OSCAR PETERSON Archives - Signature Cruise Experiences

Our Take: Oscar Peterson at 100

Kim Kelley — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 13:40:01 +0000

Oscar Peterson celebrates his Centennial Birthday in 2025. The Canadian born jazz pianist is considered one of the top pianists of all time by most fans and the greatest of all time by many. I own virtually every recording Oscar Peterson made. At work, often, I will start playing his music from the time I arrive until late in the afternoon. On those days, I do not achieve much, but I am somewhat more enjoyable to be around. In life, there are choices.

Peterson won 8 GRAMMY® Awards and was heralded by his peers as the “Maharaja of the Keyboard,” a name bestowed upon him by Duke Ellington. The number of awards and honors he earned are countless and his days with Ray Brown and Herb Ellis are considered by many to be the height of his career and jazz royalty.

Often compared to Art Tatum, Peterson was intimidated by Tatum’s skills. He would walk away when folks made the comparison even when done so as the ultimate compliment. Eventually they would become good friends though Peterson would seldom perform in Tatum’s presence.

My admiration of Peterson is a simple person’s love of music, particularly the piano. His sound was complex, but you can hear each note. As UCLA Bruin Basketball coach John Wooden would have said, Peterson was quick, but not in a hurry. Not sure how I decided to use an NCAA basketball coach quote. It must have something to do with March Madness!

When I hear the name Oscar Peterson, besides longing to hear him play, two thoughts come to mind. The first was an experience many years ago. I was visiting the home of Arturo Sandoval for the purpose of inviting him to be part of a cruise program. Upon entering his house, the first item I saw was the largest Bosendorfer piano I have ever seen. Accompanying me on the visit was Dane Butcher, our first Cruise Director. Innocently, Dane asked who in the Sandoval house played piano? Arturo announced that the piano in question was a gift from Oscar Peterson as a “thank you” for some musical advice. Then, Arturo proceeded to play the piano for 30 minutes featuring classical music, jazz and pop.

Had that been the end of the story, it would have been a great memory of a great man, a great gift and a great musician. However, upon finishing the piano program, Arturo announced that he was a better piano player than trumpeter. That boast was lost on me. After all, Arturo Sandoval is to the trumpet what Oscar Peterson is to the piano. Not sure why the exclamation bothered me, but it did and still does. When a great man fails to accept his skills in a particular field and lauds his skill in the field of another, it does not seem right.

The second thought upon hearing his name is to watch and listened to Benny Green talk about his mentor, Oscar Peterson. Benny is one of my favorite pianists. His sound is so distinctive. He can make the piano do things that others cannot, or it seems that way. When Benny feels joy, he can fill a room with smiles. Talking about Oscar Peterson puts him in that mood immediately. It is very cool to watch Benny beam with pride when he talks about his relationship with Oscar Peterson.

There is so much more about this great pianist for us to share, but that will have to wait for another edition of Our Take or Jazz Notes. As you know, I write most of the articles in both publications, but Lee Mergner, the famous former publisher and editor of Jazz Times, is a major contributor. He knows more about jazz than any person I know. Just like Benny Green drafting off the power of Oscar Peterson, I try to garner whatever I can from Lee.

As for Lee, I would admire him more if he were not a Phillies fan. Find me one nice Phillies fan in uniform and I will show you a person who is wearing their hat because they lost a bet.

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

Three Cohens’ Interaction

The 3 Cohens (Anat, Avishai and Yuvall Cohen) reunited for their fifth album together, the appropriately named Interaction, recorded from a collaborative concert with Germany’s lauded WDR Big Band. The program showcased tailored arrangements by producer Oded Lev-Ari of compositions by himself and each member of The 3 Cohens, as well as fresh takes on Gerry Mulligan’s “Festive Minor” and the Louis Armstrong hit “Tiger Rag,” two longtime family favorites for the Cohens.

“We can talk without talking,” Anat said about the threesome’s sibling rapport. “Often, we don’t even have to look at each other onstage. We have such a history together that we feel each other through the music.”

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Gerald Clayton’s “Tuesday Happenings” Series at Sam First

The Los Angeles jazz club Sam First, located near the LAX Airport, presents a weekly series called “Tuesday Happenings,” curated and hosted by Gerald Clayton. Each week a house band performs one set at 7:30pm followed by a jam session from 9:30 to 11pm.

