Our Take: Father’s Day

Tomorrow is Father’s Day. There is still time to purchase that special gift, cook his favorite meal or, as in my case, take some time to remember life with Dad.

Like many, if not most, of us, my jazz introduction and education was Dad’s work. No formal classes or tests. Most Saturdays, and every Sunday, Dad would put on his music and play his saxophone and clarinet. Our schooling was more “watch me” than “let me tell you.”

I’ve shared this before, but it was those moments when he played his horn that he was his true self. All other iterations of Dad, father, businessman, husband, etc. were genuine and heartfelt, just not performed as naturally as his music performances. 

We took a poll a few years ago, probably during the Pandemic when musical topics were hard to find, asking folks how they became jazz fans. The overwhelming response to “origin of interest” was “Dad.” So, it’s not surprising that the jazz world is replete with father/child legacies. Sticking to folks who have been part of our cruise programs, Lee Mergner has prepared a very nice list of famous father/child jazz performers.

John and Bucky Pizzarelli
Gerald and John Clayton
Candy and Hans Dulfer
Christian McBride and Lee Smith
Niki Haris and Gene Harris
Wynton and Ellis Marsalis
Bill and Moose Charlap
Benny III and Benny Jr. Benack
Catherine and Luis Russell
Brian and Jim Culbertson 

The Pizzarellis and Claytons are listed first for no reason other than both have not only performed on our cruises and, in each instance, they actually performed together.

If you look up the old saw “the acorn does not fall far from the tree,” you will see a photo of John and Bucky Pizzarelli. Same instrument. Similar favorite tunes. And, of course, the uncanny ability to entertain. I find the term “raconteur” to be not only a compliment, but also an honor.

Being able to hold an audience through the power of your personality and talent is no easy task. That each of them built a career doing so is admirable, but, even more impressive is that their comic talent has never overshadowed their musical talents. Both men are first-class musicians in every way and would be jazz icons under any set of measurements.

Bucky died during the Pandemic. I remember the day it happened. I love how John talks about him. Never maudlin, but always reverent. His eyes sparkle when he tells a “Bucky” story. It was always “Bucky,” never “Dad,” so you would assume that they were more pals and colleagues than father/son. Regardless, the level of respect and sheer admiration is always evident.

The Clayton Brothers Quintet had been a staple of The Jazz Cruise from its inception. John and Jeff Clayton would lead the group year after year along with performing with others as an All Star. It would be much later that John assumed the reins of the Big Band and Jeff would pass. We miss Jeff very much. We have never been able to find a band that had the allure that The Clayton Brothers Quintet possessed. 

A very young Gerald Clayton was on the piano with that group. Besides a burgeoning talent, Gerald had his father’s dignified demeanor for sure. On top of that, Gerald was the strong, silent type. Few words seem to be forthcoming, perhaps a sign of acknowledgement of his youth and respect for his elders, or just someone who kept his thoughts to himself. 

Even today, though Gerald has reached stardom in his own right, I find him using as few words as possible to express himself. Not surprisingly, the one time when his words were unbridled was when I asked him why pianists flock to see Brad Mehldau perform. The response was a very detailed explanation of the importance of the left hand and why Brad’s southpaw was at the top of the food chain. 

Being nothing more than an amateur drummer, the entire discussion was lost on me but seeing his passion and recognizing how significant technique was to him, I could not help but admire him greatly at that moment. 

Though I never saw and heard this, I am sure that both Bucky and John were tough judges of their sons’ musical efforts, not because they were being mean, but because each saw a talent that deserved attention. Father/Child pride is typically an earned emotion, whereas Mother/Child pride often requires no more effort than being born. 

Case in point, when my father’s music buddies would ask if I were a musician, Dad would immediately say “no…he is a drummer.” My mother would tell me that I played like Little Ricky on I Love Lucy. That was how parenting worked in the early ‘50s. 

Participation trophies and other forms of parental support would come along many years later, but by then my path was already set. 

Happy Father’s Day.

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti 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.

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Juneteenth and Jazz

by Linda S. Lawson

The month of June recognized as Black Music Appreciation Month intersecting with the now federally recognized holiday of Juneteenth is apropos and should come as no surprise. 

While formal emancipation occurred in 1863, it would be the nineteenth day of the sixth month in 1865 the last slaves located in Texas received word of their emancipation, sparking celebrations. Hence, the melding of the June and 19th into Juneteenth for its name with its official federal recognition occurring in 2021.

