Lineup - The Smooth Jazz Cruise

Marcus Miller

Host

Marcus Miller

Host

World-renowned jazz bassist, Marcus Miller, has sailed as host and featured performer on The Smooth Jazz Cruise over 20 times. Adding to his current list of GRAMMY® and international awards, Britain's Jazz FM recently presented Marcus with the Gold Award for his influential contributions to jazz, soul and R&B, UK's Bass Player magazine honored him with a Lifetime Achievement award and Downbeat magazine placed Marcus at the top of their 2023 Critic's Poll for most influential bassist worldwide. Fans of Luther Vandross' Never Too Much, Bill Wither's Just The Two of Us, Beyonce's Lemonade and David Sanborn's soulful classics are all grooving to Marcus' distinctive touch.

Boney James

Host

Boney James

Host

In a solo career now spanning over 30 years and 18 albums, 12 of Boney James’ records have topped the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart and two have reached Top Ten on the R&B Albums Chart. To date, Boney has racked up sales of more than three million records, four RIAA gold albums, four GRAMMY® nominations, a Soul Train Award and three NAACP Image Award nominations.

In 2009, Billboard named him one of the Top Three Contemporary Jazz Artists of the decade. He apprenticed as a sideman for artists like Morris Day and the Isley Brothers before striking out on his own in 1992.

Kenny G

Special Guest

Kenny G

Special Guest

Kenny G is an American smooth jazz saxophonist, composer and producer. His 1992 album, Breathless, became the best-selling instrumental album ever. Kenny G is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with one GRAMMY® win, 16 GRAMMY® nominations and global sales totaling more than 75 million records.

Kenny G's fourth solo album, Duotones, started his most successful period, featuring the hit single "Songbird." His first holiday album, Miracles: The Holiday Album, sold over 13 million copies and he has worked on soundtracks for films such as The Bodyguard and collaborated with artists like Andrea Bocelli and Frank Sinatra.

In the 2000s and 2010s, Kenny G released several albums, including Paradise and Brazilian Nights and continued to appear in commercials, music videos and performances worldwide.

Brian Culbertson

Over the course of crafting a 27-album catalog and architecting nearly 40 Billboard number one singles as a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Brian Culbertson has charted his own unique course in music. Brian composed 30 songs that populate the three albums in The Trilogy that describes the arc of a relationship: the hot and steamy “falling in love” phase, the rocky middle and the couple finding their “happily ever after.” Whether you’re listening to music from The Trilogy on record or live in concert, you’re hearing an eclectic, entertaining and engaging set from an artist at the peak of his power.

Jonathan Butler

Jonathan Butler was raised amidst Apartheid in South Africa. Releasing his first album at age 12, he was awarded the South African “Grammy” for Best New Artist and was the first black artist aired on white South African radio. By 13, he had earned three gold records. More than a decade later, Jonathan released his first album internationally, which also went gold. He received GRAMMY® nominations for Best R&B Song for his hit “Lies” and for Best Jazz Song for the instrumental “Going Home.” Jonathan’s long-awaited record Unbuntu, produced by Marcus Miller, was released in April 2023 and has hit #1 on the smooth jazz charts. Jonathan remains a musical icon today in South Africa and around the world.

Candy Dulfer

Dutch saxophonist Candy Dulfer has earned her place in music history — with her GRAMMY®-nominated debut album Saxuality (over 2.5 million copies worldwide copies sold), performances with the greatest names in music (including Prince, Van Morrison and Maceo Parker) and her worldwide concert tours and legendary live shows.

Her latest album, We Never Stop, garnered rave reviews from critics and fans alike, resulting in the US Billboard No. 1 hit “Convergency” featuring Chic-legend Nile Rodgers. 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.

Peter White

For almost four decades, Peter White has stood as one of jazz's most versatile and prolific acoustic guitarists, blending jazz, pop and classical elements to craft a unique and universally appealing sound. At just 19, he joined Al Stewart's band, performing alongside luminaries like Linda Ronstadt, Billy Joel and Queen. Launching his solo career in 1990 with Réveillez-Vous, Peter has enjoyed a successful touring career with "Guitars and Saxes" and his annual "Peter White Christmas Tour." From its inception, Peter has been a major factor in the success and growth of The Smooth Jazz Cruise and he epitomizes what the cruise hopes to present.

Mindi Abair

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.

Vincent Ingala

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.

Keiko Matsui

Keiko Matsui is a Japanese keyboardist and composer, specializing in smooth jazz and New-age music. Keiko Matsui was born in Tokyo, Japan. Her mother took her to her first piano lesson at 6, based on the Japanese tradition that a child who is introduced to something at this time will continue in those studies for a long time. The tradition held true for Matsui, who studied piano throughout her school years. Though her early training focused on classical music, in junior high school she developed an interest in jazz and began composing her own music. She produced her album The Road and recorded it with Richard Bona, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jackiem Joyner and Kirk Whalum. Her album Soul Quest (2013) reached No. 6 on the jazz chart.