“I was inspired by all of the great jam sessions that I learned so much from coming up in the music, and I felt that it would be good to give back to the community and offer a gathering place for hungry young musicians to work on their craft and get their butt kicked on that stage and come back again and try again,” Gerald explained. “Right now, there are so many great musicians in LA, but it’s such a spread-out city that it’s not automatic that we all get to see each other or get together and play. You have to be a bit more proactive to get that sense of community. I’ve enjoyed that it’s become a great hang.”

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Stateroom Availability

Having been at sea for four weeks, we thought it best to share what is new with respect to our next 9 cruise programs and to highlight special offers for select programs.

Cruise Programs ’25

Journey of Jazz ’25

Over 86% Reserved. Balcony Staterooms Available – Special Pricing for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms (Lowest Price Ever – Promo Code: JOURNEY)

Cruise Programs ’26

Homecoming: The Cruise	Open Booking Now; For Special Prices on Staterooms, use Promo Code: HTC
Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26	Open Booking Now; For Special Prices for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms, use Promo Code: CMW
The Jazz Cruise ’26	Open Booking Now
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1	96% Reserved – Open Booking Now
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2	Fully Reserved
Top Shelf Country Cruise	Full Lineup and Final Itinerary Announcement Monday Open Booking Now
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3	76% Reserved – Open Booking Now
Botti at Sea ’26	Open Booking Now

Hot Offers

Ocean View and Inside Staterooms are available on Journey of Jazz ’25. You can reserve an Inside Stateroom on the cruise for under $2,000/person and there are special prices for Ocean View staterooms. Reservations may be completed online or by calling the office and are based upon double occupancy, available for new reservations only and non-commissionable. Further, this discount may not be combined with any other offer (Promo Code: JOURNEY).

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Promotional pricing is available on Ocean View and Inside Staterooms for Journey of Jazz! Make your reservation today using promo code WEEKENDER for significant savings*! Exciting land-based concerts and excursions are also available! *Discount applies to new reservations only.

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HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

Join us for a celebration of HBCUs and inspired by the tradition of the Divine Nine Challenge from recent sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Sailing January 15 – 20, 2026 (including MLK Day), this cruise will deliver Excellence, Education and Entertainment. For the best available prices on all Stateroom Categories, use promo code HTC during the booking process. Reserve Your Stateroom Today!

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CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

9X GRAMMY® winner Christian McBride will host our newest Signature Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea! The cruise will feature legions of musicians who comprise the various ensembles that are the hallmarks of Christian’s music world AND first-class comedy talent. See the full lineup here! Open Booking has begun! Right now, special pricing is available for Ocean View and Inside Staterooms*. To save, use the promo code CMW during the reservation process. *Discount applies to new reservations only.

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THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Now Available

Hailed as “Jazz Heaven” by musicians and guests alike, The Jazz Cruise ’26 lineup will feature some of the most iconic musicians from the straight-ahead jazz genre. See the full lineup here. The Jazz Cruise ’26 is in Open Booking! Anyone may now reserve any available stateroom. This program always hits “fully reserved.” The only question is when!

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

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 is in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and staterooms are more than 95% reserved. The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 is Fully Reserved, but you may join the Waitlist. Reserve your stateroom today!

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THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available

The inaugural sailing will feature headline artist Keith Urban and widely popular personalities from iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show, led by Bobby Bones himself. Top Shelf Country Cruise is now in Open Booking! Anyone may select any available stateroom and complete a reservation. Guests are not required to submit a Pre-Sail Reservation and may proceed directly to the Stateroom Selection process. Reserve your stateroom today!

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THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available

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

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BOTTI AT SEA’26
Open Booking Now Available

We’re thrilled to be able to announce that Boz Scaggs, Elvis Costello and Melody Gardot will be onboard Botti at Sea ’26. Of course, Chris Botti will be there with his very talented band and, as always, we will fill the remaining performance slots with a variety of great music, comedy and more. Open Booking has begun. Reserve your stateroom today!

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Send us Your Mug Shots

We know many readers of The Weekender like to peruse each edition over their morning coffee. And, if you’ve sailed with us, you likely have at least one (or perhaps many) Signature Cruise Experiences mugs just for that purpose. Over the years, The Weekender has featured several pictures of cruisers showing off their mugs, pictures we affectionately refer to as “Mug Shots.”

