After placing second behind Joshua Redman in the 1991 Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition, Eric Alexander became a busy professional musician being featured on 60-70 different recordings performing with some of the great musicians in the world. Joining Eric will be Peter Bernstein (guitar), Joe Farnsworth (drums) and Mike LeDonne (organ).
LYNNE ARRIALE TRIO
Pianist/composer, Lynne Arriale, won 1993's Great American Jazz Piano Competition and toured Japan with 100 Golden Fingers. Her trio now performs internationally and celebrates its tenth anniversary and ninth CD release with Come Together. Their recordings have been heralded and they have had the honor of performing on various national formats.
www.lynnearriale.com
ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY
Ann Hampton Callaway is one of the finest singer/songwriters of our time. As a singer, pianist, composer, lyricist, arranger, actress, and educator, her talents have made her equally at home in jazz and pop as well as on stage, in the recording studio, on TV and in film, including starring in the hit Broadway musical "SWING!"
www.annhamptoncallaway.com
CYRUS CHESTNUT TRIO
Another returning favorite, pianist Cyrus Chestnut is the real deal. After winning virtually every prestigious award a young pianist can earn, Cyrus became a much in demand sideman, playing with all of the great big bands and many of the great singers. This trio travels the world performing, producing recordings and making great music.
www.cyruschestnut.com
CLAIRDEE
The Jazz Cruise is proud to include renowned vocalist Clairdee as one of our featured performers. Clairdee’s soulful roots belie her sassy and sophisticated style that characterizes her unique interpretation of the Great American Song Book. She follows a long line of great female vocalists on the cruise and we are thrilled to have her aboard.
www.clairdee.com
JAMIE DAVIS QUINTET
In the Army, Jamie was a member of “Government Issue”, an elite singing group. Later, while in San Francisco, Jamie formed two groups, Jamco (an R & B group) and Jamie Davis Quintet, which has allowed him to display his full range of songs and voice. A former vocalist with the Count Basie Orchestra, this is his first sailing on The Jazz Cruise.
www.jamiedavis.com
DIZZY GILLESPIE™ ALL-STAR BIG BAND DIRECTED BY SLIDE HAMTON, featuring ROBERTA GAMBARINI
One of the great names in music is also one of the great tribute bands in the world. Comprised of some of the great names in the business (Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Antonio Hart, Claudio Roditi, Steve Davis, John Lee, Dennis Mackrel and director Slide Hamilton), the band will also feature one of the hottest vocalists in the jazz world, Roberta Gambarini. This Italian born performer draws rave reviews and enthusiastic fan support wherever she performs. Outstanding big bands has become a tradition of The Jazz Cruise and this group will maintain that high standard.
JEFF HAMILTON TRIO
Speaking of big bands, last year’s cruise was highlighted by the outstanding Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Drummer Jeff Hamilton is back, this time with his trio, which has been a fan favorite over the years. This group has always produced a unique blend of the traditional and the newest sounds and vibes.
PLAS JOHNSON QUARTET W/ SPECIAL GUEST RED HOLLOWAY
Plas fans know him by name, but all music fans know him by his music. He is the purring sax solo on Henry Mancini's famous "Pink Panther" movie theme and is a featured soloist of albums of artists like Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole and Ella Fitzgerald. Plas' face is also well known as the saxophonist for 15 years on the Merv Griffin show.
www.plasjohnson.com
CHARLES McPHERSON QUINTET
Everyone knows that saxophonist Charles McPherson was the featured performer in Clint Eastwood’s Bird, the story of Charlie Parker. His list of other great accomplishments includes appearances at Lincoln Center and world tours with Billy Eckstine, Lionel Hampton and others. The Jazz Cruise has waited long enough for this talent to join us.
www.charlesmcpherson.com
LEWIS NASH QUARTET
Returnee drummer Lewis Nash was the first call drummer of Sonny Stitt, Art Pepper and Slide Hampton at 21. He remains a drummer of choice to many of the great performers and his recordings have firmly established him as a significant member of the jazz community.
www.lewisnash.com
JOHNNY O'NEAL TRIO
Whether it is playing Art Tatum in "Ray" or playing piano like few men have ever done, Johnny O'Neal knows how to perform and entertain. The most difficult element of his performances is finding a seat and then being able to sit still in it. The man just makes you want to move.
www.johnnyoneal.org
HOUSTON PERSON QUARTET
Perhaps the most recognized and recognizable performer on The Jazz Cruise, saxophonist Houston Person is one of the all time most popular performers in the history of the cruise, culminating in his 2006 induction to The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame. His sound is unique. His personality is unparalleled. Talent and professional are the two words you think of when you say Houston Person.
DR. LONNIE SMITH TRIO
Distinctive, talented and groundbreaking jazz keyboardist Dr. Lonnie Smith rejoins The Jazz Cruise for the 2007 sailing. Lonnie’s scope is international and his dominant talent is perhaps best known for his pace setting proponent of the jazz organ, as well as his mastery of the piano. Good to know that the Dr. will be back in the house.
PEANUTS WHALUM
Another St. Louis connection is pianist/saxophonist/vocalist and raconteur “Peanuts” Whalum. His debut on last year’s sailing was a smash. Whether he was playing the piano and singing the standards with that Nat King Cole-like style or belting out a tune on the saxophone, this octogenarian made everyone smile.
PATTI WICKS
Being born, raised and performing for decades in New York City has formed the basis of this singer/pianist’s commitment and passion for jazz. Her superior musicianship, impeccable taste and singular ability to dig deep into the music have won her the admiration of jazz fans and will provide The Jazz Cruise with a truly wonderful Piano Bar experience.
www.pattiwicks.com