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

Ashley Henry

Ashley Henry is an authoritative voice in contemporary music, seamlessly merging his London and Caribbean roots with classical training and the Black radical tradition. His genre-bending sound draws critical inspiration from figures like James Baldwin, Angela Davis, Ahmad Jamal, and Aretha Franklin.

Henry's deep sonic compositions have launched top UK contemporary jazz vocalists. His groundbreaking work includes being the first musician commissioned by the Royal Observatory and curating The Freestyle Fellowship with artists like Shabaka Hutchings to support mental health. His Ronnie Scott’s Live Stream was the most streamed live jazz performance across Europe in 2020.

Further cementing his authority, Henry established his own label, Royal Raw Music (via Believe International), in 2023 to continually push the boundaries of artistic expression.

Guest appearance on:

Pianists Roundtable with Mark Ruffin