Duke Ellington Superstitions

• He refused to allow anyone to eat peanuts or whistle in his dressing room, fearing it would bring disaster.
• Ellington would never give or receive shoes as a gift, believing it meant the recipient would walk out of his life forever.
• He refused to wear yellow.
• Every button on a suit had to be firmly sewn.

Though clearly quirky, these habits were pretty harmless. He had one peccadillo that was not so simple. In fact, it was mean spirited and probably very expensive. He did not like firing someone from the band. Instead, he would hire someone who was better on the same instrument, sit them in the band right next to the target of this plan and hope that the beleaguered musician would take the hint.

Again, I am not sure that was a superstition or just the worst HR plan ever concocted.

Jazz historian and musician John Chilton claims that even the great Ella Fitzgerald had superstitions. Suffering from stage fright, Ella would go through a series of scripted body movements just off stage before singing. She claimed that she was chasing the evil spirits away, the ones that would cause her to sing poorly.

Then there was David Sanborn. Before examining the litany of Sanbornisms, please know that I, along with millions of jazz fans, miss him dearly, cherish his music and his memory and hold him up as one of the most respected and beloved musicians ever.

With that disclaimer, I must also share with you that David was one of the most superstitious and quirky performers I have ever met. From his diet to his reed selection ritual to his extreme concern that he was not playing well, I cannot remember a performance of his that was not wrought with drama and anxiety.

David Sanborn’s Anxieties

• Though there was no direct medical requirement to do so, David ate salmon, steamed vegetables and papaya for each meal.
• The food could not be cooked in any oil or have any seasoning.
• In selecting a reed for a show, he would layout nearly 100 reeds on a table, examine them and then select one. It was if there was a vetting process in his head or he was waiting for one of the reeds to volunteer to be used.
• David would insist that no one was going to attend his show. He would second guess the ticket count and fear that the marketing team had not been successful, and insist he would be playing to empty seats.
• His onstage outfits were identical:  jeans, white shirt and blazer.
• His hotel room and on ship stateroom had to have an open-air capability.
• He insisted that his stateroom be on the sunny side of the ship.

In respect of his passing and my personal fondness for David, I will let you, the readers, allow that last one to wash over you for a while.

Time’s up. Yes, he insisted on that request for every cruise. Rather than walk the slippery slope of telling him how “off” that was, we assured him that we would do as he requested. At the end of each cruise, well almost each cruise, he would thank us for his stateroom location.

Never been to heaven nor expect to be there, but I believe that David is on the sunny side of heaven now. I am sure his “Rider” for entering heaven had that request. If he is not basking in the glow, then someone up there must not like jazz. We know the Devil does.

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.

Josh Groban & Chris Botti:
Live Entertainment Coming to You! 

As we anticipated, our Botti at Sea fans are beyond excited that Josh Groban will be performing on the cruise in September. The profile of a Chris Botti fan and a Groban fan are, not surprisingly, strikingly similar. 

Both are first class artist with impeccable credentials and reputations, both are devoted to their craft and present as consummate performers and talents. Their music is inspiring and refined, strong and sophisticated and, most of all, able to be enjoyed by a wide audience.

Both men also share the world of touring. Chris tours the world on a regular basis, presenting his amazing ensemble to adoring audiences. And Josh is embarking on an extensive country-wide tour that will mostly likely take him to a theater near you.

We are proud of the intimate nature of our presentations at sea and we know that our guests will enjoy their time with both Chris and Josh as they light up The Theatre on Celebrity Summit. Signature Cruise Experiences supports live music regardless of its venue or locale. Even when you’re unable to sail with them (and us), these stars proved can’t-miss performances when they come to your area. Join your community and take in their shows.

Live entertainment is the best way to enjoy great music. Nothing compares.

Emmet Cohen’s Universal Truth

Emmet Cohen, host of The Jazz Cruise, recently released his sixth album as a leader, Universal Truth, on Mack Avenue.

Featuring Joe Farnsworth, Yasushi Nakamura, Jeremy Pelt, Tivon Pennicott and guests Ron Carter and George Coleman, the recording pays tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane (both being celebrated in their centennial year), pairing timeless classics like “Well You Needn’t,” “My Funny Valentine” and “Blue Train” along with new originals that honor jazz’s royalty while boldly carrying their tradition forward.

“The more I travel, teach, and share music with people around the world, the more I’m convinced that we’re all searching for many of the same things: meaning, belonging, love, purpose,” Emmet told us. “Universal Truth is my attempt to explore those ideas through music. Inspired by the contrasting paths of Miles Davis and John Coltrane, the album asks what happens when we look both outward toward humanity and inward toward the spirit.”

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John Clayton’s Two-o Duo

John Clayton, leader of Anita’s Big Band on The Jazz Cruise, has just released a unique album featuring spontaneous collaborations with singer-songwriter Rene Marie and his son, pianist Gerald Clayton.

John’s 8th album on Artist Share, the recording Two-o Duo presents 11 songs largely in a duo format, spotlighting a range of material through different cultural eras, plus lyrical and compositional contributions from both Marie and the Claytons.

“Some really magical things happened,” John says. “If you’re close with somebody and you’re in the room with them, both of you feel the closeness that you share. There’s no word for it. It’s intangible. But it’s very real.” 

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Signature Cruise Experiences Upcoming Programs

SCE Sailings in ’26

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3

9.11.26 – 9.18.26
Vancouver – Victoria – San Francisco – Los Angeles

Known as “The Greatest Party at Sea,” The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3 is Fully Reserved.

If you wish to join the cruise, go to the website and JOIN WAITLIST for any stateroom category you wish. All cancellations for this cruise will be filled from the waitlist.

