Top Jazz Musicians in Concert on Caribbean Cruise | The Jazz Cruise Special Jazz Artists Line-Up

Ernie Adams Now firmly entrenched as a mainstay of The Jazz Cruise, Ernie Adams returns to share his showmanship and percussion artistry that he has displayed over the years with some of the greatest names in jazz, including Clark Terry, Nancy Wilson and Dizzy Gillespie. Always classy and always cheerful, we love having Ernie in the All Stars.
Pete Barbutti The Jazz Cruise 2007 was the first turn for this amazingly talented man to show his stuff and he was just spectacular. His musical/comedic shows were among the most well attended events during the cruise. A true comic genius, Pete Barbutti is also a wonderful musician and a friend to all who play….unless you are the “target” of one of his hilarious gags.
Greg Fishman Clarinetist and saxophonist Gregg Fishman has performed with the Woody Herman Big Band, The Louie Bellson Big Band, Slide Hampton, and Clark Terry among others. He will also perform with his wife, the wonderful singer and pianist, Judy Roberts. Beginning in 1998, Greg formed Two for Brazil with Paulinio Garcia and continues to perform under that title today.
Wycliffe Gordon As a conductor, composer, arranger and educator, Wycliffe Gordon is one of the very busiest performers in the business, so we are always thrilled when he and his amazing trombone are able to join us for the cruise. Wycliffe is one of the very favorite performers among the guests and whether he is fronting his group or performing as an All Star, it is a treat to have him onboard.
Eddie Higgins A true legend of the genre, Eddie Higgins is called the Professor of the Piano by his cohorts. To us, he is the longest running performer on The Jazz Cruise. Recognized in 2006 as an inductee to The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame, we marvel at his seemingly effortless artistry and style which clearly belies the passion and energy that his music elicits.
Tom Kennedy The Jazz Cruise’s home is St. Louis and we always claim bassist Tom Kennedy as one of our own, but he has since moved uptown to New York to take advantage of his consummate skills and demand. Hailed by his fellow musicians as a professional’s professional, Tom is as talented and entertaining as he is nice and fun to be with. Career highlights include his time with the legendary “Steps Ahead”, featuring Michael Brecker and his role with the Dave Weckl Band.
Jay Leonhart Bassist Jay Leonhart has performed with the top jazz musicians, big bands and singers in the genre and has had a long and enduring career as a studio musician. Three times he has been named the Most Valuable Bassist by NARAS. But, Jay is more than a great player, his one man show is hilarious and he has written and produced many songs and albums.
Laura MacDonald A Scottish alto and soprano saxophonist, Laura is also a composer and teacher specializing in jazz, having worked with many jazz musicians including Tommy Smith, James Genus, David Budway, Guy Barker and Jason Rebello, and has made many appearances at notable jazz events, including the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe. The Jazz Cruise 2008 will be her maiden voyage with us.
Ken Peplowski Clearly a master of both the clarinet and the saxophone, Ken Peplowski has been hailed as the torch bearer of Benny Goodman. From his beginnings with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra to his current worldwide tour schedule, Ken has played with the very best. Beginning with The Jazz Cruise 2008, Ken has assumed the duties of Music Director for the cruise. The future of the cruise is in very good and capable hands.
Claudio Roditi Brazilian born trumpeter Claudio Roditi moved to the United States in 1970 to further his music education and his career. This Grammy® nominated performer combines traditional sounds with the verve of his native homeland. Most of his time now is spent as the leader of his own band and touring with the Dizzy Gillespie United Nations Orchestra.
Dena DeRose As a stunningly talented pianist/vocalist, Dena DeRose has fought illness and injury to reach the very top of the jazz world. As a multiple Grammy® Award nominee, Dena brings the whole package to the stage with a spectacular singing voice and near perfect piano skills. She records, performs, composes and educates, a true jazz virtuoso.
Judy Roberts Chicago’s Judy Roberts will be back in the Piano Bar and no one has ever done it better! Recognized as top jazz singer/keyboardist, Judy has had several Grammy® Award nominations, a dozen or more releases and has appeared on Playboy’s Music Poll list as both a vocalist and a pianist. Late nights with Judy Roberts will be great!

Joe Ascione For decades, jazz drummer Joe Ascione has been a part of the music industry, touring, recording and performing in clubs, concert halls, even Carnegie Hall. Having been praised as the “Best Young Drummer” and “Fastest Drum Roll in the World”, Joe is renowned as being adaptable to both hard-driving and subtle drum rolls. Hailing from New York City, Joe will be both an exciting and versatile member of the All Stars.
Holly Hofman One of the most accomplished flutists around, Holly Hofman has single-handedly destroyed the stereotype of the delicate female flutist, thanks to her muscular attack and improvisational abandon. San Diego is home base for Holly where she booked a four night national jazz program there from 1989-1996, presenting hundreds of jazz artists including Diana Krall, Cassandra Wilson, Tommy Flanagan and Joe Henderson. Associations with pianist Bill Cunliffe and Mike Wofford (her husband) followed, together with national and international recognition.
Mike Wofford Having appeared on over a hundred recordings as a sideman, pianist Mike Wofford now continues to record and perform primarily as a leader. He has received critical acclaim for his “Live at Maybeck” and for his trio release of “Time Café”. His 2004 CD “Live at Athenaeum Jazz” features bassist Peter Washington and drummer Victor Lewis. In 2007, he released “Live at Athenaeum Jazz, Vol. 2”, a duo CD with his wife, flutist Holly Hofmann. Jazz legend Benny Golson has said, “I could sum up Mike in one word: quintessential. He is the essence of a jazz pianist in his purest and most concentrated form.”
Henry Johnson Guitarist Henry Johnson began his jazz career as a disciple of Wes Montgomery but it was when he began playing with Ramsey Lewis and Joe Williams that his jazz career took off and blossomed. “You’re The One”, his recording debut for MCA/Impulse! achieved #1 status on both the Radio & Records NAC and Contemporary Jazz Chart, won a five star rating in Downbeat Magazine and a Grammy® Award nomination. Johnson is perhaps best known now for his group the “Organ Express” and the release of “Organic”, featuring Nancy Wilson. The Jazz Cruise is excited to have Henry Johnson back onboard!