If you want to share your “Mug Shot” with the 100,000+ readers who receive The Weekender each Saturday, email a photo of yourself and your mug to mugshot@scecruises.com. Who knows? You may just see yourself in a future edition.

Mug Shot of the Week

Judy, Josh, Lorri, Laurie, Tom, Kathy

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

The post Our Take: Oscar Peterson at 100 appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

OUR TAKE: Roy Haynes – American Drummer

Kim Kelley — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Talk about a legend. None bigger than Roy Haynes, a true original American drummer, who died this week at 99. He sailed with us twice on The Jazz Cruise years ago, each time we believed would be the last time and each time we thought he would simply go through the motions.

Wrong and dead wrong. Rolling Stones’ iconic drummer, Charlie Watts, when hearing that Roy, at 83, was voted Best Contemporary Jazz Drummer by Modern Drummer in 2006, conjectured that “age is not a part of Roy’s life.” For someone who performed for nine decades and is called a pioneer in jazz drumming, at the very least, age had little impact on his life and career.

He played with almost everybody: Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughan, Bud Powell and Stan Getz. Famous for celebrating his birthdays at the Blue Note Jazz Club (NYC), Roy was a bit of a clothes horse. In 1960, Esquire named him along with fellow jazzman, Miles Davis, as one of America’s Best Dressed Men. If you think that only jazz musicians were winners, Fred Astaire, Clark Gable and Cary Grant were also named.

With nine GRAMMY® Nominations, three GRAMMY® Awards and 14 DownBeat Critics Poll Best Drummer Awards, his being named an NEA Jazz Master in 1995 by the National Endowment of the Arts, the highest award in jazz, should come as no surprise.

Even though his time on The Jazz Cruise was at the latter stages of his career, he was always dapper, sophisticated and dynamic. You could not take your eyes off him playing the drums. Like all great drummers, the drums and cymbals seemed to be extensions of his arms and legs.

Known to tap dance during gigs, Roy joins a long line of great drummers who have dancing backgrounds and skills. Ever see Buddy Rich tap dance? It is amazing. Check out this YouTube site (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwE6ukSz69c). Great drumming is a full body activity. The player is almost like an octopus, moving his arms and legs in various directions yet maintaining a beat and a purpose.

Even though I play drums, I am not a big fan of the long drum solo. I am not sure how that fits into the “music,” but there are exceptions. Check out some of Roy’s videos or either his, Buddy’s or Gene Krupa’s performances of “Sing, Sing, Sing” or “Caravan.” In those instances, the drums are the music!

Like all great athletes, great drummers, regardless of their training or style, have one thing in common. They make it look effortless. The better they are, the easier they make it appear.

Hard to believe that we will ever see another musician like Roy Haynes perform so late in life. Whenever I say that, I think of Dick Hyman who is performing now at 97! He and I share the same birthday, so it is easy to remember him.

No! We share the same month and day. The birth years are different. There will be one fewer pillow gift for anyone who believes otherwise.

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

Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26: Cruise Details on Tuesday!

Ready to learn the details of Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26? We are!

Check your email early on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. You will receive an announcement letter, access to the website and complete instructions of the Reservation Procedure.

We are very excited about this cruise…”Once you enter Christian McBride’s World, your world will never be the same.”

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GRAMMY® Nomination: Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

In the 11.13.24 edition of Jazz Notes, we outlined many of “our” musicians who have been nominated for GRAMMY®s this year. The list was outstanding and confirmed our belief that the musicians on our jazz cruises are the very best in the business.

We held back one name, Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, as we wanted to highlight their nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for their “And So It Goes” recording. There have been no greater friends, supporters or stars of our cruise programs than John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, so it is particularly exciting to see them receive this type of recognition.

Perhaps coincidentally, Journey of Jazz ’25 features CJHO as a special guest when we overnight in San Francisco on September 15, 2025. John and Jeff will also be featured on that cruise as the bassist and drummer for Diana Krall, a vocalist whose career began with those musicians at her side.

No mention of CJHO would be complete without remembering Jeff Clayton, a founder, leader and saxophonist of the group. His smile, talent, sense of humor and all-encompassing humanity were driving forces for the group and our cruises.

Jazz Cruises is Now Signature Jazz Cruises

In most respects, Jazz Cruises becoming Signature Jazz Cruises is nothing more than a change of name. Yet, by doing so, we are acknowledging two points. First, adding “Signature” is our way of saying that we are signing our name on every jazz cruise program we produce. Second, Signature Jazz Cruises takes its place alongside Signature Event Cruises as the two cruise divisions managed and produced by Signature Cruise Experiences.

In English, we are now producing non-jazz programs owned by Signature Events Cruises and our time-honored team at the Jazz Cruises’ office are now under the employment of Signature Cruise Experiences.

Yes, there is some substance here, but, if Shakespeare were the author of this transition, it would be called….yes, Much Ado About Nothing!

What is important is that our email address is no longer @scecruises.com. To reach me or our staff, use our first name and @scecruises.com (i.e., michael@scecruises.com).

Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra’s Crescent City Jewels

Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis celebrates his hometown heroes of New Orleans with his latest album, Crescent City Jewels, released on Troubadour Jass Records. The recording features his group the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, along with vocalist Tonya Boyd-Cannon, as well as special guests and fellow Crescent City mainstays Branford Marsalis, Kermit Ruffins, Davell Crawford, Maurice “Miracle Meaux” Trosclair and Herlin Riley. Delfeayo said that the album is like a Gratitude Journal in song. “What the jazz community needs right now are bands that can bring joy and optimism,” he explained. “We not only need it for the audiences, but other bands need to hear it. There are so many bands that play what they consider to be ‘modern’ music which may not be the most uplifting experience for the audience. I feel very fortunate that I have a band, especially coming out of New Orleans, that can bring emotion and joy.”

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Oscar Peterson’s City Lights

Mack Avenue Records, in partnership with Two Lions Records, has just released the fourth recording by Oscar Peterson from their collaboration with Oscar’s wife Kelly Peterson. City Lights: The Oscar Peterson Quartet – Live in Munich, 1994 captures the fourth concert in Oscar’s first tour following his recovery from what turned out to be a “minor” stroke that occurred during a performance in May of 1993. The legendary pianist with ties to so many of the artists on The Jazz Cruise was joined by bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, drummer Martin Drew and guitarist Lorne Lofsky. Oscar’s daughter Celine said that the live recording captures a very different Oscar than in previous releases. “He knew he was not walking on stage with the same power he had a decade earlier, so he didn’t try to pretend or compare,” she explained. “He leaned into what the present was offering him, ran with it and introduced us to a new Oscar Peterson. There was an umbrella of vulnerability over performances which made them even more intimate.”

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Donate to the Future of Jazz with Monterey Jazz Festival

With the season of giving upon us, Monterey Jazz depends on you for the future of jazz! When you support their education programs, you are making an indelible impact on the lives of the young people they serve by providing world-class, comprehensive music education, mentorship and performance opportunities, like their Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, directed by Gerald Clayton. Now more than ever, your contribution is needed for young musicians to have access to world-class musicians and the opportunity to advance their passion for jazz. For more information on the various ways you can support Monterey Jazz, please visit www.montereyjazzfestival.org/contribute.

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Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’25 – FULLY RESERVED! The Jazz Cruise ’26 to be Announced Soon!

The Jazz Cruise ’25 is fully reserved. Rooms will become available due to cancellations and vacancies are filled directly from the Waitlist. If you wish to sail on The Jazz Cruise ’25, we urge you to JOIN WAITLIST now.

Stay tuned for details about The Jazz Cruise ’26 – to be announced in Late November!

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & 26.2 – Reserve Your Stateroom Today!

Both sailings for ’25 are fully reserved and the Waitlist has more than 4,000 entrants.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & ‘26.2 are in Open Booking (anyone may reserve any available stateroom) and are over 80% reserved.

Reserve your stateroom today!

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is Here – New West Coast Sailing!

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

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

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Botti at Sea ’25 FULLY RESERVED! Botti at Sea ’26 JUST ANNOUNCED!

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

The website for the cruise will be available later this year and the amazing lineup will follow shortly. Join the Pre-Sail today!

JOIN PRE-SAIL

Christian McBride’s World at Sea – JUST ANNOUNCED!