Botti at Sea ’26

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Los Angeles – San Francisco – Victoria – Vancouver

JUST ANNOUNCED: Josh Groban Performing on Botti at Sea!
STATEROOM CLOSEOUT SALE IN EFFECT

In addition to the recently announced Josh Groban, joining Chris on the cruise are several music icons: Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs and Melody Gardot, and many others. When in San Francisco, guests may take winery tours in Napa and Sonoma, spend the day on the Napa Valley Wine Train, sample the finest cuisine in San Francisco and much more. Another menu of excursions awaits guests when the cruise docks in Victoria, BC. Trust us, this is the perfect music experience!

SPECIAL NOTE: Chris Botti at Sea III is the only Signature Cruise Experiences’ program that has staterooms available in ’26. A limited number of Veranda Plus, Veranda, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms may be reserved at CloseOut Cruise Prices for both Past Guests and New Guests. A payment plan that allows for the final payment to be made after the cruise is also available. Act now!

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David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore

1.12.27 – 1.17.27
Tampa – Cozumel – Costa Maya – Tampa

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise ’26 was a runaway hit program. From the first note to the last song, the brilliance of David Foster was evident in every show and event.

The star-studded lineup for David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Encore includes Michael McDonald, Dianne Reeves, Leslie Odom Jr., Katharine McPhee, Erich Bergen and more.

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The Jazz Cruise ’27

1.17.27 – 1.24.27
Tampa – Cozumel – Belize – Costa Maya – Tampa

The Jazz Cruise is the first program that Signature Cruise Experiences ever produced. Since its first sailing in 2001, The Jazz Cruise has been the world leader in presenting “straight ahead” jazz at sea. 

The Jazz Cruise has reached Fully Reserved every year it has sailed and The Jazz Cruise ’27 is hear that goal again (over 85% Reserved) 

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Journey of Jazz ’27

1.24.27 – 1.31.27
Tampa – New Orleans – Progreso – Tampa

Journey of Jazz ’27 will be an amazing cruise program featuring hosts Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter, a full lineup of great musicians and vocalists, a special two days in New Orleans which features Wynton Marsalis and a group of his hand-picked musicians.

In its second season, Journey of Jazz proudly combines the very best music with opportunities to live The Jazz Life.

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise

’27.1 (1.31.27 – 2.7.27)
Tampa – Ocho Rios – Grand Cayman – Tampa
  ’27.2 (2.7.27 – 2.14.27)
Tampa – Grand Cayman – Ocho Rios – Tampa

The Greatest Party at Sea presents its customary back-to-back weeklong programs in the Caribbean. Tampa is the port of embarkation and disembarkation for the first time and both sailings will call on Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Grand Cayman.

The star studded lineup is led by hosts Marcus Miller and Boney James and features Brian Culbertson, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Kirk Whalum, Peter White and more.

Both sailings are in Open Booking and both are 95% reserved at this time.

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Botti at Sea ’27

10.6.27 – 10.13.27
Boston – Portland – Saint John – Sydney –
Charlottetown – Quebec City

A Canadian itinerary in the Fall is one of the most popular cruise itineraries in the industry. Fall colors, beautiful scenery, hands on adventures in famous ports-of-call. If nothing else was taking place on the ship, a cruise with these features would be in high demand. So, when Chris Botti decided to take his amazing cruise program from Boston to Quebec City, with a full complement of the entertainers and performers that you have grown to love and expect, not only was he gilding the lily, but he was creating one of the top music cruise experiences ever offered.

Stay tuned (8.15.26) for more programming and reservation procedure details.

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3

10.13.27 – 10.20.27
Quebec City – Charlottetown – Sydney –
Saint John – Portland – Boston

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘27.3 program will be an exciting combination of our customary great music, Fall colors and other special events. Marcus Miller, Boney James, Brian Culbertson, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer and others will lead the team for another edition of this iconic program.

This cruise is currently in Open Booking, where anyone may reserve any available stateroom.

The post Our Take: It’s the 13th. Are You Superstitious? appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Have you read David R. Adler’s latest article in JazzTimes about the Kennedy Center? In his role as editor of the magazine, Adler makes the case that recent firings and resignations of key jazz personnel at the Kennedy Center signals an attack on jazz. His argument suggests that the powers that be find jazz to be part of the “woke” world with its emphasis on “diversity, equity and inclusion.”

There is no good answer to the debate about “woke.” Defined as “aware of and actively attentive to important facts and issues,” being “woke” sounds like a very natural and laudatory pursuit. Most people do not criticize folks for being “woke.” The critics latch onto someone being “too woke”!

Where the line between “woke” and “too woke” rests is anyone’s guess. Some believe that when the pursuit of “woke” impairs being practical, it has gone too far. The level of subjectivity and personal attitudes in that analysis make any workable definition impossible. I will leave that discussion to others.

I will, however, take up the defense of jazz in this discussion. “Woke” is a 1930’s term. The etymology of “woke” is clearly found in African-American society. Jazz was coined in the late 19th Century. Its etymology has many, many theories.

I find it impossible to argue that jazz has become “too woke.” That would be like arguing that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (the selection of a jazz fan was no accident) is “too tall” now. He has always been tall, and jazz has always been “woke.”  

Not sure if jazz fans want to be known as “woke.” You will have to ask them one by one. For me, if being aware and attentive to facts is being “woke,” count me in. If you want to tie that to “diversity, equity and inclusion,” I am still on the team.

But if you want to suggest that jazz has become “too woke” in pursuit of those goals, then we separate ways. Whatever jazz is now, in this context, is what jazz has been from the start. Nothing has changed. There is no revolution brewing.

When jazz fans get together, they talk music, not how they can make jazz more “woke.”

Michael Lazaroff
Executive Director
Signature Cruise Experiences
michael@scecruises.com

Our Big Band Tradition

Many jazz fans view the big band as something out of the past, which is not entirely inaccurate. After all, the period during which jazz as a musical genre was most popular was the Big Band Era of the ’30s and ’40s, nearly a century ago.  It was a time when the big bands dominated broadcasts and recordings and when people danced to the music. Yes, people still do dance to swing bands on occasion, but not like they used to. These days, people have to get dressed up to do it, thanks to bands like the Hot Sardines and Postmodern Jukebox, but they still do it. But, the music’s impact persists.

