The Jazz Cruise lineups are comprised of nearly 100 of the very top jazz musicians in the world. Over the years, several musicians have become mainstays of the cruise and return nearly every year. Another large group of musicians are frequent, though not perennial participants, and, whenever possible The Jazz Cruise features a musician who is either new on the scene or simply new to the cruise. This combination of musicians creates excitement and enthusiasm, while maintaining a solid base upon which the aura of the cruise is built.
Emmet Cohen
Host
Emmet Cohen
Host
Multifaceted jazz pianist and composer Emmet Cohen is one of this generation’s pivotal artistic figures. Downbeat praised the “nimble touch, measured stride and warm harmonic vocabulary” he employs to communicate with other musicians and audiences at what he terms “the deepest level of humanity and individuality.”
Leader of the Emmet Cohen Trio, Cohen is an international jazz artist and clinician who inspires student performers of all ages to become, like himself, responsive to their audiences. He has appeared in the Newport, Monterey, and North Sea Jazz Festivals, among others, and at many famous music venues, including Rose Hall and the Kennedy Center. Cohen has also played in legendary nightspots, such as the Village Vanguard, The Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Birdland, Jazz Standard, Ronnie Scott’s, and Jazzhaus Montmartre. He is Hammond B-3 organist-in-residence at Harlem’s SMOKE jazz club. A Suzuki piano student at age 3, Cohen holds jazz piano degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and the University of Miami.
He was a finalist in both the American Pianists Association’s Cole Porter Fellowship (2015, 2011) and the Thelonious Monk International Piano Competition (2011).
Ron Carter Quartet
Ron Carter Quartet
Ron Carter is among the most original, prolific, and influential bassists in jazz. With more than 2,500 albums to his credit, he has recorded with many of music’s greats: Tommy Flanagan, Gil Evans, Lena Horne, Bill Evans, B.B. King, the Kronos Quartet, Dexter Gordon, Wes Montgomery and Bobby Timmons. In the early 1960s, he performed throughout the United States in concert halls and nightclubs with Jaki Byard and Eric Dolphy.
He later toured Europe with Cannonball Adderley. From 1963 to 1968, he was a member of the classic and acclaimed Miles Davis Quintet. He was named Outstanding Bassist of the Decade by the Detroit News, Jazz Bassist of the Year by Downbeat Magazine and Most Valuable Player by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
In 1993, Ron earned a GRAMMY® award for Best Jazz Instrumental Group, the Miles Davis Tribute Band and another GRAMMY® in 1998 for Call ‘Sheet Blues’, an instrumental composition from the film ‘Round Midnight.
He later toured Europe with Cannonball Adderley. From 1963 to 1968, he was a member of the classic and acclaimed Miles Davis Quintet. He was named Outstanding Bassist of the Decade by the Detroit News, Jazz Bassist of the Year by Downbeat Magazine and Most Valuable Player by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
In 1993, Ron earned a GRAMMY® award for Best Jazz Instrumental Group, the Miles Davis Tribute Band and another GRAMMY® in 1998 for Call ‘Sheet Blues’, an instrumental composition from the film ‘Round Midnight.
Paquito D’Rivera
Paquito D’Rivera
Paquito D’Rivera has won a combined 11 GRAMMY® and Latin GRAMMY® Awards. He is celebrated both for his artistry in Latin jazz and his achievements as a classical composer. He is the recipient of the NEA Jazz Masters Award 2005 and the National Medal of the Arts 2005, as well as the Living Jazz Legend Award from the Kennedy Center, Washington, D.C. in 2007.
Born in Havana, Cuba, he performed at age 10 with the National Theater Orchestra, studied at the Havana Conservatory of Music, and at 17, became a featured soloist with the Cuban National Symphony. As a founding member of the Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna, he directed that group for two years, while at the same time playing both the clarinet and saxophone with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra.
His numerous recordings include more than 30 solo albums and has rapidly gained a reputation as an accomplished composer.
Born in Havana, Cuba, he performed at age 10 with the National Theater Orchestra, studied at the Havana Conservatory of Music, and at 17, became a featured soloist with the Cuban National Symphony. As a founding member of the Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna, he directed that group for two years, while at the same time playing both the clarinet and saxophone with the Cuban National Symphony Orchestra.
His numerous recordings include more than 30 solo albums and has rapidly gained a reputation as an accomplished composer.
Chucho Valdés
Chucho Valdés
In a career spanning more than 60 years, both as a solo artist and bandleader, Chucho Valdés has distilled elements of the Afro-Cuban music tradition, jazz, classical music, rock and more, into a deeply personal style. Winner of seven GRAMMY® and four Latin GRAMMY® Awards, Mr. Valdés, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Science last year and was also inducted in the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.
His most recent project on record, Jazz Batá 2, revisits a revolutionary idea that Valdés first recorded in 1972: a piano jazz trio featuring batá drums, the sacred, hourglass-shaped drums used in the ritual music of the Yoruba religion in Cuba, in place of the conventional trap set. Jazz Batá 2 won a Latin GRAMMY® as Best Latin Jazz album and was selected as one of Billboard magazine’s list of The 50 Best Latin Albums of the Decade.
These days he appears energized by his much-awaited reunion with his old friend and bandmate, the extraordinary clarinetist, saxophonist and composer Paquito D’Rivera. They have rarely played together for the past 40 years, and since their reunion, they have wasted no time in making appearances.
His most recent project on record, Jazz Batá 2, revisits a revolutionary idea that Valdés first recorded in 1972: a piano jazz trio featuring batá drums, the sacred, hourglass-shaped drums used in the ritual music of the Yoruba religion in Cuba, in place of the conventional trap set. Jazz Batá 2 won a Latin GRAMMY® as Best Latin Jazz album and was selected as one of Billboard magazine’s list of The 50 Best Latin Albums of the Decade.
These days he appears energized by his much-awaited reunion with his old friend and bandmate, the extraordinary clarinetist, saxophonist and composer Paquito D’Rivera. They have rarely played together for the past 40 years, and since their reunion, they have wasted no time in making appearances.
Dee Dee Bridgewater
Dee Dee Bridgewater
Over the course of a multifaceted career, GRAMMY® Dee Dee Bridgewater has ascended to the upper echelon of vocalists, uniquely spinning standards and taking intrepid leaps of faith re-envisioning jazz classics. Fearless pioneer and keeper of tradition, the three-time GRAMMY®-winner’s most recent win was for Best Jazz Vocal Album – Eleanora Fagan (1915-1959): To Billie With Love From Dee Dee.
Bridging genres, her first professional experience was as a member of the legendary Thad Jones/Mel Louis Big Band. Throughout the 70’s, she performed with jazz notables Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon and Dizzy Gillespie among others.
With a parallel career in musical theater, Bridgewater won a Tony Award for her role as “Glinda” in The Wiz (1975). Her other theatrical credits include Sophisticated Ladies, Black Ballad, Carmen and Cabaret. With film, television and soundtrack credits, Bridgewater is an accomplished entertainment “polymath.”
As a legacy Goodwill Ambassador to the UN FAO, Bridgewater champions global efforts in the fight against world hunger. A 2017 NEA Jazz Master, Bridgewater is an ASCAP Champion Awardee, Doris Duke Artist (2018) and Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductee (2019). She serves as co-Founder and co-Artistic Director of The Woodshed Network.
Bridging genres, her first professional experience was as a member of the legendary Thad Jones/Mel Louis Big Band. Throughout the 70’s, she performed with jazz notables Max Roach, Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon and Dizzy Gillespie among others.
With a parallel career in musical theater, Bridgewater won a Tony Award for her role as “Glinda” in The Wiz (1975). Her other theatrical credits include Sophisticated Ladies, Black Ballad, Carmen and Cabaret. With film, television and soundtrack credits, Bridgewater is an accomplished entertainment “polymath.”
As a legacy Goodwill Ambassador to the UN FAO, Bridgewater champions global efforts in the fight against world hunger. A 2017 NEA Jazz Master, Bridgewater is an ASCAP Champion Awardee, Doris Duke Artist (2018) and Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductee (2019). She serves as co-Founder and co-Artistic Director of The Woodshed Network.
Monty Alexander
Monty Alexander
Nearly 60 years after he moved to the United States from his home country of Jamaica, GRAMMY®-nominated pianist Monty Alexander is an American classic, touring the world relentlessly with various projects, delighting a global audience drawn to his vibrant personality and soulful message. A perennial favorite at Jazz festivals and venues worldwide, his spirited conception is one informed by the timeless verities: endless melody-making, effervescent grooves, sophisticated voicings, a romantic spirit and a consistent predisposition, as Alexander accurately states, “to build up the heat and kick up a storm.”
In the course of any given performance, Alexander applies those aesthetics to a repertoire spanning a broad range of jazz and Jamaican musical expressions—the American songbook and the blues, gospel and bebop, calypso and reggae. Monty has appeared on more than 75 recordings and is cited as the fifth greatest jazz pianist ever.
In the course of any given performance, Alexander applies those aesthetics to a repertoire spanning a broad range of jazz and Jamaican musical expressions—the American songbook and the blues, gospel and bebop, calypso and reggae. Monty has appeared on more than 75 recordings and is cited as the fifth greatest jazz pianist ever.
Houston Person Quartet
Houston Person Quartet
Houston Person is a legend in jazz. After years as producer and house tenor for HighNote Records and touring with the late Etta Jones, Person is now known as a master of popular songs played in a relaxed, highly accessible style reminiscent of the great Ben Webster.
Houston’s appearances as sideman are legion, and include recordings with Etta Jones, Lena Horne, Lou Rawls, Dakota Staton, Horace Silver, Charles Earland, Joey DeFrancesco and many others. As a record producer, he has worked with many artists, including Etta Jones, Freddy Cole, Charles Brown, David ‘Fathead’ Newman, Dakota Staton and Ernie Andrews.
The Jazz Cruise knows him best as the most influential person in the history and development of the program. From the start (2001), Houston has been the heart and soul of the cruise, offering his music in a style that makes everyone happy. His grace and leadership have kept The Jazz Cruise on the right track for more than 20 years.
Houston’s appearances as sideman are legion, and include recordings with Etta Jones, Lena Horne, Lou Rawls, Dakota Staton, Horace Silver, Charles Earland, Joey DeFrancesco and many others. As a record producer, he has worked with many artists, including Etta Jones, Freddy Cole, Charles Brown, David ‘Fathead’ Newman, Dakota Staton and Ernie Andrews.
The Jazz Cruise knows him best as the most influential person in the history and development of the program. From the start (2001), Houston has been the heart and soul of the cruise, offering his music in a style that makes everyone happy. His grace and leadership have kept The Jazz Cruise on the right track for more than 20 years.
Kurt Elling
Kurt Elling
Renowned for his singular combination of robust swing and poetic insight, two-time GRAMMY® winner Kurt Elling has secured his place among the world’s foremost jazz vocalists. Declared “the standout male vocalist of our time” by The New York Times, Elling has garnered unprecedented accolades, including a 14-year run atop the DownBeat Critics Poll, a dozen GRAMMY® nominations, and eight Jazz Journalists Association awards for “Male Singer of the Year.”
Kurt has toured the world in a variety of contexts, including UNESCO-sponsored “International Jazz Day” performances in Havana, Cuba, in St. Petersburg, Russia, in Melbourne, Australia and in Washington DC. He has twice performed at the White House, including a performance in collaboration with the late Marvin Hamlisch and the National Symphony Orchestra for President Obama’s first State Dinner. He has served as Artist-In-Residence at the Monterey and Singapore Jazz Festivals.
In recent years, Kurt has been recording and performing with guitarist Charlie Hunter in their SuperBlue project. Before that he also collaborated as a co-leader with Branford Marsalis and his quartet on Upward Spiral and Danilo Perez on Secrets Are the Best Stories; the former was nominated for a GRAMMY® and the latter won a GRAMMY® for Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2020. Influenced by Mark Murphy and Jon Hendricks, Kurt is also known not only for adapting instrumental compositions for vocals, but also for taking poetry and turning it into a stirring jazz tune.
The Jazz Cruise proudly counts Kurt among those very special performers who make the cruise special every year. We call them the Pillars of The Jazz Cruise.
Kurt has toured the world in a variety of contexts, including UNESCO-sponsored “International Jazz Day” performances in Havana, Cuba, in St. Petersburg, Russia, in Melbourne, Australia and in Washington DC. He has twice performed at the White House, including a performance in collaboration with the late Marvin Hamlisch and the National Symphony Orchestra for President Obama’s first State Dinner. He has served as Artist-In-Residence at the Monterey and Singapore Jazz Festivals.
In recent years, Kurt has been recording and performing with guitarist Charlie Hunter in their SuperBlue project. Before that he also collaborated as a co-leader with Branford Marsalis and his quartet on Upward Spiral and Danilo Perez on Secrets Are the Best Stories; the former was nominated for a GRAMMY® and the latter won a GRAMMY® for Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2020. Influenced by Mark Murphy and Jon Hendricks, Kurt is also known not only for adapting instrumental compositions for vocals, but also for taking poetry and turning it into a stirring jazz tune.