Christian McBride will be hosting a new Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea!

Christian McBride will be hosting a new Signature Jazz Cruises’ program, Christian McBride’s World at Sea!

The cruise will set sail from Fort Lauderdale in early ’26 with stops in CocoCay and San Juan. The full lineup and website will be announced on November 15, but you can establish your priority for reserving a stateroom NOW by joining the Pre-Sail.

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Journey of Jazz ’25 – Excursions Available to Book Now!

Hosts Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter will take you on an incredible musical journey onboard Journey of Jazz. The cruise will also feature a special show from the one-and-only Diana Krall while the ship is in-port in Victoria!

Land-based excursions are now available to book! Check out Signature Jazz Cruises’ curated trips to Wine Country, Special Land Based Concerts and more HERE.

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Mug Shots of the Week

Deborah D.
California

Deborah L.
Georgia

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

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

The post OUR TAKE: Roy Haynes – American Drummer appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

OUR TAKE: Jazz Appreciation Month

Jordan — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 23:03:38 +0000

Our preoccupation with the McDonald – LaBelle Cruise postponed our annual discussion about April being Jazz Appreciation Month. I will forego that customary “we appreciate jazz every month” bromide and go straight ahead (get it!) to the heart of the matter. That being an honest discussion about our love of jazz and what that means to Jazz Cruises.

Last night, I tried to watch a movie, The Bricklayer, a remarkably lame attempt to portray some type of CIA v. KGB plot being perpetrated in Greece involving a former CIA agent presumed to be dead, a female CIA agent who could not have passed the initial testing for her post, and a retired CIA agent disillusioned by the US government and seeking revenge for a needless killing in the past. I told you it was lame.

Why am I mentioning this dog of a film at all? Because our bricklayer, played painfully by Aaron Eckhart, despite his coarse and rough appearance and lifestyle, loves jazz. His earbuds seem to be stuck on Miles Davis as every time his music is referenced, another Miles comment is made. My point is a modest one. Whenever movies, tv, or those in real life, need to claim to be cool, being a jazz fan is one of the “go to” tricks to do just that. I have called this out before, but it continues to be used, and, for the most part, very effectively.

I have often posited that the upper crust in society has two musical choices. One being the symphony and classical music, the other being jazz. Broadway musicals are a distant third, but somehow supporting those shows has more of a fiscal tinge than that of being a benefactor. Supporting the symphony and jazz events appeals to those who need to “save” something from extinction, so they believe. So, the tie-in to being a “jazz fan” has snob appeal, as well as a full dose of noblesse oblige.

As you can tell from my choice of vocabulary, I have utter disdain for this use of “jazz.” That it is very inaccurate is second only to the fact that this characterization becomes a crutch and an excuse for those who do not embrace jazz to marginalize its importance and value. Elitism in any form is unattractive, so painting our music as appealing only to snobs upsets me.

Jazz is more than simply a status symbol. Jazz is a life choice and provides the basis for important life lessons. Only recently, we were working with someone who was very talented, but was having difficulty being part of the group. Their pursuit of objectives was personal and not for the betterment of the project or of the company. Explaining my concerns was difficult until I realized that the explanation was imbedded in the music we love.

Jazz is a shared activity. The goal is the sound and the experience, both of which have many components and authors. Someone may be the very best player in the world, but that does not always mean that they fit within the direction of the band. How many times have you heard a jazz group praised for being “tight”? That only happens when they are on the same page, the same mission, and sharing the same purpose. Watching and listening to a “tight” group is an exhilarating experience.

Those moments are why I appreciate jazz. Yes, there are instances where this feat is accomplished by bands in other music genres, but, for the most part, other genres are leader driven and the other band members provide support. In jazz, you pull one player out of the group, and you have nothing. Our music is the polar opposite of elitism. No jazz musician would ever envision their performance as being above that of their fellow players. There are solos, to be sure. There are headliners, to be sure. But at the heart of every jazz band is the sharing of the bandstand and the sharing of the music.

April is Jazz Appreciation Month. It is not a time to strut or to make non-jazz fans feel dumb or inferior. Instead, it is a time to share our music with others, take someone to a live show, let them bask in the richness of the presentations and watch a trio, a quartet, a quintet, or a Big Band perform together in an atmosphere of inclusion, cooperation and sharing. Having spent my last 25 years in and around the world of jazz, working with and sharing time with jazz musicians, and trying to create amazing experiences for jazz fans, not only do I appreciate jazz, but I admire and respect every aspect of the genre.