Back in the day, bandleaders like Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw were pop stars, maybe not on the same level as Taylor Swift now, but such that their music permutated even throughout both sides of WWII. For his part, Artie parlayed his popularity into marriages with some of the most high-profile starlets of that time, including Ava Gardner and Lana Turner. He also “dated” Judy Garland, Betty Grable and Lena Horne. Yes, a jazz big band leader was the John Mayer of his time. Insert your own punch line here.

In subsequent years, the small group and more improvisational music of bebop, pioneered by people like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, took much of both the popular and critical attention away from those big bands. The ’50s and ’60s were all about that musical innovation that has informed jazz ever since and, frankly, didn’t encourage dancing.  

But, in fact, regardless of the proliferation of bebop and post-bop, the impact of big bands persisted throughout those years. Bands like those led by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Thad Jones & Mel Lewis, Gil Evans, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton and many others continued to both record and tour throughout the ’60s and ’70s.

Later in the ’80s and forward, ensembles like the Mingus Big Band, Maria Schneider Orchestra, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and, of course, Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra would carry forward that tradition, but would also bring the music into the present with their own innovative compositions and arrangements. That modern innovation was in part because so many of those leaders had not only apprenticed with or studied the music of their antecedents, but also developed their own musical vision, based on more contemporary influences.  

For example, John Clayton toured and recorded with Count Basie, while Jeff Hamilton did the same with Woody Herman. Coming off that experience, the two formed their own big band in 1985, drawing for the band personnel on many veterans of the LA jazz and studio scene, including greats like Snooky Young and George Bohannan. They founded a band that would rely on both past tradition and yet reflect their current influences.

We were thrilled to present the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra for concerts during Journey of Jazz in September. Our guests on that sailing got to experience what John and Jeff have created and nurtured all these years. But, if you missed those shows, guests of The Jazz Cruise will get to hear what John Clayton can do with Anita’s Big Band, an ensemble pulled from the musicians sailing with us that week. We won’t run down the whole lineup of musicians in that “pick-up” ensemble, but how about his trumpet section of Bijon Watson, Sean Jones, James Morrison, Terell Stafford and Randy Brecker (not listed in order of their chair seating)? Nuff said about that pick-up ensemble.

What’s further incredible is that John creates the arrangements for the shows during The Jazz Cruise shortly both before and after we set sail.

So, if you, as a guest on The Jazz Cruise, don’t see John hanging around the ship, it’s likely because he’s either in his room writing charts or in the theater in the AM hours rehearing those charts with one of the greatest big bands in jazz in pop-up fashion.

Isn’t it ironic that the greatness of a big band starts with the vision of one person? But one could argue that ALL of those great big bands started with one person. Just run through the list of the original innovators: Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton and so many others. Formidable leaders who put forward a sound they envisioned.

We’re honored that we have not only John Clayton aboard The Jazz Cruise, but also to have Christian McBride hosting his own sailing the week before, featuring his big band (along with other ensembles) performing with an all-star lineup of guest vocalists like Angèlique Kidjo, Samara Joy, Ledisi, Cècile McLorin Salvant and Josè James. After all, Christian got his first gigs as a teenager in Philadelphia with the Joe Sudler Jazz Machine, a big band featuring the best musicians from that scene, including many players from the famous Philly International/Sigma Sound sessions. 

If you want the best, you have to get the best. It’s an ethos we’ve tried to live up to.

– Lee Mergner

Jazz Cruises Conversations Podcast
John Clayton & Jeff Hamilton with Marcus Miller

This week’s episode of the Jazz Cruises Conversations podcast features an interview from the Journey of Jazz ’25 cruise with John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, hosted by Marcus Miller, during which they talk about their GRAMMY® Award-winning Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and all things big band.

Signature Cruise Experiences Programs

David Foster: The Hitman Cruise

1.15.26 – 1.20.26
A 5-Day Weekend Getaway with a Week’s Long Schedule of Talent

The amazing lineup of David Foster, Michael McDonald, Babyface, Katherine McPhee, Take 6, Nathan East, Peter Cincotti, Pia Toscano, Emmet Cohen (and more) is in place for this 5-day Cruise Getaway from Ft. Lauderdale on Celebrity Summit.

Truly a weekend getaway (Thursday – Tuesday) vacation, there will be more than 7 days of music presented in a 5-day cruise! The remaining inventory includes only Veranda, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms.
 
Staterooms in all remaining categories are available at BESTVALUE Cruise Prices. Be sure to use Promo Code: BESTVALUE when booking online or by calling the office.

Christian McBride’s World at Sea

1.20.26 – 1.27.26
Christian’s Ensembles + World Class Vocalists

Boasting one of the most robust and decorated lineups we have ever presented and led by 9X GRAMMY® Winner Christian McBride, this program will present more than 220 hours of top music over 7 days at sea. Besides Christian’s lineup of amazing ensembles that he leads (Inside Straight, Ursa Major, Christian McBride’s Big Band, Remembering Ray Brown, Christian’s Trio), the cruise also features some of the very best vocalists in the genre; Ledisi, Samara Joy, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Angélique Kidjo, Melissa Walker and José James.

Staterooms in all remaining categories are available at FINAL Prices. Be sure to use Promo Code: FINAL when booking online or by calling the office.

The Jazz Cruise

’26 (1.27.26 – 2.3.26) – Still the Greatest Jazz Festival at Sea
’27 (1.17.27 – 1.24.27) – Stay Tuned for More Information…Soon!

The Jazz Cruise is the first program that Signature Cruise Experiences ever produced. Since its first sailing in 2001, The Jazz Cruise has been the world leader in presenting “straight ahead” jazz at sea. With the new trend in land based jazz festivals including non-jazz music, The Jazz Cruise surpasses land based events for “straight ahead” jazz, too.

