Lineup

Marcus Miller, winner of two GRAMMY® Awards, the 2013 Edison Award for Lifetime Achievement in Jazz (Holland), the 2010 Victoire du Jazz (France) and appointed UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2013, is not only an exceptional musician but also a highly gifted composer and producer who we are proud to call a host and headliner on The Smooth Jazz Cruise.

The legendary album Tutu, written and produced for Miles Davis, sealed his international fame when Marcus was only 25. Over the course of his career, Marcus has collaborated with artists as varied and talented as Eric Clapton, George Benson, Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Al Jarreau, George Duke, Wayne Shorter, Lalah Hathaway and Herbie Hancock.

The multi-instrumentalist and world-renowned bassist has also produced his own genre-defying albums, among them The Sun Don’t Lie, Tales, M2, Silver Rain, Free, A Night in Monte Carlo (with the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra) and Renaissance. Along with international tours, Marcus Miller hosts “Miller Time,” a weekly program on SiriusXM.

After 30 years in comedy and over 30 Jazz Cruises, Alonzo Bodden has been able to marry his two passions: comedy and jazz. “There is nothing like the cool and creativity of the jazz world, I love it,” says Alonzo.

His big break was New Faces of Comedy at the Just for Laughs Festival (Canada). He credits winning Season 3 of NBC's Last Comic Standing, as his introduction to America. With four comedy specials, sitcoms, The Tonight Show, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central’s The Daily Show and The Nightly Show to his credit, he has done it all. His comedy CD, Man Overboard, was recorded on a Smooth Jazz Cruise. His latest comedy special Stupid Don’t Get Tired is available on YouTube.

"The highest compliment I get is when I’m riffing onstage during a cruise and one of these brilliant musicians says 'that’s jazz.' What could be cooler than that?”

In a time when artists of optimism are at a premium, Jonathan Butler is a shining example of purposeful excellence. From recording local hits as a teenager growing up during the apartheid of South Africa, Butler went on to become a world-renowned singer, guitarist and songwriter delivering soulful salvos of R&B, gospel, jazz and pop. Touring professionally by age seven, Jonathan's first single, “Please Stay,” was the first by a Black artist played on white radio in segregated South Africa and won a Sarie Award (the country’s equivalent to a GRAMMY®).

Committed to conveying stirring messages of freedom and unity through his music, Jonathan became a national icon. His music even provided solace to Nelson Mandela, who later met Butler and told him that listening to his music had helped him endure time in prison. On his new release, Ubuntu, Jonathan swings full circle back to his homeland. He defines Ubuntu as “a philosophy based in South Africa and spread by Archbishop Desmond Tutu which states, ‘I am me because of you. You are you because of me. We are not separate. We are connected.’”

Through Ubuntu, his messages of love, peace and unity ring strong and true because they emanate from the heart of a man who has witnessed and experienced the most glowing of good triumphs over the darkest of evils. Like the philosophy of Ubuntu he shares on his latest album, Jonathan has a vision to do even more to attain peace and collaboration among all people to change the world.

Having toured the world over and collaborated with some of the biggest names in music (think Prince, Van Morrison, Lionel Richie and Beyonce), Dutch saxophonist Candy Dulfer brings her worldly musical perspective to The Smooth Jazz Cruise. With solo album sales exceeding the 2.5 million mark, the staple on the large festival circuit performs for sold-out crowds throughout the United States, Europe, Japan, Russia, the Baltic states and South America. Candy Dulfer’s hit, “Finsbury Park, Café 67,” ranked the most popular smooth jazz number on U.S. radio for a period in 2003, and the 1990 solo debut album she recorded at just 19, Saxuality, sold more than a million copies worldwide and earned a GRAMMY® nod.

Dave Weckl, a renowned drummer with over 40 years of experience, has earned a lasting reputation as one of the world's premier drummers. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on January 8, 1960, Weckl's musical journey began at the age of eight when he started playing drums. His early influences ranged from rock legends like the Monkees to jazz greats such as Buddy Rich and Steve Gadd.

