http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/Default.aspx - RSS Feed en-us Administrator Account Administrator Account Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:12:02 GMT EfficionConsulting Articles Module (www.efficionconsulting.com) Copyright 2010, Jazz Cruises Sadly, The Jazz Cruise 2011 is mourning the passing of English drummer Martin Drew (pictured above), who died at the very young age of 66 on July 29, 2010. Renowned for being the drummer of choice by Ronnie Scott and Oscar Peterson, Martin was well-loved, well-regarded and well-respected throughout the jazz world. Chuck Redd will be stepping in to take Martin’s place on TJC ’11. Chuck Redd is an accomplished performer on both drums and vibraphone. Chuck began performing and recording internationally when he joined the Charlie Byrd Trio in 1980 at the age of 21. That year, he also joined the Great Guitars (Barney Kessel, Charlie Byrd and Herb Ellis). To his credit are 13 extensive European tours and five tours of Japan, with the Barney Kessel Trio, Ken Peplowski, Terry Gibbs and Conte Candoli. He served as Artist-In-Residence at The Smithsonian Jazz Café in Washington, D.C., from 2004-2008. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/356/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Jazz Cruise 2011. With five months to go before sailing, The Jazz Cruise 2011 is 90 percent sold. Guests are flocking to the cruise from all over the U.S. and nearly 20 foreign countries. Though the cabin sale amount is high, great cabins remain in almost every category. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/352/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Confusion is not a good thing when you are in a service business. Quite frankly, the name “Jazz Cruises, LLC” is often confused with our cruise names, The Jazz Cruise, LLC, and The Smooth Jazz Cruise, LLC. To maintain our “Jazz Cruises” identity while adhering to the need to have an entity enter into our contracts, we have decided to form Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC. ECP will do business as Jazz Cruises. How does this affect you, our wonderful guests? Not at all. You may see the ECP name from time to time and under the logo, but all of our operations and personnel remain the same. Contacting our office via e-mail will be slightly different. Our website will be www.jazzcruises-ecp.com and all of our e-mail addresses will be name@jazzcruises-ecp.com ! E-mails to our old addresses will forward to the new ones for the time being, so you have time to adapt. And if you visit our old web page, you will automatically be redirected to the new page. Michael Lazaroff Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT A few months ago I was lucky enough to catch up with multi-instrumentalist, award-winning Saxophonist, Gerald Albright, as he took a few minutes out of his busy schedule on the set of the American Idol Finale. Listen to what he had to say... Dane Butcher Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT Hearing James Moody is an extraordinary, multi-sensory experience that embodies a display of his musical mastery, his uniquely identifiable voice on alto and tenor sax (he also plays flute), and vocal stylings and more. Moody, who is a genuinely happy, humorous, delightful presence, is a living legend. When he steps on stage, he brings with him a noteworthy chunk of the history of jazz over the past six decades, going back to the late 1940s, when he made his professional debut. Moody has performed with scores of influential artists including Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie, in whose band he performed for years – and to whom I have heard him affectionately refer, while on stage, as “my father.” http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/355/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT When you think of Valentine’s Day shows, your thoughts go immediately to a vocalist singing love songs. Well the Valentine’s Day show at the Du Sable Museum of African American History in Chicago went in another direction altogether. Rather than reach into that old bag of tricks and find a crooner, they brought on Nick Colionne with his very special guest Gerald Albright . Now granted these two amazing musicians are among the most gentlemanly of all musicians, but their stock in trade is high power and high energy music that makes you want to move! http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/351/View/Details/Default.aspx Dane Butcher Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/318/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Jazz Cruises is very happy to participate in the support of various organizations in our communities. At the core of our charitable work are our three focal points … college education for all, medical care for children and insurance for musicians. Each and every charity that we support and endorse fulfills one or more of those missions and goals. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/332/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/333/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/334/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/335/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/336/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/337/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/338/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/339/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/340/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT Over the years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise has dabbled in promoting concerts, mainly in the St. Louis area, but the programs of Jazz Cruises, LLC have primarily been on the seas. That will change significantly next year. Both The Jazz Cruise and The Smooth Jazz Cruise are branching out and will introduce a variety of exciting land-based programs in 2011. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/321/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT One of the features of The Jazz Cruise is the presentation of first-class jazz videos, which are broadcast in your cabin via television and screened daily in the Queen’s Lounge. The films are presented by an expert who shares their collection and narrates and introduces the films during the daily morning presentations. The Jazz Cruise is honored to introduce Todd Barkan as the jazz archivist for 2011. