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

Stu Mindeman

Stu Mindeman is a multi-faceted artist known for his expertise as a performer, composer, copyist, and engraver. His performing career spans the musical spectrum, including touring and recording with Jazz legend Branford Marsalis, Folk icon Judy Collins, Hip-hop star Ana Tijoux, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Mindeman is also active as a classical music authority, having prepared scores and parts for prestigious ensembles including the London Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Boston Symphony, in addition to publishers Schott Music and Boosey & Hawkes.

He has released two critically acclaimed original albums, In Your Waking Eyes: Poems by Langston Hughes (2014) and Woven Threads (2018), showcasing his skill as a bandleader and composer.

Guest appearance on:

Pianists Roundtable with Mark Ruffin