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

Russell Gunn

Russell Gunn is a trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist who bridges jazz and hip-hop, an influence dating back to his youth in Illinois. After gaining critical attention for his contribution to Wynton Marsalis' GRAMMY®-winning Blood on the Fields, Gunn cemented his authority in the jazz world, backing legends like Jimmy Heath, Roy Hargrove, and James Moody, as well as R&B artist Maxwell.

Gunn's solo career took off with Ethnomusicology, Vol. 1 (1999), which earned him a GRAMMY® nomination in 2000. He expanded the influential series with volumes Smokingunn, Ethnomusicology, Vol. 2, Vol. 3, and Vol. 4: Live in Atlanta. In 2007, he paid tribute to a trumpet icon with Russell Gunn Plays Miles.

Guest appearance on:

Horn Talk From Blue Note at Sea