Jazz Performing Groups on The Jazz Cruise | Jazz Musicians Performing on the Cruise

Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra—In 1985, drummer Jeff Hamilton, bassist John Clayton and his brother, saxophonist Jeff Clayton formed the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra with an all star lineup of Los Angeles based artists. The group’s first recording was one of CD Review best recordings and earned a Grammy® Award nomination. The orchestra continues to be groomed as a modern big band with a hard driving sound and brilliant arrangements.

Jeff Clayton When it comes to playing the reed instruments, there has never been one invented that Jeff Clayton cannot play and play superbly. In the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Jeff plays lead alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, alto flute, flute and any other woodwind that happens to be there. Known for his hearty smile, quick wit and spectacular showmanship, Jeff really knows how to grab an audience and entertain them fully.
Jeff Hamilton Drummer Jeff Hamilton was influenced by Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Mel Lewis, "Philly" Joe Jones and Shelly Manne. In 1974, he got his first big break playing with the New Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. He then joined Lionel Hampton's Band until 1975 when he, along with bassist John Clayton, became members of the Monty Alexander Trio. Originality is what versatile drummer Jeff Hamilton brings to the groups he performs with and is one of the reasons why he is constantly in demand, whether he is recording or performing with his trio, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, the Clayton Brothers or co-leading the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.
John Clayton Congratulations to John for winning a GRAMMY for "Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist", from his work with Queen Latifah. Bass player John Clayton is among the most versatile performers in all of jazz. From his early years touring with the Monty Alexander Trio and the Count Basie Orchestra, he proceeded take the position of principal bass in the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Returning to the United States, he soon founded the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. He currently serves as Artistic Director for the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival], Sarasota Jazz Festival, Santa Fe Jazz Party, and Vail Jazz Workshop and he has composed and/or arranged for such notable artists as Diana Krall, Whitney Houston, Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Ernestine Anderson, Quincy Jones, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Natalie Cole, and the Tonight Show Band.
Rickey Woodard One of the finest reedmen on the jazz scene today, Rickey is equally comfortable playing alto, tenor or soprano saxophone, as well as guitar and clarinet. He is one of the most sought after musicians in the world and always a fan favorite of The Jazz Cruise.
Denise Thimes with Trio—Denise Thimes is the queen of jazz in her native St. Louis and has sung on The Jazz Cruise at our parties and main events, but this year she is joining us with her own group, taking a turn in the many venues that our groups perform. Clark Terry has hailed her as “one of the great singers in jazz” and he selected her to perform with him at New York’s legendary Flushing Town Hall.
Heath Brothers Quartet—This group is composed of two of jazz's most prolific brothers, Jimmy and Tootie Heath. Contemplating the family legacy, middle brother Jimmy, 81, has been the one who writes, arranges and plays saxophones. Albert “Tootie,” the LA based drummer, is the baby of the group at 72. Percy, the third Heath brother, passed away in 2005 leaving the other two to carry on the family's jazz tradition, and legendary status.They are some of the most seasoned, world-class jazz veterans in the world. (Tootie is not pictured at this time.)
Nnenna Frelon with Trio—Vocalist Nnenna Frelon possesses that rarest of qualities. She makes standards sound freshly minted and refreshingly new. Her phrasing is original, surprising and she mines the melodies for new and hidden meaning. As a six-time Grammy® Award-nominee Nnenna has earned a well-deserved reputation as a compelling and captivating live performer and will certainly wow The Jazz Cruise audiences.
Tierney Sutton with Trio—Grammy® Award nominee Tierney Sutton was a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk Jazz Vocal Competition in 1998. Her first solo album Introducing Tierney Sutton was nominated for Indie Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Later, Dancing in the Dark, "inspired by the music of Frank Sinatra," debuted in the Billboard Jazz top 10 and remained on the charts for over 15 weeks. She debuted at Carnegie Hall in February 2005, soloing with the New York Pops. The Jazz Cruise 2008 will be Tierney’s first appearance on our cruise.