This cruise is fully reserved every year, and fewer than 75 staterooms remain for the ’26 sailing. Past Guests may use the Promo Code: SHIP to reserve a stateroom at favorable prices based on their sailing history. Information about The Jazz Cruise ’27 will be available on or before November 13, 2025.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise

6 Opportunities to sail on “The Greatest Party at Sea”

Known as “The Greatest Party at Sea,” The Smooth Jazz Cruise has sailed over 30 times since 2004. Year after year, there is a waitlist for staterooms and the cruises hit “fully reserved” earlier and earlier. Rich with great musicians, great fans and great times, The Smooth Jazz Cruise has created a community of fans that span the globe. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 & ’26.2, both of which sail in the Caribbean, are fully reserved with significant waitlists. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3, which will sail from Vancouver to Los Angeles with calls in Victoria and San Francisco, is more than 95% reserved at this time. This is a great opportunity to secure a reservation on this cruise which establishes your priority for other sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise.

Botti at Sea III (’26)

9.18.26 – 9.25.26
Chris Botti hosts a West Coast Cruise with Amazing Talent

The wait is over. It is time to begin the planning process for Botti at Sea III (’26). The lineup has been set for a few months. Joining Chris will be Elvis Costello, Boz Scaggs, Melody Gardot, Peabo Bryson, Regina Belle, Emmet Cohen, Candy Dulfer, John Splithoff, Morgan James, Benny Benack III, Kandace Springs, Harold Lopez-Nussa Trio ft. Gregoire Maret and more. The cruise will sail from Los Angeles to Vancouver, with calls in San Francisco and Victoria. Open Booking has already started, meaning any guest may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation online or by calling the office.

Journey of Jazz ’27

1.25.27 – 1.31.27
Where is Journey of Jazz Headed Next? New Orleans!

The inaugural sailing of Journey of Jazz ended a few weeks ago. The cruise was a wonderful experience and both hosts, Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter, are coming back for the next voyage. In keeping with our theme of great jazz experiences, Journey of Jazz ’27 will be headed to New Orleans for a special overnight jazz experience. Guests who sailed on Journey of Jazz ’25 have until December 12, 2025 to rebook their current stateroom. Others may complete a Pre-Sail Reservation through December 10, 2025. The full lineup will be announced on November 4, 2025.

The post Jazz Notes: 10.22.25 appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

While We Are At Sea

Though we are at sea for the next several weeks (January 28 – February 25), please know that while some of us are away, our office will be open during normal business hours, our email lines will be open and the websites for each of our cruise programs will be available 24/7.

These services are available to guests who have questions about their upcoming ’25 Sailings and those who wish to complete or discuss a ’26 Reservation. To contact us, you may choose among the following:

  Call the Office: 
Toll Free US & Canada – 888.852.9987
Toll Free International – 01.800.852.99872
Monday – Thursday: 10 AM ET – 6 PM ET
Friday: 10 AM ET – 5 PM ET

Inquire by E – Mail:
info@scecruises.com

Learn More or Make a Reservation:
www.scecruises.com or review SCE Brand Book
Select the Cruise Program You Wish
Follow prompts

Stateroom Availability

With 13 active cruise programs, it is difficult to keep up with Stateroom Availability. To assist you with your planning, below is a chart that we will update weekly in The Weekender. 

Cruise Programs 2025

Cruise Programs 2026

Hot Offers

Inside Staterooms are available on Journey of Jazz ’25. From now through February 28, you can reserve an Inside Stateroom on the cruise for under $2,000/person. Reservations are based upon double occupancy, available for new reservations only and non-commissionable. Further, this discount may not be combined with any other offer (Promo Code: ATSEA).

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25.2 has been fully reserved for months. Guests do cancel their reservations for various reasons and we place those staterooms with guests on the Wait List. If you are on the Wait List or wish to reserve a stateroom for one of these sailings, call the office for availability and pricing.

Sullivan Fortner’s Southern Nights

The pianist Sullivan Fortner, who was a big hit during the last two weeks with our guests sailing on The Jazz Cruise and Botti at Sea, has just released Southern Nights, his fifth album as a leader. 

Recorded live at the iconic Village Vanguard in NYC, the album features a wide-ranging repertoire, including tunes by Allen Toussaint and Clifford Brown, and tributes to Sullivan’s late mentor Bill Lee and Lee’s sister, the underappreciated pianist and educator Consuela Lee, as well as an original from Sullivan. Accompanied by bassist Peter Washington and drummer Marcus Gilmore, Sullivan celebrates his roots in the Crescent City.

“New Orleans is at the top of the Caribbean,” he explains. “It’s definitely not America. The Spanish and Caribbean influences run deep, and you can hear that in the music.”

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Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Now through February 28, or until fully reserved, promotional pricing is available on Inside Staterooms for Journey of Jazz! Make your reservation today using promo code ATSEA for significant savings*! Exciting land-based concerts and excursions are also available! *Discount applies to new reservations only. 

BOOK NOW

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Now Available!

Join us for a celebration of HBCUs and inspired by the tradition of the Divine Nine Challenge from recent sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), this cruise will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment. ALLBLK’s Homecoming: The Cruise is produced in association with the National HBCU Alumni Alliance and features Babyface, Chanté Moore, Take 6 and more! The best part is that we will award over $200,000 in scholarships to deserving organizations. Reserve Your Stateroom Today! 

BOOK NOW

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Open Booking Now Available!

9X GRAMMY® winner Christian McBride will host our newest Signature Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea! The cruise will feature legions of musicians who comprise the various ensembles that are the hallmarks of Christian’s music world AND first-class comedy talent. See the full lineup here!

Open Booking has begun! Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Starts February 19!

