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

Kenny Barron

Kenny Barron is one of the undisputed masters of jazz piano, honored by The National Endowment for the Arts as a 2010 Jazz Master. Lauded for his "elegant playing, sensitive melodies, and infectious rhythms," he is widely considered one of the top jazz pianists in the world.

Born in Philadelphia, Barron moved to New York City at age 19 and was hired by Dizzy Gillespie in 1962, where he developed an appreciation for Latin and Caribbean rhythms. He later played with Stan Getz, co-founded the group "Sphere" to celebrate the music of Thelonious Monk, and was a distinguished professor of music at Rutgers University for 27 years. Barron has released over 40 recordings as a leader and earned nine GRAMMY® nominations. He is a six-time recipient of Best Pianist by the Jazz Journalists Association and was inducted into the American Jazz Hall of Fame in 2009.

Guest appearance on:

Kenny Barron, Gerald Clayton & James Francies with Don Was