JAZZ

GERALD ALBRIGHT:

Jazz and R&B icon Gerald Albright is considered one of the most innovative and successful artists of the last 25+ years. One of the biggest stars of R&B, contemporary and straight-ahead jazz, Gerald has earned a reputation as a “musician’s musician.” The Los Angeles born musician began piano lessons at an early age. His love of music flourished when he was given a saxophone that had belonged to his piano teacher. By the time he enrolled at the University of Redlands, he was already a polished saxophonist. He later switched to bass guitar after seeing Louis Johnson in concert. A few months after graduating from college, jazz pianist/R&B singer Patrice Rushen was forming her own band and he joined her on sax. When the bass player left mid-tour, Albright replaced him, finishing the tour on bass guitar. During the ’80s, Gerald became a highly requested session musician, playing on albums artists including Anita Baker, Ray Parker, Lola Folana, Atlantic Starr, Olivia Newton-John, the Temptations, and Maurice White. He also toured extensively with Les McCann, Jeff Lorber, Teena Marie, the Winans, Marlena Shaw, Quincy Jones, and Whitney Houston, among others. He went on to record several successful solo albums for Atlantic Records. Two hit the #1 on Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz Chart, and were nominated for Grammy Awards in 1989 and 1990. In 1998, Phil Collins asked Gerald to front a Big Band. They toured together and also recorded one of Albright’s tunes, “Chips N’ Salsa” on Collins’ Big Band Project, entitled “A Hot Night In Paris.” Later that year, Gerald released “Pleasures of the Night” with Will Downing which hit #1 on Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. His “Sax for Stax” received a 2009 Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Album and “Pushing the Envelope” followed suit in the same category in 2010. Most recently, Gerald received a 2015 Grammy® award nomination for “Slam Dunk” (released in December 2014) in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category.

MINDI ABAIR

Mindi Abair shines as one of the contemporary jazz artists who crosses over into the world of pop. Her unique hybrid sound and mix of cool vulnerability and utter conviction gives the likes of John Mayer and Corinne Baily Rae a run for their barrier breaking money. Mindi’s own brand of pop meets jazz adds a refreshing voice to an exciting new generation of crossover artists who, like her, are powerful instrumentalists as well as thought-provoking singer songwriters. John Taylor, famed Duran Duran bassist, spoke of her stunning melodies and heartfelt lyrics, citing her 2008 album “Stars,” a genre-busting, breathtaking combination of contemporary jazz and Top 40 torch songs. He noted, "It will be love at first listen.” Mindi’s first single from the album, the title track “Stars,” struck genre transcending success, hitting #29 on the Adult Contemporary chart. Mindi has been producing quality groundbreaking releases like this since her debut album, “It Just Happens That Way,” which debuted in the Top 5 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart and remained in the Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks. Her 2006 release, “Life Less Ordinary,” debuted at #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart and remained in the top 20 for 45 weeks. She received a 2015 GRAMMY® nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for her solo CD “Wild Heart.”
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The Hornblower Infinity matches the uniqueness of New York — and the Smooth Cruises! The open bow, covered sky deck and over-sized windows provide endless opportunities to enjoy the countless sites in NY Harbor as guests kick back with the best jazz artists in the business. Guests will enjoy the world’s finest contemporary jazz on climate controlled interior decks with multiple dance floors, and can take in the sights outdoors on spacious exterior sundecks. (The yacht is handicapped accessible.)

Note: Line-ups may be subject to change