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

Brian Simpson

Keyboardist and composer Brian Simpson is a central authority in contemporary jazz and R&B. After his formative years playing alongside Gerald Albright and Norman Brown, his international prominence was cemented by a world tour with Janet Jackson.

His career breakthrough began in 1990 with a decade-long tenure touring and producing alongside jazz legend George Duke. This established him as a premier collaborator, leading to work with artists including Anita Baker, Dave Koz, and Wayman Tisdale.

Simpson's influence extends globally, demonstrated by a demanding touring schedule across five continents. A chart-topping veteran, he has writing and performance credits on R&B and Smooth Jazz Airplay hits, making him the esteemed Music Director for numerous major jazz events. His expertise spans performance, composition, and production across multiple genres.

Guest appearance on:

Road Stories with Brian Simpson