Playboy Jazz Cruise

[Lois Gilbert]

LEGENDARY JAZZ STARS SET SAIL WHEN THE PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL AND JAZZ CRUISES LLC PRESENT FIRST-EVER PLAYBOY JAZZ CRUISE JANUARY 25TH TO FEBRUARY 1ST, 2009

Bassist Marcus Miller to Host Inaugural Sailing
Featuring Special Guest, Herbie Hancock

The Playboy Jazz Festival will take to the high seas when it teams up with Jazz Cruises LLC to present the first-ever Playboy Jazz Cruise in celebration of the Festival’s 30th anniversary. Renowned bassist Marcus Miller will serve as musical host for the cruise, which will feature 2008 Grammy winner Herbie Hancock as a special guest, along with a lineup of legendary stars.

The inaugural cruise will set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Holland America’s luxurious M/S Westerdam, from January 25th to February 1st, 2009, for the exciting ports of San Juan, Saint Barth’s, Nevis, and the private island of Half Moon Cay.

With performances scheduled every evening, and during afternoons at sea, passengers will experience the finest jazz entertainment in keeping with the Playboy Jazz Festival’s reputation for presenting the who’s who of jazz.

Joining Miller and Hancock on the inaugural voyage will be vocalist Dianne Reeves, considered one of the pre-eminent female jazz vocalists in the world. Festival favorite, blues guitarist and singer/songwriter Keb’ Mo’, will bring his distinct brand of blues to the mix. Sure to spice up the onboard party is Poncho Sanchez, leader of one of the most popular Latin jazz groups in the world.

One of the most enduring figures in modern jazz, master saxophonist James Moody will also perform, as will premier trumpeter Roy Hargrove, saxophone virtuoso James Carter, and dazzling young jazz pianist Eldar. Rounding out the lineup are vocalist Roberta Gambarini and New Orleans’ famous New Birth Brass Band.



Jazz Cruises LLC, the foremost producer of full ship charter music cruises in the world, specializing in luxury jazz cruises, is producing the seven day festival at sea. In addition to stellar entertainment, The Playboy Jazz Cruise will offer passengers a totally first class experience from accommodations and amenities to food and service, as well as an opportunity to personally meet and mingle with the artists.

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the Playboy Jazz Festival is an internationally acclaimed event that has become inextricably linked to jazz music. So it is only fitting that Playboy would join with the top name in full ship music cruising to bring a totally unique experience to music fans around the world.

“I am very pleased to announce this exciting collaboration with Jazz Cruises,” said Richard Rosenzweig, Playboy Jazz Festival President. “This first-ever Playboy Jazz Cruise is a wonderful addition to Playboy Jazz Festival’s 30th anniversary and is sure to be an unforgettable affair.”

“As the foremost producer of jazz cruises in the world, it was only natural for us to want to be associated with Playboy Jazz, the most well-known name in jazz worldwide. This cruise will be produced in the long standing tradition of “Playboy After Dark,” and The Playboy Jazz Festival,” stated Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of Jazz Cruises LLC. “Our hallmark is creating a total environment for the production and enjoyment of the music. When you combine that with the special performances, the luxury of a first class ship, the exciting ports of call, and the thrill of sharing the experience with fellow music enthusiasts, the result is a vacation unlike any other,” said Lazaroff.

For cruise reservations and further information for the Playboy Jazz Cruise, please call 866-923-7269 or see the following website at www.playboyjazzcruise.com.

[Lois Gilbert]

Rumor has it that I'm going and Valerie is going and vous? JazzCorner hang on the boat - how awesome is that?

[Mike Schwartz]

This may happen........have been thinking about replacing the IAJE [RIP] meet with some other jazz related winter trip.


We'll see......

[Lois Gilbert]

I just hung up with Marcus Miller and he's up for a JazzCorner hang, if that's any enticement, Mike. Imagine all the interviews you can get plus the Caribbean, and I just found out Renee Rosnes is on board (pun intended) performing with James Moody and Libby York is coming as well. So more and more as the day goes on!

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by Lois Gilbert

Rumor has it that I'm going and Valerie is going and vous? JazzCorner hang on the boat - how awesome is that?

David Gitin as well! and i hope, hope that my big bro' (Mike) will be there!

[GoodSpeak]

Have a great time, Guys/Gals!


Sadly, the only Playboy "cruise" I can afford is the one to my seat at the the Hollywood Bowl every June.

[Lois Gilbert]

By Tuesday - Playboy Jazz Cruise will be offering special patron JazzCorner pricing on the cruise. I'll be sending out an email about it and putting the info in here.

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by Lois Gilbert

By Tuesday - Playboy Jazz Cruise will be offering special patron JazzCorner pricing on the cruise. I'll be sending out an email about it and putting the info in here.

cool!! i was just thinking about the fact that we won't be offered any IAJE cruise discounts this year!!!

[jazzy mary]

Hmmmmmmm, I wonder...it sounds pretty hip.

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by jazzy mary

Hmmmmmmm, I wonder...it sounds pretty hip.

c'mon, girl!!! get aboard!! you'll have fun, that's for sure.

