Using technology in the production of music is hardly new. Much of it enhances the music, reduces the cost and improves the quality of the product. Much of it, however, may impact the influence of the artist and his craft. It scares me, quite frankly.
On a similar topic, a colleague of mine asked me recently what topics I wanted to share in the Our Take portion of the next edition of The Weekender. Later that day, I was presented by an AI generated “Our Take.” In truth, it was not awful. The story was clearly presented and more concise than what I offer. But it lacked the “appealing” snarkiness and satire that I proudly include in my musings. Perhaps that is a lesson for me. After all, the process is Artificial “Intelligence”! My process is more akin to Realistic Ignorance. There, snarky and satire in one sentence.
Back to music. Former musician and high tech guru, Shelly Palmer, recently published an article about how one company believes that it can manufacture music through AI. As fate would have it, the article picks on “jazz” as a likely candidate. Apart from the lack of appreciation of our genre that this displays, perhaps the author felt that exploiting jazz in this way would make his point without alienating a bunch of people. Before taking that challenge, let’s remember how this slippery slope started.
In last year’s sailing of the Michael McDonald/Patti LaBelle Cruise, Michael and Patti performed their mega hit “On My Own” not only for the first time in a live show, but for the first time together in any way. Patti thought this song should be a duet and had her team send the information to Michael who recorded his part, sent it in to Patti’s folks and the next thing you know, they are collecting a GRAMMY®! For the record (pun intended), the song was recorded in 1986 and the cruise sailed in 2024, 38 years later!
Marcus Miller tells a story where “so and so” did not like his own bass playing on a now famous song, so he sent the music to Marcus and asked him to do the tune. He did, and only rarely will he share that story. Notice, I did not name the other artist. Nor will I.
My point is that the intimacy and magic of a recording session has been replaced with a system that no longer requires being together to make music. I have always found this to be unfortunate. As a business owner, I despise “working remotely.” I believe that the final product, when created by folks in the same room, is vastly superior to that created by Zoom, conference call or email. Furthermore, it is way more fun doing it in person. But until this latest jump to AI, at least we were hashing out new ways for people to work together.
AI generated music. An oxymoron of epic stature. Can a machine improvise, share the bandstand with other machines or ooze emotions? Perhaps. But that type of music is of no interest to me. Just like my first reaction to Muzak. I understand that using piped in music in various situations has value and purpose other than the significance of the music itself. Fine, when I am in the dentist’s chair, I need some music to allow my mind to wander from the hell I am enduring.
But, music as art. Music for the sake of music. No AI, please. Now an AI music cruise…no costs for staterooms, fees or travel for the musicians…that might be of interest. Just kidding.
Below is a list of various webinars Signature Cruise Experiences is offering with respect to several upcoming sailings.
- August 11 – McBride’s World at Sea Livestream Lowdown 2 hosted by Christian McBride
- August 13 – David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Connect featuring David Foster
- August 14 – Journey of Jazz ’25: Get Ready Webinar for Booked Guests
- August 18 – The Jazz Cruise: Special Edition of Emmet’s Place
Now, those are events that AI will have a difficult time poaching. I knew we would win!
By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise: Foster Friends and Fans Savings!
As a fan of The Weekender, you’re entitled to special pricing when booking a reservation on David Foster: The Hitman Cruise! This is the same pricing reserved for fans and friends of David Foster himself. Save on Concierge, Veranda, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms! Who said reading The Weekender didn’t have its perks? Just use Promo Code: FFF during the reservation process.
Plus, Guests who reserve Concierge Class Staterooms will have access to special reserved seating to nightly main stage shows aboard David Foster: The Hitman Cruise. Reserve your stateroom today by clicking the button below!
*New Reservations Only
Ron Blake’s SCRATCH Band
Ron Blake, who has played with Christian McBride for many years, has just released his latest album, SCRATCH Band, which features the tenor and baritone saxophonist in a stripped-down trio format with bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer John Hatfield. The recording pays homage to Blake’s Virgin Islands roots including quelbe music, the indigenous music of that Caribbean Island, which also produced one of the music’s most influential tenor saxophonists, Sonny Rollins.
“There’s not a huge need to embellish with this music, like there is in most great musics,” Ron explains. “It’s driven by the beauty of the melodies and good danceable rhythms.” Ron, a member of the Saturday Night Live band since 2005, has an even longer history with Christian as a member of the Christian McBride Band (along with Geoffrey Keezer and Terreon Gully) from 2000-2008. He’s also been a cornerstone of Christian’s Big Band, who will serve as a virtual house band for the many guest star vocalists on McBride’s World at Sea.
A Tradition for 68 Years…
Beyond a weekend of music, merch and munch, the Monterey Jazz Festival, happening September 26-28, is a reunion of jazz enthusiasts, young and old. It’s a community gathering where first-time attendees meet long-time patrons returning for 50 years and counting. Strangers become MJF friends.
This year, make it a four-day celebration! Your journey begins at our posh Jazz Legends Gala on Thursday night, September 25, at Pebble Beach Resorts. Celebrate and honor the incomparable Christian McBride! Mix and mingle with jazz luminaries and enjoy performances by Dianne Reeves, John Clayton, Benny Green, Savannah Harris, Javon Jackson and other surprise guests. Limited seating available.
