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.

Brian Culbertson is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist, writer and producer who crosses genres between contemporary jazz, R&B, and funk and heralds from the musically rich city of Chicago. Starting at the early age of 8 on piano, he quickly picked up several other instruments by age 12 including drums, trombone, bass, & euphonium. Inspired by the great R&B/Jazz/Pop artists of the 70’s like EWF, Tower of Power, Chicago, David Sanborn, and others, Brian Culbertson started composing original music for his 7th grade piano recital and hasn’t stopped having self-produced 16 solo albums, most of which have topped the Billboard charts.

The acclaimed musician also founded the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, a 5-day celebration of wine, food, art and music that draws big entertainers and devoted fans year after year. Brian is always striving to push the boundaries of the contemporary jazz scene which is evident by his latest album, Funk! This new set is a throwback to the stanky P-Funk records from back in the day combining the throbbing bass lines, greasy horn lines, sing-a-long choruses and landing hard on the ‘One.’

The youngest of 13 children, Jonathan Butler grew up in poverty in Cape Town, South Africa, ruled by Apartheid and segregation. Butler began his singing career at age 7, releasing his first album in 1973 and winning the Best New Artist GRAMMY® in South Africa the following year at age 12. He made history by being the first black artist played on white South African radio while earning three gold records (“Please Stay” went double gold and “I Love How You Love Me” went gold) in 1975 as he became a teenager. More than a decade later, Butler moved to London, England and released his first album internationally. The self-titled set went gold in 1987 in the United Kingdom and in the USA. He received GRAMMY® nominations for Best R&B Song for his R&B-pop vocal hit “Lies” and for Best Jazz Song for the instrumental “Going Home.”

His genre-busting material earned songwriter’s awards and received abundant airplay in multiple radio formats: pop, urban, contemporary jazz, adult contemporary and gospel. Butler’s 2004 album, Surrender, went gold in South Africa where he remains a superstar.  Butler is still taking care of people back home. Last fall, he launched the Jonathan Butler Foundation in his native country to fund music education programs that give children the purpose to overcome a life of drugs and poverty just as he did. His music has purpose, providing comfort and genuine inspiration. When he sings, he testifies to the glory and healing power of love. When he plays guitar, his fast fingers innately find notes of passion and divinity. Jonathan Butler’s recording career has carried him far, far beyond his wildest dreams. He’s living his dream and that is a blessing for us all.

Dutch saxophonist Candy Dulfer has earned her place in music history — with her GRAMMY®-nominated debut album Saxuality, live and studio performances with the greatest names in music (including Prince, Beyoncé, Van Morrison, Aretha Franklin, Dave Stewart and Maceo Parker) and her worldwide concert tours and legendary live shows. She is the recipient of the Edison Jazz Lifetime Achievement Award, the most prestigious music award in The Netherlands. She’s been a popular headline artist on The Smooth Jazz Cruise for many years and is thrilled to return once again to add her energetic funky stuff to the musical mix.

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 and 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.

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, he was invited to join Al Stewart’s band.

In addition to opening for artists like Linda Ronstadt, Billy Joel and Queen, White 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.”

“I just want to continue to explore the boundaries of what I am capable of as a musician,” declares acclaimed chart-topping trumpeter, composer and producer Rick Braun. Known for his impeccable technical chops, melodic wizardry and keen compositional prowess, the consummate Los Angeles-based musician has been thrilling audiences for decades. Braun has made a mark staying true to his own musical voice and eclectic influences that have allowed him to collaborate across genres with some of the biggest names in music including Rod Stewart, Tom Petty, Sade, Natalie Cole and REO Speedwagon. Having clenched over 20 number one Smooth Jazz hits, Braun has collaborated with all of the brightest stars in contemporary jazz. His 17th recording as a leader, Around The Horn, was released in February 2017, and is an adventurous mix of originals as well as exhilarating reinventions of hits by Coldplay, Alicia Keys and Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez.

There was a time when Braun was contemplating pursuing medical school, but music won out.  In his long career he has crafted his own distinctive sound and become a staple on contemporary jazz radio. He has produced Number One hits for David Benoit, Marc Antoine and former Rod Stewart band sidekick Jeff Golub. Braun achieved collaborative success on massive hits with Boney James, as a member of RnR with saxophonist Richard Elliot and with BWB, a powerhouse trio completed by GRAMMY® winners Kirk Whalum and Norman Brown.

Imagine how the juices will flow on the high seas for saxophonist Richard Elliot, who says he gets much of his creative inspiration from behind the wheel of his car in L.A. traffic. The Scottish-born musician has been on the music scene for more than three decades and released his 17th solo album, Lip Service, in July 2014. The project features seven original compositions along with three covers of soul and pop hits from the ’80s (“Shining Star” by The Manhattans), ’90s (“Anytime” by Brian McKnight) and present day (“When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars).

Richard Elliot got his start at age 19 with the Chapman Stick-based quartet Kittyhawk, played in soul band Tower of Power in the ’80s and has continued topping the charts and touring the world as both solo artist and with innovative groups like Guitars & Saxes and, most recently, Summer Horns (comprised of Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Dave Koz).

During her remarkable two-decade 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 with 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.

A graduate of the University of Miami’s School of Music, Steven EUGEne GROoVE was born in Hagerstown, Maryland and grew up in a musical home. His mother played piano and Euge began his own musical pursuits at the age of seven, beginning with the piano and adding the saxophone at nine.

He later discovered two saxophonists who had a profound effect on his approach to playing. “One was French classical player Marcel Mule, who really defined what the sax was supposed to sound like for me and the other was David Sanborn. He took that sound and brought it into the mainstream world,” reminisces Euge Groove.  He explains, “I’ve listened to everyone from Grover (Washington Jr.) and (David) Sanborn to (Charlie) Parker and (John) Coltrane as well as (Michael) Brecker, (Stan) Getz, King Curtis, Junior Walker, Richard Elliott and Kirk Whalum. The thing is, the more mature we become the more those influences fuse into something new. I always listened to a lot of R&B growing up, fused that with Pop music, then with the Gospel music. Hopefully all these influences come through in my music and I am able to create my own unique expression.”

With the release of Comfort Zone, Euge Groove further asserts himself as one of the most distinctive artists in Contemporary Jazz and assures us that he is in the zone. He also lets us in on a little secret – balance is the key to everything. “When I am not making music, I love driving the California coast. I’m very fortunate that I can be to the coast in about 15 minutes. It’s very Zen for me. Also, pizza. I love making pizza. I have a wood pizza oven in my backyard, and when I’m up to it, I get up early in the morning, make the dough, the sauce, and for dinner fire up the oven. I’ve got to be in the mood though. I get more requests in the house than I make. It’s like music for me; You can’t force it!”

Multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer, Vincent Ingala has emerged as a star since his 2010 critically acclaimed debut album, North End Soul. The charismatic saxophonist has been named Billboard Smooth Jazz Artist of the Year in 2012, SiriusXM Watercolors Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2013 and his music is consistently found atop the most noteworthy music charts in the world, including four number one hits on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Chart. The Yamaha Performing Artist has been wowing live audiences as a regular on the popular smooth jazz festival and cruise circuit for several years. His versatility on multiple instruments makes him sought after both live and as a producer.

To borrow from a classic quote about the late, great James Brown, DW3 is today’s hardest-working band in soul business, working fans into a dance and romance frenzy with their R&B, old school funk, jazz and Latin-fired magic. Since 2003, brothers Eric and Billy Mondragon and Damon Reel have set the high-energy mood on The Smooth Jazz Cruise. With four Billboard-charting hits, DW3 has also established themselves as a popular national recording group. The three chose to self-title their latest recording to reflect the culmination of their steady and inspiring evolution from ultimate, first-call party band to multi-faceted artists, songwriters and producers.

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. He credits winning season three of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, as his introduction to America. With five 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 The Smooth Jazz Cruise.

Signature Cruise Experiences is very proud of its selection of Eric Marienthal as the Music Director for its cruise programs. Eric has won two GRAMMY® Awards and has been nominated nine times as a member of the Chick Corea Elektric Band, Jeff Lorber Fusion and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Eric has recorded 15 solo CDs including his latest GRAMMY®-nominated CD entitled Double Dealin’ with legendary trumpeter Randy Brecker. Eric was also named one of the top three alto saxophonists in Jazziz Magazine’s Reader’s Poll and has been the Music Director for all sailings of The Smooth Jazz Cruise for the past several years.

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.

Ms. Monét is a singer-songwriter, arranger and actor from the Bay Area of California. She has a five-octave vocal range and performs in many genres, including R&B, rock, jazz, gospel and classical. Ms. Monét has toured the world for over 30 years and has performed as a background vocalist for artists such as Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Eric Benét, Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald and Queen Latifah. Ms. Monét was a contestant on season 24 of NBC’s The Voice and gained national fame on the show. She has also been called “The Monificent” and is known for her natural ability, strong will and determination.

Michael “Patches” Stewart was born and raised in New Orleans, where he began to play trumpet at an early age. After moving to Los Angeles, he toured with The Brothers Johnson, Quincy Jones and jazz giant Al Jarreau, who introduced Patches to audiences worldwide. Patches has released four solo albums and has toured with artists such as David Sanborn, George Duke, Rickie Lee Jones, Whitney Houston, Marcus Miller, Babyface, Diana Ross and Earth, Wind and Fire.

Saxophonist Marcus Anderson, a two-time GRAMMY® and Stellar Award nominee, has 16 studio albums and five Billboard Number #1s. Fusing jazz with R&B, pop, and soul, he’s charted top spots on Billboard’s Smooth Jazz and SiriusXM’s Watercolors. He’s collaborated/toured with Prince, Stevie Wonder and CeeLo Green, among others. Known for high-energy shows, Anderson has performed for notable figures at the White House and has been a staple at major festivals for years. He’s ventured into the coffee business serving his brand “AND Coffee” for eight years, making him a multifaceted act in the industry.

After starting to play the drums at the tender age of 3 alongside his dad, it wasn’t long before Jay Williams took interest in exploring other styles of music and his interest grew to appreciate styles like jazz, rock, R&B, Latin and country. Jay’s passion, hard work and dedication, along with his experience, eventually led to him professionally working with numerous mainstream artists. His versatile yet flexible gift has gained him local, national and international media coverage, as well as the opportunity to illustrate his art of drumming at countless venues throughout the country and abroad. 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 their face is priceless.”

Nate Phillips has been a member of The Smooth Jazz Cruise for nearly two decades, one of the longest reigns of almost anyone. Nate’s musical history includes sessions and tours with many artists who perform on our cruises, concreting his supporting role within The Smooth Jazz Cruise family. Over his career Nate has worked with many artist including George Benson, Lee Ritenour, Rick Braun, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Marcus Miller, EnVogue, George Clinton, Wilton Patti Austin, Eric Marienthal, Cheap Trick, Mindi Abair, Peter White, Wayman Tisdale and Brian Culbertson.

Born and raised in Ohio, Kevin Turner was trained as a jazz guitarist but spent an equal amount of time playing in the pop genre. Besides being a performer, Kevin is a writer, producer and educator. He has owned a private recording studio for nearly 15 years. Kevin co-wrote (with his wife Cynthia Turner) and produced two projects by the national recording gospel ensemble Cynthia Turner and Heartspeak. This award-winning group performed across the country in the 2000s and was featured on BET’s  Bobby Jones Gospel Show. Kevin presently tours and records with GRAMMY® award-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum.

Omari Williams began playing the drums at a young age, like many musicians, in the church, then the jazz band, marching band and was performing professionally by age 17. Boney James is his main gig, but Omari has also played with Ruben Studdard, Rick Braun, Jonathan Butler and and the finest musicians aboard The Smooth Jazz Cruise. In addition to drums, Omari plays bass and can sing background when needed. He is learning the keyboard so he can start making and producing his own music, as well as music for other artists and continues to work on learning new skills and keeping his original ones fresh and polished.

Lamar Jones was born to be a musician. A native of Chicago and coming from a musical family, he is a versatile bassist who has performed with a variety of musical groups during his 25 year career. Being a well-rounded musician, Lamar has played various genres spanning from smooth jazz, rock, gospel, R&B, funk and house-music in a variety of different venues from music halls to outdoor festivals across the US and abroad. Lamar currently resides in Chicago and has been blessed with two beautiful young daughters. When he is not on tour, you can find him building custom basses and performing in church.

Collin Clauson started playing piano at an early age and later learned how to play the clarinet, saxophone and guitar. Collin is an in-demand piano player who regularly works both in the Chicago area and all over the country. Collin has previously performed on The Smooth Jazz Cruise and is a member of the experimental rock group Monobody, a five-piece band blending their different influences into a unique sound. Collin began teaching piano and guitar privately at 16 and continues to teach with an emphasis on the fundamentals of music through music theory, learning songs, transcribing and rhythm exercises. Collin continues to write his own music on piano, guitar, and many other instruments, and is continually building his solo work.