During his high school years, Weckl received recognition from the National Association of Jazz Educators (NAJE) for his outstanding performances in his school's award-winning jazz band. He also started playing with local groups and studying under respected teachers like Bob Matheny and Joe Buerger.

In 1979, he moved to the East Coast, where he gained recognition in the New York club scene. Collaborations with established musicians like Steve Kahn, Michael Brecker and Peter Erskine opened doors to significant opportunities, including joining the band French Toast and later performing on the 1983 Simon and Garfunkel reunion tour.

Weckl's career continued to soar as he became a vital member of Chick Corea's Elektric Band in 1985, earning a GRAMMY® award with the Akoustic Band. His innovative use of electronic and acoustic drums propelled him to international recognition.

In 1990, Weckl embarked on a successful solo career with the release of Master Plan, a landmark album that marked a new era in contemporary drumming. He has recorded numerous solo albums, including Heads Up and Hard-Wired.

Weckl's influence extended beyond his performances through instructional videos and master classes, demonstrating his dedication to music education. His technical approach evolved after studying with Freddie Gruber, leading to the release of a series of educational videos.

In 1998, Weckl achieved his dream of forming a world-touring band, the Dave Weckl Band, releasing several studio records and instructional videos. He continued to innovate in the field of music education, creating play-along products and teaching materials.

Throughout his career, Weckl's commitment to inspiring aspiring musicians remains unwavering. He believes in the power of music to contribute positively to spiritual happiness and encourages parents to nurture their children's musical talents. Today, he continues to tour, collaborate with fellow musicians and run an online school, leaving an indelible mark on the world of drumming and music education.

Patti Austin's keen interest in being a total entertainer likely started when she stepped onto the stage of the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem at the age of four at the urging of music legend Dinah Washington. The daughter of jazz trombonist Gordon Austin, Patti was a recording star in her teens, achieving her first chart success in 1969 with "The Family Tree" (a Top 50 R&B single) after a string of 45s that would later become treasured collector’s items among Britain’s Northern soul community.

During the '70s, Patti was the undisputed "Queen" of the New York session scene, her voice was heard behind everyone from Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, James Brown and Joe Cocker to Bette Midler, Roberta Flack, Luther Vandross and Diana Ross and on countless memorable commercial jingles. After a series of much-acclaimed albums for CTI Records, she signed with her godfather Quincy Jones' Qwest label and began achieving mainstream success on an international level thanks to the GRAMMY®-nominated hit "Baby Come To Me," her now classic duet with James Ingram and the follow-up duet, the Oscar-nominated "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" as well as her appearance on albums with Jones on his best-selling CD, Stuff Like That, his GRAMMY®-winning classic The Dude and, later, his From Q With Love Vols. 1 & 2.

The GRAMMY®-nominated For Ella album opened new doors for Patti as a performer and her embrace by the jazz world was further cemented with her GRAMMY®-winning classic CD Avant Gershwin: Now after more than two decades of touring her take on the classic American Song Book has expanded Patti's appeal and garnered standing ovations all over the USA and Europe.

Patti continues her philanthropic work with her mentoring organization, The Over My Shoulder Foundation, and, with Covid hopefully winding down, she has resumed her touring schedule to the delight of fans all around the world.

Patti has sailed on The Smooth Jazz Cruise during its early years and was also a featured performer on The Jazz Cruise. Signature Jazz Cruises is honored to be able to present her once again.

During her remarkable 21-year recording career, saxophonist/vocalist Mindi Abair has garnered two GRAMMY® nominations, recorded with some of the biggest names in music and built a substantial following among jazz and blues audiences with her soaring melodies and powerhouse style. You might know her as the featured saxophonist on American Idol, sitting in with Paul Shaffer on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, or from moonlighting on tour with Duran Duran or Aerosmith. As a solo artist, she has consistently topped the Billboard Contemporary Jazz and Blues charts. In 2018, Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers won 8 Independent Blues Awards including Artist of the Year, and an Independent Music Award for Best Blues Song Fan Award for “Pretty Good For A Girl” featuring Joe Bonamassa.