The significance of what that day represents and its continued musical symbolism of freedom’s march stands encompassed and documented in jazz music, serving as a bedrock before there was a recognition and still carrying those dreams and aspirations into present day. 

The sentiments, the hopes and the notes of the road to be trod are entrenched in its historical musical tapestry, intricately intertwined with its origins reaching back to the Motherland all the way to the shores of Congo Square. 

For a time, Juneteenth lost its early celebration before gaining a resurgence marked by the Civil Rights era. Dr. Martin Luther King recognized the genre’s importance during those times with its message and upliftment. 

“Jazz speaks for life. The Blues tell the story of life’s difficulties and, if you think for a moment, you will realize that they take the hardest realities of life and put them into music, only to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph,” he wrote. “It strengthened us with its sweet rhythms when courage began to fail and calmed us with its rich harmonies when spirits were down”. 

Let’s take a musical journey for a moment. Jazz and Civil Rights historians have called Billie Holliday’s interpretation of the anti-lynching song, “Strange Fruit,” a catalyst for the civil rights movement twenty years ahead of time. Max Roach’s “Freedom Now Suite,” Charles Mingus’ “Fables of Faubus,” along with John Coltrane’s “Alabama” play critical roles. Then there’s Duke Ellington and Mahalia Jackson’s duo of “Come Sunday,” along with Nina Simone’s cover of “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free.” They all stir in Juneteenth’s pot. 

More recently, Virtuoso Wynton Marsalis and civil rights attorney/jazz pianist Bryan Stevenson’s collaboration, “Freedom, Justice and Hope,” honored Juneteenth by paying homage to jazz musicians and vocalists who used their gifts for social justice.

Jazz remains the clarion call and the battle cry, weaving its own translations, both vocally and instrumentally of sanguinity and dreams, wins and losses and an ongoing quest of what freedom looks and feels like.

The last decade has spurred a rising recognition of the holiday with Juneteenth Jazz Festivals being established cross country. 

In an NPR interview, Pianist Orrin Evans spoke of finding a haven, even if for only at times, what Simone diligently sought in choosing Gary Bartz’s “Music Is My Sanctuary” as a personal anthem for Juneteenth. There, he enters a space unencumbered and strong, an escape when the weight of the world at times felt inescapable with a continuation to rest in the hope of those physically freed more than 161 years ago.  

Here’s his reasoning: “It reminded and empowered black people at the same time. I felt free when I listened. I heard the musicians express freely with their instruments. My mission was to find my freedom in the music, as my ancestors had. Music was our survival and it remains my sanctuary.”

Linda S. Lawson is a freelance writer and the founder of Angel Helper, dedicated to philanthropic journalism.

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Livestream:
All About Signature Cruise Experiences
6.25.26 4PM ET

Curious about what makes a Signature Cruise Experiences voyage unlike any other vacation? Join the All About Signature Cruise Experiences livestream on June 25, 2026 at 4PM ET for a special live webinar designed to introduce you to the unforgettable world of music at sea.

For more than 25 years, Signature Cruise Experiences has been creating extraordinary journeys that bring together legendary artists, passionate fans and incredible destinations. During this livestream, you’ll discover what sets our cruises apart — from world-class performances by industry icons and intimate artist interactions you won’t find anywhere else, to exceptional service, immersive programming and unforgettable ports of call.

You’ll also get an insider’s look at our collection of themed cruises, hear stories from the Signature community and enjoy a special surprise appearance from one of our talented artists!

As our thank you for joining us live, one attendee will win a FREE stateroom aboard a future Signature Cruise Experiences sailing.

Whether you’re considering your first voyage or simply want to learn more about the Signature experience, we invite you to come aboard and see why our guests return year after year.

Reserve your spot today — we can’t wait to welcome you!

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July Jazz Festivals in the U.S.

• Montclair Jazz Festival Soundcheck Series
  July 1, 14, 28
  Wellmont Plaza, Montclair, NJ
  
• Iowa City Jazz Festival
  July 3-5
  Downtown
  Iowa City, IA
  
• Syracuse Jazz Festival
  July 9-12
  Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards,
  LaFayette, NY
  
• Springfield Jazz and Roots
  July 10-11
  Court Square
  Springfield, MA
  
• Jazz in July
  July 14-25
  92NY
  New York, NY
  
• Litchfield Jazz Festival
  July 24-26
  Tisch Auditorium 
  Washington, CT

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Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

SCE Sailings in ’26

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