Jay Williams 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 […] Read more »
Nate Phillips 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 […] Read more »
Darnell “Showcase” Taylor 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, […] Read more »
Arlington Jones 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, […] Read more »
Collin Clauson 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 […] Read more »
David Dyson 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 […] Read more »
Richie Gajate Garcia 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 […] Read more »
Carnell Harrell 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 […] Read more »
Munyungo Jackson 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 […] Read more »
Gerey Johnson 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 […] Read more »