The Jazz Cruise proudly counts Kurt among those very special performers who make the cruise special every year. We call them the Pillars of The Jazz Cruise.
Catherine Russell
Event Host
Catherine Russell
Event Host
Vocalist Catherine Russell is a native New Yorker and was born into musical royalty. Her father, Luis Russell, was a legendary pianist, composer, bandleader and Louis Armstrong’s long-time musical director. Her mother, Carline Ray, was a pioneering vocalist and guitarist. After graduating with honors from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she toured and recorded with Steely Dan, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, among others, appearing on over 200 albums.
She began her own solo career in 2005 and would go on to release eight albums as a leader, two of which, Harlem On My Mind and Alone Together, earned GRAMMY® nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Her latest album, Send For Me, received rave reviews in national media outlets, while she performed a concert for NPR Tiny Desk (Home).
A favorite on The Jazz Cruise, Catherine has been a hit at major jazz festivals including Monterey, Newport, North Sea, JazzAscona, Montreal, Bern, Tanglewood and at sold-out venues like The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Scullers in Boston, The Dakota in Minneapolis, Jazz at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in NYC, SFJAZZ in San Francisco and Pasadena Pops in Los Angeles.
In recent years, Catherine has been performing concerts with the John Pizzarelli Trio in a show called “Billie and Blue Eyes,” in which the two pay tribute to Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra.
She began her own solo career in 2005 and would go on to release eight albums as a leader, two of which, Harlem On My Mind and Alone Together, earned GRAMMY® nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Her latest album, Send For Me, received rave reviews in national media outlets, while she performed a concert for NPR Tiny Desk (Home).
A favorite on The Jazz Cruise, Catherine has been a hit at major jazz festivals including Monterey, Newport, North Sea, JazzAscona, Montreal, Bern, Tanglewood and at sold-out venues like The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Scullers in Boston, The Dakota in Minneapolis, Jazz at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in NYC, SFJAZZ in San Francisco and Pasadena Pops in Los Angeles.
In recent years, Catherine has been performing concerts with the John Pizzarelli Trio in a show called “Billie and Blue Eyes,” in which the two pay tribute to Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra.
John Pizzarelli
John Pizzarelli
John Pizzarelli, world-renowned guitarist and singer, is a premier contemporary interpreter of the Great American Songbook, with a repertoire that includes Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Tom Waits, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Frank Sinatra and The Beatles. He has been hailed by The Boston Globe for “reinvigorating the Great American Songbook and repopularizing jazz.” The Toronto Star pegged him as “the genial genius of the guitar.” A walking history of American popular history, John has performed and recorded with a wide variety of icons in American music, including George Shearing, Rosemary Clooney, Johnny Frigo, Sir Paul McCartney, Michael McDonald and various orchestras.
John’s “formal” musical education was held on the road with his famous father, the legendary Bucky Pizzarelli. The teaching produced great results, accelerating John’s ascendancy in the music world. John has created musical tributes to both Nat King Cole and, more recently, Pat Metheny. He’s recorded more than 30 albums as a leader, including his latest, Stage and Screen, featuring compositions from various films and musicals.
In 2020, John collaborated with the singer-songwriter James Taylor for his album American Standard, featuring songs from the Great American Songbook. In addition to working with Catherine Russell in a show they call “Billie and Blue Eyes”—a tribute to Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra—John performs regularly with his wife, vocalist Jessica Molaskey, with whom he hosts the popular radio show “Radio Deluxe” and appears in an annual residency at the Café Carlyle in NYC.
John’s “formal” musical education was held on the road with his famous father, the legendary Bucky Pizzarelli. The teaching produced great results, accelerating John’s ascendancy in the music world. John has created musical tributes to both Nat King Cole and, more recently, Pat Metheny. He’s recorded more than 30 albums as a leader, including his latest, Stage and Screen, featuring compositions from various films and musicals.
In 2020, John collaborated with the singer-songwriter James Taylor for his album American Standard, featuring songs from the Great American Songbook. In addition to working with Catherine Russell in a show they call “Billie and Blue Eyes”—a tribute to Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra—John performs regularly with his wife, vocalist Jessica Molaskey, with whom he hosts the popular radio show “Radio Deluxe” and appears in an annual residency at the Café Carlyle in NYC.
Jeff Hamilton
Jeff Hamilton
An adaptable and swinging jazz drummer, Jeff Hamilton has distinguished himself as an in-demand sideman and bandleader, working with both his own trio and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Initially emerging in Los Angeles in the 1970s, Hamilton built his reputation playing with big bands before coming to wider recognition as a member of the illustrious Ray Brown Trio in the ’80s and ’90s. Building upon Brown‘s trio format, Hamilton launched his own group, issuing a steady flow of highly regarded acoustic jazz dates like 1994’s It’s Hamilton Time, 2009’s Symbiosis, and 2017’s Dreamsville. At the same time, he co-leads his big band with bassist John Clayton and saxophonist Jeff Clayton, issuing sophisticated large group dates like 1999’s Explosive! with Milt Jackson and 2014’s Grammy-nominated The L.A. Treasure’s Project.
Anat Cohen
Anat Cohen
Ever charismatic, prolific and inspired, GRAMMY®-nominated clarinetist-saxophonist Anat Cohen has won hearts and minds the world over with her expressive virtuosity and delightful stage presence. Anat has been declared Clarinetist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association every year since 2007 and has also been named the top clarinetist in both the readers and critics polls in DownBeat for multiple years running.
Anat was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, and raised into a musical family. At 16, she joined the school’s big band and learned to play the tenor saxophone. After graduation, she discharged her mandatory Israeli military service duty from 1993-95, playing tenor saxophone in the Israeli Air Force band.
Anat has collaborated regularly with one of her heroes, Cuban-American clarinetist-saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera, who introduced her onstage at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in the Jazz at Lincoln Center complex as “one of the greatest players ever of the clarinet.”
Anat was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, and raised into a musical family. At 16, she joined the school’s big band and learned to play the tenor saxophone. After graduation, she discharged her mandatory Israeli military service duty from 1993-95, playing tenor saxophone in the Israeli Air Force band.
Anat has collaborated regularly with one of her heroes, Cuban-American clarinetist-saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera, who introduced her onstage at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in the Jazz at Lincoln Center complex as “one of the greatest players ever of the clarinet.”
Janis Siegel
Janis Siegel
For nearly 60 years, Janis Siegel’s voice has been an undeniable force in the world of jazz and popular music. A founding member of The Manhattan Transfer, Janis’ powerful and versatile voice became one of the groups most recognized trademarks – singing lead on some of their biggest hits. Performing for audiences around the world, TMT and Siegel amassed a large international fan base and garnered consistently high critical praise, including ten GRAMMY® awards and 18 GRAMMY® nominations.
Siegel has also enjoyed an eclectic solo career, spawning more than a dozen finely crafted solo albums and participating in numerous collaborative projects with some of the world’s most renowned musicians, producers, composers and arrangers.
Siegel has also enjoyed an eclectic solo career, spawning more than a dozen finely crafted solo albums and participating in numerous collaborative projects with some of the world’s most renowned musicians, producers, composers and arrangers.
Veronica Swift
Veronica Swift
Veronica Swift’s new eponymously titled album is a masterful coming-out story. On her previous albums, Confessions and This Bitter Earth, she ascended to the upper echelon of early 21st century jazz singers because of her virtuosic brilliance, interpretive ingenuity, bracing songwriting and keen arrangements. Simply put, Swift is not only one of the most dazzling singers to emerge in her generation, she’s one of the most versatile.
Swift first gained major international attention in 2015 when she won second place in the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz International Vocals Competition. Four years later, Mack Avenue Records released her acclaimed album Confessions when she was only 25 years old. She demonstrated her flair for conceptual song cycles on her follow-up album, This Bitter Earth, which not only gave glimpses of her rock influences but thematically touched upon some of the harder truths of being a woman, particularly when it comes to domestic abuse.
“I remind people that any exploration of music outside of straight ahead jazz is an addition, not a subtraction,” Swift continues. “I just hope this album helps people embrace every aspect of who they are, and let it guide their own self-expression.”
Matthew Whitaker
Matthew Whitaker
Matthew Whitaker‘s musical journey began at age 3 with a keyboard gift from his grandfather. He’s now an artist, captivating audiences globally and appearing on notable TV shows like Showtime at the Apollo, The Today Show, Ellen and a feature on 60 Minutes.
Matthew is a versatile artist, starring, producing, and scoring the All-Arts Emmy-nominated documentary About Tomorrow and scoring the film Starkeisha, which is currently streaming on Hulu. He also appeared in and contributed music to the Emmy-winning Apple T.V. commercial “The Greatest.” Matthew made his musical director debut for the award winning “Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For.” A musical on the life of pianist and composer Billy Strayhorn. He’s had guest soloist appearances with orchestras and symphonies including Aspen Chamber Symphony, under the baton of guest conductor, Marin Alsop, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, CN, Alexander Shelley, conductor. He also composed a song for the 82-piece Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra, in Sofia, Bulgaria, which was included in the aforementioned All-Arts documentary, “About Tomorrow,” and collaborated with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s choreographer Hope Boykin, creating an original music score for her piece, “Finding Free.”
Matthew believes that music connects us all and that every child should have access to music education. Beyond music, Matthew advocates for persons with disabilities, consulting with companies to improve accessibility features.
Matthew is a versatile artist, starring, producing, and scoring the All-Arts Emmy-nominated documentary About Tomorrow and scoring the film Starkeisha, which is currently streaming on Hulu. He also appeared in and contributed music to the Emmy-winning Apple T.V. commercial “The Greatest.” Matthew made his musical director debut for the award winning “Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For.” A musical on the life of pianist and composer Billy Strayhorn. He’s had guest soloist appearances with orchestras and symphonies including Aspen Chamber Symphony, under the baton of guest conductor, Marin Alsop, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, CN, Alexander Shelley, conductor. He also composed a song for the 82-piece Bulgarian Symphony Orchestra, in Sofia, Bulgaria, which was included in the aforementioned All-Arts documentary, “About Tomorrow,” and collaborated with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s choreographer Hope Boykin, creating an original music score for her piece, “Finding Free.”
Matthew believes that music connects us all and that every child should have access to music education. Beyond music, Matthew advocates for persons with disabilities, consulting with companies to improve accessibility features.
Randy Brecker
Randy Brecker
Jazz trumpeter and composer Randy Brecker has shaped the sound of jazz, R&B and rock for more than four decades. His trumpet and flugelhorn performances have graced hundreds of albums by a wide range of artists from James Taylor and Bruce Springsteen to Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, Jaco Pastorius and Frank Zappa. His 19 GRAMMY® nominations and seven awards are testament to his talent.
Born in 1945 in Philadelphia, Randy’s musical talent was nurtured from an early age. He attended Indiana University from 1963-66 and later moved to New York where he landed gigs with such prominent bands as Clark Terry’s Big Bad Band, the Duke Pearson Big Band and the Thad Jones Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. After performing and touring with Horace Silver, Randy and his brother, tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker, formed their own group that had immeasurable impact and influence, they released six albums and garnered seven GRAMMY® nominations between 1975 and 1981. Their eponymous first record, which Randy wrote, arranged, and produced, featured his now classic composition Some Skunk Funk. Randy would go on to release numerous acclaimed albums as a leader, and his recent co-led recording with Eric Marienthal, Double Dealin’, which earned them a GRAMMY Award in 2020. He also co-leads the Brecker Brothers Reunion Band with his wife, saxophonist Ada Rovatti, another all-star on The Jazz Cruise.
Without apology, we hold Randy in the highest possible regard as a musician and a person. He’s been a vital part of The Jazz Cruise since the beginning.
Born in 1945 in Philadelphia, Randy’s musical talent was nurtured from an early age. He attended Indiana University from 1963-66 and later moved to New York where he landed gigs with such prominent bands as Clark Terry’s Big Bad Band, the Duke Pearson Big Band and the Thad Jones Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. After performing and touring with Horace Silver, Randy and his brother, tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker, formed their own group that had immeasurable impact and influence, they released six albums and garnered seven GRAMMY® nominations between 1975 and 1981. Their eponymous first record, which Randy wrote, arranged, and produced, featured his now classic composition Some Skunk Funk. Randy would go on to release numerous acclaimed albums as a leader, and his recent co-led recording with Eric Marienthal, Double Dealin’, which earned them a GRAMMY Award in 2020. He also co-leads the Brecker Brothers Reunion Band with his wife, saxophonist Ada Rovatti, another all-star on The Jazz Cruise.
Without apology, we hold Randy in the highest possible regard as a musician and a person. He’s been a vital part of The Jazz Cruise since the beginning.
James Morrison
James Morrison
Perhaps best known as a trumpet virtuoso, James Morrison is, by anybody’s standard, a virtuoso in the true sense of the word. His showmanship extends to playing tuba, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, double bass, guitar and piano during his stellar career. James has been appointed a member of The Order of Australia, has won countless awards and has been inducted into the Australian Jazz Hall of Fame. James is recognized as one of the finest jazz players Australia has ever produced.
