Jazz Cruises Conversations

Jazz Cruises Conversations invites you to escape to the high seas for the most intimate and candid conversations in music. Go beyond the stage for full-length interviews with the biggest names in jazz and smooth jazz, recorded live on the world's premier floating music festivals.

Guided by veteran host Lee Mergner (and other musicians, comedians, and on-board talent), hear legends open up about their careers, creative process, and lives on the road, all recorded exclusively on sailings of The Jazz Cruise, Blue Note at Sea, Botti at Sea, and The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Mergner and his crew’s knowledgeable perspectives ensure these aren't just chats—they are engaging, entertaining, and truly informative deep dives into the music.

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Signature Cruise Experiences is the Gold Standard for Charter Theme Cruises since 2001. In that time, we have produced over 100 full ship theme charters, most of which featured a significant music theme and top performers.

Our goal has been to present the very best musicians possible and do so with authenticity and professionalism. Our music venues are the best at sea and our sound production is Performing Art Center quality. Nothing but the best for our talent which translates to the very best for our guests.

Guest

Benny Benack III

Benny Benack III is an Emmy-nominated virtuoso, establishing himself as a dual-threat authority in modern jazz.

As a trumpeter, his fiery command of the post-bop vernacular channels masters like Kenny Dorham and Freddie Hubbard. His instrumental prowess is matched by his vocal ability, delivering standards and original compositions with a sly, expressive, post-Sinatra showmanship.

This rare talent was recognized in the 2025 Downbeat Readers Poll where he won Rising Star Male Vocalist and placed #8 as a Rising Star Trumpeter.

Benack III's superb intonation and bracing virtuosity allow him to execute astounding, originally composed vocalese (complex solos with written lyrics). A highly capable pianist as well, he stands as a leading voice among today's multi-instrumental jazz elite.

Guest appearance on:

108: Emmet Cohen with Benny Benack III