wonder how you became so hip.”

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Marcus Miller

Co-Host of The Smooth Jazz Cruise and Journey of Jazz and former Host of Blue Note at Sea, North Sea Jazz Cruise and Playboy Jazz Cruise

“In 2017, we got to celebrate International Jazz Day in Havana, Cuba – a significant occasion that allowed us to connect with Cuba after years of isolation. We all jammed together after the official performances and finally got to experience the brilliance, passion and soulfulness of Cuban musicians in a live setting, while they connected in person to artists they had only heard on records up to that point. It was pretty profound – all political and cultural barriers melted away, highlighting how jazz musicians can be the ultimate ambassadors of unity through music.” 

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The Keys to Music

The cruises have been blessed with some of the most exciting and talented pianists in the world. Some of the most memorable moments on the cruises have been provided by these talented performers. Though many of them join us from time to time, there are a few who are our “keys to the music.”

Renee Rosnes

Beloved pianist, Music Director of Artemis and recent inductee into The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame

“Jazz is like life in that both thrive on the art of improvisation, where every note played and every action taken, carries with it a potential for greatness. In celebrating jazz music, we honor its historical importance as well as its innate power to promote peace, joy and mutual respect throughout the world.”

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Brian Culbertson

Former Host of The Smooth Jazz Cruise West Coast and Featured Performer on The Smooth Jazz Cruise

“Since there is very little mainstream media coverage of ‘jazz,’ Jazz Appreciation Month shines a light on this music, enabling a wider audience to explore this great art form, as well as introducing new artists to those who are already fans of the genre. I’m proud to be a part of the jazz community, one that brings people together and lifts everyone up.”

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Shelly Berg

Longtime Music Director and current Artistic Director of The Jazz Cruise

“Jazz is freedom, joy and quintessentially American. There is almost nothing more fun than to experience it live!”

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Emmet Cohen

Host of The Jazz Cruise and Performer on many other programs

“Jazz, at its best, embodies the values that humanity strives for—positivity, unity, brotherhood, peace, and love. It pulses with an energy that reflects the spontaneous beauty and rich diversity of life, drawing us into a global community of musicians, friends, fans, and devoted jazz lovers. Jazz teaches us to live fully and appreciate one another, and International Jazz Day serves as our annual reminder to celebrate these enduring values.” 

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Horning in on the Show

Every logo for a jazz event or club features a horn of some kind. No jazz show is complete without a trumpet, trombone or saxophone. These guys would know that better than anyone else.

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Randy Brecker

Perennial Star of The Jazz Cruise and participant on many other programs

My Favorite ‘Gig’ on International Jazz Day, by far, was in 2022, the time I played with Herbie Hancock at the United Nations General Assembly with Ravi Coltrane, James Genus, Brian Blade and the late great tabla player, Zakir Hussain! Quite a moment in time! Jazz equates to “Freedom!” and is the great Unifier. We need it now more than ever!”

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Wycliffe Gordon

Creator and Leader of Gospel Shows on various programs and the musician who has performed on the most cruise programs

“Playing music, particularly jazz, has introduced me to people and situations all over the world. Most importantly, it has provided me with choices as to how I live my life. Performing, composing, arranging, teaching. Each endeavor gives me a special sense of accomplishment for which I am very grateful.”

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Boney James

Former Host of The Smooth Jazz Cruise West Coast and current Co-Host of The Smooth Jazz Cruise

“For many of us every month is Jazz Appreciation Month! But I’m grateful for this time when the whole country focuses attention on and celebrates ‘the great American art form.’ I’ll be doing my best to spread awareness and positivity through my music.”

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Houston Person

From the first sailing of The Jazz Cruise to today, he has been the spirit of that program

“Jazz has been my life. I cannot remember a time when I was not playing my horn. As a kid, my choices were either working at our farm or playing music. I thank God every day for giving me the talent and the smarts to choose music.”

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Eric Marienthal

Music Director for The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Botti at Sea and Journey of Jazz; Music Coordinator for Christian McBride’s World at Sea

“Jazz Appreciation Month gives us an opportunity to think about the effect that this music has had on the world. Musicians communicating both to their audience and to each other in a creative, constructive, sincere and meaningful way is what this art form is all about. Now, perhaps more than ever, we can appreciate jazz for bringing this spirit of communication into the lives of everyone who is willing to listen.”

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Jeff Hamilton

Whether he is leading the Big Band or his iconic trio, he is the standard by which all other drummers are measured

“Jazz Appreciation Month welcomes more potential followers who might not be Jazz fans. Hopefully this month’s focus invites the listener to how emotional, joyous and thought-provoking the music can be.”

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Lewis Nash

Perhaps the most recorded drummer in the world and certainly one of the most beloved performers on The Jazz Cruise

“They tell me that my drumming is on more recordings than any other drummer. That means that, long after I am gone, folks will be able to listen to my music and know how happy being a jazz drummer has made me. Now you know why I smile ear to ear every time I step onto the bandstand.”

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Jay Williams

The Smooth Jazz Cruise has presented several great drummers over the years, but he has become the leader of the pack.

“Being on the cruises as a jazz drummer has provided me with opportunities to perform that I could not imagine years ago. The energy and spirit that these jazz musicians bring to their music and to the fans is exciting and inspirational.”

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Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

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Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

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