He has played alongside the best jazz musicians of our time, including Ray Brown, Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea and Wynton Marsalis. He’s performed at the world’s major jazz festivals, including Montreux, North Sea, Nice and the Hollywood Bowl, as well as at jazz clubs like Birdland, The Blue Note and Village Vanguard in New York, the New Morning in Paris, the Tokyo Blue Note and Ronnie Scott’s in London.
James Morrison’s career has included much more than just jazz. He has recorded with The London Symphony Orchestra, rock legends INXS and the European Brass Ensemble, written the opening fanfare for the Olympic Games and played for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. He has played classical trumpet at the Kremlin, broken a Guinness record conducting the world’s largest orchestra, and in 2016 was a guest of President Obama at the White House.
Did we mention that he’s also a pilot, rally driver, sailor, author and even an inventor? But not a cruise ship captain…yet.
He has played alongside the best jazz musicians of our time, including Ray Brown, Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea and Wynton Marsalis. He’s performed at the world’s major jazz festivals, including Montreux, North Sea, Nice and the Hollywood Bowl, as well as at jazz clubs like Birdland, The Blue Note and Village Vanguard in New York, the New Morning in Paris, the Tokyo Blue Note and Ronnie Scott’s in London.
James Morrison’s career has included much more than just jazz. He has recorded with The London Symphony Orchestra, rock legends INXS and the European Brass Ensemble, written the opening fanfare for the Olympic Games and played for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. He has played classical trumpet at the Kremlin, broken a Guinness record conducting the world’s largest orchestra, and in 2016 was a guest of President Obama at the White House.
Did we mention that he’s also a pilot, rally driver, sailor, author and even an inventor? But not a cruise ship captain…yet.
Sean Jones
Sean Jones
Trumpeter Sean Jones is a musical chameleon, comfortable in any musical setting no matter the role or genre. After a six-month stint with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Wynton Marsalis offered him a permanent position as lead trumpeter of the ensemble, a post he held from 2004 until 2010. In 2015, Mr. Jones was tapped to become a member of the SJAZZ Collective. During this time, he has managed to keep a core group of talented musicians together under his leadership, forming the foundation for groups that have produced and released eight recordings on Mack Avenue Records.
Sean has been prominently featured in recordings and performances with many major figures in jazz, including Illinois Jacquet, Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster, Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Gerald Wilson and Marcus Miller. He was selected by Miller, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter for their A Tribute to Miles tour in 2011. He has also performed with the Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Youngstown symphony orchestras, as well as Soulful Symphony in Baltimore and a chamber group at the Salt Bay Chamberfest.
Sean is an internationally recognized educator. He was president of the Jazz Education Network and has also taught at Duquesne University and at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, while regularly offering master classes and clinics all around the world. He currently holds the Richard and Elizabeth Case Chair in Jazz Studies at The John Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute in Baltimore. Sean also serves as the artistic Director for the NYO JAZZ Program of Carnegie Hall.
Sean has been prominently featured in recordings and performances with many major figures in jazz, including Illinois Jacquet, Jimmy Heath, Frank Foster, Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Gerald Wilson and Marcus Miller. He was selected by Miller, Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter for their A Tribute to Miles tour in 2011. He has also performed with the Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Youngstown symphony orchestras, as well as Soulful Symphony in Baltimore and a chamber group at the Salt Bay Chamberfest.
Sean is an internationally recognized educator. He was president of the Jazz Education Network and has also taught at Duquesne University and at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, while regularly offering master classes and clinics all around the world. He currently holds the Richard and Elizabeth Case Chair in Jazz Studies at The John Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute in Baltimore. Sean also serves as the artistic Director for the NYO JAZZ Program of Carnegie Hall.
Terell Stafford
Terell Stafford
Terell Stafford has been hailed as “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player” by the late piano legend McCoy Tyner. Recognized as an incredibly gifted and versatile player, he combines a deep love of melody with his own brand of spirited and adventurous lyricism. Since the mid-1990’s, Terell has performed with groups such as Benny Golson’s Sextet, McCoy Tyner’s Sextet, Kenny Barron Quintet, Frank Wess Quintet, Jimmy Heath Quintet and Big Band, Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra, Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Alumni Band. Stafford with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Terell performed on Diana Krall’s GRAMMY nominated From This Moment On (2006). John Clayton invited Terell to perform with the Clayton Brothers Quintet and Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.
Terell is a member of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and they were awarded a GRAMMY in 2009 for their recording Live at the Village Vanguard. Stafford can be heard on over 130 albums including his own BrotherLee Love, Celebrating Lee Morgan, which received a 47th Annual NAACP Image Award nomination. Terell is the Director of Jazz Studies and Chair of Instrumental Studies at Temple University, founder and band leader of the Terell Stafford Quintet, and Managing and Artistic Director of the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia (JOP). Terell is renowned in the jazz world as an educator, performer and leader and has received countless award nominations and accolades. He has sailed on The Jazz Cruise numerous times, both as a member of the Clayton Brothers Quintet and as an All-Star.
Bria Skonberg
Bria Skonberg
Described by The Wall Street Journal as “one of the most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation” and “the shining hope of hot jazz” by The New York Times, Bria Skonberg has been at the forefront of a revival of classic American music as both a performer and educator, programming concerts and workshops for students of all ages.
Originally from the small town of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Bria studied jazz and performance at Capilano University in Vancouver while balancing a full road schedule with two bands. After graduating she traveled extensively, performing in China, Japan and throughout Europe as a featured artist. Seeking new challenges, Bria moved to New York city in September of 2010.
A bandleader since her teens, Bria has performed festivals and stages the world over, including New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, and over a hundred more. In 2016 Bria released her debut LP on Sony Masterworks which won a Canadian JUNO award and made the Top 5 on Billboard jazz charts; her music has over 10 million streams on Spotify.
Originally from the small town of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Bria studied jazz and performance at Capilano University in Vancouver while balancing a full road schedule with two bands. After graduating she traveled extensively, performing in China, Japan and throughout Europe as a featured artist. Seeking new challenges, Bria moved to New York city in September of 2010.
A bandleader since her teens, Bria has performed festivals and stages the world over, including New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, and over a hundred more. In 2016 Bria released her debut LP on Sony Masterworks which won a Canadian JUNO award and made the Top 5 on Billboard jazz charts; her music has over 10 million streams on Spotify.
Benny Benack III
Benny Benack III
Emmy-nominated trumpeter and singer Benny Benack III has proven to be that rarest of talents: not only a fiery trumpet player, but also a singer with a naturally expressive delivery in the post-Sinatra mold, performing standards and his own astute songs with a thrilling sense of showmanship. This duel-threat ability was recognized by the 2022 DownBeat Critics Poll where he appeared as not only the #2 Rising Star Male Vocalist, but a top Rising Star Trumpeter as well. His superb intonation and bracing virtuosity enable him to handle astounding feats of originally composed vocalese. On top of it all, he’s a highly capable pianist as well.
Alongside his global touring as a straight-ahead/contemporary bandleader, Benny has appeared as a trumpet soloist in more commercial circles alongside Josh Groban, Ann Hampton Callaway and more. He’s been featured at Birdland, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Mezzrow, The Carlyle and other leading NYC venues. He has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert where he frequently performed in the House Band.
Third in a generational line of Pittsburgh jazz notables, Benny follows in the footsteps of his trumpeter/bandleader grandfather, Benny Benack, Sr. and his father Benny Benack, Jr., a saxophonist/clarinetist who gave the young Benny his first professional experience. Benny III returns to Pittsburgh often to perform, saluting his family forebears and the jazz heritage as a whole, nonetheless staking his own bold and highly individual artistic claim.
Alongside his global touring as a straight-ahead/contemporary bandleader, Benny has appeared as a trumpet soloist in more commercial circles alongside Josh Groban, Ann Hampton Callaway and more. He’s been featured at Birdland, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Mezzrow, The Carlyle and other leading NYC venues. He has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert where he frequently performed in the House Band.
Third in a generational line of Pittsburgh jazz notables, Benny follows in the footsteps of his trumpeter/bandleader grandfather, Benny Benack, Sr. and his father Benny Benack, Jr., a saxophonist/clarinetist who gave the young Benny his first professional experience. Benny III returns to Pittsburgh often to perform, saluting his family forebears and the jazz heritage as a whole, nonetheless staking his own bold and highly individual artistic claim.
Bijon Watson
Bijon Watson
GRAMMY® Award-winning trumpeter Bijon Watson’s recording, live, and touring credits are vast and the short list includes: Natalie Cole, Michael Bublé, Kurt Elling, Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall, Dianne Reeves, Stevie Wonder, Rosemary Clooney, Nancy Wilson and Joe Williams. Bijon plays lead trumpet for the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, John Daversa Progressive Big Band, and John Beasley’s Monkestra. When a jazz big band or orchestra needs a lead trumpeter, Bijon gets the call. In 2022, as co-leader with Steven Feifke, Bijon can be heard not only on lead trumpet but as a featured soloist with their GRAMMY® Award-winning Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra for Best Jazz Big Band Album.
On television, Bijon has performed on episodes of American Idol, The Voice, and The Tonight Show, as well as Grammy Awards shows, The BET Music Awards and Dancing With The Stars. His film appearances include appearing in the award-winning film La La Land and recording on several soundtracks with studios such as Paramount, Fox, and Disney, including Epic, Despicable Me 2 and The Secret Life of Pets.
As a classically trained musician, Bijon has had the opportunity to perform as a guest with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Los Angeles Opera, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony and the San Francisco Symphony. A dedicated educator, Bijon is a sought-after clinician who gives master classes and clinics to colleges, and high schools throughout the United States, and Europe. Bijon rejoins The Jazz Cruise as an All-Star and essential member of Anita’s Big Band.
On television, Bijon has performed on episodes of American Idol, The Voice, and The Tonight Show, as well as Grammy Awards shows, The BET Music Awards and Dancing With The Stars. His film appearances include appearing in the award-winning film La La Land and recording on several soundtracks with studios such as Paramount, Fox, and Disney, including Epic, Despicable Me 2 and The Secret Life of Pets.
As a classically trained musician, Bijon has had the opportunity to perform as a guest with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Los Angeles Opera, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony and the San Francisco Symphony. A dedicated educator, Bijon is a sought-after clinician who gives master classes and clinics to colleges, and high schools throughout the United States, and Europe. Bijon rejoins The Jazz Cruise as an All-Star and essential member of Anita’s Big Band.
Eddie Allen
Eddie Allen
Trumpeter, composer, arranger, author Eddie Allen has been called upon to play everything from jazz (big band as well as small ensembles) to R&B/Pop to Latin to symphonic to Broadway, and everything in between.
He’s currently leading a quartet, a quintet, a Latin/Brasilian project and a large ensemble which brings together acoustic and electric/electronic instruments. He also leads a big band which not only plays his compositions and arrangements, but also the music of such jazz greats as Jimmy Heath, Bobby Watson, Muhal Richard Abrams and Rufus Reid as they come to lead the band. Eddie Allen continues to work as a freelance musician and clinician.
Eric Marienthal
Music Director
Eric Marienthal
Music Director
The Jazz Cruise Music Director Eric Marienthal has won two GRAMMY® Awards and has been nominated eight times as a member of the Chick Corea Elektric Band, Jeff Lorber Fusion and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Having performed in over 80 countries and played on hundreds of recordings, films and TV shows, Eric also has recorded 15 solo recordings including his latest entitled Double Dealin’ with his friend Randy Brecker. Eric’s recordings have produced several top 10 radio singles including three tunes that reached #1 on its respective chart.
Eric is the recipient of the Berklee College of Music Distinguished Alumnus Award for outstanding achievements in contemporary music. Eric was also named one of the top 3 alto saxophonists in Jazziz Magazine’s Readers Poll along with Phil Woods and David Sanborn. For the past 22 years Eric has organized an annual charity concert for the High Hopes Head Injury Program in Tustin, CA. These concerts have raised awareness for this great organization and have raised over 2 million dollars.
For the past few years, Eric has applied his vast knowledge and experience in the world of jazz to being the Music Director for all of Signature Jazz Cruises’ sailings. In that challenging role, Eric is charged with curating the performances, schedules and support for hundreds of the top musicians in the world. His ability to perform this task with skill and professionalism has made the quality of the programming on those sailings among the very best in the world.
Ken Peplowski
Ken Peplowski
In addition to recording over 70 of his own albums, master clarinetist (and saxophonist) Ken Peplowski has worked and recorded with Mel Torme, Leon Redbone, Charlie Byrd, Peggy Lee, Madonna, Hank Jones, Rosemary Clooney, James Moody, Houston Person, Steve Allen, Woody Allen, Marianne Faithfull, Isaac Delgado and Erich Kunzel (“Although not all at once” says the very clever musician). He travels at least half of every year, playing clubs, concert halls, colleges, and pops concerts. He has headlined the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, the Blue Note and Dizzy’s Club amongst many other venues.
Ken also does many workshops for students of all ages. That longtime “student” is currently the artistic director of the Sarasota Jazz Festival, the Newport Beach Jazz Party, Oregon Jazz Festival, and the jazz director of the Siletz Bay Music Festival. He was the 2015 recipient of HotHouse Magazine’s “Fans’ Decision Jazz Award” on clarinet. Ken Peplowski has also been bestowed the 2018 “Creative Arts Prize In Recognition Of Outstanding Contribution In The Field Of The Creative Arts” by the Polish American Historical Association.
Ken’s contribution to The Jazz Cruise over the years is among the most influential and important of any musician. He performs at more different shows than anyone, curates and hosts the Welcome Show, and provides levity and fun wherever he goes.
Ken also does many workshops for students of all ages. That longtime “student” is currently the artistic director of the Sarasota Jazz Festival, the Newport Beach Jazz Party, Oregon Jazz Festival, and the jazz director of the Siletz Bay Music Festival. He was the 2015 recipient of HotHouse Magazine’s “Fans’ Decision Jazz Award” on clarinet. Ken Peplowski has also been bestowed the 2018 “Creative Arts Prize In Recognition Of Outstanding Contribution In The Field Of The Creative Arts” by the Polish American Historical Association.
Ken’s contribution to The Jazz Cruise over the years is among the most influential and important of any musician. He performs at more different shows than anyone, curates and hosts the Welcome Show, and provides levity and fun wherever he goes.
Gary Smulyan
Gary Smulyan
Gary Smulyan is recognized as a major voice on the baritone saxophone. Gradually establishing himself as a young player, Gary was asked to share the stage and the recording studio with an impressive group of jazz luminaries including Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Chick Corea and Tito Puente, as well as R&B/blues and soul icons Ray Charles, B.B. King and Diana Ross.
In addition to performing and recording in support of a myriad of people, Gary has a distinguished discography as a leader, with over ten recordings under his own name. In addition to his work with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Gary remains close with Joe Lovano, working with him in his nine-piece Nonet; then there was the Dave Holland Octet and the seminal bassist’s Big Band. Gary has also enjoyed stints in the cooperative Three Baritone Saxophone Band, as well as working with powerhouse tenor saxophonist George Coleman in his octet and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band that, similar to the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, is comprised of some of the world’s best players.
Gary is a four-time winner of the DownBeat Critics and Readers Polls and a multiple winner of numerous other official polls including the Jazz Journalists Award for Baritone Saxophonist of the Year. He is a six-time GRAMMY®-award winner for his work with B.B. King, Lovano, Holland and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Over the years on The Jazz Cruise, Gary has filled the baritone saxophone chair in Anita’s Big Band, as well as hosted jam sessions and performed in All-Star groupings.
In addition to performing and recording in support of a myriad of people, Gary has a distinguished discography as a leader, with over ten recordings under his own name. In addition to his work with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Gary remains close with Joe Lovano, working with him in his nine-piece Nonet; then there was the Dave Holland Octet and the seminal bassist’s Big Band. Gary has also enjoyed stints in the cooperative Three Baritone Saxophone Band, as well as working with powerhouse tenor saxophonist George Coleman in his octet and the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band that, similar to the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, is comprised of some of the world’s best players.
Gary is a four-time winner of the DownBeat Critics and Readers Polls and a multiple winner of numerous other official polls including the Jazz Journalists Award for Baritone Saxophonist of the Year. He is a six-time GRAMMY®-award winner for his work with B.B. King, Lovano, Holland and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Over the years on The Jazz Cruise, Gary has filled the baritone saxophone chair in Anita’s Big Band, as well as hosted jam sessions and performed in All-Star groupings.
Ted Nash
Ted Nash
Born in Los Angeles into a musical family, Ted Nash has that uncanny ability to mix freedom with substance, blues with intellect and risk-taking with clarity. He is a co-founder of the New York-based Jazz Composers Collective, a musician-run, non-profit innovative entity dedicated to presenting the original works of composers pushing the boundaries of their self-expression. Nash is also a long-standing member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, with Wynton Marsalis.
Nash has become one of the most significant jazz composers of the 21st century. His recordings have received wide critical acclaim, appearing on the “best-of” lists in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Village Voice and The Boston Globe. Portrait in Seven Shades, his first big band recording, garnered two Grammy nominations. His following big band album, Chakra, received critical acclaim and charted on Billboard.
Receiving two GRAMMY® Awards, Presidential Suite is Nash’s most significant work. Inspired by great political speeches of the 20th century dealing with the theme of freedom, it is rich with social and political awareness. It also involved a very creative approach; Nash transcribed the speeches for their actual musical pitches and created themes, placing them into contexts that embraced the speakers and the location and era of the speeches. For the recording, each track is introduced by an excerpt from the speech that inspired it, read by significant figures from the world of entertainment, politics and sports, including actors Glenn Close and Sam Waterston; Ambassador Andrew Young; Senator Joe Lieberman; authors Deepak Chopra and Douglas Brinkley; diplomats William vanden Heuvel and David Miliband.
Camille Thurman
Camille Thurman
As a composer, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and unique interpreter of the jazz tradition, Camille Thurman has quickly become one of the standard bearers for the form, making a considerable and dynamic contribution to the legacy of jazz while paying tribute to its heroes. Fluid and powerful on the tenor saxophone and highly inventive as a vocalist, she also plays bass, clarinet, flute, and piccolo. Her rich sax sound has been compared to Joe Henderson and Dexter Gordon, while her vocal approach—including an impressive scatting ability—has been classified alongside those of Ella Fitzgerald and Betty Carter.
In a few short years, Thurman has shared stages with such jazz luminaries as George Coleman, Roy Haynes, Dianne Reeves, Wynton Marsalis, The, Kenny Barron, Buster Williams, Charles Tolliver, Jack DeJohnette, and Terri Lyne Carrington, among others. The New York City native has already amassed several distinctive honors for her musicianship: runner up in the 2013 Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition, two-time winner of the ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composers Award and a winner of the Fulbright Scholars Cultural Ambassador Grant, The Chamber Music of America Performance Plus Grant and the Jazz Coalition Composers Grant.
Thurman also has four full-length recordings as a leader to her credit. Thurman toured internationally with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Thurman leads her band and is also a featured artist with the Darrell Green Trio. She has performed at the Kennedy Center, Alice Tully Hall, and numerous respected international jazz festivals and venues.
Godwin Louis
Godwin Louis
Godwin Louis was born in Harlem, New York and began playing saxophone at age nine. Godwin grew up in Bridgeport, Connecticut and Port au Prince, Haiti. Godwin was a finalist in the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Saxophone Competition. He has performed around the globe, including Mali, Senegal, Togo, France, Finland, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, Azerbaijan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Venezuela, Colombia, South Korea, Indonesia and Australia. Godwin is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute for Jazz Performance. Godwin has studied and performed with Herbie Hancock, Clark Terry, Roger Dickerson, Ron Carter, Al Foster, Jack Dejohnette, Jimmy Heath, Billy Preston, Patti Labelle, Toni Braxton, Babyface, Madonna, Gloria Estefan, Barry Harris, Howard Shore, David Baker, Mulatu Astakte, Mahmoud Ahmed, Wynton Marsalis and Terence Blanchard just to name a few.
In addition, Godwin has performed as a sideman, guest soloist and has conducted clinics and master classes worldwide. As a composer, Godwin has received the Jerome Foundation Emerging Artist Grant, and the Jazz Gallery’s New Works Commission. As an educator, humanitarian and ambassador, Godwin has traveled from Benin to China to help promote cross-cultural understanding and introduce thousands to America’s indigenous art form, through public concerts, master classes, and jam sessions. Godwin is the founder of Experience Ayiti, a nonprofit educational, multidisciplinary arts organization. Godwin’s debut album as a leader, Global, was released in February 2019.
Troy Roberts
Troy Roberts
Embracing his love for a vast variety of stylistic genres, three-time GRAMMY® nominated saxophonist, Troy Roberts is quickly becoming one of the most widely recorded touring artists of his time. As a go-to first call saxophonist, his name adorns several essential recordings ranging from the legendary Joey DeFrancesco to the iconic Van Morrison to the quintessential Jeff “Tain” Watts, to the tireless Orrin Evans Captain Black Big Band, to the critically acclaimed Kurt Elling, to the breathtaking Veronica Swift, including numerous other jazz veterans, and newcomers considered taste-makers of their generation.
Troy, a New York City based Australian immigrant, is also a prolific leader with sixteen releases to his name. Currently celebrating his latest, Green Lights, Troy maintains a busy recording and performance schedule with his quartet, his original project Nu-Jive, as well as some of the greatest artists of today.
Alexa Tarantino
Alexa Tarantino
In the words of Wynton Marsalis, Alexa Tarantino is a one-woman wrecking crew, an indomitable force for expression, education, and absolute excellence.” The vibrant and versatile jazz saxophone and woodwind artist has been triple-nominated as a Rising Star Alto Saxophonist by Downbeat Magazine’s Critics Poll from 2020-2022 and was named one of the Top 5 Alto Saxophonists of 2019 by the JazzTimes Critics Poll.
Alexa has toured worldwide with Cécile McLorin Salvant, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Artemis, and the Alexa Tarantino Quartet. Her records (Firefly, Clarity, Winds of Change) and compositions have consistently topped jazz radio charts, and her discography includes 25+ recordings released as a leader and a sidewoman. Tarantino is in-demand internationally as an energetic and impactful clinician, mentor, and coach and also represents Jazz at Lincoln Center as a visiting educator for various programs with students of all ages and levels.
Alexa has toured worldwide with Cécile McLorin Salvant, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Artemis, and the Alexa Tarantino Quartet. Her records (Firefly, Clarity, Winds of Change) and compositions have consistently topped jazz radio charts, and her discography includes 25+ recordings released as a leader and a sidewoman. Tarantino is in-demand internationally as an energetic and impactful clinician, mentor, and coach and also represents Jazz at Lincoln Center as a visiting educator for various programs with students of all ages and levels.
Jimmy Greene
Jimmy Greene
The deluge of political divisiveness, horrific violence and hateful rhetoric that seem to have polluted our lives on a daily basis over the last few years have left many people across the country and around the world feeling angry, frustrated and hopeless. It would be more than understandable if that feeling was even more intense for Jimmy Greene, for whom the flood of outrageous headlines and social media missives play out against the backdrop of personal tragedy.
Greene refuses to succumb to the negativity, however. On his heartfelt new album, While Looking Up, the saxophonist was guided by the inspirational words of his pastor: “If I’m not able to find strength or peace by looking inward,” he said, “or if I’m not able to do it by looking outward to my immediate surroundings, I have to look upward.”
From Mission Statement, Greene reunited with guitarist Lage Lund, bassist Reuben Rogers and vibraphonist Stefon Harris. For the remainder of the ensemble he reached back even further: drummer Kendrick Scott last joined the saxophonist on 2008’s The Overcomer’s Suite, while pianist Aaron Goldberg returns after appearing on Greene’s debut album more than 20 years ago.
A native of Connecticut, Greene is considered one of the most respected saxophonists of his generation. His previous solo releases, Flowers: Beautiful Life Vol. 2, the GRAMMY®-nominated Beautiful Life, Gifts and Givers, True Life Stories, Forever, Brand New World and Introducing Jimmy Greene have been met with much critical acclaim.
In addition to his recordings and appearances as a leader, Greene appears on over 75 albums as a sideman, and has toured and/or recorded with Horace Silver, Ron Carter, Tom Harrell, Freddie Hubbard, Harry Connick, Jr., Avishai Cohen, Kenny Barron, Lewis Nash, Dee Dee Bridgewater, the New Jazz Composers Octet and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, among many others.
Greene refuses to succumb to the negativity, however. On his heartfelt new album, While Looking Up, the saxophonist was guided by the inspirational words of his pastor: “If I’m not able to find strength or peace by looking inward,” he said, “or if I’m not able to do it by looking outward to my immediate surroundings, I have to look upward.”
From Mission Statement, Greene reunited with guitarist Lage Lund, bassist Reuben Rogers and vibraphonist Stefon Harris. For the remainder of the ensemble he reached back even further: drummer Kendrick Scott last joined the saxophonist on 2008’s The Overcomer’s Suite, while pianist Aaron Goldberg returns after appearing on Greene’s debut album more than 20 years ago.
A native of Connecticut, Greene is considered one of the most respected saxophonists of his generation. His previous solo releases, Flowers: Beautiful Life Vol. 2, the GRAMMY®-nominated Beautiful Life, Gifts and Givers, True Life Stories, Forever, Brand New World and Introducing Jimmy Greene have been met with much critical acclaim.
In addition to his recordings and appearances as a leader, Greene appears on over 75 albums as a sideman, and has toured and/or recorded with Horace Silver, Ron Carter, Tom Harrell, Freddie Hubbard, Harry Connick, Jr., Avishai Cohen, Kenny Barron, Lewis Nash, Dee Dee Bridgewater, the New Jazz Composers Octet and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, among many others.
Ada Rovatti
Ada Rovatti
After studying at Berklee College of Music, Italian born saxophonist, composer and arranger Ada Rovatti moved to Paris before landing in New York City. She performed and recorded with artists such as John McLaughlin, Mike Stern, James Moody, Aretha Franklin, Herbie Hancock, Jimmy Heath, Patti Austin, Joe Bonamassa and many more.
