Who is the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) of female jazz vocalists? Among those who have passed, the short list of candidates would include Billie Holliday, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan and Nina Simone. But most jazz fans would select Ella Fitzgerald as the runaway winner of the title. The contest for the G.L.O.V.E. (greatest living of vocalists on earth) of female jazz vocalists is more highly contested. Proudly, in our view, the three candidates vying for the crown are all sailing on a Jazz Cruises program in ’25!
Granted, the choice of the finalists for the G.L.O.V.E. was made by me alone. For those who have spent the last few minutes Googling “G.L.O.V.E.,” please know that this designation was also created by me alone. Given the fact that I have made up an award that no one else recognizes, it is fair for me to be the nominating committee for the candidates. Without further ado, the nominees are Diana Krall, Dianne Reeves and Dee Dee Bridgewater!
The recognition for Dianne and Dee Dee can be justified easily. There are only three living female vocalists who are NEA Jazz Masters: Dianne, Dee Dee and Sheila Jordan. Dianne and Dee Dee continue to perform at the highest possible level and are in demand perhaps more than ever. In reviewing the list of NEA Jazz Masters, one is struck by how few musicians who have climbed to the top of the jazz world continue to be a part of the jazz scene today.
Jazz Cruises is proud to include a large number of NEA Jazz Masters still on the scene in its list of current and past on-cruise performers: Roy Haynes (99), Benny Golson (95), Dick Hyman (97), Herbie Hancock, Paquito D’Rivera, George Benson, Kenny Barron, Cedar Walton, Hubert Laws, Wynton Marsalis, Charles Lloyd, Jack DeJohnette, Ron Carter, Gary Burton, Lou Donaldson, Eddie Palmieri, Pat Metheny, Regina Carter, Terence Blanchard and Chucho Valdes. The list of NEA Jazz Masters who performed on a Jazz Cruises’ program prior to their passing is equally impressive: Clark Terry, James Moody, McCoy Tyner, Jimmy Heath, Chick Corea, Ramsey Lewis, Phil Woods, Jimmy Cobb, Johnny Mandel, George Wein and Dr. Lonnie Smith.
Cruisers on The Smooth Jazz Cruises may know that Dianne Reeve’s cousin was George Duke and his influence on her career during her formative years in Denver were significant. Fans of The Weekender know that I have long since put Mr. Duke on one of the highest pedestals we have. From a talent, intellectual and human perspective, he had it all. She has shared with me her gratitude to George for teaching her how to be a professional performer. But it is that voice that has captured my allegiance. So pure. So melodious. And, like all the greats, the lyrics matter to her. She is telling you a story with every song.
Dee Dee Bridgewater was the first “star” ever to perform on a Jazz Cruises’ program. For that alone, she will forever be special to us. But there is so much more. She is a performer and entertainer as well as a singer. Her time on stage as an actor has added a dramatic element to her singing style. Never too much, she knows how to make something work with the greatest of ease while never allowing the theatrical elements to obfuscate the importance of the song. There are many vocalists who you cannot stop listening to. With Dee Dee, you also cannot take your eyes from her performances. The combination of song and visual art is unbeatable.
Diana Krall is not an NEA Jazz Master. She might be later, but her claim to be the G.L.O.V.E. is due to the impact of her music and her performances on jazz fans and non-jazz fans alike. Folks who think “bebop” is a form of pickleball know who Diana Krall is. She has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide and Billboard magazine named her the second greatest jazz artist of the decade (2000–2009), establishing her as one of the best-selling artists of her time. She has “it,” whether that is good looks, sultry style, marriage to Elvis Costello or simply the enjoyment of a great piano player singing great songs, Diana Krall is a force.
Dianne will be sailing on The Jazz Cruise ’25. Diana will be on Botti at Sea ’25. Dee Dee will make our Journey of Jazz ’25 cruise amazing. They are not the only female vocalists on our cruises in ’25. Patti Austin will be making a starring role on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ’25. Her long overdue return to the cruise is exciting our fans. Judith Hill will be there as well. Catherine Russell and Ann Hampton Callaway will ignite The Jazz Cruise ’25. Katharine McPhee and esperanza spalding are on Botti at Sea ’25 and the very gifted Cecile McLorin Salvant joins us for Journey of Jazz ’25 along with Dee Dee.
Female vocalists have defined the image of jazz for decades. That trend is alive and well today among whomever you may decide is the G.L.O.V.E. Just remember, if you are looking for more information about the history of the G.L.O.V.E., you will be disappointed. There is none, but I am working on a petition to the NEA to establish the G.L.O.V.E. as an annual award. Who knows, perhaps we could have the ceremony on one of our cruises.
That is not so far-fetched…certainly you have heard of the G.L.O.V.E. Boat!
By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea and Journey of Jazz. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at [email protected].
Journey of Jazz ’25 Excursions Launch
When Jazz Cruises first announced its plans for a West Coast sailing (Journey of Jazz), we promised special excursions for the day we have in Victoria, British Columbia and for the two days and one night we are docked in San Francisco. After weeks and weeks of nailing down the details for the excursions, we are nearly ready to share the options with our guests.
Soon, perhaps as early as next week, guests on Journey of Jazz will have their opportunity to select among the following very special excursions and events.
In Victoria on 09.13.25:
o Afternoon Concert at McPherson Playhouse featuring Warren Wolf‘s History of Vibes
o Culinary/Dining Experience with Michael Bauer, former Food Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle
o Whale Watching & Wildlife Tour
o Tour of Craigdarroch Castle & The Butchart Gardens
In San Francisco on 09.16.25:
o Tours of selected famous wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys
o Luncheon and wine tasting on the Napa Valley Wine Train (100% chartered by Jazz Cruises)
o Culinary/Dining Experience with Michael Bauer, former Food Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle
o Afternoon Concert at SFJAZZ auditorium featuring the SFJAZZ Collective (Chris Potter, David Sanchez, Mike Rodriguez, Warren Wolf, Edward Simon, Matt Brewer and Kendrick Scott)
o Special Tours of San Francisco
In San Francisco on 09.17.25:
o Tours of selected famous wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys
o Culinary/Dining Experience with Michael Bauer, former Food Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle
o Afternoon Concert at SFJAZZ auditorium featuring Ron Carter, Renee Rosnes, Jimmy Greene and Payton Crossley
o Special Tours of San Francisco
Each tour and event have been curated by Jazz Cruises for its guests and made available to guests at cost, with no fee or surcharge applied. In its 25-year history of producing cruises, Jazz Cruises has rarely offered its own on-land excursions. That Journey of Jazz is docked all day in the idyllic town of Victoria and will overnight in San Francisco, one of the most exciting cities in the world, has provided the impetus for this unprecedented addition to this Jazz Cruises’ program.
Almost all excursions have limited availability, so we urge guests to make their reservations and selections as soon as the “menu” is made available. If you have not yet completed your reservation for the cruise, you have time to do so before the on land events are made available.
25-25-25-25-25
The Jazz Cruise ’25 Update
The Jazz Cruise ’25, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary, has only 25 Veranda Staterooms and 25 Inside Staterooms remaining. The story is just that simple. To make it even simpler, we are extending the SUMMERBREAK special prices for the remaining Inside Staterooms for another 25 days, giving everyone until August 14th (or while rooms last) to complete their reservations.
| Stateroom Category | Website Price* | SUMMERBREAK Price* |
| Inside (I1) | $2,850 | $2,500 |
Vincent Ingala’s Escape With Me
Just out this week is a new album by a longtime favorite of our guests on The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Saxophonist (and multi-instrumentalist) Vincent Ingala has released Escape With Me, his eighth album as a leader, on Shanachie Entertainment. The recording features a cameo appearance by vocalist Lindsey Webster, who sings a duet with Vincent on a cover of the dance hit “Free.”
Vincent is quick to point to the major influences on his own evolving sound. “There are countless saxophonists that have shaped my influences over the years, the main three for me have always been Sam Butera, Wilton Felder and Gato Barbieri,” he says. “I remember hearing Sam Butera’s saxophone solo on ‘Oh Marie’ on the car radio one day while my cousin was driving us around, and immediately knowing that I wanted to play tenor sax. He is one of the most underrated saxophonists of all time.”