Andy Bey with Trio—Andy Bey has beencalled the finest male jazz vocalist performing today. Bey has been performing since the mid-1960s when he debuted with Now, Hear. In the early 1990’s Bey began a collaboration with composer/producer Herb Jordan that has catapulted Andy into the forefront of the jazz world and has led to him becoming one of the hottest commodities in jazz.
Tom Scott Quintet with Shelly Berg, Featuring Paulette McWilliams—Tom Scott is a renowned composer, arranger, producer, musical director and saxophonist. He has twenty-nine solo recordings to his credit and for these efforts has earned three Grammy Awards and thirteen Grammy nominations. Pianist Shelly Berg is a familiar name to guests of The Jazz Cruise, having performed as an All Star for many years. Currently the Dean of Jazz Music at the University of Miami, Shelly also tours, writes and lectures. This is the first year for the Tom Scott Quintet and we are sure that they will be one of the real “hits” on the cruise.
Benny Green Trio—An exciting and hard-swinging pianist in the Bud Powell mold, Benny Green is known as one of the most of talented hard-bop keyboard stars. During America’s hard-bop revival of the ‘80s, Green established his own distinctive voice as the leader of a number of bands. By 1990, Green had already led a couple of blowing dates on the Criss Cross label, but it was with his Blue Note Records debut, Lineage, that he really came of age, earning international respect.
Regina Carter Quintet—Jazz violinist supreme Regina Carter has been described as “grace with a violin”. After completing her formal music education, Regina made a huge splash with the all female quartet, Straight Ahead. Recently, she has had a series of very successful recordings, mostly produced by John Clayton. The Jazz Cruise has tried to lure her onboard for many years and we are thrilled that she will performing this year.
Jeremy Pelt Quintet—Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt landed on the New York jazz scene by joining the Mingus Big Band, which led to many relationships and associations that have marked his career, such as Jimmy Heath, Nancy Wilson, Frank Foster, Cedar Walton and many more. Jeremy has performed with the Roy Hargrove Big Band, Village Vanguard Orchestra and Dizzy Gillespie Big Band and is now a member of Lewis Nash Septet and Cannonball Adderly Legacy Band. Jeremy Pelt arrived in New York in 1998 from Berklee College of Music, and it didn't take long for him to get noticed.
Judy Roberts—Chicago’s Judy Roberts will be back in the Piano Bar this year and no one does it better! Recognized worldwide as a 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 both as a vocalist and a pianist. The late night crowd will certainly enjoy Judy’s return to the cruise.
Trio da Paz—Featuring three of Brazil’s most “in-demand” musicians, Trio da Paz updates the infectious spirit of jazz-oriented Brazilian music. Formed in 1990 by Romero Lubambo, Nilson Matta and Duduka de Fonseca, the three redefines Brazilian Jazz with their harmonically adventurous interactions, daring improvisations and dazzling rhythms. All three are seasoned masters of both jazz and Brazilian music with impressive resumes.
Houston Person Quartet—Year after year, poll after poll, it is hard to dispute the popularity of this very special saxophonist and his group. He was inducted into The Jazz Cruise Hall of Fame in 2006 and will fill any room or venue he has. Perhaps best known for his 30 year association with the late Etta Jones, Houston’s passionate performances and engaging personality continues to shine. Houston is one of the great supporters of The Jazz Cruise.
Ben Riley’s Monk Legacy Septet—Drummer Ben Riley and arranger/trumpeter Don Sickler have developed a new environment for exploring the genius of Thelonious Monk: a piano-less septet. Ben Riley played in Thelonious Monk's quartet for nearly 5 years and was continuously inspired by Monk the composer and performer. Riley's no-piano Monk Legacy Septet lets varying combinations of horns and guitar explore Monk's accompaniment role, using Monk's own unique palette of harmonies and rhythms to create a refreshing new canvas of sound for exploring Monk's music.
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.