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/322/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/323/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/324/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT As of June 30, more than 80 percent of The Jazz Cruise 2011 is already booked, which is ahead of virtually every sailing of The Jazz Cruise . People are really excited about the 10th anniversary of this full- ship charter tribute to the one-and-only true American music form - straight-ahead jazz. Although the ship is filling up fast, there is still a selection available of almost every cabin category offered. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/325/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/326/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/327/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/328/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/329/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT July 31 deadline approaching for The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2011 guests to reserve their current cabin for The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012 http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/330/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/331/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Jazz Cruise presents The Vista All-Stars . The Jazz Cruise will sponsor its very own touring group starting in May 2011. Ernie Adams (drums), Shelly Berg (piano), Dee Daniels (vocalist), Wycliffe Gordon (trombone), Tom Kennedy (bass), Ken Peplowski (saxophone) and Houston Person (saxophone) will be traveling the country as The Vista All-Stars . Agent Joel Chriss is in the process of booking the tour itinerary, and as soon as the dates and venues are confirmed, we will let you know where you can catch this fabulous collective. It took each member of the group less than 24 hours after initial contact to say “yes” to the tour invitation. The musicians are excited about the opportunity, and we are thrilled about taking this prestigious band on the road to give people all over the country a sampling of just how amazing the music is on our cruises SuperUser Account Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Smooth Jazz Cruise presents The Seabreeze Jazz Festival. The Smooth Jazz Cruise has become the title sponsor of The Seabreeze Jazz Festival for 2011. This is the first time that The Smooth Jazz Cruise has sponsored a land-based festival, and we are thrilled that our first venture is with such a storied and wonderful event. The 2011 festival will be held at the Pier Park Outdoor Amphitheater in Panama City Beach, Florida, from April 14-17. A lot of the staff of Jazz Cruises, LLC, including both Alonzo Bodden and Dane Butcher , will have roles at the festival. We will keep you apprised of the talent lineup, ticket information and other information as it becomes available. It should be a marvelous time for all. You can learn more about the festival by visiting www.seabreezejazzfestival.com . SuperUser Account Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Jazz Cruise has always held itself out as the venue “Where the Legends have Played and the Tradition Continues,” which almost implies that only instrumental music will be performed on the cruise. While The Jazz Cruise certainly offers and presents the finest instrumental jazz musicians in the world, there is no denying the fact that it also offers some of the most highly touted and talented vocalists in the jazz world today. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/345/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT How long does it take to fully produce a sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise? Well, last weekend marked the start of the production phase of our 2011 cruise. Dane Butcher, our director of cruise operations and programming; Brian Simpson, our music director; and Joey Fairchild, our production manager, began their meetings to work out the performance schedules and rehearsal schedules, and to plan the non-music activities. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/346/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Ken Levinson was a man on a mission. After the most recent sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Ken was determined to find a way to keep all of the cruisers in touch and informed. What Ken eventually created, through a lot of hard work and dedication, is Smooth Jazz Spot. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/347/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Join The Smooth Jazz Cruise and JazzBeat Promotions on Sunday, June 27, at Atlanta's No. 1 smooth jazz location, Sambuca Jazz Café (3102 Piedmont Road NE – Buckhead), for the launch of Eric Darius' newest CD, "On a Mission," and for the official Atlanta launch of The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012! http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/348/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT With only one month of sales, The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012 is nearly 40 percent sold out, for each week! On April 30, 2010, The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012 was launched with celebrations in Los Angeles and Chicago. Since that time other launch events were held in Austin and back in Los Angeles, and there are events scheduled in June in Atlanta and Dallas. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/349/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT “Where the Legends have Played and the Tradition Continues!” This phrase is certainly the most apt description of The Jazz Cruise, but most folks attribute it to our amazing musicians, the big bands, the all-star combos and our set groups. For so many years, the greatest “straight-ahead” jazz musicians have been on our cruises, but The Jazz Cruise also has a rich tradition of vocalists. Over the years, Jazz Cruises has featured Joe Williams, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kevin Mahogany, Anne Hampton Callaway, Marlena Shaw, Dianne Reeves and so many others. The Jazz Cruise 2011 (10th Anniversary) sailing is continuing that tradition and then some! http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/342/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Jazz Cruise 2011 is the 10 th anniversary of this famous cruise program, and the interest in joining us is greater than ever. With nearly nine months before we sale, the ship is 75% sold! In past years, the remaining cabins at this point have usually been limited to just a few categories, but this year is different. With the