Alonzo Bodden on the Yosemite Jazz Train
Yosemite National Park in California is one of the country’s most popular national parks with its waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias and a vast wilderness area within its 1,200 square miles. Right outside the park, the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers scenic train trips through the Sierra National Forest. And, on select Sundays this summer and fall, they’re also offering a three-hour trip on the Yosemite Jazz Train, featuring performances by some special artists, including our own Alonzo Bodden (July 28), as well as David Benoit (August 9), Keiko Matsui (September 15) and Hiroshima (September 29).
Alonzo told us that he’s going to turn the Jazz Train into a Comedy Train for that one day. And that he’ll improvise a bit to keep it jazzy. He promises that no bears will be in attendance.
Brian Culbertson’s Jazz Getaway – It’s a Vibe!
Music – Food – Wine – Community
Brian Culbertson knows how to throw a party! It is time to plan your vacation, and Jazz Getaway has you covered with three uniquely incredible locations.
This September in Chicago, Brian Culbertson hosts Peabo Bryson, Avery*Sunshine, Najee, Eric Darius and more. Single Day tickets are on sale now!
Next March, Jazz Getaway is bringing the party to The Big Easy with the 2nd Annual New Orleans Jazz Getaway. Take the hassle out of your travel and stay at the luxurious host hotel, the JW Marriot, the site of our Welcome Dinner, with the Platinum package. The Platinum package includes floor seats to the Main Concert events at Civic Theatre, plus shuttles to and from the show.
Finally next June, the 12th Annual Napa Valley Jazz Getaway returns to the Meritage Resort and Westin Verasa Napa. Don’t miss all three nights of concerts with the SILVER package. Plus, ticket holders get exclusive access to a discounted room block at the Meritage Resort.
Jazz Cruises’ ’25 Programs
The Jazz Cruise ’25
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary
The Last 50 Staterooms…Act Now!
The plans for the 25th Anniversary sailing of The Jazz Cruise ’25 are spectacular. The cruise is over 95% reserved and is currently in Open Booking, which means that anyone may reserve any available stateroom. The remaining inventory, totaling under 50 staterooms, includes Veranda and Inside Staterooms.
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘25.1 & ‘25.2
Starting its 3rd Decade
Both Sailings Fully Reserved
With both sailings being fully reserved, guests wishing to sail on a ’25 sailing of The Smooth Jazz Cruise should JOIN WAITLIST now. Cancellations will be filled exclusively from the WAITLIST. WAITLIST guests qualify for special terms when reserving a stateroom on The Jazz Cruise ’25 or Botti at Sea ’25.
Botti at Sea II
Every Night is a Night on the Town
New Performer – Diana Krall!
Botti at Sea ’25 is over 70% reserved. Anyone may reserve an available stateroom by calling the office during regular business hours or doing so online. It was this time last year that there was a “run” on staterooms, so act now! Diana Krall has just been added to the lineup!
Journey of Jazz ’25
Jazz Life at Sea & On Land
Reserve Now – Land Events Menu Soon
Jazz Cruises’ newest program, Journey of Jazz, hosted by Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter, is in Open Booking. Though not sailing for 14 months, the cruise is more than 65% reserved. Menu of land-based events in Victoria and San Francisco to be announced in late July! Reserve your stateroom now to be eligible for events at that time.
1-Day Tickets to STL Jazz Fest
Are on Sale Now!
1-Day tickets for STL Jazz Fest are now on sale! For details about the festival and information on how to purchase tickets, see below:
STL JAZZ FEST
Produced by Jazz Cruises
The Factory – Chesterfield (St. Louis) Missouri
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2024
Eric Marienthal Quintet, featuring Niki Haris
The Comedy of Alonzo Bodden
GREGORY PORTER
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2024
Mindi Abair with Eric Marienthal & Friends
The Comedy of Alonzo Bodden
BRIAN CULBERTSON
Doors 6 PM / Showtime 7 PM
Mug Shots of the Week
Guests on the ’24 jazz cruises received The Weekender mug, which we hope you will use with your Saturday morning coffee while you read the latest edition. Please share a picture of yourself & your mug with us so that we can include it for the 100,000+ folks who receive The Weekender each Saturday.
Tag us @thejazzcruise @bottiatsea @thesmoothjazzcruise #jazzcruises and #theweekender. Email your photo to [email protected].