“I just want to continue to explore the boundaries of what I am capable of as a musician,” declares acclaimed chart-topping trumpeter, composer and producer Rick Braun. Known for his impeccable technical chops, melodic wizardry and keen compositional prowess, the consummate Los Angeles based musician has been thrilling audiences for decades. Braun has made a […]
Read more »
Soulful, passionate, stirring…these are the words most often used to describe Kirk Whalum’s music. Forged from his Memphis, (TN) gospel roots and his 1980‘s initiation into the thriving Houston, TX nightclub scene, Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. The 80’s were highlighted by Kirk’s stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming […]
Talaya, a celebrated figure in the world of jazz radio, graces the airwaves with her captivating contemporary jazz on SiriusXM’s Watercolors, and she also hosts a weekly show on Real Jazz. Her radio journey began in her hometown of Albuquerque at KUNM, where she played jazz and Latin jazz. After studying at San Francisco State […]
Vanessa Williams is one of the most respected and multi-faceted performers in entertainment today. She has conquered the musical charts, Broadway, music videos, television and motion pictures. She has sold millions of albums worldwide and has achieved critical acclaim as an actress on stage, in film and on television. Her albums The Right Stuff, The […]
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Gerald Albright was already an accomplished saxophonist by the time he enrolled at the University of Redlands, but he switched to bass after he saw Louis Johnson in concert. A few months after graduating from college, he joined jazz pianist/R&B singer Patrice Rushen, who was in the process of forming her own […]
If you have heard Michael “Patches” Stewart play his instrument, it will come as no surprise to learn he was born and raised in the city where Jazz was born — New Orleans, Louisiana. He fell in love with the trumpet at a very young age. It was during his high school years that he acquired […]
Currently the touring guitarist with smooth jazz elites Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Boney James, and Euge Groove, and performing as a solo artist, Gerey Johnson has been on the contemporary jazz scene for years as a musician, songwriter, producer and record company executive. Along with being a band leader and show host here on the […]
Jay Williams is no stranger to the Gospel, Jazz and R&B community. With a little over 3 decades of experience, Jay combines fine technique, professionalism, structure and discipline to the God-given art of drumming he has been blessed. Jay started playing drums at the tender age of 3, along side his dad the late Judge […]
Randy Jacobs, a San Francisco native raised in Detroit, embarked on his music career at the tender age of 13. He started by working with Motown’s renowned writers, producers, and artists, gaining experience while developing his unique no-plectrum playing style. One of Jacobs’ early breakthroughs was co-authoring the Top-Five R&B hit, “Wide Receiver,” alongside former […]
Nate Phillips is a long time member of the The Smooth Jazz Cruise family going on 19 years, probably one of the longest reigns of almost anyone. With Nate’s musical history which includes sessions and tours with many of the artist who perform on our cruises he continues to enjoy his love of music and […]
An incredible fusion jazz artist with ten studio albums on his list of accomplishments, saxophonist Marcus Anderson brings R&B, Pop, Rock, Latin and Funk to make music that puts listeners in another atmosphere. Charting number one in both categories of Billboard’s Smooth Jazz and Sirius XM’s Watercolors with his exceptional hit “A Cup Of Joe” […]
Mr. Talkbox (Byron Chambers) is the world’s top Talkbox artist & voice, having collaborated on the Intro of Multi-Grammy Award winning song “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars. He’s also the sampled voice on Kendrick Lamar’s “Loyalty” featuring Rihanna and he’s featured on the Cardi B/Bruno Mars collab “Please Me.” The Orlando-born, Nashville-based hip-hop and R&B artist, who plays urban contemporary gospel, contemporary R&B and funk, has five No. 1 Singles in Japan, a 2016 Grammy Award nomination and is a 2-time Dove Award […]
Driven by the ever-evolving musical vision of core members – Brothers Eric and Billy Mondragon and close family friend Damon Reel – Southern California’s premiere R&B, funk and contemporary powerhouse band DW3’s deepening artistry continues to transcend a well-earned reputation as a high energy, fun and freewheeling party band. Eric, Billy and Damon all contribute […]
Claude McKnight, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Alvin Chea and Khristian Dentley Heralded by Quincy Jones as the “baddest vocal cats on the planet,” Take 6 is the quintessential a cappella group and model for vocal genius. Six virtuosic voices united in crystal clear harmony, against a backdrop of syncopated rhythms, innovative arrangements and funky […]