exception of the large suites and single cabins, there are cabins remaining in every category, though some of the categories are virtually sold out, as you would expect. Call now for the best selection of cabins! http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/343/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2011 is Virtually Sold Out; The Lineup For The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012 is Announced http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/344/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT SPECIAL LAUNCH EVENTS SCHEDULED IN LOS ANGELES AND CHICAGO With The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2011 nearly sold out, it is time to turn our attention to The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012. In fact, The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2010 sold out in March 2009, and we announced The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2011 (two sailings) on April 28, 2009. Even though we added the second sailing, it would appear that the same schedule will apply this year. Which is why we asked our guests to tell us now whom they wanted to see perform on the 2012 cruise. You responded, and we listened! http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/253/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Our goal is to make booking for The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012 as easy and as user-friendly as possible. Many of our traditional booking rules will still apply: Guests on The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2011 will have priority in retaining their current cabins for The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012. Returning Guests will be afforded the lowest possible prices, and no prices for Returning Guests will be higher than the pre-March 15 public prices for SJC ‘11. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/254/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Virtually every summer, Jazz Cruises and The Smooth Jazz Cruise produce and host a series of smooth jazz concerts in their home city of St. Louis. 2010 is no exception. In fact, there will be three amazing concerts for our smooth jazz fans in the area to see. Jazz Cruises and The Smooth Jazz Cruise do these concerts on a non-profit basis with the goal of bringing this great music to their home town, providing a gig for these amazing artists and “thanking” all of the guests and supporters of smooth jazz with a summer filled with great music. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/255/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/256/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/258/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT A thriving jazz and music community not only benefits Jazz Cruises, but it is in the best interest of all involved. No one company can sustain an industry or support a genre. It takes the hard work and dedication of all involved to keep jazz alive, accessible and active. Jazz has prospered over time due to the support of an adoring public, special private funding and a strong media. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/242/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Jazz Cruise ’11 will be the 10th anniversary of this, the first and only full ship charter in the world dedicated to “straight ahead jazz.” Critics have called the TJC ’11 lineup of Musicians “the most comprehensive and exciting lineup of classic jazz players in the past few years” and “simply the best lineup The Jazz Cruise has ever offered.” Our guests must agree, for the sale of cabins since the announcement of the lineup has been amazing! The cruise is nearly two-thirds sold, so book now so that you can assure your cabin for the cruise! http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/243/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT As anticipated, it will not be long before both weeks of The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’11 are sold out. It is likely that all of the cabins will be taken soon after or before the annual March 15 price increase. So now we need to start thinking about our lineup for The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’12! Jazz Cruises wants to know who YOU want to sail with us in ’12. E-mail your choices for the lineup to us! Just send the names of your favorite artists to SJC12@jazzcruisesllc.com . This cruise is about you, our guests, and we want to know who YOU want on SJC ’12. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/244/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/245/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/246/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/247/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/248/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/249/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/250/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT As we have stated before, there is but one full-ship charter in the world dedicated to “straight ahead” jazz, and it is The Jazz Cruise, which celebrates its 10th anniversary January 30 - February 6, 2011. That is a year from now, which seems like a long time, but the ship is already over 60% sold, so be sure to take advantage of the cabins remaining and our new installment payment plan, which allows you to s-t-r-e-t-c-h your payments over many months. The lineup is set and it will be the most musicians, the most performing groups and the largest big band that we have ever had. For those who enjoy vocals, this cruise has the finest lineup of singers ever. Join Clairdee, Jamie Davis, Nnenna Freelon, Jane Monheit, Janis Siegel and Anita Rosamond for hours of the very best in jazz vocals. For those long-term guests of The Jazz Cruise, be looking for another mailer outlining our new Returning Guest Program. You should be receiving this by the end of February. Finally, The Jazz Cruise wishes to congratulate Clark Terry for being awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Grammys®. See you on The Jazz Cruise 2011!!! http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/236/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT By adding a second week to The Smooth Jazz Cruise, we hoped to be able to accommodate all of those who missed The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2010, and it would appear that estimation was correct. As of now, which is nearly one year before sailing, both sailings are over 90% sold. Virtually all of the suites, outside cabins and inside cabins have been sold (though there are some inside cabins for Week 2). The remaining cabins, though, are the Deluxe Staterooms with Verandas, which are fantastic cabins in terms of size and amenities. To fulfill all of our current programs and sales plans, the prices for these cabins shall be maintained until March 15, but there will be a price increase at that time for the remaining cabins. Take advantage of this opportunity to purchase cabins at the absolute lowest price available and secure one of our extended payment plans. If you book now, you can join us on the cruise for as little as $160/month!! By the way, our staff is already working on the programming for The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2011 and the lineup for The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012! We will always be there for you. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/237/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT In the blink of any eye, seven wonderful days and seven magical nights took place on Holland America’s m/s Westerdam from January 17-24! From the moment that Cruise Host Dane Butcher introduced Marcus Miller, Dave Koz and Pat Prescott, to the final song by Ledisi, this cruise was one exciting and memorable event after another. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/238/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT For all of those guests who have purchased their cabins for The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2010 back in January and February, the wait is almost over! Sunday, January 17, 2010, is the sailing date for what has been heralded by all involved as “The Greatest Party at Sea.” 2009 has been a long year for most folks, but for those who have been waiting for The Smooth Jazz Cruise, the year has been particularly long. But soon they will all be enjoying the music, dancing in the aisles and greeting all of their cruise friends for another week of merriment and fun! http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/233/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Jazz Cruises and Music Director Ken Peplowski have assembled another amazing lineup for The Jazz Cruise 2011, the 10th anniversary sailing of the first and only full ship charter dedicated to “straight-ahead” jazz! Though you will shortly be receiving The Jazz Cruise 2011 flyer, you can review the entire lineup by clicking on www.thejazzcruise.com . We are bringing back the all-star big band, and the immortal Johnny Mandel has agreed to reprise his duties as bandleader for most of the shows. The band itself will feature Wycliffe Gordon, Butch Miles, Terrell Stafford, Bucky Pizzarelli and so many other stars. Vocalists for the cruise include Jane Monheit, Nnenna Freelon, Clairdee, Freddy Cole, Janis Siegel and Jamie Davis. Rounding out the lineup are our fabulous all-stars and performing groups, such as Shelly Berg, Randy Brecker, The Clayton Brothers, George Wein, Houston Person, James Moody and many others. Cabins are going very quickly, so book now! http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/234/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2010 sold out totally by March 2009, and even though we have expanded our cruise program for two sailings, they both may be sold out by March 2010! The response to the lineup has been amazing! Led by David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Boney James, Brian McKnight, Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright, this lineup just rocks. And do not forget Rick Braun, Norman Brown, Candy Dulfer, George Duke, Richard Elliot, Jeff Golub, Philippe Saisse, Brian Simpson, Jam Session Host Nick Colionne, vocalists Larry Braggs and Simone, Comedian Alonzo Bodden, and, of course, our cruise hosts Pat Prescott and Dane Butcher. Having read off all of those names, there is no wonder why cabins on this cruise are going so fast. Do not be left onshore - book now! http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/235/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT The unveiling of The Jazz Cruise lineup every year is something that many guests eagerly anticipate and musicians anxiously watch. Normally, the lineup is finalized sometime around January 15, but The Jazz Cruise ’11 lineup is complete and can be viewed on the web site now. Just click on www.thejazzcruise.com , and a truly amazing lineup will be available for your review. The photos and bios will be posted very soon, but these performers are so well known that you will not need to read who is who! Cabins are now for sale for the 2011 cruise, which will be the 10th anniversary of The Jazz Cruise. Guests on The Jazz Cruise ’09 rebooked cabins for the next cruise in record numbers, so please act soon to book your cabin for what will certainly be another sell-out cruise. Jazz Cruises kept the pricing down as low as it could for The Jazz Cruise ’11 in response to our guests’ concerns about costs. Particularly affordable are the cabins with verandas, as they have been priced only slightly higher than outside cabins. Cabins are really going fast, so the time to act is now… As a reminder, The Jazz Cruise also has two alternative payment plans. One is our standard plan with a deposit now, a small payment early next year and the balance in September 2010. Or, you can start now on a monthly payment plan which is amazingly affordable. For the price of a few movies and lattes each month, you can cruise on The Jazz Cruise ’11! http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/229/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT For those guests lucky enough to have secured a cabin on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’10, the wait is almost over! This cruise has been sold out for more than 9 months, so our guests have had to wait all this time for SJC ’10. But document letters have gone out, our guests have their booking numbers, flights have been booked and the performance schedule is complete. Just a few short weeks separate us from our January 17, 2010 sailing date! Jazz Cruises has been working with the Artists of SJC ’10 to make sure that this cruise has more events, more music and more fun than any other cruise we have ever produced. That was the mission and it was truly accomplished. Each day is chock full of music, special events, unique musical pairings and extraordinary sessions. Each Artist has been asked to do something that is “out of the box” for them, and the sets planned are truly wonderful and are once-in-a-lifetime. We cannot wait. The word about SJC ’10 selling out so quickly has spread, and both sailings of SJC ’11 are selling very well. In fact, both cruises are more than 60% sold out at this time, which is way ahead of schedule and way ahead of expectations. The lineup for SJC ’11 is being heralded as groundbreaking, and the choice of two weeks is very appealing to a large number of guests. Now is the time to book your cabin … go to www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com and call us at 888.852.9987 in the U.S. and Canada or +800.852.99872 international. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/230/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Almost from the first hour, there was just something special about The Jazz Cruise ’09. Perhaps it was the excitement surrounding the 80th Birthday celebration of our founder, Anita E. Berry, the amazing opening show that featured Wycliffe Gordon, The Four Freshmen with Five Trombones, Dee Daniels, Shelly Berg, Butch Miles and our Music Director, Ken Peplowski, or just the desire of each and every guest to get away from it all and enjoy the wonderful music, food and company, but there were smiles on everyone’s faces. Most of our guests (more than 63%) had sailed on The Jazz Cruise before, so some of this enthusiasm is certainly attributable to the wonderful feeling of being with friends in a wonderful atmosphere. During the week, I interviewed nearly a dozen of the musicians for our web site, and almost all of them mentioned the word “family” in describing the cruise atmosphere. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/231/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Ten years after launching our first event—simply and still called The Jazz Cruise—I am very proud to say that JazzCruises, LLC is the largest music charter company in the world, as well as producer and promoter of the only full ship charters dedicated to jazz. While we have created numerous offshoot events like Playboy Jazz Cruise, North SeaJazz Cruise, Dave Koz And Friends At Sea and even, believe it or not, The Elvis Cruise, our main focuses currently are on The Jazz Cruise, which runs in November and is dedicated to straight-ahead jazz, and January’s The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Our January 2010 run of The Smooth Jazz Cruise, dedicated to the life and music of its late host Wayman Tisdale , on Holland America’s m/s Westerdam, is sold out and we are currently booking for back-to-back sailings of the January 2011 event, which we call “The Greatest Party At Sea” on the m/s Noordam. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/350/View/Details/Default.aspx Michael Lazaroff Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Once again The Jazz Cruise has sold out. TJC ’09 is set to hit the open seas on November 8, 2009 with every cabin and bunk sold! The response by the fans of this amazing “straight-ahead” jazz cruise has been nothing short of fantastic. But it is hard to blame them … with a lineup like that, no true jazz enthusiast would want to miss that cruise. It will be wall-to-wall and ceiling-to-ceiling music for seven days and seven nights! The passenger list includes fans from more than 30 states and about 14 foreign countries. The word has definitely spread that the best way to get your jazz fix is to board The Jazz Cruise. The next sailing of The Jazz Cruise has been moved a couple of months, by very popular demand, from November 2010 to January 2011. So many of our snowbird guests have begged for a post-holiday winter getaway jazz cruise that we had to respond. But that is not the only special aspect of The Jazz Cruise 2011 . This sailing will be the 10th anniversary of The Jazz Cruise as a full ship charter! We are so excited and so proud. We promise you the best show ever! Cabins for The Jazz Cruise 2011 go on sale to the public on Tuesday, November 17, 2009. Guests on TJC ’09 have until that date to retain their current cabins. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/157/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Smooth Jazz Cruise has never had a lineup that was less than spectacular, but in terms of awards, gold records, international recognition and fame, SJC ’11 has to be the very best ever. For two back-to back, week-long sailings, SJC ’11 will present David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Boney James, Jonathan Butler, Gerald Albright, Rick Braun, Norman Brown, Nick Colionne, George Duke, Candy Dulfer, Richard Elliot, Jeff Golub, Philippe Saisse, Brian Simpson, Larry Braggs, Simone and Comic Alonzo Bodden. Wow! And, to make sure that this lineup was clearly “over the top,” SJC ’11 now boasts Brian McKnight as another very special guest. The voice and talent of this performer cannot be overstated. He is simply an amazing showman, vocalist, composer and instrumentalist. As David Sanborn said to us recently, “This guy is a monster talent.” Open booking is now available for both weeks without any restrictions. You may select any available cabin on either Week 1 or Week 2. Visit www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com for details and to book your cabin! http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/158/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT Jazz Cruises is very proud of the fact that our staff actually interacts with our passengers, and those voices and names that you see when you book will be the same people that you will see on the ship. Many theme cruises use travel agencies or third parties to handle reservations, but at Jazz Cruises, everyone is hands-on and ready to assist you on the ship in the same professional and graceful manner that they offered when you made your reservation. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/159/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT To those thousands of guests who have waited nearly one year for their annual magical voyage amidst the world of “straight-ahead” jazz, you are only a few weeks away from Nirvana. And, for those of you sailing on The Jazz Cruise for the first time, from November 8-15, you will soon be a part of a jazz family that has sailed together for many years. Whether it will be at one of the All Stars sets, an early show of the Big Band or one of the late night jams featuring one of the performing groups, you will realize that you have arrived somewhere very special and you will be hooked! For anyone who has not booked for TJC ’09, there might be a cabin or two left, but we cannot promise that. But we can promise you that the next sailing of The Jazz Cruise, which will be January 30-February 7, 2011, will be the amazing 10th Anniversary of this truly unique event. There has never been a full ship cruise dedicated to “straight-ahead” jazz in the world … other than The Jazz Cruise. Cabins go on sale for The Jazz Cruise ’11 on Monday, November 16, 2009, so mark your calendar as this sailing is the 10th Anniversary Sailing and it will be amazing! Call us toll free at 888.852.9987. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/119/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT An often overlooked aspect of Jazz Cruises, LLC’s operation is the fact that everyone that you will ever speak to at Jazz Cruises is a full-time member of the staff who not only does a job for the company, but actually sails on the cruises, loves the music and participates in all of the events. Many cruise programs hire travel companies to handle the calls, reservations and bookings. Jazz Cruises does just the opposite. Its trained charter-theme cruise personnel learned how to book cabins, create manifests and work with the cruise lines! By the time you complete your reservation, you have a Travel Consultant to yourself, and they know a lot about you as well. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/120/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT No one can dispute that The Smooth Jazz Cruise is one of the most popular and imitated music events in the world. The Smooth Jazz Cruise '10, which sails from January 17-24, 2010, has been sold out for nearly six months and sales for the two back-to-back sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise '11 continue to be well past projections. When asked what is the secret of this success, everyone has the same answer … "the cruise is just the best party ever!" From the moment that you board the ship, see old friends, reacquaint yourself with the Vista Lounge and the Lido Restaurant and Pool, you know you are home, among great people, all of whom are ready to have a great time. The Smooth Jazz Cruise '11 will carry that tradition forward, only this time, it will be for two sailings back-to-back. Twice the opportunity to enjoy the "Greatest Party at Sea". Open booking is now in effect for The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2011 . http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/121/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT Smooth jazz superstar guitarist Peter White, one of the most enduring and prolific performers in the industry, has just released his 11th CD, titled “Good Day” on the Peak record label. Moving from his very successful latest CD “Playing Favorites”, where Peter covered many of his favorite songs, “Good Day” is all original compositions. “Good Day” features French keyboard wizard/arranger Phillipe Saisse and a special appearance by Polish songstress Basia. SuperUser Account Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Smooth Jazz Cruise guests simply cannot get enough of Arlington Jones. On the cruises, he has gone from being a musician supporting our headliners to a crowd favorite performing to overflowing crowds in the various lounges and venues. So, it is with great pride that we announce his new CD, Vintage Christmas , which will be available by the end of October. You can order the CD and learn more by going to www.arlingtonjones.com . SuperUser Account Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT We are often asked what does it takes to prepare for one of our cruises. Some folks think that we just arrive with the rest of the guests and set up the cruise on the Departure Date. In some ways this is a compliment, as it would appear that the set up is seamless and easy, but just like an iceberg (the most unlikely cruise metaphor!) only shows only a small part of its girth, so, too, does the planning and set up for a cruise only show only a fraction of what actually goes on. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/98/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Jazz Cruise ’09 is over more than 90% sold and several categories of cabins are sold out, but there are still some cabins in most categories, so it is not too late to join us for the first and only full ship charter in the world dedicated to “straight-ahead” jazz. This year is the 9 th annual sailing of this fantastic voyage and the lineup of over 85 jazz musicians is the best ever. There is simply no better way to enjoy “straight-ahead” jazz for a week, than to board the m/s Westerdam this November 8-15, 2009, and sail with The Jazz Cruise . Special offers are available to those past guests that have not booked as yet, so feel free to contact us for details - 888.852.9987 . http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/99/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT As unlikely as it sounds, now is the best time to book your cabin on The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2011 ! Though that cruise is over 17 months from now, each week is nearly 50% sold and some categories are sold out. It only takes only $200 to reserve your cabin now, so it makes sense to act now. As we all know, by mid February, 2009, The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2010 was sold out!!! We have added an entire week, so you have giving you more selection , but both weeks will sell out again, so reserve your cabin now while the selection remains favorable. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/100/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Beginning with this issue of Jazz Cruises’ Notes, we will be highlighting and discussing some of the wonderful Artists and Musicians that will be appearing on our cruise programs. This month we are featuring Bill Charlap of The Jazz Cruise ’09, and David Sanborn of The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’11. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/102/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Multi Grammy® Award-winner and jazz icon David Sanborn is one of the most popular and influential saxophone players of all time. He is an artist whose music has inspired countless other musicians while creating a body of work that spans the genres of rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, pop and jazz. As a naturally gifted performer, David has helped define the saxophone’s modern sound in contemporary jazz and instrumental pop while influencing a generation of listeners and musicians alike. The music of Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Paul Simon, James Brown, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones all has a similar tone running throughout. It's no coincidence that saxophonist David Sanborn has played with all of them. When I turn on the radio, or listen to music with the random button on, it takes about 4 four bars‚ before I recognize David Sanborn‘s sound. What many younger guests may not realize is that David Sanborn was the original sax player in the Saturday Night Live band and hosted the legendary late night music show (Night Music) on which Marcus Miller (the SJC ‚11 Music Director and Host) was the music director. David Sanborn has been a major contributor on other Jazz Cruises‘ programs, but SJC '11 will be his first turn as a host and his first appearance on The Smooth Jazz Cruise. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/103/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT One of the world’s premier jazz pianists, Bill Charlap has performed and recorded with many leading artists of our time, ranging from jazz masters Phil Woods and Wynton Marsalis to singers Tony Bennett and Barbra Streisand. Since 1997, he has led the Bill Charlap Trio with bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington, now recognized as one of the leading groups in jazz. For the past five years, Charlap has been artistic director of New York City’s Jazz in July Festival at the 92nd Street Y, and he has produced concerts for Jazz at Lincoln Center, the JVC Jazz Festival and the Hollywood Bowl. A two-time Grammy® nominee, Charlap is married to renowned jazz pianist Renee Rosnes, and the two often collaborate in a duo piano setting. Always one of the most highly acclaimed and watched performers on The Jazz Cruise, watching and listening to him allows me to forget all of the duties and tasks for the week and just enjoy the pure magic that Bill Charlap brings every time he performs. Having Bill Charlap onboard just kicks the cruise up a notch... maybe even more than just one. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/104/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Jeff Golub has completed a very cool project, BLUES FOR YOU, on the E-1 label. As we all know, though Jeff is both a jazz and rock icon, deep down inside that amazing performer is a man who can play the blues. His band is called Avenue Blue, after all. The CD was released under the E-1 label and, though mostly instrumental, it does feature vocals by Marc Cohen, Billy Squier, John Waite and Peter Wolf. Amazon.com is your best bet to get this CD quickly. SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Butch Miles tells Jazz Cruises that there will be a new Count Basie CD coming out in September that features Butch as a "guest artist" called "COUNT BASIE ORCHESTRA - SWINGING, SINGING AND PLAYING". Hank Jones, Rufus Reid, Nnenna Freelon, Curtis Fuller, Frank Wess and Janice Siegel (Manhattan Transfer) are also featured on this Mack Avenue release. SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Freddy Cole has just released The Dreamer in Me , which was recorded live at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York City. Freddy and his band, John Di Martino (piano), Jerry Weldon (tenor sax), Randy Napoleon (guitar), Elias Bailey (bass) and Curtis Boyd (drums) offer a program of great songs free from any trace of the routine. Check out HighNote HCD 7198 to secure your copy! SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Marcus Miller has completed his latest project for George Benson, titled “Songs and Stories“. Marcus not only co-produced the CD, but he wrote a song and performed on all of the tracks. Other notable performers/contributors on the CD were Bill Withers, James Taylor, Smokey Robinson, Rod Temperton, Donny Hathaway, Christopher Cross and Lamont Dozier. SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT James Moody, one of Jazz Cruises’ favorite performers, has announced a new CD on the IPO Recordings label, titled “4A”. The CD not only features “Moody”, as his wife Linda calls him, but also Kenny Barron, Todd Coolman and Lewis Nash. James Moody remains one of the most expressive, enduring and important figures in modern jazz society. SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Bill Mays has a brand new DVD titled “SOLO! Bill Mays”. Always the modern promoter and up to date performer, Bill has arranged for his fans to view promotion clips of the DVD online by going to http://www.billmays.net/discography.html. Purchasing information can be found at that site as well. SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT Bill Easley has a new CD out and it is already #26 on the Jazz Radio Charts. It is called Hearing Voices and is on the Allegro Music label. You will be able to secure your copy at music stores, online and on his web site, www.billeasley.com. SuperUser Account Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT TJC ’09 is 90% sold for its November 8-15, 2009 sailing, but there is still time (and cabins) remaining to join us for the most amazing lineup that TJC has ever offered. Many categories are sold out, but there are still both Outside Cabins and Deluxe Staterooms with Verandas for you to reserve. Be sure to join us for TJC ’09. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/94/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT Starting August 1, 2009, you can select almost any remaining cabins for Week 1 (January 16-23, 2011) and Week 2 (January 23-30, 2011) of The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2011. Some cabins for Week 2 will be held for guests on SJC ’10 who have entered into our new Designated Cabin Program. Book now, for, as we know, SJC ’10 has been sold out for 6 months!! http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/95/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT Jazz Cruises is currently taking reservations for the two weeks of The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2011 (January 16-23, 2011 and January 23-30, 2011) and in mid-September will start taking reservations for The Jazz Cruise 2011. As we have previously announced, The Jazz Cruise is moving from a November based cruise to January/February, starting with its January 30-February, 2011 sailing. (There will not be a sailing of The Jazz Cruise in November 2010.) http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/96/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Jazz Cruise ’09 is getting ready for its November 8-15 sailing. As our current guests (guests who purchased prior to June 15, 2009,) know, final payment is due on July 15, 2009. A revised payment plan is available for anyone who purchases a cabin from now until sailing. We are also working on the schedule of performances. With more than 85 top jazz musicians, it is difficult to find times to fit each musician into our 4-set rotations, but we have done it. There is so much music this year that our guests will have to carefully plan their days and nights to hear it all. The cruise is more than 80% sold out at this time, but nice cabins do remain, so it is definitely not too late to join us for the 9th Annual Sailing of The Jazz Cruise! If you are a former TJC guest and have not signed up yet for The Jazz Cruise ’09, please ask about our favored payment plan for prior guests. It is the most affordable way to join us this fall. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/91/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT As previously reported, SJC ’10 is a sell out and we are very excited about the many, many special performances and events that we will be presenting on that sailing. Just in case you missed the earlier announcement, GRAMMY-Award-Winning Bassist Marcus Miller will be joining the cruise as a Special Guest and Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright have volunteered to assist with various events. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/92/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT The marketing, production and promotion of The Jazz Cruise and The Smooth Jazz Cruise are tasks that require the full-time effort of the entire staff of Jazz Cruises, LLC. But, as you can see from our list of “staff” on the ship, there is a significant number of individuals and companies that operate separately from Jazz Cruises, but who contribute mightily to the successful operation of our cruise programs. Many of the individuals are familiar to past cruisers as they can see our production teams, hospitality desk assistants and other additional personnel actually working on the cruise. What is not so evident is our family of like-minded jazz standard-bearers and supporters who have helped to make our cruise programs successful. Each month we will salute one or more of these individuals and groups. Not only are they important to our programs, but they are also vital to the overall growth and health of the jazz world. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/93/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT One of the most frequent questions posed to Jazz Cruises is, “Why do you always use Holland America Line for your cruise programs?” The answer is very simple, yet very complex. The simple answer is that Holland America meets our needs at this point better than any other cruise line. What is complex is the series of criteria that we use for this analysis and how important some of these criteria can be for us. Quality, size, flexibility, venues and cruising schedules are the five most important considerations in selecting not only a cruise line, but also a specific ship. Let’s examine each of these criteria and see how they relate and how they have led us to selecting Holland America. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/38/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we acknowledge the recent death of Frankie Manning. More than an entertainer, more than a lifelong supporter of The Jazz Cruise, more than a member of The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame and more than a great dancer and teacher, Frankie Manning was the epitome of class, dignity and grace. Even at 94, he displayed a regal and princely manner that you could not help but admire. We will miss Frankie Manning … the whole world will miss Frankie Manning and now, more than ever, the world needs more people like him. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/39/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/40/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Smooth Jazz Cruise just made an important announcement for The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2011! Since The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2010 sold out in just a few weeks, and since the Wait List for that cruise contains nearly 1,000 requests for cabins, we decided to do two back-to-back cruises in January 2011. Week 1 will be January 9-16, 2011, and Week 2 will be January 16-23, 2011. The two sailings will have the exact same lineups and itineraries, so they will be identical in all respects but the dates. Guests simply have to decide which week works best for them. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/41/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Fri, 01 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT One of the most frequently asked questions of Jazz Cruises, LLC is, "How do you decide which performers will be on the respective cruises?" This is a very complicated and extremely delicate procedure, one that we do not take lightly. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/42/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Jazz Cruise 2009 is the single most amazing event in the "straight-ahead" jazz world. Where else could you witness more than 85 of the world's most talented jazz musicians assembled for one entire week, performing multiple sets, jamming at all hours of the day and night, and sharing the stages with true legends in jazz music? http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/43/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/44/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT The Smooth Jazz Cruise always sells out. It has just never done so in March! When you look at the world today and the state of our economy, it makes this accomplishment even more astonishing. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/45/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT We urge anyone interested "smooth jazz" to join our Wait List . It is the only way to secure a cabin on the 2010 cruise and will provide you with priority for the 2011 cruise. No cabins will be sold publicly for the 2011 charter until those on the Wait List have had a chance to secure a cabin. Plus, we will soon be announcing a second week in 2011, and Wait List guests will have top priority for those cabins. The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2011 lineup is nearly completed. http://www.jazzcruises-ecp.com/Friends/tabid/1543/ItemID/46/View/Details/Default.aspx SuperUser Account Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT