Crystal’s Caribbean Jazz Cruise

Crystal’s Caribbean Jazz Cruise Serves Up Hot Brass and Cool Blues

Caribbean voyage showcases more than 25 musicians and Grammy nominated producer

From solo piano performances to trios, quartets and full seven-piece bands, the many sounds and styles of jazz will take center stage aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony’s December Jazz theme cruise. As the ship embarks from Miami on this seven-day voyage through the Caribbean, the entertainment lineup features noted jazz performers and five times its usual complement of musicians. Also on board will be noted jazz historian, professor, author and Grammy Award-nominated producer Dr. Robert G. O’Meally.

From December 1 – 8, 2007, Crystal Symphony will call upon Key West, Florida; Puerto Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; and Belize City, Belize. Nightly jazz performances will occur throughout the ship, including intimate venues such as the Avenue Saloon that especially lend themselves to the sultry moods and sounds of jazz. A gala jazz brunch will also offer guests an inviting musical backdrop for creative cuisine, conviviality and conversation.

“Whether you are a jazz enthusiast or an appreciative listener interested in learning more about this ever-evolving American musical tradition, Crystal’s roster of inspired musicians and noted experts has designed a thoroughly entertaining and enlightening immersion into the music, history and culture of jazz,” says Bret Bullock, Crystal Cruises’ vice president of entertainment.

A veteran in orchestrating Jazz tours and cruises worldwide, Jazzdagen Tours has partnered with Crystal Cruises to bring some 25 musicians on board. Joining the cruise is pianist John Bunch, a frequent performer at Carnegie Hall and conductor of the bands of Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Count Basie, and Buddy Rich. He has also conducted the London Philharmonic and L.A. Philharmonic. On vibes and piano is John Cocuzzi, a regular performer at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Lincoln Center in New York. They will be joined on trumpet by Warren Vache, Jr., who is a charter member of the faculty of the Juilliard Jazz Program and has recorded and performed with jazz legends Benny Goodman, Rosemary Clooney and Benny Carter, among others.