Ada was part of the GRAMMY®-winning CD by Randy Brecker –34th N Lex and on the acclaimed CD of John McLaughlin Industrial Zen and also appeared in the movie Mona Lisa Smile featuring Julia Roberts. As a band leader she has released seven CDS.
Ada was part of the GRAMMY®-winning CD by Randy Brecker –34th N Lex and on the acclaimed CD of John McLaughlin Industrial Zen and also appeared in the movie Mona Lisa Smile featuring Julia Roberts. As a band leader she has released seven CDS.
Rickey Woodard
Rickey Woodard
Rickey Woodard, a Los Angeles-based jazz saxophonist, was born in Nashville where he played in a family band with his brothers and sisters, playing Blues and R and B around the Nashville area. He began his career touring with the Ray Charles Orchestra from 1980 to 1988 and then settled in Los Angeles where he is a main stay of the Los Angeles jazz scene. In addition to leading his own groups, Woodard is a member of the the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and Jeannie and Jimmy Cheatham’s Sweet Baby Blues Band. He toured with Horace Silver in the 1990s and has worked with top artists including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, John Legend and Diana Krall.
Currently he performs live, frequently leading his own quartet or quintet and also works in theater productions, such as “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and “The Color Purple.” This soulful sax player captures audiences wherever he performs.
Wycliffe Gordon
Gospel Show Co-Host
Wycliffe Gordon
Gospel Show Co-Host
Musical ambassador and interpreter of the music, Wycliffe Gordon is one of the world’s most renowned and award-winning jazz trombonists touring today. Wycliffe is a former member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Named “Trombonist of the Year” by Jazz Journalists Association for an unprecedented 15th time, DownBeat Critics Poll has named Wycliffe “Best Trombone” six times, and he has been the recipient of the Louie Award, the International Trombone Award and the “Satchmo” Award, amongst many others.
Wycliffe tours as a soloist and regularly with his quintet headlining at legendary jazz venues and festivals. He’s released more than 20 albums as a leader and eight more as a co-leader. He’s performed with an impressive list of artists including David Sanborn, Dianne Reeves, Anat Cohen, Arturo Sandoval, Doc Severinsen, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Flanagan, Shirley Horn, Joe Henderson and Branford Marsalis.
A respected educator and mentor, Wycliffe is the director of Jazz Studies at Augusta University in Georgia and he presents master classes, clinics, workshops, children’s concerts and lectures to students from elementary schools to universities all over the world. He’s been an artist-in-residence or taught at prestigious educational institutions such as The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Michigan State University, Peabody Conservatory, Temple University and Arizona State University.
Wycliffe has sailed on more Jazz Cruises programs than any other musician. He has performed in every configuration imaginable and is the guardian of The Jazz Cruise Gospel Hour, one of the most cherished and beloved elements of The Jazz Cruise.
Wycliffe tours as a soloist and regularly with his quintet headlining at legendary jazz venues and festivals. He’s released more than 20 albums as a leader and eight more as a co-leader. He’s performed with an impressive list of artists including David Sanborn, Dianne Reeves, Anat Cohen, Arturo Sandoval, Doc Severinsen, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Flanagan, Shirley Horn, Joe Henderson and Branford Marsalis.
A respected educator and mentor, Wycliffe is the director of Jazz Studies at Augusta University in Georgia and he presents master classes, clinics, workshops, children’s concerts and lectures to students from elementary schools to universities all over the world. He’s been an artist-in-residence or taught at prestigious educational institutions such as The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Michigan State University, Peabody Conservatory, Temple University and Arizona State University.
Wycliffe has sailed on more Jazz Cruises programs than any other musician. He has performed in every configuration imaginable and is the guardian of The Jazz Cruise Gospel Hour, one of the most cherished and beloved elements of The Jazz Cruise.
John Allred
John Allred
Trombonist John Allred has made a significant mark in the world of music. His roots are deeply entwined with jazz, as he is the son of the renowned jazz trombonist, Bill Allred. After experience in the vibrant music scene of the Los Angeles music scene, John was invited to join Woody Herman and the Young Thundering Herd, marking a significant milestone in his career.
He later relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he continued to contribute his trombone skills to jazz performances and studio recordings. His talents led to an invitation to join the Harry Connick Jr. Big Band, with whom he not only toured extensively but also contributed to numerous studio recordings and television appearances. During this period, John Allred remained actively engaged in his father’s jazz ensemble and participated in various production shows.
In 1999, Allred moved to the bustling music hub of New York City. There, he shared his talents with esteemed groups like the Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band, the Woody Herman Orchestra and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band. His dedication and artistry have firmly established him as a respected figure in the world of jazz, contributing his unique voice to the rich tapestry of American music.
John may have inherited the gift of playing jazz on a ship. It seems his grandfather, also named John, was a jazz pianist and banjoist who played on the steamboats of the Strecklus Line that sailed on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. A fixture of Anita’s Big Band and a frequent All-Star, John has carried on the family tradition.
He later relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he continued to contribute his trombone skills to jazz performances and studio recordings. His talents led to an invitation to join the Harry Connick Jr. Big Band, with whom he not only toured extensively but also contributed to numerous studio recordings and television appearances. During this period, John Allred remained actively engaged in his father’s jazz ensemble and participated in various production shows.
In 1999, Allred moved to the bustling music hub of New York City. There, he shared his talents with esteemed groups like the Toshiko Akiyoshi Big Band, the Woody Herman Orchestra and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band. His dedication and artistry have firmly established him as a respected figure in the world of jazz, contributing his unique voice to the rich tapestry of American music.
John may have inherited the gift of playing jazz on a ship. It seems his grandfather, also named John, was a jazz pianist and banjoist who played on the steamboats of the Strecklus Line that sailed on the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. A fixture of Anita’s Big Band and a frequent All-Star, John has carried on the family tradition.
Mariel Bildsten
Mariel Bildsten
Downbeat Magazine called trombonist Mariel Bildsten “irrepressibly spontaneous” and her 2023 release Steppin’ Out! exploded onto the scene as an exciting follow-up to Backbone, her 2020 debut. Mariel headlines jazz festivals, plays around the country and performs regularly in New York City, in the US and internationally. A frequent member of the Mingus Big Band, Mariel has performed alongside Jennifer Hudson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Roy Hargrove, Wycliffe Gordon, Brian Lynch, Cyrus Chestnut, Frank Lacy, Jon Batiste, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jennifer Hudson, Roy Hargrove and many others. A passionate and popular educator, Mariel guides students through masterclass group instruction, workshops, and clinics, as well as leading educational shows in public schools through Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Michael Dease
Michael Dease
Michael Dease is one of the world’s eminent trombonists, lending his versatile sound and signature improvisations to over 200 recordings and groups as diverse as GRAMMY®-winning artists David Sanborn, Christian McBride, Michel Camilo and Alicia Keys. Born in Augusta, GA, he played the saxophone and trumpet before choosing the trombone at age 17. In 2001, Dease moved to New York City to become part of the historic first class of jazz students at The Juilliard School, earning both Bachelors and Masters degrees, and quickly established a reputation as a brilliant soloist, sideperson and bandleader.
Juliane Gralle
Juliane Gralle
Born and raised in Germany, Juliane Gralle moved to The Netherlands to study at the Conservatory of Amsterdam and eventually made her way to Los Angeles in 2012.
Now she can be found on trombones (bass, tenor and contrabass) and tuba, playing concerts on open air stages and in tucked away places… jazz clubs, theatres, gorgeous halls and exclusive studios are her home. In a city as huge and diverse as Los Angeles it’s difficult and redundant to choose one genre to belong to – so Julianne finds a why to do it all, toss boundaries and make music while connecting with musicians across stylistic borders.
Juliane has played with artists ranging from Quincy Jones, Jeff Hamilton and John Clayton to Lady Gaga, Adele and the Dirty Projectors as well as recording in the famous LA studios for TV, Motion Pictures and Award shows.
Now she can be found on trombones (bass, tenor and contrabass) and tuba, playing concerts on open air stages and in tucked away places… jazz clubs, theatres, gorgeous halls and exclusive studios are her home. In a city as huge and diverse as Los Angeles it’s difficult and redundant to choose one genre to belong to – so Julianne finds a why to do it all, toss boundaries and make music while connecting with musicians across stylistic borders.
Juliane has played with artists ranging from Quincy Jones, Jeff Hamilton and John Clayton to Lady Gaga, Adele and the Dirty Projectors as well as recording in the famous LA studios for TV, Motion Pictures and Award shows.
Shelly Berg
Artistic Director
Shelly Berg
Artistic Director
Shelly Berg is the dynamic Artistic Director of The Jazz Cruise and has once again helped to curate an amazing line-up of performances for the cruise, as well as being a gifted member of our All Stars. A Steinway piano artist and a five-time GRAMMMY®-nominated arranger and orchestrator, Shelly has performed and recorded with a wide range of artists including Kurt Elling, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Niki Haris, Arturo Sandoval, Gloria Estefan, Stevie Wonder, Seal, Ledisi, Pharrell Williams, Renée Fleming and James Galway. His Film orchestration work includes Warner Bros. Almost Heroes and For Your Consideration, Fox’s Men of Honor and the NBC mini-series The ’60s. He has written for the Royal Philharmonic, the American Symphony and orchestras worldwide.
An award-winning educator with over 40 years of leadership in higher education, Shelly Berg is the Dean of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. He previously held the McCoy/Sample endowed professorship of jazz studies in the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California where he taught for 16 years. He is a past president of the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE), and was named 2003 Educator of the Year by the Los Angeles Jazz Society. In 2002, Shelly was the recipient of the IAJE Lawrence Berk Leadership Award. He also hosted “Generation Next” on Sirius XM Real Jazz, currently serves as artistic advisor for Jazz Roots at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, and is on the board of SFJAZZ.
An award-winning educator with over 40 years of leadership in higher education, Shelly Berg is the Dean of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. He previously held the McCoy/Sample endowed professorship of jazz studies in the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California where he taught for 16 years. He is a past president of the International Association for Jazz Education (IAJE), and was named 2003 Educator of the Year by the Los Angeles Jazz Society. In 2002, Shelly was the recipient of the IAJE Lawrence Berk Leadership Award. He also hosted “Generation Next” on Sirius XM Real Jazz, currently serves as artistic advisor for Jazz Roots at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, and is on the board of SFJAZZ.
Renee Rosnes
Renee Rosnes
Renee Rosnes is enjoying an illustrious career as one of the premier pianists and composers of her generation, having performed and recorded with some of the most iconic figures in jazz including Joe Henderson, JJ Johnson, Wayne Shorter, Bobby Hutcherson and James Moody. She has released 18 albums as a leader, which showcase her virtuosity, creativity and collaborative spirit. Her recording, Kinds of Love (Smoke Sessions) featuring Chris Potter, Christian McBride, Carl Allen and Rogério Boccato, received a Canadian JUNO Award, her seventh. Rosnes is the musical director of the supergroup ARTEMIS, who were named 2023 Jazz Group of the Year by the 88th DownBeat Readers Poll. The band has performed at many of the world’s prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, the Monterey Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival, among others. NPR raved, “A killer line-up of players, composers and performers who hail from all over the world…converge on an extremely cosmopolitan, sleek, rhythm-forward, modern sound.”
During the 2018 Montréal Jazz Festival, Rosnes was awarded the Oscar Peterson Prize in recognition of her outstanding contributions to jazz. In addition to leading her own bands, Rosnes is the pianist for the legendary bassist, Ron Carter’s Foursight Quartet. Rosnes’ piano duo with her husband and acclaimed pianist Bill Charlap, is marked by mutual respect and dazzling interplay. The duo was featured on the recording, Tony Bennett & Bill Charlap: The Silver Lining, which garnered a 2015 GRAMMY® for Best Traditional Pop Album.
During the 2018 Montréal Jazz Festival, Rosnes was awarded the Oscar Peterson Prize in recognition of her outstanding contributions to jazz. In addition to leading her own bands, Rosnes is the pianist for the legendary bassist, Ron Carter’s Foursight Quartet. Rosnes’ piano duo with her husband and acclaimed pianist Bill Charlap, is marked by mutual respect and dazzling interplay. The duo was featured on the recording, Tony Bennett & Bill Charlap: The Silver Lining, which garnered a 2015 GRAMMY® for Best Traditional Pop Album.
Benny Green
Benny Green
Benny Green is a hard bop jazz pianist who was a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. He has been compared to Bud Powell and Oscar Peterson in style and counts them as influences.
Green was born in New York City. He grew up in Berkeley, California, and studied classical piano from the age of seven. He was also interested in jazz from an early point, as his father was a jazz tenor saxophone player. Benny Green was “discovered” by Faye Carroll, and while still in his teens worked in a quintet led by Eddie Henderson. Green attended Berkeley High School, and participated in the school’s jazz ensemble. In the later years of his high school career, he had a weekly trio gig at Yoshi’s, which was his entrance to the world of professional jazz. After high school, he spent time in San Francisco, but became more successful on his return to New York.
Green joined Betty Carter’s band in April, 1983, and since 1991 he has led his own trio. He has recorded for Blue Note, Telarc and Criss Cross.
Green frequently teaches in workshops across the United States, such as Jazz Camp West in California, and Centrum/Jazz Port Townsend in Washington. He currently resides in the United States and tours globally with his trio. Then and Now is a studio album recorded and released in 2018.
