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.

---

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

Bob James

Bob James is a towering figure defining contemporary jazz, renowned across a six-decade career as a master composer, producer, and virtuoso pianist. Discovered by Quincy Jones, his influence spans over 60 albums and numerous awards.

As an authority, James not only mentored artists like Grover Washington, Jr. but also helmed major hits for Paul Simon and Neil Diamond. He is credited with setting the standard for the smooth jazz sound in the late 1970s.

His work is iconic: he composed all original music for the sitcom Taxi, including the theme "Angela." Grammy Awards cemented his status through collaborations like One On One with Earl Klugh and Double Vision with David Sanborn.

James is a founding member of the supergroup Fourplay and a silent giant in hip-hop; his tracks "Nautilus" and "Take Me to the Mardi Gras" are among the most sampled songs in history, demonstrating his profound, genre-spanning mastery.

Guest appearance on:

Bob James, David Sanborn & Marcus Miller with Don Was