Whether I am a better person for my love of jazz is up to others to decide. Whether my love of jazz makes me feel better about my place in the world and my life is up to me. That is what I contemplate during Jazz Appreciation Month.

Be sure to watch for the next edition of Jazz Notes (4.24). The entire piece is dedicated to Jazz Appreciation Month. We look at how each of our programs enrich the world of jazz.

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

Jazz Appreciation Month on Watercolors

Botti at Sea’25
The Botti Vibe

One of our long time guests who sailed with us on the inaugural sailing of Botti at Sea ’24 also joined us last week for the McDonald – LaBelle Cruise. Commenting on how delightfully different both cruises were in terms of atmosphere and tone, she said that the three day cruise featuring Michael McDonald and Patti LaBelle was like a sprint to the finish line. One explosion of energy at levels that would burn brightly for the time allotted and then stop. Very exciting and very stimulating.

She then took up our definition of Botti at Sea and moved it forward. Internally, we call the cruise the “Botti Vibe.” She offered that the Botti Vibe must be enjoyed over a 7 day period. Like a fine wine and a great dinner, Botti at Sea is meant to be savored. Every day is another adventure in paradise and every night is a night on the town featuring the finest performers in the world. With Chris Botti being the ultimate Master of Ceremonies, that sailing was a “dream vacation” for her. As she said, the Botti Vibe is the ultimate live entertainment experience at sea. So much to enjoy. So much to experience.

Botti at Sea II (’25) is in Open Booking now. Anyone may select and reserve any available stateroom.

Ken Peplowski’s Unheard Bird

Ken Peplowski, one of our longtime headliners and hosts on The Jazz Cruise, has just released a new album Unheard Bird, that features a collection of arrangements that the legendary Charlie “Bird” Parker commissioned for strings but never got a chance to record. Parker released the classic Bird with Strings album in 1950 and it was one of his most popular recordings. Ken performs a different set of arrangements in this album that also features Terell Stafford (trumpet), Glenn Zaleski (piano), Peter Washington (bass) and Willie Jones III (drums), backed by an orchestra conducted by Loren Schoenberg. Among the 14 songs they recorded are classic standards such as “Yesterdays,” “I Cover the Waterfront,” “You Go to My Head,” “Stardust,” and “Summertime.”

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Oscar Peterson’s The Africa Suite

On June 12, SFJAZZ is presenting the U.S. premiere of Oscar Peterson’s “The Africa Suite” which was composed in 1979 but was never recorded or performed in its entirety during his lifetime. The concert, which will also include a full performance of Oscar’s 1964 “Canadiana Suite,” will be anchored by a core quartet featuring Benny Green, Russell Malone, Jeff Hamilton and John Clayton, as well as special guests Kenny Barron, Gerald Clayton, Tamir Hendelman and Robert Hurst. John, who arranged the suite, will conduct the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. “When I met Oscar he was composing ‘The Africa Suite’ and spoke of it in concert when he played ‘Nigerian Marketplace’ or ‘Peace,’” explained Kelly Peterson, Oscar’s wife and executor of his estate. “One of the goals I set for myself after Oscar’s passing was to present the full suite in concert, the completion of a work he had never been able to perform in its entirety. Add John Clayton’s vision and gorgeous arrangement, and it is exhilarating to hear, and feels like our gift to Oscar. This is truly the fulfillment of a dream.”

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STL Jazz Fest 2-Day Tickets Available! Individual Tickets On Sale 5.31!

2-Day Tickets are now available on Ticketmaster for STL JAZZ FEST. 1-Day Tickets will go on sale Friday, May 31. For details about the festival and how to purchase tickets, see below:

STL JAZZ FEST
Produced by Jazz Cruises
The Factory – Chesterfield (St. Louis) Missouri

FRIDAY AUGUST 23, 2024
Eric Marienthal Quintet, featuring Niki Haris
The Comedy of Alonzo Bodden
GREGORY PORTER

SATURDAY AUGUST 24, 2024
Mindi Abair with Eric Marienthal & Friends
The Comedy of Alonzo Bodden
BRIAN CULBERTSON

Doors 6 pm / Showtime 7 pm

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

Jazz Cruises’ ’25 Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’25
Celebrating its 25^th Anniversary

The plans for the 25th Anniversary sailing of The Jazz Cruise ’25 are spectacular. The cruise is over 86% reserved and is currently in Open Booking, which means that now anyone may reserve any available stateroom. Staterooms with Verandas remain in inventory along with Ocean View and Inside Staterooms.