Then it’s festival time! MJF68 is all about Returning Favorites & Exciting New Faces, featuring 450 artists, 79 shows, 5 stages, and 3 days of Monterey fun. Come see returning favorites like Dianne Reeves, Trombone Shorty, Gregory Porter, Christian McBride, and Ledisi take the stages alongside fresh talent including Ekep Nkwelle, Brandon Woody, Tyreek McDole, Caity Gyorgy and many more.
Former Monterey Jazz Artist-in-Residence and Welcome to the Sands Box creator Christian Sands is composing this year’s exclusive commission piece. His deep connection with the festival audience and staff will make this a sentimental performance.
The festival also marks the return of Dizzy’s Den, our beloved indoor venue. This year, Dizzy’s Den will simulcast the last two Arena performances each night. An expanded beer garden and new wine garden add to the grounds experience, along with returning and new food and artisan booths.
Let’s go, SCE/MJF fans!
–Team Monterey Jazz
Webinars
Whether you’re counting down the days to your next adventure or just daydreaming about ocean breezes and island escapes, we have upcoming cruise webinars for almost everyone. Get insider tips if you’re already booked, explore destinations and excursions if you’re still browsing or simply join us to be in the virtual presence of some of our cruise superstars.
Christian McBride World at Sea: Livestream
Back in April, Christian McBride hosted a livestream to cover all the ins and outs of Christian McBride’s World at Sea. The event was so much fun that Christian wants to do it all over again! So, as we draw closer and closer to embarkation day, we hope you’ll join us for another Christian McBride’s World at Sea Livestream event! Plus, word on the street is that Christian will be welcoming a special guest. Who will it be? Sign up to find out!
DATE: AUGUST 11, 2025
TIME: 2:00 PM ET
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Connect
Join us for programing insights, cruise news and more can’t miss information about David Foster: The Hitman Cruise! Plus, hear from The Hitman himself, David Foster, his wife, Katharine McPhee and more of the stars of David Foster: The Hitman Cruise.
Connect with us on August 13!
DATE: AUGUST 13, 2025
TIME: 3:00 PM ET
Journey of Jazz: Get Ready Webinar
Now that Celebrity’s Mobile App Check-In for Journey of Jazz is open, we know many of you are ready to dive into Check-In and the Pre-Cruise Planner. We’re here to help!
Join us as we walk through important last-minute reminders, share helpful tips, and answer your questions in real time. This is your opportunity to hear the latest updates and get the clarity you need for smooth sailing.
DATE: AUGUST 14, 2025
TIME: 3:00 PM ET
The Jazz Cruise: Special Edition of Emmet’s Place
Since 2001, The Jazz Cruise has been the hallmark of “straight ahead” jazz, not only “at sea,” but anywhere in the world, which is why The Jazz Cruise is fully reserved every year.
Emmet Cohen, who has moved from student performer to featured performer to co-host to host of The Jazz Cruise, is presenting a special edition of his famed Emmet’s Place to talk about The Jazz Cruise ’26, which sails from 1.27.26 – 2.3.26.
DATE: AUGUST 18, 2025
TIME: 3:00 PM ET
Stateroom Availability
Cruise Programs – 2025
| Journey of Jazz | Fully-Reserved. Cancellations filled from Waitlist |
Cruise Programs – 2026
| David Foster: The Hitman Cruise | Open Booking Now |
| Christian McBride’s World at Sea | Open Booking Now; Christmas in August Prices for All Remaining Staterooms Available through Labor Day |
| The Jazz Cruise ’26 | Over 80% Reserved – Open Booking Now |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 | Fully reserved; Join Waitlist |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 | Fully reserved; Join Waitlist |
| Top Shelf Country Cruise | Over 75% Reserved; Open Booking Now |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 | Over 85% Reserved; Open Booking Now |
| Botti at Sea ’26 | Open Booking Now; Final Lineup and Excursions Just Announced! |
Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs
DAVID FOSTER: THE HITMAN CRUISE
5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience!
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise will deliver five incredible days and nights of five-star entertainment, all centered around the music and career of 16-time GRAMMY® winner David Foster. Michael McDonald, Babyface, Katharine McPhee and other preeminent talents will join us aboard.
Open Booking has begun and staterooms are already moving fast! Act soon to reserve your stateroom of choice using Promo Code: FFF for the Foster Friends & Fans price.
CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing
We’ve heard you’re requests! Christmas in July has now become Christmas in August and ALL remaining staterooms are available at incredible savings through Labor Day! Use Promo Code: XMAS to book your stateroom about McBride’s World at Sea at the lowest price seen! Offer Good through September 1! *New Reservations Only
THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Available
The Jazz Cruise ’26 will be sold out before you know it. It happens every year since 2001. Book Now to secure your place on the Greatest Jazz Festival in the World
THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are Both Fully Reserved
Of course, you may join the Waitlist. Or, if you’d prefer to sail the West Coast this fall (two novel concepts for this program), consider joining us on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3.
THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available
With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise! Reserve your stateroom today!
THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available
For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast!
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 85% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!
BOTTI AT SEA’26
Open Booking Now Available
The full lineup of artists and excursions was announced earlier this week! Though the cruise is more than a year away, staterooms are being reserved at a record clip. Reserve your stateroom today!
JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Journey of Jazz ’25 is Fully-Reserved
Journey of Jazz is now fully reserved. All cancellations will be filled through the Waitlist.