In a career that spans nearly four decades, over a dozen solo recordings and countless performances, Peter White has maintained a reputation as one of the most versatile and prolific acoustic guitarists on the contemporary jazz landscape. Armed with an unparalleled combination of lyricism and energy, he combines elements of jazz, pop and classical guitar to create a sound that is singular and at the same time accessible to a broad audience.

Barely a year after his first professional gig in England at 19 years old, White was invited to join Al Stewart’s band. In addition to opening for artists like Linda Ronstadt, Billy Joel and Queen, he worked with Stewart in the studio on The Year of the Cat, which became a huge hit for Stewart in 1976. His 20-year association with Stewart included co-writing Stewart’s 1978 hit, “Time Passages.” White launched his solo recording career with the 1990 release of Reveillez-Vous. On the road, he has participated in numerous “Guitars and Saxes” tours with players such as Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Jeff Golub, Lee Ritenour, Kirk Whalum and Boney James, and has established an annual “Peter White Christmas Tour.”

Soulful, passionate, stirring...these are the words most often used to describe Kirk Whalum's music. Forged from his Memphis, (TN) gospel roots and his 1980‘s initiation into the thriving Houston, TX nightclub scene, Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. The '80s were highlighted by Kirk’s stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming his own band. It was there that Kirk ultimately developed both his “voice” and songwriting in the crucible of the local club scene - especially at a rooftop club called Cody’s. It was also in Houston where jazz pianist Bob James “discovered” him and brought him on tour, which led to five successful albums with Columbia Records, including Cache, Kirk’s first #1 album. As well, Kirk and Bob received a GRAMMY® nomination for their collaboration album, Joined at the Hip.

After moving to Los Angeles, Kirk became an in-demand session player for top artists like Barbra Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Quincy Jones and, most notably, Whitney Houston, amongst others. It’s his sax heard on the mega-hit, “I Will Always Love You.” Kirk soon followed that career high point with his phenomenal hit album released on Warner Bros. Records, For You, perhaps the most successful of over 25 solo recordings to date; others include his eclectic, and much lauded, Gospel According to Jazz series, (Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4). In addition to his many solo projects, Kirk was also a member of the popular soul/jazz group, BWB, which features Kirk as the “W” of the group with Rick Braun (trumpet) and Norman Brown (guitar).

Music prodigy Vincent Ingala is no stranger to contemporary jazz audiences. His heartfelt, sweet and soulful mix has catapulted him to the top of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts, garnering him three Billboard #1s, and eight top 10 hits. He burst onto the contemporary jazz scene in 2010 with the release of his critically heralded debut North End Soul. Two years later Ingala was crowned Billboard “Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year” and Sirius XM Watercolors’ “Breakthrough Artist Of The Year” in 2013.

Ingala’s sophomore recording, Can’t Stop Now, was released in 2012 and Coast To Coast followed in 2015, featuring two singles that hit #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart. Ingala is also a DJ on Smooth Jazz 24/7 where he can be heard weekly. His fifth solo recording, Personal Touch, is a collection of eight stirring original tracks and two surprising reinventions of R&B chestnuts. His most recent album, Fire & Desire, was released in September 2021 with Ingala playing every instrument heard on the album, including keyboards, drums, guitar and bass. He also produced, recorded and mixed the album, as well as composed all but one of the songs.

Damien Escobar is a renowned artist with a diverse portfolio encompassing violinist, author, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Hailing from Jamaica, Queens, New York, his illustrious musical career spans over a decade. What sets Damien apart is not only his exceptional talent as a violinist but also his inspiring journey, marked by incredible highs, devastating lows, resilience and a triumphant second chance at success, which has become a defining part of his brand.

Formerly part of the duo Nuttin' but Stringz with his brother Tourie, Damien faced homelessness after leaving the group. Their fame skyrocketed when they appeared on America's Got Talent, but the subsequent disbandment plunged Damien into a challenging period of his life. He even contemplated retiring his violin. However, this adversity became the catalyst for his growth and transformation.