Currently the touring guitarist with smooth jazz elites Richard Elliot, Rick Braun, Boney James and Euge Groove, and performing as a solo artist, Gerey Johnson has been on the contemporary jazz scene for years as a musician, songwriter, producer and record company executive. Along with being a band leader and show host here on The Smooth Jazz Cruise, he has radio success with collaborations with Richard Elliot, Marcus Anderson, Lin Rountree and his current project with percussionist Ramon Yslas from the “super group” Chicago.

Chris Miskel is a Chicago drummer who carries on the Chicago reputation of producing some of the most talented musicians to date. By playing with many musicians, Chris has acquired the ability to play the drums in multiple styles and genres of music. He believes that adapting to the various musical situations is essential to being a well-rounded musician. When Chris is home between tours, he continues to strengthen his drumming techniques, solos and improvisation by performing in local clubs and participating in jam sessions. According to Chris, “Playing what I feel and being able to transcend my vibe to the fans and get a reaction from them is what makes my job wonderful.”  

Born in South Dakota and raised in Washington D.C., David Dyson began playing baritone in school, but, after hearing recordings of Larry Graham and Louis Johnson, the desire to switch to the bass was overwhelming. In 1989, David worked with Maurice Starr (New Kids On The Block) as musical director, taking their live shows to an unprecedented pinnacle. As an artist, David has released Soulmates, The Dawning and Unleashed, all to critical acclaim. Throughout his career, David has earned quite a reputation as a bassist, songwriter, arranger and producer. He continues to strive for excellence as one of today’s most promising artists.

Carnell Harrell is a keyboard player from the Los Angeles area who has been playing professionally for over 20 years for agencies, private events, independent and major artists. Carnell plays a variety of styles including Gospel, R&B, neo soul, hip hop, jazz, soul, alternative rock, easy listening, singer/songwriter, smooth jazz and country. He’s played with a variety of artists including Jonathan Butler, Rahsaan Patterson, the Jacksons, Jennifer Lopez, Bobby Brown, Kenny Latimore, Dave Koz, Boney James, Gerald Albright, Teena Marie, Andra Day, Thelma Houston, Peter White, Mac Powell, Israel Houghton, Macy Gray and more.

Guitarist Darnell “Showcase” Taylor captivates worldwide audiences through a style that balances tradition with innovation. Born and raised in Moncure, North Carolina, the self-taught musician started his love affair with instruments as a church kid having joined a local band at the age of 15.

Playing throughout the country for a wide variety of artists, Taylor eventually met GRAMMY® Award winner Anthony Hamilton. The powerful, soul master added him to his critically acclaimed band where they continue to thrill music lovers across the globe.

As a producer, he has composed more than 50 songs for Soul/Blues artist Willie Clayton, rising songstress Jackie Michael and award-winning saxophonist Marcus Anderson. A testament to his commercial appeal, he earned the attention of Ibanez Guitars who tapped the musician to serve as a face of its international brand.

Taylor enjoys the beauty of collectively performing with some of the most dynamic artists of our time yet still recognizes the gift of his individual music interpretation. While contemporary music typically features a voice as storyteller, Darnell “Showcase” Taylor masterfully narrates the human experience of love, pain, joy, and defeat through a beautiful merger of man and guitar.

Richie Gajate Garcia, Puerto Rican born in New York City, grew up with musical influences of his percussionist step father. He is one of the top clinicians worldwide, demonstrating the art of drums and percussion. Richie has performed, recorded and toured the world as a drummer/percussionist for a variety of major artists, such as Diana Ross, Robin Thicke, Jessie J and more. He’s also played on over 40 major films, most recently Disney’s Coco. Richie has had the joy of performing with many of the artists on The Smooth Jazz Cruise and looks forward to the next cruise coming up.

Percussionist, Composer, Arranger, Producer, Author and four time GRAMMY® Winner Darryl Munyungo Jackson possesses an ever-increasing collection of instruments with which to execute his craft. That is one of the reasons this warm and unassuming West Coast artist can be found in virtually any musical setting—whether it’s funk, pop, jazz, latin, reggae or traditional dance music of such countries as Nigeria, Haiti, Brazil and Cuba. Munyungo is deeply committed to understanding — and keeping alive — the tradition surrounding the instruments he plays. “It’s hard to study drums without studying the cultures from which they come,” he points out. This respectfulness seasons his playing with hearty passion and enjoyment.