Hailed as “Jazz Heaven” by musicians and guests alike, The Jazz Cruise ’26 lineup will feature some of the most iconic musicians from the straight-ahead jazz genre. See the full lineup here.  Guests who registered for the Pre-Sail are selecting their staterooms now, and Open Booking will begin on February 19!

LEARN MORE

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Open Booking Now Available

 The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and staterooms are more than 85% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Headline Artist Just Announced – Keith Urban

Fans of the country genre love the music that represents the simple, humble American lifestyle and they love to party. Top Shelf Country Cruise brings these ideas together on a luxury ship for one unforgettable week, February 27 – March 6, 2026! The inaugural sailing will feature headline artist Keith Urban and widely popular personalities from iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show, led by Bobby Bones himself. Pre-Sail reservations are open now through tomorrow, February 9! Visit topshelfcountrycruise.com for more information and join the Pre-Sail today! 

LEARN MORE

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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, embarking in Vancouver, sailing to Victoria and San Francisco before disembarking in Los Angeles. Exciting land excursions will be available in the ports-of-call! The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom.

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’25 is Fully Reserved!
Pre-Sail Reservations Accepted Until February 11!
Open Booking Begins February 28

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard the Botti at Sea ’26 . Of course, Chris Botti will be there with his very talented band and, as always, we will fill the remaining performance slots with a variety of great music, comedy and more. Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail. 

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Mug Shot of the Week

Guests on the ’24 jazz cruises received The Weekender mug, which we hope you will use with your Saturday morning coffee while you read the latest edition. Please share a picture of yourself & your mug with us so that we can include it for the 100,000+ folks who receive The Weekender each Saturday.

Tag us @thejazzcruise, @bottiatsea, @thesmoothjazzcruise, #jazzcruises and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.

The post Our Take: From Botti to Smooth appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

“Jazz speaks for life. The Blues tell the story of life’s difficulties.”

These words were delivered by Dr. King as a written introduction to the Berlin Jazz Festival in 1964, the same city where Jesse Owens showed the world what true greatness looks like on a track field, where one of the world’s most odious governments was based and where, for decades, a divided city was the symbol of unrest and fear for us all.

1964 proved to be an important milepost in Dr. King’s life and career as his dream of passing the Civil Rights Act was achieved for which he was heralded worldwide and became Time Magazine’s “Man of the Year.” 60 years later, the efficacy of that legislation can be debated of course, but, at that time, it was groundbreaking and significant. 
 

“Much of the power of our Freedom Movement in the United States has come from this music. It has strengthened us with its sweet rhythms when courage began to fail. It has calmed us with its rich harmonies when spirits were down.”

I have read Dr. King’s speech dozens of times. The passage above speaks to me personally. How many times have you turned to jazz to soothe your nerves, lift your spirits or simply cope? For me, the number is “countless.”

Besides being on the precipice of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we are also just days away from Signature Jazz Cruises’ annual four weeks of jazz at sea. Four weeks of great music, lovely people sharing and being inclusive in every way, and, selfishly, a time to simply take in the beauty of life through music.
 

“…they (Jazz musicians) take the hardest realities of life and put them into music, only to come out with new hope and sense of triumph.”

Not every Jazz musician has suffered or has had to overcome adversity, but, as a genre, jazz clearly reflects that struggle and that pain. In the end, those who succeed in jazz are those who climb onto the bandstand and have something relevant to say. Not just as a solo performer, but mostly as part of a group of like-minded and like-talented musicians.

Strength of the individual blended with the need to share and get along. Dr. King was talking about jazz, for sure, but, as we who love this music know, jazz is a metaphor for life and how you should conduct your life.
 

“Everybody longs for meaning. Everybody needs to love and be loved. Everybody needs to clap hands and be happy. Everybody longs for faith. In music, especially this broad category called Jazz, there is a stepping stone towards all of these.”

Whether your cause is Civil Rights, saving the environment, curing diseases or, simply providing entertainment and solace for your guests, in living your life every day, remember Dr. King’s words.

May all our actions provide the path, the stepping stones, for happiness and love. It is with great honor for our entire Signature Cruise Experiences’ family to join in the global celebrations of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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, Homecoming: The Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

Angelique Kidjo at Jazz House Kids Benefit in March

On March 6, the dynamic vocalist Angelique Kidjo will perform as the special guest with Christian McBride in NYC at the Ralph Pucci 9th Annual Jazz Set that benefits the Jazz House Kids organization. Kidjo, who will be sailing on Christian McBride’s World at Sea next year, is a five-time GRAMMY® winner with 16 albums to her name. Her striking voice, stage presence and fluency in multiple cultures and languages have won respect from her peers and expanded her following across national borders. Kidjo has cross-pollinated the West African traditions of her childhood in Benin with elements of American R&B, funk and jazz as well as influences from Europe and Latin America.

Held at the ultra-modern 30,000 square-foot New York City showroom and warehouse of Ralph Pucci International, the event features both performance and conversation and will be taped for The Lowdown: Conversations with Christian on SiriusXM. Past performers in this gala event which has raised almost $2 million include Sting, Norah Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Diana Krall, Laurie Anderson, Gregory Porter, John Pizzarelli and esperanza spalding. “I am so excited to join my friend Christian at the Ralph Pucci 9th Annual Jazz Set,” Angelique said. “Music unites people from across the globe, and strengthens our communities. The work that Jazz House Kids does every day exemplifies this and I am honored to support its mission.”

JANUARY 28
Official Launch of Homecoming: The Cruise

In honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his profound connection to Morehouse College and membership in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, in 2026 the inaugural Homecoming: The Cruise will set sail. Excellence, Education and Entertainment are the guiding themes for this cruise as we honor the importance of Historic Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the sororities and fraternities of the National Pan – Hellenic Council (NPHC), more commonly referred to as the Divine Nine organizations.

The HBCU story, along with the history of the Divine Nine Sororities and Fraternities, are providing the impetus and energy for Homecoming: The Cruise, a Signature Cruise Experiences’ cruise program that will sail in one year from now. Excellence/ Education/ Entertainment…our goal for that sailing.