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The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 & ‘25.2
Starting its 3^rd Decade

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

JOIN WAITLIST

Botti at Sea ’25
Every Night is a Night on the Town

Botti at Sea II began “Open Booking” on March 5, 2024 and is over 60% reserved. Anyone may reserve any available stateroom either by calling the office during regular business hours or doing so online.

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Journey of Jazz ’25
Jazz Life at Sea & On Land

Jazz Cruises’ newest program, Journey of Jazz ’25, hosted by Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter, has completed the Pre-Sale process and began Open Booking on April 30, 2024. Like a race care, this program as gone from 0 – 60(%) sold in the blink of an eye.

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Mug Shots of the Week

Tina B. – Colorado

Dave and Evone – California

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

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

The post OUR TAKE: Jazz Appreciation Month appeared first on Signature Cruise Experiences.

OSCAR PETERSON Archives - Signature Cruise Experiences

Our Take: Oscar Peterson at 100

Three Cohens’ Interaction

Gerald Clayton’s “Tuesday Happenings” Series at Sam First

Stateroom Availability

Cruise Programs ’25

Cruise Programs ’26

Hot Offers

Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25Limited Time Promotional Pricing

HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26Limited Time Promotional Pricing

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA Limited Time Promotional Pricing

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26 Open Booking Now Available

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

THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISEOpen Booking Now Available

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3 Open Booking Now Available

BOTTI AT SEA’26Open Booking Now Available

Send us Your Mug Shots

Mug Shot of the Week

OUR TAKE: Roy Haynes – American Drummer

Christian McBride’s World at Sea ’26: Cruise Details on Tuesday!

GRAMMY® Nomination: Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra

Jazz Cruises is Now Signature Jazz Cruises

Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra’s Crescent City Jewels

Oscar Peterson’s City Lights

Donate to the Future of Jazz with Monterey Jazz Festival

Signature Jazz Cruises’ Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’25 – FULLY RESERVED! The Jazz Cruise ’26 to be Announced Soon!

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 & 26.2 – Reserve Your Stateroom Today!

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is Here – New West Coast Sailing!

Botti at Sea ’25 FULLY RESERVED! Botti at Sea ’26 JUST ANNOUNCED!

Christian McBride’s World at Sea – JUST ANNOUNCED!

Journey of Jazz ’25 – Excursions Available to Book Now!

Mug Shots of the Week

OUR TAKE: Jazz Appreciation Month

Jazz Appreciation Month on Watercolors

Botti at Sea’25The Botti Vibe

Ken Peplowski’s Unheard Bird

Oscar Peterson’s The Africa Suite

STL Jazz Fest 2-Day Tickets Available! Individual Tickets On Sale 5.31!

Jazz Cruises’ ’25 Programs

The Jazz Cruise ’25Celebrating its 25th Anniversary

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 & ‘25.2Starting its 3rd Decade

Botti at Sea ’25Every Night is a Night on the Town

Journey of Jazz ’25Jazz Life at Sea & On Land

Mug Shots of the Week

JOURNEY OF JAZZ ’25
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

HOMECOMING: THE CRUISE ’26
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE’S WORLD AT SEA
Limited Time Promotional Pricing

THE JAZZ CRUISE ’26
Open Booking Now Available

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

THE TOP SHELF COUNTRY CRUISE
Open Booking Now Available

THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISE ‘26.3
Open Booking Now Available

BOTTI AT SEA’26
Open Booking Now Available

Botti at Sea’25
The Botti Vibe

The Jazz Cruise ’25
Celebrating its 25^th Anniversary

The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 & ‘25.2
Starting its 3^rd Decade

Botti at Sea ’25
Every Night is a Night on the Town

Journey of Jazz ’25
Jazz Life at Sea & On Land