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

Chucho Valdés

Cuban pianist, composer, and bandleader Chucho Valdés is one of the most influential figures in modern Afro-Cuban jazz, honored as a 2025 NEA Jazz Master. This distinction caps a 60-year career with seven GRAMMY® and six Latin GRAMMY® Awards.

He co-founded and led Irakere (1973-2005), pioneering Latin jazz by fusing Afro-Cuban music, jazz, rock, and classical styles. Irakere's 1979 U.S. debut won a GRAMMY®. He celebrated Irakere 50 in 2024, reuniting with Paquito D’Rivera and Arturo Sandoval.

A prolific solo artist, his albums include the GRAMMY® winners Live at the Village Vanguard and Chucho’s Steps. His 2022 album with D'Rivera, I Missed You Too, won a Latin GRAMMY®.

Guest appearance on:

Chucho Valdes with Eulis Cathey