In 2013, Damien made a remarkable comeback as a solo artist, releasing the album Sensual Melodies. It received over 200,000 downloads, landed on the iTunes Top 100 chart, and led to a successful national tour. Damien's journey from despair to redemption garnered media attention, with features in People Magazine and Huffington Post, appearances on The Today Show, and engagements like performing at Oprah Winfrey's "The Life You Want" tour.

Determined to make the most of his second chance, Damien ventured into entrepreneurship, authoring a children's book, creating custom-designed violins, and establishing partnerships for various ventures, including a nonprofit organization. His second album, Boundless, showcased not only his musical prowess but also his commitment to inspiring change and spreading positivity.

As the face and sound of Mitsubishi's latest campaign and with new music and videos in the pipeline, Damien Escobar continues to evolve his brand with a focus on making a meaningful impact and inspiring social change. His remarkable story is far from over, and the world-famous violinist is poised for even greater achievements. Stay tuned for more from this multi-talented artist.

Larry Braggs is passionate, powerful and very spiritual. These are also the amazing attributes of his voice. Cut from the same cloth as some of the world’s greatest vocalists, Larry has one of the most notable voices in the music industry. With a vocal range over three octaves and a command of the stage like no other, Larry has become one of the most electrifying entertainers on tour. Larry Braggs was the lead vocalist for the legendary soul band Tower of Power, but now, as a solo artist, he is becoming one of the most sought-after singers in the business.

Musicians, guests and our staff all agree: The Smooth Jazz Cruise Event Host must be Talaya. For more than four decades, Talaya has shared her love of music on the radio and can currently be heard on SiriusXM Watercolors. With various achievements and awards, Talaya’s love of jazz has been a driving force in her career. Her greatest moments have included interviewing Sade in 1985 before anyone else and singing background vocals with GRAMMY® winners Evanescense, Nyee Moses and Gabriela Anders. “Getting to meet all you wonderful cruisers and sharing the stage with brilliant musicians on The Smooth Jazz Cruise is a true honor.”

If you have heard Michael “Patches” Stewart play his instrument, it will come as no surprise to learn he was born and raised in the city where Jazz was born — New Orleans, Louisiana. He fell in love with the trumpet at a very young age.  It was during his high school years that he acquired the nickname “Patches” – from his habit of wearing patches on blue jeans. Undeniably talented, his focus on mastering the trumpet prompted him to seek opportunities to hone his skills outside the high school classroom. This included additional music lessons at a local college and of course, listening and learning from the incredible pool of local talent found throughout New Orleans.  His reputation around New Orleans grew, and at the age of 19, he was offered an opportunity to fill-in during a session — his first time in a recording studio. It turned out to be the horn section session for LaBelle’s international hit “Lady Marmalade.” Patches started his professional career with great artists such as Johnnie Taylor, Al Jarreau, The Brothers Johnson, Quincy Jones, Marcus Miller, Whitney Houston, George Duke and Earth, Wind, and Fire, just to name a few.  He is currently a member of Brian Culbertson’s band and performs,on The Smooth Jazz Cruise.

An incredible fusion jazz artist with ten studio albums on his list of accomplishments, saxophonist Marcus Anderson brings R&B, Pop, Rock, Latin and Funk to make music that puts listeners in another atmosphere. Charting number one in both categories of Billboard's Smooth Jazz and Sirius XM’s Watercolors with his exceptional hit “A Cup Of Joe” from the album And Coffee, the Spartanburg, SC native is delivering major music in a humble way.