Green was born in New York City. He grew up in Berkeley, California, and studied classical piano from the age of seven. He was also interested in jazz from an early point, as his father was a jazz tenor saxophone player. Benny Green was “discovered” by Faye Carroll, and while still in his teens worked in a quintet led by Eddie Henderson. Green attended Berkeley High School, and participated in the school’s jazz ensemble. In the later years of his high school career, he had a weekly trio gig at Yoshi’s, which was his entrance to the world of professional jazz. After high school, he spent time in San Francisco, but became more successful on his return to New York.
Green joined Betty Carter’s band in April, 1983, and since 1991 he has led his own trio. He has recorded for Blue Note, Telarc and Criss Cross.
Green frequently teaches in workshops across the United States, such as Jazz Camp West in California, and Centrum/Jazz Port Townsend in Washington. He currently resides in the United States and tours globally with his trio. Then and Now is a studio album recorded and released in 2018.
Mathis Picard
Mathis Picard
Mathis Picard is a pianist, composer and producer in the international music scene. Based in New York City and from France & Madagascar, Mathis honors his multi-cultural background by merging musical influences and elevating sonic synchronicity. Named a “rising star” by The Scotsmen paper, Mathis is an ASCAP Next Generation of Songwriters Recipient, a member of the Montreux Jazz Foundation, and a Juilliard Alumni under the mentorship of Kenny Barron. His band The Sound Orchestra has performed all over The United States. Their debut genre-bending EP World Unity came out in 2020 on Outside In which put him on the map as “a fascinating name to follow in any context” (All About Jazz).
Mathis has shared the stage with artists such as Braxton Cook, Ron Carter, Lillias White, Lee Ritenour, Wynton Marsalis, Veronica Swift, Etienne Charles and more. Rooted in the tradition of live acoustic performance and deemed as “one to watch” by Jazzwise magazine, Mathis also shines as a solo pianist, playing solo sets for NY Fashion Week, Little Island, Umbria Jazz Festival, and is featured on several records. Long awaited, Mathis presented his first solo piano album titled Live at the Museum. Recorded with a live audience at the National Jazz Museum of Harlem in New York City, Live at the Museum is a sonic journey through which Mathis explores the museum of his own life in music, honoring and spotlighting his roots in jazz, classical and electronic music. Mathis will perform on The Jazz Cruise with Cyrille Aimee.
Mathis has shared the stage with artists such as Braxton Cook, Ron Carter, Lillias White, Lee Ritenour, Wynton Marsalis, Veronica Swift, Etienne Charles and more. Rooted in the tradition of live acoustic performance and deemed as “one to watch” by Jazzwise magazine, Mathis also shines as a solo pianist, playing solo sets for NY Fashion Week, Little Island, Umbria Jazz Festival, and is featured on several records. Long awaited, Mathis presented his first solo piano album titled Live at the Museum. Recorded with a live audience at the National Jazz Museum of Harlem in New York City, Live at the Museum is a sonic journey through which Mathis explores the museum of his own life in music, honoring and spotlighting his roots in jazz, classical and electronic music. Mathis will perform on The Jazz Cruise with Cyrille Aimee.
Tadataka Unno
Tadataka Unno
Tadataka Unno started playing piano at the age of 4, and Jazz piano at the age of 9. He began his career as a musician at the age of 18 while a student at Tokyo University of the Arts. He has performed with leading jazz artists in Japan including Yoshio Suzuki, Kimiko Ito, Masahiko Osaka and has been a standard-bearer for the younger generation.
In 2008, he moved to New York City to further explore the roots and culture of jazz. As he started his career from scratch, Unno was soon recognized by top musicians in his new home. Two pivotal opportunities arose in 2010, when Unno was selected as a participant in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program at the Kennedy Center (where he met his mentor, pianist George Cables) and then recommended for a spot in Chicago’s Lavinia Institute by legendary saxophonist Nathan Davis and trombone legend Curtis Fuller.
Unno has since been welcomed as an important new addition to the lineage of jazz. In 2013, he was the first Japanese pianist to perform with the Jimmy Cobb Trio at the Village Vanguard. In March 2022, he released his return album Get My Mojo Back on the Verve label and it became the top-selling new jazz album in Japan.
Isaiah J. Thompson
Isaiah J. Thompson
Pianist and composer Isaiah J. Thompson is originally from West Orange, New Jersey. He began studying with pianist Alla Epelbaum at The Calderone School of Music and Bob Mikula from an early age and soon after enrolled in Jazz House Kids and NJPAC Jazz For Teens. He later was admitted to The Juilliard School where he graduated with both his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music degrees and went on to further his education in Theology and the Arts at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Isaiah joined the John Pizzarelli Trio in 2019 and has performed with other major artists such as, Christian McBride, Steve Turre, Catherine Russell and Buster Williams. His recording debut was featured on Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Handful of Keys album with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, and he has since released multiple recordings as a leader.
Thompson worked on the Golden Globe nominated soundtrack for the film Motherless Brooklyn, was named a Steinway Artist and has been awarded other accolades including, the 2018 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award and second place in the 2018 Thelonious Monk Competition. In 2023 he was named the winner of the American Pianists Awards and the Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz and in 2024 Thompson joined the Jazz Studies Faculty at The Juilliard School.
As a jazz musician and performer, Isaiah aims to emit love, spirit and respect and convey his personal experiences and passion for the music through his artistry.
Vitor Goncalves
Vitor Goncalves
Vitor Gonçalves is a pianist, accordionist, composer and arranger from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After an illustrious career as an in demand musician in Brazil, playing with such icons as Hermeto Pascoal, Maria Bethânia, Itiberê Zwarg, and many others, he made the move to New York City, where he currently resides.
Since arriving here in 2012, he has garnered much acclaim and built a star lighted resumé, including features in NPR’s Jazz Night in America, hosted by Christian McBride and The New York Times as a guest of the renowned Spok Frevo Orquestra.
Vitor moved to New York in 2012 to deepen his pursuit of Jazz and its connection with Brazilian music, and to explore the diverse musical melting pot that is New York City. It is here that he began leading his own group and forming new collectives, while pursuing a Masters Degree at City College. In 2017 he released his debut album on Sunnyside Records, Vitor Gonçalves Quartet, featuring Dan Weiss (drums), Thomas Morgan (bass), and Todd Neufeld (guitar). The album was reviewed with 4 and half stars at Downbeat jazz magazine.
He got two nominations for the GRAMMY® Awards 2020, for Best Latin Jazz album with Thalma de Freitas and for Best Large Jazz Ensemble with Anat Cohen Tentet.
Julius Rodriguez
Julius Rodriguez
Julius Rodriguez, also known as “Orange Julius,” is an American pianist, drummer and composer. Rodriguez grew up in White Plains, New York and is of Haitian descent. He began to study classical piano at an early age. He was exposed to jazz through his father, an avid jazz aficionado. He later studied at The Juilliard School.
Rodriguez’s music integrates elements from jazz, avant-garde, R&B, hip-hop and pop music. He has drawn inspiration from The Bad Plus, Vijay Iyer and Jason Moran to find novel ways of integrating music outside of the jazz canon, including music by The Beatles.
Rodriguez has been an active touring member of Isaiah Barr’s Onyx Collective, a group which has done collaborative work with a wide range of artists, including Dave Glasser, Ratking, and members of the Wu Tang Clan. The group accompanied A$AP Rocky on a 2018 tour in which Rodriguez performed on both keyboard and guitar.
Ben Paterson
Ben Paterson
Combining a joyful swing feel with an impeccable touch, pianist Ben Paterson has established himself as one of the most exciting pianists on the Jazz scene today, garnering international acclaim for his superb musicianship and engaging performances. Whether playing lush ballads on the piano, digging into some hard-driving blues-tinged organ jazz on the Hammond B3, or singing classic tunes by the likes of Ray Charles and Nat King Cole, Ben combines effortless technique with soulful honesty, drawing in both aficionados and Jazz neophytes alike.
Originally from Philadelphia, Ben studied both classical and Jazz music before moving to the great city of Chicago, absorbing the unique blend of Jazz and Blues that can only be found in the Windy City. Now based in New York, Ben is poised to bring his unique talents and style to a wider audience, performing regularly at top notch venues around town, and at clubs and festivals around the world. Ben currently has seven CD’s released under his own name: Breathing Space (OA2 Records 2007) Blues For Oscar (Meetinghouse Records 2012), Essential Elements (MAXJAZZ 2013), For Once In My Life (Origin 2015), That Old Feeling (Cellar Live 2018), Live at Van Gelder’s (Cellar Live 2018), and I’ll Be Thanking Santa (Meetinghouse Records 2019). Visit www.benpaterson.com for more information.
Lafayette Harris Jr.
Lafayette Harris Jr.
Known as a “go to” pianist by many musicians, Lafayette Harris Jr. currently performs and records with legendary saxophonist Houston Person where he has recorded on three of Mr. Person’s CDs.
Lafayette has toured with some of the greatest musicians of all time including the four-time GRAMMY® nominee – the late, great, Ernestine Anderson.
Lafayette actually started playing music for money while still a 16-year-old teenager in his hometown of Baltimore with local drummer Willie Kee, who together with other teenagers formed a regularly gigging band – Life Unlimited.
He went on to move to New York and found many inspirations for his musical development including legendary pianist and instructor Barry Harris, Kenny Barron and Walter Bishop, Jr. As he pursued his own self education, he drew on Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, Herbie Hancock and Scott Joplin for inspiration. Since then, Lafayette has released nine CDs including his newest, “You Can’t Lose With The Blues,” which was #1 for two weeks on the Jazzweek Jazz Chart in February 2020, and remained on the top ten for 14 weeks.
John Clayton
Big Band Director
John Clayton
Big Band Director
Bassist, Composer, Arranger and Producer, John Clayton is a busy man. He is a GRAMMY® winner with nine additional nominations and has written and/or recorded with artists such as Milt Jackson, Diana Krall, Paul McCartney, Regina Carter, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gladys Knight, Queen Latifah, McCoy Tyner, YoYo Ma and Charles Aznavour, to name only a few. John was the principal bassist in the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra (The Netherlands) from 1980-1984.
In 1986, John co-founded the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and rekindled The Clayton Brothers Quintet. In addition to his individual clinics and workshops, he was the Artist Director of Jazz for Centrum, The Port Townsend Jazz Festival, and the Vail Jazz Workshop. It is John’s arrangement of the “Star Spangled Banner” that helped propel Whitney Houston in her 1990 performance at the Super Bowl (the recording went platinum). His recordings with the Clayton Brothers, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Milt Jackson, Monty Alexander, Count Basie and others are plentiful.
John feels “I’ve been guided by a village of musicians who helped me understand the humility that goes along with playing music at the highest level you can. Ray Brown used to tell me to ‘Just learn how to play the bass!’ If you take care of the music, it will take care of you.”
In 1986, John co-founded the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and rekindled The Clayton Brothers Quintet. In addition to his individual clinics and workshops, he was the Artist Director of Jazz for Centrum, The Port Townsend Jazz Festival, and the Vail Jazz Workshop. It is John’s arrangement of the “Star Spangled Banner” that helped propel Whitney Houston in her 1990 performance at the Super Bowl (the recording went platinum). His recordings with the Clayton Brothers, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Milt Jackson, Monty Alexander, Count Basie and others are plentiful.
John feels “I’ve been guided by a village of musicians who helped me understand the humility that goes along with playing music at the highest level you can. Ray Brown used to tell me to ‘Just learn how to play the bass!’ If you take care of the music, it will take care of you.”
Nicki Parrott
Nicki Parrott
Born in Newcastle, Australia, Nicki Parrott started her musical training at age four with the piano and flute. Nicki switched to double bass at the age of 15. After graduating high school, she moved to Sydney to study jazz at the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music where she was granted funds by the Arts Council to study in New York with Rufus Reid.
Nicki was bassist and vocalist for the legendary Les Paul for over 10 years. As part of the Les Paul Trio, Nicki worked side-by-side with guitar greats from Paul McCartney, Steve Miller to fellow Aussie, Tommy Emmanuel. Paul said about Nicki that, “She has that special gift you cannot buy in a music store.” In addition, she performed in several Broadway shows and at most of the world’s top jazz venues and festivals including The Jazz Cruise and sold-out performances at Birdland and Dizzy’s in NYC.
Nicki recently returned home to Australia where she still tours the globe and records. Her newest release, Feelin’ Groovy (Arbors), is a retrospective and reimagining of songs from the 60s and features an all-Australian band, a first for the label. Nicki has performed with such jazz greats as Randy Brecker, Clark Terry, Bucky Pizzarelli, Dick Hyman, Michel Legrand, Houston Person and Arif Mardin. JazzTimes wrote about her that, “Nicki brings clear articulation, beautiful tone, a sense of rhythmic assuredness and a touch of allure to inventive arrangements.”
She has recorded over two dozen vocal records for Venus Records, Arbors Records and Ooroo Records.
