Read more »
Steinway Artist Arlington Jones was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1973, but his family moved to Dallas, Texas in 1976. His musical journey started because of his parents’ music heritage and vast album collection. He began studying piano at age eight, started playing in church, and took drum lessons as well. Watching him play now, […]
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Gerald Albright was already an accomplished saxophonist by the time he enrolled at the University of Redlands, but he switched to bass after he saw Louis Johnson in concert. A few months after graduating from college, he joined jazz pianist/R&B singer Patrice Rushen, who was in the process of forming her own […]
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 […]
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 […]
Jay Williams is no stranger to the Gospel, Jazz & R&B community. With a little over 3 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 3, along side his dad the late Judge […]
Randy Jacobs, a San Francisco native raised in Detroit, embarked on his music career at the tender age of 13. He started by working with Motown’s renowned writers, producers, and artists, gaining experience while developing his unique no-plectrum playing style. One of Jacobs’ early breakthroughs was co-authoring the Top-Five R&B hit, “Wide Receiver,” alongside former […]
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 […]
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” […]
Mr. Talkbox (Byron Chambers) is the world’s top Talkbox artist & voice, having collaborated on the Intro of Multi-Grammy Award winning song “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars. He’s also the sampled voice on Kendrick Lamar’s “Loyalty” featuring Rihanna and he’s featured on the Cardi B/Bruno Mars collab “Please Me.” The Orlando-born, Nashville-based hip-hop and R&B artist, who plays urban contemporary gospel, contemporary R&B and funk, has five No. 1 Singles in Japan, a 2016 Grammy Award nomination and is a 2-time Dove Award […]
Driven by the ever-evolving musical vision of core members – Brothers Eric and Billy Mondragon and close family friend Damon Reel – Southern California’s premiere R&B, funk and contemporary powerhouse band DW3’s deepening artistry continues to transcend a well-earned reputation as a high energy, fun and freewheeling party band. Eric, Billy and Damon all contribute […]
Claude McKnight, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Alvin Chea and Khristian Dentley Heralded by Quincy Jones as the “baddest vocal cats on the planet,” Take 6 is the quintessential a cappella group and model for vocal genius. Six virtuosic voices united in crystal clear harmony, against a backdrop of syncopated rhythms, innovative arrangements and funky […]
Patrice Rushen is an award-winning musician and composer who is also one of the most sought-after artists in the music industry. She is a classically trained pianist who originally found success in the 70s and 80s with her signature fusion of jazz, pop and R&B. During this era, she composed and recorded the hit song, “Forget […]
Twenty-something 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. […]
One of the most recognized and sought-after saxophonists, two-time GRAMMY nominee Mindi Abair has been electrifying audiences with her dynamic live performances and sax prowess since her debut album in 1999. In 2014, Mindi received her first GRAMMY nomination in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category, followed by a 2015 GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album […]
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 […]
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 […]