The Pre-Sail Reservation Procedure ended this week and we are preparing for the Official Launch of Homecoming: The Cruise on January 28, 2025. At that time, anyone may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation for this inaugural cruise.

Whether you are interested in the program’s HBCU Scholarship Program, enjoying the entertainment of Babyface, MC Lyte, Chanté Moore, Take 6, Nephew Tommy and more, or participating in the traditional events that make Homecoming at an HBCU institution or a Divine Nine sorority or fraternity so special. 

Open Booking begins at 10 AM ET on January 28. You can call our office or complete your reservation online. To learn more, go to Homecoming: The Cruise.

Support John Clayton

Kudos to Jeff Hamilton for establishing a support system for his longtime friend and colleague, John Clayton. John and his daughter each lost everything they own in the Los Angeles wildfires. They were not the only ones, of course, but John’s connection to our music, our programs and to our lives has been, and will continue to be, very special.

Besides the fund described below, you may send support to Gail Boyd, John’s longtime manager. For more information, go to gailboyd@gailboyd.com. Signature Cruise Experiences provided support in this manner as it allows for anonymity and avoids the cost of the GoFundMe process. Please note that GoFundMe keeps 14% of the donations.

Either way, we ask that you consider supporting John now. He has earned our assistance.

SUPPORT JOHN CLAYTON

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Now through February 25, or until fully reserved, promotional pricing is available on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms for Journey of Jazz! Make your reservation today using promo code ATSEA for significant savings*! Exciting land-based concerts and excursions are also available!

*Discount applies to new reservations only. 

BOOK NOW

HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Coming Soon!

Join us for a celebration of HBCUs and inspired by the tradition of the Divine Nine Challenge from recent sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Our newest cruise, sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment. 

ALLBLK’s Homecoming: The Cruise is produced in association with the National HBCU Alumni Alliance and features Babyface, Chanté Moore, Take 6 and more! The best part is that we will award over $200,000 in scholarships to deserving organizations. Open Booking begins on January 28th! 

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Open Booking Now Available!

9X GRAMMY® winner Christian McBride will host our newest Signature Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea! The cruise will feature legions of musicians who comprise the various ensembles that are the hallmarks of Christian’s music world AND first class comedy talent. See the full lineup here!

Open Booking has begun! Reserve your stateroom today! 

BOOK NOW

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Artist Lineup Now Available!

Hailed as “Jazz Heaven” by musicians and guests alike, The Jazz Cruise ’26 lineup will feature some of the most iconic musicians from the straight-ahead jazz genre. See the full lineup here. 

Guests sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’25 may reserve their current stateroom for the ’26 sailing now through Jan. 31, 2025. New guests and those not sailing in ‘25 may join the Pre-Sail now.

JOIN PRE-AIL

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.1 & 26.2
Reserve Your Stateroom Today!  

Both sailings for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25 are fully reserved and the Waitlist has more than 4,000 entrants. 
  
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and are over 80% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!

BOOK NOW

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Now in Open Booking!

For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast, embarking in Vancouver, sailing to Victoria and San Francisco before disembarking in Los Angeles. Exciting land excursions will be available in the ports-of-call!

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. 

BOOK NOW

BOTTI AT SEA’25 is Fully Reserved!
BOTTI AT SEA ’26 Just Announced!

Sailing from Los Angeles to Vancouver, with calls on San Francisco and Victoria, BC, Botti at Sea III (’26) is moving to the West Coast in September ’26! 

The website for the cruise will be available later this month, just before Botti at Sea II (’25) sails in February
Establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail. 

JOIN PRE-SAIL

The post OUR TAKE: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. & Jazz appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

Honoring Marcus Miller on Receiving the
Los Angeles Jazz Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award – 2024 

Introduction by Michael Lazaroff

In 2010, our company was discussing a new cruise program, one that would sail in the North Sea for several days and then dock in Rotterdam and become the hotel for folks attending the North Sea Jazz Festival. Working with MOJO, the Dutch company that produced the festival, we batted around names of top performers to play on the ship and then at the festival, but we needed a host.
 
For this event, we needed someone of the highest talent level, universally acknowledged as a superstar musician, known and revered by fans in Europe and the United States, as well as a person who had the people skills to engage guests from all over the world.
 
I asked the opinion of many musicians, agents and producers. Without a doubt, one name dominated the responses. Armed with that name, I contacted the folks at MOJO to share this information, but, before I could say a word, they asked me if I thought Marcus Miller would be acceptable to me. Laughing into the phone (no Zoom calls yet), I told them that Marcus was the near unanimous choice of those I polled.
 
Great, we were set. Marcus Miller would be the host of the North Sea Jazz Cruise.  There were two hurdles to making that happen. First, they asked me to contact him and make an offer. Second, though I knew the name and a lot about his career, I had never met the man.
 
Through a third party, I set up a meeting with Marcus at his studio in Los Angeles and flew out to meet him. I stumbled through my pitch afterwards Marcus asked two questions: “May I select the musicians?” and “Is there a budget for the talent?”
 
The answers were “yes” and “whatever you need.” As Bogie said to Claude Reins at the airport in Casablanca, this was “the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
 
The career of Marcus Miller spans decades and includes performing, composing, arranging and producing music with and for some of the most talented vocalists and instrumentalists in the world: Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Elton John, Roberta Flack, Al Jarreau, Bob James, Lalah Hathaway, Wayne Shorter and more. His talents have been utilized for live performances, recordings of all types, film, television and documentaries.
 
Perhaps his most famous associations were with David Sanborn, Luther Vandross and Miles Davis, a very diverse group of generational talents. Only someone with the talent of Marcus Miller could be the driving force for those three. Marcus Miller is a man for all music.
 
