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

Marquis Hill

Marquis Hill is an internationally renowned trumpeter, composer, and bandleader celebrated for breaking down genre barriers, masterfully blending contemporary and classic jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul. The Chicago native trained at Kenwood Academy and earned degrees from Northern Illinois and DePaul Universities.

Hill became a global presence after winning the 2014 Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz competition. His discography includes five acclaimed self-released discs, such as Modern Flows Vol. II, and his Concord Jazz debut, The Way We Play.

Leading his longtime working group, the Blacktet, Hill’s distinctive tone evokes Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, and Lee Morgan. DownBeat recognized his stature, granting him first place in the “Rising Star–Trumpet” category of the 2016 Critics Poll, confirming his authority as a leading voice in modern music.

Guest appearance on:

Horn Talk From Blue Note at Sea