[Lois Gilbert]

Special Offer for jazzcorner.com

Jan 25 - Feb 1, 2009
Starring
Herbie Hancock
Dianne Reeves
Keb' Mo'
Pancho Sanchez
James Moody
Roy Hargrove
James Carter
Eldar
Roberta Gambarini
New Birth Brass Band
...and other performers

THE INAUGURAL
PLAYBOY JAZZ CRUISE
For the first time, the legendary performances and world-class musicianship of the Playboy Jazz Festival are combined with the quintessential luxury Caribbean cruise experience: The Playboy Jazz Cruise. Hosted by Marcus Miller and starring the legendary Herbie Hancock, the cruise features a stunning array of the finest jazz talent in the world.

Enjoy the cruise in style with a jazzcorner.com package that includes:
• Special pricing
• Ground transportation in Fort Lauderdale
• Exclusive meet-and-greet with Marcus Miller
• Autographed poster
• Welcome gifts and more!
The Playboy Jazz Cruise is a luxury full ship charter showcasing the world's greatest jazz. This is your backstage pass to a unique, interactive and personal experience with some of the greatest jazz musicians of our time.

This offer is exclusive to jazzcorner.com members and is not listed on the cruise website. Please call our toll free lines at 866.923.PBOY or 888.8JAZZUS (888.852.9987) and ask about the "jazzcorner.com package.


Ports of Call: San Juan, Nevis, St Barths, Half Moon Cay
Embarkation/Debarkation: Fort Lauderdale Ship: Holland America m/s Westerdam

[Lois Gilbert]

Hi everyone

I'm trying to get a head count between JCers. Anybody else thinking of going or has already booked whether through JC or otherwise

Best
Lois

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by Lois Gilbert

Hi everyone

I'm trying to get a head count between JCers. Anybody else thinking of going or has already booked whether through JC or otherwise

Best
Lois

if all goes well, i will be there with bells on! i expect that they'll be charging my credit card for the balance any day now! hope it goes through!

[Mike Schwartz]

I'm not going...biz in a word sucks

[Lois Gilbert]

Cruise is sold out. Dave and anybody who's reading this who is going - email me for my cabin. I'm not listed under Gilbert.

Peace Lois

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by Lois Gilbert

Cruise is sold out. Dave and anybody who's reading this who is going - email me for my cabin. I'm not listed under Gilbert.

Peace Lois

are you listed under Lois Lane?!?

[jazzy mary]

man, I wish I were going! Have a great time, guys!! Please be sure to post all about it!! And Val, say "Hi" to everyone for me!!

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by jazzy mary

man, I wish I were going! Have a great time, guys!! Please be sure to post all about it!! And Val, say "Hi" to everyone for me!!

hi, honey. i've now been "sleep deprived" for four nights and it's not because i've been partying! c'est la guerre. i don't know who i should say "hi" to for you except maybe D. i've seen/heard him but haven't even spoken to him yet. i'll tell David Gitin though. i think you know him. more later.

p.s. i am having a good time!! xoxo

[hornplayer]

Hey, Guys... we are waiting for reviews and gossip!

[Lois Gilbert]

I had a blast. So exhausted right now... Didn't see half the folks, I heard were on the cruise including David G, but met some new friends, and reconnected with some old ones. Promise more later... when I get my land legs back!!

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by Lois Gilbert

I had a blast. So exhausted right now... Didn't see half the folks, I heard were on the cruise including David G, but met some new friends, and reconnected with some old ones. Promise more later... when I get my land legs back!!

i'm also too exhausted to write since i'm back at work today! but i certainly saw Lois quite a few times including for brunch at the FLL airport on the way home. David Gitin and i were at the same dinner table almost every night. also shared some wonderful time with Peter Williams and his lovely wife, Chelsea. can't think of who else i saw from JC except some of the musicians. the music was absolutely incredible (and the amazing comedian as well)! more later.

[David Gitin]

So much good music and friendship I wouldn't know where to begin discussing it. I spent hours chatting with James Moody who played wonderfully (with Renee Rosnes, Todd Coolman, and Adam Nussbaum as a quartet, and the trio minus Moody played a great set as well). Roy Hargrove's Quintet impressed everyone, and of course Roy sat in so many times with everyone from Roberto Gambarini to Poncho Sanchez. Marcus Miller had his regular group which is always a pleasure (skeptics should hear them 'live'), augmented by Alex Han on alto, 21 years old whom Moody had heard in a workshop at 17, and Marcus heard him when he was at Berklee. He is fiery, even does the legllifting, step on hot coals dance I associate with Lew Tabackin. Dianne Reeves (with Romero Lubambo, who also did a set on his own, on which Dianne sat in, along with Adam Nussbaum tapping cardboard with a great 'bossa nova' sound) was a pleasure. I had mixed feelings about Eldar, whom I'd never heard before, but his playing on tunes like "Moanin'" was very interesting. James Carter I've heard a few times before (once with the gypsy accompaniment of Dorato Schmidt at Yoshi's.....I went with JM to that one) really studies his horns, knows the music it seems of every saxophonist; some folks are bothered by his 'excesses' (ego like Cassius Clay, exuberant playing), but I know Moody was impressed with him when they jammed together. Herbie Hancock played a wonderful lead-in to 'Canteloupe Island' which sounded like silent-film accompaniment, romping and different from any of the zillion times I'd heard him, and his rapport with Gregoire Maret (I was present when they first played together a year and a half ago on North Sea Cruise) is wonderful. Marcus
band and Keb' Mo' was a treat; I had been lukewarm on Keb when I heard him in Monterey, but he 'got' to me this time, ranging from solo gig to jams. There's too much more to get into this capsule.

Friendships deepen, some folks I'd met in Europe or US, lots of new ones. Plus dinners with Valerie and some of her friends. The ports of call were the least of it, except for St. Barths which is quite lovely; I hiked up a steep rocky trail and down to a magical beach, had lunch in town and watched Jimmy Buffett drive by (French speaking locals are puzzled at his fame because he gets drunk and sings anywhere in town with his 'orribeel' voice).

[Lois Gilbert]

Originally Posted by David Gitin

So much good music and friendship I wouldn't know where to begin discussing it. I spent hours chatting with James Moody who played wonderfully (with Renee Rosnes, Todd Coolman, and Adam Nussbaum as a quartet, and the trio minus Moody played a great set as well). Roy Hargrove's Quintet impressed everyone, and of course Roy sat in so many times with everyone from Roberto Gambarini to Poncho Sanchez. Marcus Miller had his regular group which is always a pleasure (skeptics should hear them 'live'), augmented by Alex Han on alto, 21 years old whom Moody had heard in a workshop at 17, and Marcus heard him when he was at Berklee. He is fiery, even does the legllifting, step on hot coals dance I associate with Lew Tabackin. Dianne Reeves (with Romero Lubambo, who also did a set on his own, on which Dianne sat in, along with Adam Nussbaum tapping cardboard with a great 'bossa nova' sound) was a pleasure. I had mixed feelings about Eldar, whom I'd never heard before, but his playing on tunes like "Moanin'" was very interesting. James Carter I've heard a few times before (once with the gypsy accompaniment of Dorato Schmidt at Yoshi's.....I went with JM to that one) really studies his horns, knows the music it seems of every saxophonist; some folks are bothered by his 'excesses' (ego like Cassius Clay, exuberant playing), but I know Moody was impressed with him when they jammed together. Herbie Hancock played a wonderful lead-in to 'Canteloupe Island' which sounded like silent-film accompaniment, romping and different from any of the zillion times I'd heard him, and his rapport with Gregoire Maret (I was present when they first played together a year and a half ago on North Sea Cruise) is wonderful. Marcus
band and Keb' Mo' was a treat; I had been lukewarm on Keb when I heard him in Monterey, but he 'got' to me this time, ranging from solo gig to jams. There's too much more to get into this capsule.

Friendships deepen, some folks I'd met in Europe or US, lots of new ones. Plus dinners with Valerie and some of her friends. The ports of call were the least of it, except for St. Barths which is quite lovely; I hiked up a steep rocky trail and down to a magical beach, had lunch in town and watched Jimmy Buffett drive by (French speaking locals are puzzled at his fame because he gets drunk and sings anywhere in town with his 'orribeel' voice).

Hi David - but we never met! What a drag. I agree with almost everything musically. I was however, impressed by Eldar. So much more than the record. And I loved DJ Logic. I think my favorite show was the Gospel Hour. Dianne and Romero were mezmerising - although I've never heard Dianne not being awesome.

Really fun hang and time.

[jazzy mary]

When you all have recovered from all the fun (I'm so jealous!), please write more! I love reading about everything!

So, please go on...

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by jazzy mary

When you all have recovered from all the fun (I'm so jealous!), please write more! I love reading about everything!

So, please go on...

i will definitely contribute as soon as i'm able to but, for the record, i agree with just about everything David said. i chose not to hear Eldar but have heard him before and although his technical chops are great, other important stuff is missing. didn't get to the Gospel program.

more later.

p.s. had dinner with D (and four of my friends) the last evening. he was in good spirits but was very tired.

[David Gitin]

One of the delights in the Gospel Hour was Marcus' Dad, Bill, playing organ as he's done for "65 of his 83 years" according to Marcus...

[Lois Gilbert]

Here's a great interview with LeRoy Downs and Dianne Reeves talking about the cruise

http://www.thejazzcat.net

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by Lois Gilbert

Here's a great interview with LeRoy Downs and Dianne Reeves talking about the cruise

http://www.thejazzcat.net

and i believe lots of Hanne's pictures are up on his site.

one of these days, i'll get mine up. a lot of them are quite different from hers as they're taken on the different islands with friends including LeRoy. big fun all!!

p.s. i've got a couple of good shots of you and Lynn at the formal dinner, Lois!

[David Gitin]

Valerie, Some of mine including two photos of you are up on facebook (under my name).

[jazzy mary]

Nice photos, David. More and more, I wish I could have been there. Next time!