The experience with Marcus hosting the North Sea Jazz Festival was eye opening for us. Of course, we knew his musical chops, but he showed himself to be the very best host ever. He led the talent, engaged the guests and made himself available for all events.
 
Though, in no way is he a “smooth jazz” musician, when our host for that cruise, former NBA star Wayman Tisdale, became ill, Marcus stepped in to help his close friend host that program. 

Evidently, for years, Marcus and Wayman were exchanging bass lessons for basketball opportunities. Marcus served as a close confidante of Wayman’s during his tragic illness.

Upon Wayman’s passing, Marcus has become the leader of that program along with our other jazz programs. In fact, Marcus has hosted over 40 of our sailings. 

His talents on and off the bandstand are the best in our world of cruising. He is the straw that stirs this drink. In my 25 years of producing jazz events, I have learned that the best way to measure the stature of a musician is to watch them when they are with their colleagues.

Without fanfare or announcement, Marcus is the leader of every group of musicians with whom I have seen him. They hang on his every word, take stock of their status based upon his reaction to them and follow him on stage without hesitation.

Mind you, Marcus does not demand those reactions. In fact, he is more than a little oblivious to what he means to the others. In sports, you recognize the captain as the guy with the “C” on his jersey. In our jazz cruise world, just look for the man in the porkpie hat and follow him.
 
Before closing, I want to share a personal message. Marcus and his talented and brilliant wife, Brenda, have been the most significant association we have had during our 25 years of producing cruises. Never once has there been even a hint of conflict or concern. They have shown us respect and friendship and, we have tried to return those feelings at every turn.
 
“Do not hire your friends” is a very good business rule. But there is no rule against becoming friends with your business associates. It is my honor and privilege to call Marcus and Brenda my friends and I applaud the Los Angeles Jazz Society for having the wisdom and knowledge to honor Marcus Miller with its highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award for 2024.

At this point, I anticipate thunderous applause from the audience, as they acknowledge the greatness of Marcus Miller and enjoy the relief of me not speaking any more.

I consider Marcus Miller to be the most complete and talented jazz musician I have ever known. But, what I admire most is his natural leadership skills. When on stage, he is always in charge, but never once have I heard him say something to assert that role. He simply does what he does and everyone knows to listen and follow.

Never once have I seen or heard him “brag” or “boast.” Well, there is the story of him telling Alonzo and me about his time with Prince Albert of Monaco. Alonzo asked a question about one matter Marcus mentioned. Responding as naturally as possible, Marcus told us the “he and Al” were working on a solution. “Al,” really!

Funny thing, it never dawned on him that others might find that reference to be a boast. He just does not think that way.

If only everyone in the world followed his lead. Just as all musicians do!

By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea and Journey of Jazz. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3
Will Be Announced On October 11!

With the number of completed reservations and Pre-Sale Reservations totaling over 2,000, Jazz Cruises will be announcing the plans for a third sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26. Though the full details are being finalized, here is what we know now:
 

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.3
Dates: September 11, 2026 – September 18, 2026
Ship: Celebrity Summit
Port of Embarkation: Vancouver, BC
Port of Disembarkation: Los Angeles
Additional Ports-of-Call: Victoria BC and San Francisco (overnight)
Cruise Hosts: Marcus Miller & Boney James

Special Guests, Artists and Featured Performers will be announced, together with the reservation procedure, on October 11, 2024! A Special Announcement Webinar will be presented that day as well and Jazz Cruises will answer all questions you may have in real time. You may sign up for the webinar HERE.

NOTICE: To Guests With Reservations on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’26.1 or ’26.2 (’26.1/’26.2 Guests)
 

• The purpose of adding a third sailing is to provide all guests with the opportunity to sail on The Smooth Jazz Cruise. ’26.1 or ’26.2 Guests may not reserve a stateroom on the ’26.3 Cruise until every guest holding a Pre-Sale Reservation for any ’26 sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise has had the opportunity to reserve a stateroom.

Soon after the announcement of the ‘26.3 Cruise, ’26.1 or ’26.2 Guests will be provided an opportunity (small window) to transfer their reservations to The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 (“‘26.3 Cruise”). In doing so, such guests will be relinquishing their current reservations, which will be made available to guests wishing to sail on one of those earlier sailings.

No system or procedure is perfect, but, by adding a third sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise, allowing ’26.1/’26.2 Guests to transfer to ’26.3, and restricting ’26.1/’26.2 Guests from reserving a stateroom for ’26.3, we believe that we have configured a very fair, equitable and user-friendly system to allow more guests to enjoy a ’26 sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise.

John Clayton to Be Honored at Jazz Congress

John Clayton, who, for many years has ably led Anita’s Big Band on The Jazz Cruise, will be presented with the Bruce Lundvall Visionary Award at the Jazz Congress held Jan. 8-9, 2025 at Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC. The award was created in 2014 in honor of the longtime jazz record executive who was a champion and advocate for so many jazz artists over the last four decades. The annual award recognizes someone who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and vision in expanding the audience for jazz and who has made a real difference for the artists, the music and the audience. Previous recipients include Randall Kline, Brice Rosenbloom, Christian McBride, Terri Lyne Carrington, Darlene Chan, Barry Harris, Danilo Perez and Dee Dee Bridgewater  Pianist Gerald Clayton will present his father with the award during the keynote session of Jazz Congress.

The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra’s Centennial:
The Music of Thad Jones

The Vanguard Orchestra, which features several All-Stars and Anita’s Big Band members from The Jazz Cruise (including Gary Smulyan, Dick Oatts and Terell Stafford), has just released Centennial: The Music of Thad Jones, an album celebrating the noted trumpeter and big band leader. Released on BCM+D Records, Centennial is a two-album set captured live at the ensemble’s Monday night home for nearly six decades, the Village Vanguard. The Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, which he co-founded in 1966, modernized the big band sound as the world changed through the late ’60s and early ’70s. Jones’ writing and arranging drew upon the inspiration of two of the most iconic bands in jazz history: Duke Ellington and Count Basie, in whose band Jones had launched his career.  “Thad set the Orchestra up as a small group with a lot of horns,” says lead alto saxophonist Dick Oatts, the current band’s senior member and artistic director. “The way Thad wrote was just ingenious. It was the future of the jazz big band tradition.”