Nicki was bassist and vocalist for the legendary Les Paul for over 10 years. As part of the Les Paul Trio, Nicki worked side-by-side with guitar greats from Paul McCartney, Steve Miller to fellow Aussie, Tommy Emmanuel. Paul said about Nicki that, “She has that special gift you cannot buy in a music store.” In addition, she performed in several Broadway shows and at most of the world’s top jazz venues and festivals including The Jazz Cruise and sold-out performances at Birdland and Dizzy’s in NYC.
Nicki recently returned home to Australia where she still tours the globe and records. Her newest release, Feelin’ Groovy (Arbors), is a retrospective and reimagining of songs from the 60s and features an all-Australian band, a first for the label. Nicki has performed with such jazz greats as Randy Brecker, Clark Terry, Bucky Pizzarelli, Dick Hyman, Michel Legrand, Houston Person and Arif Mardin. JazzTimes wrote about her that, “Nicki brings clear articulation, beautiful tone, a sense of rhythmic assuredness and a touch of allure to inventive arrangements.”
She has recorded over two dozen vocal records for Venus Records, Arbors Records and Ooroo Records.
Reuben Rogers
Reuben Rogers
Raised in the Virgin Islands, Reuben Rogers was exposed to varieties of music that included calypso, reggae, gospel and jazz. In his formative years, Rogers received encouragement from his parents to explore his musical talent. He began with the clarinet, experimented with the piano, drums, and guitar, and at the age of 14 found his true passion in the bass.
He began touring professionally at the age of 17 with the Marcus Roberts trio. He has worked with Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Joshua Redman, Nicholas Payton, Mulgrew Miller, Jackie McLean, Charles Lloyd and Dianne Reeves. He has toured extensively throughout the world and has recorded on over 70 albums.
Committed to supporting the arts in the Virgin Islands, Rogers returns when his schedule permits to conduct music workshops in local schools and organize fundraising concerts that benefit the education of today’s island youth.
Jon Hamar
Jon Hamar
Jon Hamar is a versatile artist who’s ability to find a tasteful, unique voice in any musical situation has made him a staple in the music scene. Hamar’s friendly nature, sense of humor and work ethic has kept him busy as a freelance bassist in multiple performance genres. Jon was born in Kennewick, Washington. He began playing the string bass at age 11 and a year later began playing the electric bass as well. Jon’s parents are musical and Jon grew up listening to his father play gospel, boogie woogie and classical music at the piano and his mother play the oboe and sing at church. His parents were a great musical influence to him at an early age.
Jon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Double Bass Performance from Eastern Washington University under the tutelage of Roma Vayspapir and Kelly Ferris. Jon graduated from the Eastman School of Music with a Master’s degree in Jazz and Contemporary Media, studying with Jeffrey Campbell, James Vandermark, Harold Danko, and Fred Sturm. In 2001 Hamar relocated to Seattle, Washington, and was in high demand as a freelance bassist. Hamar performed for four years with jazz and blues great Ernestine Anderson as well as Northwest notables such as Greta Matassa, Jim Knapp, Kelley Johnson and John Hansen.
In Fall of 2015 Hamar joined the faculty at the Natalie Haslam School of Music at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee
Jon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Double Bass Performance from Eastern Washington University under the tutelage of Roma Vayspapir and Kelly Ferris. Jon graduated from the Eastman School of Music with a Master’s degree in Jazz and Contemporary Media, studying with Jeffrey Campbell, James Vandermark, Harold Danko, and Fred Sturm. In 2001 Hamar relocated to Seattle, Washington, and was in high demand as a freelance bassist. Hamar performed for four years with jazz and blues great Ernestine Anderson as well as Northwest notables such as Greta Matassa, Jim Knapp, Kelley Johnson and John Hansen.
In Fall of 2015 Hamar joined the faculty at the Natalie Haslam School of Music at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee
Mike Karn
Mike Karn
Born and raised in Rochester NY, Mike Karn was an accomplished saxophonist with recordings as a leader, until 2007 when he began to seriously pursue the bass and within a couple of years was working with some of New York’s best musicians, including tenor great Lew Tabakin and with jazz vocal legend Jon Hendricks. In 2010 Mike began playing with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra (VJO) and quickly established himself as that famous big band’s first call sub. In addition to numerous Monday nights at the Village Vanguard, Mike has traveled with the VJO throughout the U.S. and the world. Mike has played with Jimmy Heath and his brother and fellow NEA Jazz Master Albert “Tootie” Heath on numerous occasions including engagements at Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Blue Note, the Village Vanguard, and the Chicago Jazz Festival.
In 2015, Mike had the opportunity to travel to Japan with yet another jazz legend, vocalist/pianist Freddy Cole. In 2018, Mike returned to Asia with Freddy, playing again at the Cotton Club as well as the Blue Note in Beijing. In 2015, Mike joined the band of guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli and since then has appeared with the guitarist/vocalist throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as tours of Japan, Brazil and multiple trips to Europe. He is also featured on many of John’s recent albums including, most recently, Stage and Screen. Of course, Mike will return to The Jazz Cruise with John and pianist Isaiah J. Thompson.
Philip Norris
Philip Norris
Originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Philip Norris currently resides in New York City pursuing his degree in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School. Philip first began his path in music on the Piano and Horn before his passion developed for the bass at the age of 13. Growing up in North Carolina he was a part of The Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble and received The Ella Fitzgerald Outstanding Soloist Award at the Essentially Ellington Competition in 2016.
Other accolades include the NAfME All-National Jazz ensemble, Jazz Band of America and a YoungArts National Finalist in 2016. Since moving to New York, Philip has played in various parts of the world including Switzerland, Bolivia and Russia. He has also played with artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Ulysses Owens Jr., Harold Mabern, Joe Farnsworth, Eric Alexander, Jeff Hamilton, Helen Sung, Catherine Russell, Kenny Washington, Elio Vilafranca, Igor Butman and many more. Philip is currently playing in New York City and abroad with many of these artists as he continues his studies at The Juilliard School.
Luke Sellick
Luke Sellick
Luke Sellick is a bassist, composer and teacher from Winnipeg, Canada. Now a mainstay on the NYC scene, Luke has been the bassist-of-choice for many jazz artists including Monty Alexander, Russell Malone, Benny Golson and others.
Luke’s musical education began in Canada where he was home-schooled and attended the University of Manitoba’s jazz program. In 2012 he moved to New York to pursue his Master’s degree at The Juilliard School, where he was mentored by legendary bassist Ron Carter. Luke received his ‘on-the-job’ training as a member of the Johnny O’Neal Trio, with whom he performed weekly at classic NYC jazz clubs Smoke, Smalls and Mezzrow for several years.
Luke has several albums out under his name including his most recent quintet recording Discovery.
Clark Sommers
Clark Sommers
Bassist, Composer and Educator, Clark Sommers has toured and performed extensively throughout the world.
Clark completed his undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies and World Music at California Institute of the Arts in 2002, and completed a masters degree in Jazz Composition in 2021 from DePaul University.
Clark is proud to be at home in the bass chair with vocalist Kurt Elling, with whom he tours the globe, bringing jazz to everyone from Istanbul to the Canary Islands. Thus far, he has been privileged to play on multiple recordings with the Elling. One of which won the GRAMMY for best jazz vocal album in 2009 “Dedicated to You” Kurt Elling sings the music of Coltrane and Hartman and the second in 2020 for “Secrets Are The Best Stories” featuring Danilo Perez.
Tal Ronen
Tal Ronen
Tal Ronen is an accomplished young bass player living and working in New York City. As a highly sought-after sideman, Tal has been a frequent band member with many notable musicians such as Frank Wess (Sax.), Jimmy Cobb (Drums), Harry Whitaker (Piano), Shiela Jordan (Vocals), and many more. Ronen is currently the bassist for acclaimed Grammy winning international artist Catherine Russell. He also leads his own group featuring his own original compositions, as well as being a main collaborator and songwriter for up and coming artist Dida Pelled.
Ronen has played at many prominent New York venues and is a frequent presence on the world stage, participating in various international festivals around the world.
Matthew Parrish
Matthew Parrish
Matthew Parrish is a sought after performer, arranger, composer, producer and instructor. Matthew’s warmth in his playing and loyalty to delivering heartfelt, passionate works is apparent in every note, every tune, and every interaction with his fellow musicians. Born in central California to hard-working, music-loving parents of four children, Matthew Parrish epitomizes the heart of jazz bass performance and livelihood. Matthew has performed and recorded with many of the top names in jazz.
In addition to seven years of musical interaction, Matt has most recently been spending a lot of touring and concert time with the legendary Houston Person. Domestic highlights include 7 years of performing on The Jazz Cruise.
Matthew has recorded over sixty works, including his debut CD Circles and his most recent recordings with Karine Aguiar, where Matthew was the producer, bassist and arranger (recorded in São Paulo Brazil). An additional recording is in development with Houston.
Lewis Nash
Lewis Nash
Lewis Nash is one of jazz’s most recorded musicians, appearing on over 500 recordings including 10 GRAMMY® winners and numerous GRAMMY® nominees. Nash has the distinction of being the only musician in jazz history featured on the winners in both the “Best Jazz Vocal” and “Best Jazz Instrumental” album categories in two separate years: the 2004 GRAMMY® s with Nancy Wilson and McCoy Tyner, and again in 2010 with Dee Dee Bridgewater and James Moody.
A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Lewis first gained international recognition as a member of vocalist Betty Carter’s trio. In the years to follow, Nash toured, recorded and performed with many of jazz’s most celebrated icons, including Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, JJ Johnson, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Stan Getz, Benny Golson, Art Farmer, Gerry Mulligan, Hank Jones, Horace Silver, McCoy Tyner, Ray Brown, Milt Jackson and many more.
In 2012, The Nash, a jazz education center and performance venue named in Lewis’s honor, was established in his home town of Phoenix. It has been a focal point of the city’s jazz activity since its inception.
Lewis is in great demand for his educational expertise as well as his drumming skills, and presents clinics, masterclasses and workshops at institutions worldwide. He has been a member of the faculty of the annual Vail Jazz Workshop for the past 20 years. In 2017, Nash joined the jazz studies faculty at Arizona State University, where he was named the Bob and Gretchen Ravenscroft Professor of Practice in Jazz. (TJCHOF)
A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Lewis first gained international recognition as a member of vocalist Betty Carter’s trio. In the years to follow, Nash toured, recorded and performed with many of jazz’s most celebrated icons, including Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, JJ Johnson, Sonny Rollins, Clark Terry, Stan Getz, Benny Golson, Art Farmer, Gerry Mulligan, Hank Jones, Horace Silver, McCoy Tyner, Ray Brown, Milt Jackson and many more.
In 2012, The Nash, a jazz education center and performance venue named in Lewis’s honor, was established in his home town of Phoenix. It has been a focal point of the city’s jazz activity since its inception.
Lewis is in great demand for his educational expertise as well as his drumming skills, and presents clinics, masterclasses and workshops at institutions worldwide. He has been a member of the faculty of the annual Vail Jazz Workshop for the past 20 years. In 2017, Nash joined the jazz studies faculty at Arizona State University, where he was named the Bob and Gretchen Ravenscroft Professor of Practice in Jazz. (TJCHOF)
Herlin Riley
Herlin Riley
A native of New Orleans, Herlin Riley started on the drums when he was three. He played trumpet through high school, but he went back to drums in college. After graduating, he spent three years as a member of a band led by Ahmad Jamal. In the ensuing years, he worked often with Wynton Marsalis as a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and of Marsalis’s small groups and appears on more than two dozen of the trumpeter’s albums. Riley played a large part in developing the drum parts for Wynton Marsalis’s Pulitzer Prize-winning album, Blood on the Fields. As a leader, Herlin has released four albums: Watch What You’re Doing, Cream of the Crescent, New Direction and Perpetual Optimism.
He’s also co-led a group with fellow Crescent City drummers Jason Marsalis and Shannon Powell, the New Orleans Groovemasters, that celebrates the music of New Orleans—past, present and future—with a fiery sound that evokes second lines of that city, as well as funk, R&B and jazz.
He’s also co-led a group with fellow Crescent City drummers Jason Marsalis and Shannon Powell, the New Orleans Groovemasters, that celebrates the music of New Orleans—past, present and future—with a fiery sound that evokes second lines of that city, as well as funk, R&B and jazz.
Joe Farnsworth
Joe Farnsworth
One of the most highly regarded jazz drummers on the scene today, Joe Farnsworth is known for his blazing speed, precision, musical and melodic playing.
Born in South Hadley, Massachusetts in 1968, Joe grew up in a musical family; his father was a music educator and he has four older brothers, two of whom became professional musicians.
He studied with Alan Dawson and Arthur Taylor prior to attending and graduating from William Patterson College in New Jersey in 1994 where he began playing with saxophonist, Eric Alexander and guitarist, Peter Bernstein.
Upon moving to New York City, he led the weekend jazz combos at Augie’s (now Smoke Jazz & Supper Club). He performed with Junior Cook, Cecil Payne, John Ore, Big John Patton, Harold Mabern, Eddie Henderson, John Jenkins and his brothers, John and James.
