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

Gerald Clayton

Gerald Clayton is a four-time GRAMMY®-nominated pianist and composer, celebrated for his honest expression and harmonic curiosity. He studied with piano icons Billy Childs and NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron, and won second place in the 2006 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Piano Competition.

The son of bassist John Clayton, he quickly established his own artistic identity. He has toured and recorded with a diverse group of artists, including Diana Krall, Roy Hargrove, Dianne Reeves, Ambrose Akinmusire, John Scofield, Terri Lyne Carrington, and saxophone legend Charles Lloyd.

Clayton’s debut album, Two Shade, earned a 2010 GRAMMY® nomination for Best Improvised Jazz Solo. He received subsequent GRAMMY® nominations for his albums Bond: The Paris Sessions and Life Forum, and for his composition "Battle Circle." He has also served as Musical Director for the Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour.

Jazz Cruises Conversations

Gerald Clayton

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