Jazz Cruises Conversations Jazz Cruises

This conversation was recorded during the most recent sailing of The Jazz Cruise and it featured an interview of NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron by our artistic director Shelly Berg.  Kenny talked with Shelly about his early formative years growing up in Philadelphia, as well as about lessons learned from playing with jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Yusef Lateef, Charle Haden and Stan Getz.  Kenny and Shelly also geek out about both the piano and teaching piano. 

This conversation with vocalist Jeffrey Osborne was recorded during a recent sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Jeffrey talked with Marcus Miller about his rigorous health regimen and about his early years as a vocalist and his time with LTD, which started as a back up band for Sam and Dave. Did you know that Jeffrey actually started out as a drummer?  With the O’Jays, no less. You’ll learn even more interesting aspects about Jeffrey’s music and career during this fascinating talk. Oh, and a fellow vocalist makes a late but funny cameo appearance during the interview.

This conversation was recorded during the most recent sailing of The Jazz Cruise and it featured an interview with two longtime friends and colleagues—Paquito D’Rivera and Chucho Valdes.  Going back to their native land of Cuba, Paquito played in Irakere, a band founded in 1973 by Chucho who led that band for more than four decades.  The two recently reunited for an album called I Missed You Too as well as for a tour with their sextet.  The Jazz Cruise All-Star James Morrison handled the moderator duties in this very animated conversation filled with wit and wisdom.

This conversation was recorded on the inaugural sailing of Botti at Sea and it featured an interview with the great vocalist Gregory Porter by Lee Mergner, as part of the Jazz on Film series he hosted that week.  This episode is about the legendary Nat King Cole. Most people know about Gregory’s professional affinity for Nat and his music, but may not know just how personal that affinity is.  He explains his deep love for Nat and even sings a few tunes that make that connection clear.

In this conversation recorded on The Smooth Jazz Cruise 24.1, saxophonist Mindi Abair talks with cruise host Talaya from SiriusXM.  . Mindi talked about collaborating with other artists on The Smooth Jazz Cruise.  And about breaking into the music business when she first moved to LA where she was discovered by Bobby Lyle.  She also reflects on partnering with guitarist Randy Jacobs in the band The Boneshakers.  And of course she discusses her wine and jazz adventures. 

In this one-on-one conversation from Botti at Sea earlier this year, Alonzo Bodden, our longtime comedian in residence, sat down with Keb' Mo' to talk about his storied career in music. And that career has truly been storied, starting with the fact that Keb' released his first album way back when, billed by his given name of Kevin Moore. Of course, that became grist for material for our friend Alonzo.
Make no mistake, Keb' is a humble yet gifted guitarist, singer and songwriter. Someone who has earned every bit of his remarkable success.
As is often the case, the audience got into the act at the end with informed questions and comments.