Joseph’s career includes recording over 100 CD’s as leader and side-man, jazz festivals and world tours with Pharaoh Sanders, Horace Silver, Harold Mabern, McCoy Tyner, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Benny Golson, George Coleman, Johnny Griffin, Lou Donaldson, Benny Green, Barry Harris, Curtis Fuller to name a few.
He is currently the drummer for McCoy Tyner and a member of the Pharaoh Sanders Quartet, Harold Mabern Trio, and is a founding member of the renowned One for All Quintet.
Recordings as leader include: Drumspeak, Beautiful Friendship feat. Cedar Walton and Curtis Fuller, Prime Time, Super Prime Time and Make Someone Happy.
Kyle Poole
Kyle Poole
Hailed by Jazz Speaks as a “young prodigious drummer,” Los Angeles native Kyle Poole has been residing in New York City since 2011 and continues to impress wherever his drums take him next. Along with his band of fellow NY jazz upstarts aptly titled Poole & the Gang, Kyle has performed in New York’s most esteemed jazz clubs, notably Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola & SMOKE Jazz, culminating in a weekly residency at Small’s Jazz Club lasting nearly three years.
One of Poole’s chief missions is to expand jazz’s audience by incorporating all dance styles of music, reaching back to ragtime and bebop, while forging ahead all the way to funk, hip-hop & beyond. With the constant fluctuation of genre, rhythm and harmony, Poole & the Gang connects these musical dots in a uniquely improvised fashion, while audiences worldwide are delighted to simply “go with the flow.”
One of Poole’s chief missions is to expand jazz’s audience by incorporating all dance styles of music, reaching back to ragtime and bebop, while forging ahead all the way to funk, hip-hop & beyond. With the constant fluctuation of genre, rhythm and harmony, Poole & the Gang connects these musical dots in a uniquely improvised fashion, while audiences worldwide are delighted to simply “go with the flow.”
Payton Crossley
Payton Crossley
Drummer Payton Crossley broke into the jazz major leagues at age 20 with the great pianist Ahmad Jamal. From ages 14 to 18, he studied with and received invaluable advice from famed drummer and teacher Alan Dawson — whose students included the innovative Tony Williams.
“Drums allow you to tap into your whole being, from primal to delicate nuance, anything that you can capture in music,” Crossley says. “Basically, drums are the heartbeat of everything that goes on. I like that feeling of being able to participate on such a broad level.”
“Drums allow you to tap into your whole being, from primal to delicate nuance, anything that you can capture in music,” Crossley says. “Basically, drums are the heartbeat of everything that goes on. I like that feeling of being able to participate on such a broad level.”
Marcus Finnie
Marcus Finnie
As a Memphis native and Nashville resident, Marcus Finnie has toured with Kirk Whalum, Keb Mo, Taj Mahal, Lady Antebellum, Billy Preston, Earl Klugh and many others. Marcus has also recorded with Grammy and Stellar Award nominated and winning artists Kirk Whalum, Keb Mo & Taj Mahal, India Arie, Michael McDonald, Lalo Hathaway, Smokie Norful, Donnie McClurkin and others.
James Shipp
James Shipp
JAmes Shipp is a vibraphonist, a percussionist, a synthesist, and a songwriter. For the last decade-and-a-half he has performed, recorded, and toured the world with some of New York City’s best musicians. Trained as a jazz vibraphone soloist and accompanist, James’s post-conservatory interests have led him to become a sought-after Brazilian percussionist, a multi-instrumentalist in bands both mostly-improvised and tightly arranged, a composer of music for experimental theater, and a versatile producer of recordings, bringing to bear his knowledge of both acoustic and analog electronic instruments on a wide range of projects.
As of late, James performs and records with much-lauded clarinetist and multiple GRAMMY® Award nominee Anat Cohen’s Quartetinho, the Anat Cohen Tentet, Jean Rohe and the End of the World Show, Banda Magda, the Nadje Noordhuis Quintet, and Christina Courtin (Pilot Violet). He has recorded and performed with Paquito d’Rivera, Kurt Elling, Snarky Puppy, Bokante, Kate McGarry, Becca Stevens, Bob Lanzetti, The Kronos Quartet and Sting. He was nominated for two GRAMMY®s in 2020 for his contributions on vibes and percussion to the Anat Cohen Tentet’s Triple Helix and Miho Hazama and M Unit’s Dancer in Nowhere. He is the percussionist for Mike LaValle’s Clube de Choro do Brooklyn every Sunday at Barbés in Park Slope.
James has been a bandleader, composer, producer, and workshop facilitator for Carnegie Hall’s social impact programs for the last decade, working with thousands of people of all ages in prisons, jails, hospitals, shelters, and schools throughout New York City.
JAmes earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music from the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music. He currently lives in Brooklyn, and is very happy there.
As of late, James performs and records with much-lauded clarinetist and multiple GRAMMY® Award nominee Anat Cohen’s Quartetinho, the Anat Cohen Tentet, Jean Rohe and the End of the World Show, Banda Magda, the Nadje Noordhuis Quintet, and Christina Courtin (Pilot Violet). He has recorded and performed with Paquito d’Rivera, Kurt Elling, Snarky Puppy, Bokante, Kate McGarry, Becca Stevens, Bob Lanzetti, The Kronos Quartet and Sting. He was nominated for two GRAMMY®s in 2020 for his contributions on vibes and percussion to the Anat Cohen Tentet’s Triple Helix and Miho Hazama and M Unit’s Dancer in Nowhere. He is the percussionist for Mike LaValle’s Clube de Choro do Brooklyn every Sunday at Barbés in Park Slope.
James has been a bandleader, composer, producer, and workshop facilitator for Carnegie Hall’s social impact programs for the last decade, working with thousands of people of all ages in prisons, jails, hospitals, shelters, and schools throughout New York City.
JAmes earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music from the SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music. He currently lives in Brooklyn, and is very happy there.
Jason Brown
Jason Brown
Jason Brown sings, plays the sax, guitar and keyboard. Jason relishes performing in every way. The saxophone is obviously his first love and he squeezes every last drop of emotion from every song as he plays.
JB has many influences such as Gospel, R&B, Jazz, and Blues. His music has a message and story that starts with his father passing away at 13 years old. Feeling the sadness of losing his father, he put his energy towards music. At 16 JB recorded his first project called Jason’s Beginning.
JB has Performed with Kirk Whalum, Earl Thomas, Tonex, and has opened for John Legend, Macy Gray, Gerald Albright, Everette Harp, Pamela Williams and Paul Taylor just to name a few.
“I understand how it feels to be a kid with a dream of wanting to do something great, my dream is to inspire other kids, musicians to go after their dreams. When I perform, I am in my comfort zone and I always connect with my audience.”
Domo Branch
Domo Branch
Domo Branch is a highly accomplished drummer, composer and bandleader known for his innovative contributions to the modern jazz scene. Splitting time both in NYC and his hometown Portland, Oregon, Branch has quickly risen as a leading voice in contemporary music, blending rhythmic sophistication with an emotional depth that resonates deeply with audiences.
Branch’s artistry is showcased in his groundbreaking album, We Are Made featuring Vibraphonist, and educator Stefon Harris, which weaves intricate rhythms and rich melodies into a tapestry that explores identity, community, and the human experience. The album has been celebrated for its singable melodies, bold arrangements and poignant storytelling, establishing Branch as a dynamic creative force.
Whether on stage, or in the studio, Branch exemplifies a commitment to pushing boundaries while staying rooted in the integrity of the soul of jazz tradition.
Vincent Ector
Vincent Ector
Vincent Ector hails from the musical city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he attended the University of Pennsylvania.
Most recently, Vincent produced his fourth CD as a leader entitled Theme For Ms. P, which is receiving rave reviews and was recently featured as “Jazz Album of the Week” on WRTI-FM in Philadelphia. His third CD Organatomy features GRAMMY®-nominated Brazilian jazz great Claudio Roditi on one of his original compositions. His second CD as a leader entitled Renewal of the Spirit features Bobby Watson on Saxophones and four of Vincent’s original compositions. His first CD, Rhythm Master, features the great Eddie Henderson on trumpet.
Mr. Ector is the Founder, President and Executive Director of Arts For Kids Inc., a not-for-profit Arts-in-Education company providing workshops, performances and professional development in Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Art and Technology for schools and community-based organizations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. (www.artsforkidsinc.org).
Dan Wilson
Dan Wilson
Growing up in Akron, Ohio, Dan Wilson spent the majority of his youth within the church community, where his musical path began. Traces of his major guitar influences – including Wes Montgomery, Charlie Christian, Joe Pass and George Benson to name a few – can be discerned through his playing, but his musical identity has been shaped by everything from gospel and blues to traditional jazz, hip-hop and horn players like Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson.
Wilson’s career took him on an exploratory journey into foundations laid down by the guitar/organ tradition, eventually leading to an invitation to perform with jazz great Joey DeFrancesco’s trio quartet, with which Wilson went on to earn a GRAMMY® Award nomination with for DeFrancesco’s Project Freedom album (Mack Avenue Records, 2017). This collaboration allowed the guitarist to insert his own dialect into the musical prowess and respect that DeFrancesco had earned throughout his journey.
Wilson had been playing with DeFrancesco for a few years when he met bassist, composer, arranger, Christian McBride. From there, Wilson went on to tour with McBride’s trio Tip City, eventually leading McBride to serve as producer on Vessels of Wood and Earth and release the album on his newly formed imprint Brother Mister Productions through Mack Avenue Music Group.
Wilson’s career took him on an exploratory journey into foundations laid down by the guitar/organ tradition, eventually leading to an invitation to perform with jazz great Joey DeFrancesco’s trio quartet, with which Wilson went on to earn a GRAMMY® Award nomination with for DeFrancesco’s Project Freedom album (Mack Avenue Records, 2017). This collaboration allowed the guitarist to insert his own dialect into the musical prowess and respect that DeFrancesco had earned throughout his journey.
Wilson had been playing with DeFrancesco for a few years when he met bassist, composer, arranger, Christian McBride. From there, Wilson went on to tour with McBride’s trio Tip City, eventually leading McBride to serve as producer on Vessels of Wood and Earth and release the album on his newly formed imprint Brother Mister Productions through Mack Avenue Music Group.
Matt Munisteri
Matt Munisteri
As the sparkling guitarist on several chart-topping jazz CDs, a critically lauded songwriter and nimble lyricist Matt Munisteri is an urban banjo-warrior and a sometime session musician, a selfless and devoted sideman, a wry-yet-honest singer, an engaging and winning front-man and an arranger whose ear-pulling re-inventions of well-traveled songs have contributed to GRAMMY® winning CDs.
After leaving his post as the guitarist and principal songwriter for The Flying Neutrinos in the late ’90’s, Matt quietly self-released his debut CD Love Story in 2003. Word-of-mouth saw to it that it wound on several critic’s “Best Of” lists, and garnered the number two slot on Amazon’s Top Ten Jazz CDs of The Year. A formidable lyricist, his literate songs have been compared to Randy Newman, Mose Allison and Bob Dorough.
Matt’s CD Still Runnin’ Round In The Wilderness, is the first volume of two planned CDs to explore the “lost” compositions of the under-recognized, but truly prototypical, American singer-songwriter Willard Robison. Matt is partial to big ideas and prefers projects with challenges and substance, and tackling Robison’s music met all of these criteria.
Tal Mashiach
Tal Mashiach
Tal Mashiach is a GRAMMY®-nominated multi-instrumentalist, performer and composer based in Brooklyn, New York, combining his skills to create one of the most prominent and original voices in the world\Jazz music scene.
Born in Israel in 1993, Tal studied classical guitar from age 10 and began studying double bass at the age of 17. At the age of 18 Tal won First prize at the national guitar competition at the “Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance” and received annual scholarships from the America – Israel Cultural Foundation for classical and jazz studies.
As a band leader Tal formed various projects to fulfill his diverse musical vision: TM Street Band – a funky world music party band, which brings out Tal’s inner child playfulness, fusing genres with no borders. GTO Trio – a contemporary Jazz trio co-leaded with pianist Gadi Lehavi & drummer Ofri Nehemya.
Tal’s most recent project Tiyul, an intimate solo album featuring his original compositions on classical guitar, was released in 2022.
Born in Israel in 1993, Tal studied classical guitar from age 10 and began studying double bass at the age of 17. At the age of 18 Tal won First prize at the national guitar competition at the “Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance” and received annual scholarships from the America – Israel Cultural Foundation for classical and jazz studies.
As a band leader Tal formed various projects to fulfill his diverse musical vision: TM Street Band – a funky world music party band, which brings out Tal’s inner child playfulness, fusing genres with no borders. GTO Trio – a contemporary Jazz trio co-leaded with pianist Gadi Lehavi & drummer Ofri Nehemya.
Tal’s most recent project Tiyul, an intimate solo album featuring his original compositions on classical guitar, was released in 2022.
Niki Haris
Niki Haris
Niki Haris is a multi-talented singer, dancer, actress and choreographer. Daughter of GRAMMY® Award-nominated jazz pianist Gene Harris, Niki may be best known as “The BIG VOICE” behind Madonna for over 18 years. Her vocal collaborations read like a “Who’s Who” of the music business. Niki has been a musician on The Jazz Cruise for many years.