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

Ramsey Lewis

Ramsey Lewis (1935–2022) was an iconic NEA Jazz Master and three-time GRAMMY®-winning pianist who successfully crossed over to the pop and R&B charts. Starting with the Ramsey Lewis Trio in 1956, he achieved massive success with the GRAMMY®-winning hit "The In Crowd."

Lewis continued to define the contemporary sound, releasing the smash album Sun Goddess in 1974, produced by former drummer Maurice White (Earth, Wind & Fire). He later collaborated with artists like Nancy Wilson and launched the side project Urban Knights with Grover Washington, Jr. and others.

Lewis also became a broadcaster, hosting the popular Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis syndicated radio show and a well-received PBS television series. His final recordings, such as Taking Another Look – Deluxe Edition, cemented his authority as a leading figure in jazz for over five decades.

Guest appearance on:

#48: Ramsey Lewis with Marcus Miller