Marc Antoine

Since emerging as a force in contemporary jazz in the mid-90s with a trademark sound captured in the title of his debut album Classical Soul, Marc Antoine has shared his joyous musical wanderlust on a discography infused with extraordinary exotic journeys. After living and recording in Madrid, the multi-talented Parisian-born acoustic guitarist relocated back to Southern California in 2015. While keeping his deep melodic flow and exotic textures front and center, he shares the lighthearted spirit of his exciting new life on his highly anticipated Woodward Avenue Records debut, an homage to his new hometown of Laguna Beach.

DW3

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.

Talaya

Event Host

Talaya

Event Host

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.”

Alonzo Bodden

Host / Comedian

Alonzo Bodden

Host / Comedian

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.

Eric Marienthal

Music Director

Eric Marienthal

Music Director

Jazz Cruises 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.

Ms. Monét

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.

Lin Rountree

Lin Rountree, also known as The Soul-Trumpeter, is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. With a whopping eight solo projects and an impressive 21 chart-topping Billboard singles (including four #1 hits), he has solidified his place as a leading innovator in the Instrumental Soul/R&B genre. Collaborating with some of the industry's top R&B/Contemporary Jazz artists, Lin's talent knows no bounds. He is a trailblazer in the instrumental Soul and R&B scene. As a polished songwriter, producer and recording artist, he continues to captivate audiences with his outstanding live performances. A consummate professional and a grateful musician, Lin represents a new generation of Soul-Jazz artists.

Larry Braggs

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.

Patches Stewart

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.

Marcus Anderson

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.

Marqueal Jordan

Equally versed as a saxophonist and vocalist, Marqueal Jordan's talents are as diverse as his upbringing. He was born in Los Angeles, spent 10 years in East Kansas and, now, Marqueal has been based in Chicago for 27 years. Marqueal has earned his reputation as a seasoned and magnetic performer, with his concerts being described as electrifying. In 2008, Marqueal met smooth jazz star Brian Culbertson. Impressed by his playing and singing, Brian offered Marqueal a spot in his touring band, eventually leading to Marqueal’s success as a solo artist. His third solo album, All We Have Are Moments, was released in early 2022.

Nicholas Cole

Having played piano and organ in church since a child, Nicholas Cole began creating his first album with the help of his dad in their home studio. The Weekend (out 9/13) is his third album and features label mate guitarist Chieli Minucci on the soothing leadoff single “Soulmate.” The combination of smooth beats and acoustic guitar is heard throughout the entire album. His influences range from Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire and contemporaries like keyboardist Brian Culbertson.

Nicholas once said “I really wanted to write and play music that came from the heart.”

Randy Jacobs

Musician

Randy Jacobs

Musician

Randy Jacobs has been a staple of The Smooth Jazz Cruise since 2004 and is the only person to have appeared on every one of the cruises. He has been a touring guitarist for several smooth jazz stars and has also recorded or toured with Was (Not Was), Bonnie Raitt, Tears for Fears, Elton John, Dr. Dre, Depeche Mode, the Boneshakers (his own band) and many others. A San Francisco native raised in Detroit, Randy 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.

Jay Williams

Musician

Jay Williams

Musician

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 there face is priceless."

Nate Phillips

Musician

Nate Phillips

Musician

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.

Arlington Jones

Musician

Arlington Jones

Musician

Arlington Jones began his piano studies in classical music but added jazz while in college. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree from Southwest Texas State University in music, composition, arranging, performance, theory and jazz studies. His music reveals the history of traditional and modern jazz, influenced by ragtime, classical, blues and sacred styles. He has multiple album recordings, piano music books, and a jazz techniques book. His main jazz music influences are Oscar Peterson and Duke Ellington.

Collin Clauson

Musician

Collin Clauson

Musician

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.

David Dyson

Musician

David Dyson

Musician

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.

Richie Gajate Garcia

Musician

Richie Gajate Garcia

Musician

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.

Carnell Harrell

Musician

Carnell Harrell

Musician

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.

Munyungo Jackson

Musician

Munyungo Jackson

Musician

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.

Gerey Johnson

Musician

Gerey Johnson

Musician

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.

Lamar Jones

Musician

Lamar Jones

Musician

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.

Chris Miskel

Musician

Chris Miskel

Musician

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."

Kevin Turner

Musician

Kevin Turner

Musician

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

Musician

Omari Williams

Musician

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.