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

Wycliffe Gordon

Wycliffe Gordon is a renowned trombonist, composer, conductor, and arranger, widely considered one of the most masterful trombonists of his generation. He has been named Downbeat Magazine's "Best Trombone" six times and has received the Jazz Journalists Association's "Trombonist of the Year" award 15 times.

Gordon was a veteran member of the Wynton Marsalis Septet (1989–1995) and an original member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra (1995–2000).

He is a dedicated and inspirational educator, having held teaching positions at The Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music, and is the current Director of Jazz Studies at Augusta University. Gordon is a prolific composer, receiving commissions for works like the "Charles Henry Suite" and "Still, We Rise: He Heard My Cry," and has released 21 total solo CDs, cementing his authority as a leading voice and musical ambassador in jazz.

Guest appearance on:

107: Wycliffe Gordon with Sean Jones