His work with the late Prince and the New Power Generation led him to join stages with the likes of Ceelo Green, where he has become a key contributor to Green’s touring band. Whether he is performing for dignitaries such as President Barack Obama, Jesse Jackson and Hillary Clinton or blazing the stage with Sheila E., Anthony Hamilton or Judith Hill in a collaborative effort, Anderson delivers stellar musicianship every time. Lalah Hathaway, esperanza spalding, George Duke and Jennifer Holiday are just a few of the numerous world-renowned artists that Anderson has opened for and with whom he has shared the stage. Both near and far, audiences of all musical tastes have made their way to hear Marcus Anderson. He not only plays the sax but sings and performs choreography as well. High-spirited and welcoming, Anderson is a multi-instrumentalist who is not afraid of “showing out” and is a fan-favorite at highly recognized festivals and on top-ranking shows like The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Dr. Jazmin Ghent is an international smooth jazz, R&B, and gospel recording artist as well as an accomplished music educator. She was awarded the prestigious 2019 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album, The Story of Jazz. She was nominated for 2019 Smooth Jazz Network’s Best Artist of the Year and was voted 2017’s Best New Smooth Jazz Artist.

From the entertainment perspective, Jazmin has six Billboard singles that have made it to the Top Five: "Kickin It Up," "Stride," "Amends," "Work Wit It," "Heat" and "Compared to What." Her most successful hit to date is "Kickin It Up" which was #1 on Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay Charts. The songs remained on the charts for more than 20 weeks and were played in rotation by most smooth jazz stations including Sirius XM Watercolors Channel. Jazmin has performed at various major festivals and venues throughout the United States, in Europe, Dubai, Australia and Morocco.

According to Art Good of Catalina Island’s JazzTrax radio and festival “unknown Jazmin Ghent was one of the BEST FINDS the festival has EVER uncovered. Obviously… she OUTSOLD ALL 30 stars of smooth jazz in the JazzTrax Store, selling more CDs than anyone. She had stage presence, a show and she could play!”

While always striving for the pinnacle of success, Jazmin received a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University in Music Education, a Master’s Degree from Tennessee State University in Music Education, and a Ph.D. from the University of South Florida in Music Education. She has four CDs to date and is currently working on her fifth CD.

Born as Conesha Monét Owens, Ms. Monét is a Bay Area-native, touched with the gift that only God could provide, the gift to truly move people. Given the talents of all that performing arts can give, including improv and dramatic acting, dance/choreography, topped with a five- octave vocal range in modern and classical music, it's no wonder this "gifted" singer-songwriter, arranger and thespian has been sought after by some of the industry's best, most diverse and accomplished artists and producers. Some include producers Walter Afanasieff, Patrick Leonard and Steve Jordan.

Performing on numerous stages whether in theater productions or world-wide touring with some of today's most-notable and respected artists such as Boz Scaggs and Michael McDonald, The Dukes of September, Toto, Huey Lewis and the News, Queen Latifah and Kenny Loggins, a featured vocalist for the Dancing With The Stars 2006 winter tour, a mesmerizing duet with music great, Johnny Mathis on his 2008 release, “A Night To Remember,” harmonizing with the late great man of soul, Soloman Burke, and rocking out with the iconic Don Felder of the Eagles. Ms. Monét  was also a a backing vocalist for the Faith Hill/Tim McGraw’s Soul 2 Soul tour, and most recently, Lenny Kravitz’ “Black and White America” eight-week European tour. Lending supporting and featured lead vocals with the tours opener, Raphael Saadiq, Ms. Monét continues to develop her already "polished" skills thoroughly in the hands of the business. Whether she's performing R&B and Rock or singing Jazz standards, and Gospel hymns, it's in the performance where she's most justifiable.

Brothers Eric and Billy Mondragon and close family friend Damon Reel, otherwise known as DW3, have set the high energy mood on The Smooth Jazz Cruise, jazz festivals, showrooms and clubs, including hundreds of performances at their longtime home base of Spaghettini in Seal Beach, CA.

With four Billboard charting hits – including “I Got You” (featuring Gerald Albright) and “Let the Music,” “I Can’t Tell You Why” and “California Dreamin’” from their hit 2013 & 2015 albums On the Floor and Vintage Truth – DW3 have also established themselves as a popular national recording group. The three chose to self-title their latest Woodward Avenue Records recording to reflect the culmination of their steady and inspiring evolution from ultimate, first call party band to multi-faceted artists, songwriters and producers fulfilling their own singular musical vision.

“We’re really excited about this album,” Damon says. “It took a lot of hard work and perseverance to get this amazing studio up and running and dive into the process. We’re grateful for everyone who worked with us to get us to this point. After years of being known just as a “Party Band," On the Floor was our intro to the Smooth Jazz world and earned us a lot of respect from that community. Ricky’s production on Vintage Truth took us to the next level, and now we’re able to take our artistry even further as writers, producers and arrangers.”

“Sonically, our concept was to capture the same types of vibes we convey onstage,” Billy adds. “We’re a high energy live ensemble that also love lush, sensual ballads, and we kept that in mind when we were recording these new songs. We’ve had a lot of success with covers, and when we do our cover tunes, we’re all about the '70s, '80s and early '90s, and our original material captures those eras with a fresh flavor. The album’s got a lot of grooving dance beats with some cool, smooth stuff in there to create the perfect balance. Our challenge was to integrate our old style with a fresh new sound and contemporary melodies. We still love doing classic songs, but the whole point of composing is to draw from those influences to move forward creating our own unique flow.”

Nate Phillips is a long time member of the The Smooth Jazz Cruise family going on 19 years, probably one of the longest reigns of almost anyone. With Nate’s musical history which includes sessions and tours with many of the artist who perform on our cruises he continues to enjoy his love of music and his supporting role within the The Smooth Jazz Cruise family.

Over his career Nate has worked with many artist including the group Pleasure, The Crusaders, Ronnie Laws, Jeff Lorber, Herb Alpert, George Benson, The Dazz Band, Esther Phillips, Bobby Lyle, Wayne Henderson, Gabor Szabo, Roy Ayers, Chico Hamilton, Joe Henderson, The Dramatics, Willie Bobo, Narada Michael Walden, Billy Cobham, Harvey Mason, Hubert Laws,Lee Ritenour, Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Marcus Miller, EnVogue, The United We Funk Allstars, George Clinton, Wilton Felder, Bobby Caldwell, Patti Austin, Regina Bell, Swing Out Sister, Eric Marienthal, Art Porter, Cheap Trick, The Barkays, The Gap Band, The SOS Band, Con FunkShun, Lenny Williams, Michael Henderson, Sherrille, Alexander O’Neal, Bobby Lyle, Mindi Abair, Euge Groove, Everett Harp, Peter White, WaymanTisdale, Bobby Caldwell, Brenda Russell, Brian Culbertson.

Jay Williams is no stranger to the Gospel, Jazz and R&B community. With a little over three decades of experience, Jay combines fine technique, professionalism, structure and discipline to the God-given art of drumming he has been blessed.

Jay started playing drums at the tender age of three, along side his dad, the late Judge Williams, Sr., who was a phenomenal organist in the Washington D.C. area. Playing in church helped cultivate his sense of music and love for the drums. It wasn't long after Jay took interest in exploring other styles of music, his interest grew to appreciate styles like Jazz, Rock, R&B, Latin and Country.

By the age of 18, Jay found himself professionally working in the Washington, DC vibrant music scene. Jay's passion, hard work and dedication along with his experience eventually led up to him professionally working with numerous main stream artist around the world.

Jay's versatile yet flexible gift has gained him local, national and international media coverage, as well as the opportunity to illustrate his art of drumming during National conventions. Jay has been viewed by many on various televised shows featured on BET, MTV, The Word Network, Mega Hertz, WHUR Christmas DVD Special and other local televised stations. Jay has also performed in countless venues throughout the country and abroad. Jay also received recognition as co-producer for the 2009 3-time Stellar Award-nominated CD The John Tillery Project.

If you asked Jay when he loves most about his music career, he'd tell you "I love playing music, I believe music is healing to all. I love to see how music make people feel, the smile on there face is priceless."