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’25
FULLY RESERVED
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary
The Jazz Cruise ’26 to be Announced Soon!

The Jazz Cruise ’25 is fully reserved. Since the cruise does
not sail for several months, there will be cancellations and staterooms will become available. Stateroom vacancies are filled from the Waitlist, which is not lengthy right now. If you wish to sail on The Jazz Cruise ’25, we urge you to JOIN WAITLIST now.  

JOIN WAITLIST

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2
Pre-Sale Reservation
Holders Begin Booking

Both sailings for 2025 are fully reserved and the Waitlist has more than 4,000 entrants. 
  
We are now focused on reservations for the ’26 Sailings. Three waves of guests with Pre-Sale Reservations (each wave with 200 holders) have become eligible to reserve a stateroom. 

We will continue to activate holders in groups until all those holding Pre-Sale Reservations can book. Open Booking begins on October 17.

See above for the announcement of the 3rd sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise in ’26! 

JOIN PRE-SALE

Signature Cruise Experiences Mug Shots of the Week

Guests on the ’24 jazz cruises received The Weekender mug, which we hope you will use with your Saturday morning coffee while you read the latest edition. Please share a picture of yourself & your mug with us so that we can include it for the 100,000+ folks who receive The Weekender each Saturday.

Tag us @thejazzcruise, @bottiatsea, @thesmoothjazzcruise, #jazzcruises and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.

The post OUR TAKE: Honoring Marcus Miller appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

New Music

Two artists who have sailed on several of our programs have just released new albums. We hope you will give them a listen.

Etienne Charles’ Creole Orchestra

With Creole Orchestra, his 10th album as a leader and first for a large ensemble, trumpeter/composer/arranger (and Trinidad native) Etienne Charles delivers a mix of creole flavors, channeling a cross section of energies from reggae and soca dancehalls to hip-hop and then back in time to the swinging days of the Savoy Ballroom. Showcased on the new album are the Haitian-American rhythm section tandem of drummer Obed Calvaire and bassist Jonathan Michel, as well as pianist Sullivan Fortner, trumpeter Giveton Gelin, saxophonist Godwin Louis, and cuatro maestro Jorge Glem. Vocalist Rene Marie makes a guest star appearance on three tracks, including two of her own compositions.

The history of big band influence in the Caribbean stems from the establishment of two U.S. naval bases on Trinidad during World War II. Along with the military bases came Trinidad’s first radio station, “and the music played was big band music, Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington,” said Etienne. “You immediately started hearing mini-big band arrangements mimicking the Ellington and Miller styles on Trinidadian calypso recordings.” 

Matt Wilson’s Good Trouble

Also released this week was drummer/composer Matt Wilson’s latest album which celebrates the legacy of John Lewis. Standing on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama 55 years to the day after he was nearly killed while marching for Civil Rights, Congressman John Lewis urged the crowd to, “Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.” Those words have inspired countless Americans in the last few years, Wilson among them.

“I tend to think about what we do as musicians as ‘good trouble,’” Wilson says. “We want to be provocative, we want to make statements, we want to open doors for people. Representative Lewis’ words inspire people to do what they can do from where they are. I’m not an elected official, but there are things we can do with just good deeds.” That mission drives the music on Good Trouble, which also debuts a new quintet, also christened Good Trouble, which features a blend of longtime collaborators and new acquaintances: alto saxophonist Tia Fuller, tenor saxophonist and clarinetist Jeff Lederer, pianist and vocalist Dawn Clement and bassist Ben Allison.

Jazz Cruises’ ’25 Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’25
Celebrating its 25^th Anniversary
The Last 90 Staterooms…Act Now!

The plans for the 25th Anniversary sailing of The Jazz Cruise ’25 are spectacular. The cruise is over 92% reserved and is currently in Open Booking, which means that anyone may reserve any available stateroom. The remaining inventory, totaling 90+ staterooms, includes Veranda, Ocean View and Inside Staterooms.

BOOK NOW

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 & ‘25.2
Starting its 3^rd Decade
Both Sailings Fully Reserved

With both sailings being fully reserved, guests wishing to sail on a ’25 sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise should JOIN WAITLIST now. Cancellations will be filled exclusively from the WAITLIST. WAITLIST guests qualify for special terms when reserving a stateroom on The Jazz Cruise ’25 or Botti at Sea II.

JOIN WAITLIST

Botti at Sea ’25
Every Night is a Night on the Town
New Performer – Diana Krall!

Botti at Sea II is over 65% reserved. Anyone may reserve an available stateroom by calling the office during regular business hours or doing so online. It was this time last year that there was a “run” on staterooms, so act now! Diana Krall just added to the lineup! 

BOOK NOW

Journey of Jazz ’25
Jazz Life at Sea & On Land 
Reserve Now – Land Events Menu Soon 

Jazz Cruises’ newest program, Journey of Jazz, hosted by Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter, is in Open Booking. Though not sailing for 15 months, the cruise is more than 65% reserved. Menu of land-based events in Victoria and San Francisco to be announced in late July! Reserve your stateroom now to be eligible for events at that time. 

BOOK NOW

Mug Shots of the Week

Guests on the ’24 jazz cruises received The Weekender mug, which we hope you will use with your Saturday morning coffee while you read the latest edition. Please share a picture of yourself & your mug with us so that we can include it for the 100,000+ folks who receive The Weekender each Saturday.

Tag us @thejazzcruise @bottiatsea @thesmoothjazzcruise #jazzcruises and #theweekender. Email your photo to MugShot@scecruises.com.

The post OUR TAKE: The Circle of Jazz appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.