Jazz Cruises Conversations

• #109: Ravi Coltrane with Marcus Miller

  Ravi Coltrane with Marcus MillerMarcus Miller interviews Ravi Coltrane about his musical evolution and the dual legacy of his parents, Alice and John Coltrane. This insightful and candid talk, recorded live on the Journey of Jazz cruise, covers the challenges of growing up under the shadow of a jazz icon and finding one's own voice through the music.Key TakeawaysThe episode is a conversation between host Marcus Miller and guest Ravi Coltrane, focusing on Ravi's development as a jazz saxophonist.Ravi's father, John Coltrane, passed away in 1967 when Ravi was 2 years old, leaving Ravi to be raised by his mother, Alice Coltrane. Ravi notes that his father’s instruments are currently in his stateroom.Ravi began his musical journey playing the clarinet throughout junior high and high school. He switched to the soprano saxophone at age 16 after his mother gave it to him for his birthday as a hint, later moving to the tenor saxophone.Ravi did not initially feel pressure from his famous last name because, during the 1970s in the San Fernando Valley where he grew up, John Coltrane was still considered "underground" or "counter culture".The death of Ravi’s older brother, John Jr., in an automobile accident when Ravi was 17, caused a "void" that Ravi later filled by studying his father's music. Ravi began listening to his father's records to gain answers for questions asked at parties, and through this, the music "hit" him.Ravi worked with key members of the John Coltrane Quartet, including joining drummer Elvin Jones's band in 1991 (though he felt he was "prematurely" ready) and later working with pianist McCoy Tyner in the 2000s.Ravi and Marcus discuss the meaning of being "ready" to perform at a high level, noting that it means being "prepared to do the job properly" and recognizing that evolution and learning are continuous processes.Host and Guest InfoHost: Lee Mergner (introduction), Marcus Miller (interview).Guest: Ravi Coltrane.This talk was recorded during the Journey of Jazz cruise. Marcus Miller provided the theme music, which is a clip from his song "High Life" on his album Aphrodesia on Blue Note.The talk was captured by Brian Ratchkco and his production team.Send us a text

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• #108: Emmet Cohen with Benny Benack III

  This episode from the recent Journey of Jazz cruise features an interview of pianist Emmet Cohen by his longtime friend Benny Benack III. Emmet shared the story of his journey from being a student at the University of Miami to being a regular, then host, on The Jazz Cruise.  He also talked about his Masters Legacy series of recordings with his elders. And, of course, he explained the creation and evolution of his popular Emmet's Place online concert series. 

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• #107: Wycliffe Gordon with Sean Jones

  In this interview from the recent Journey of Jazz cruise, trumpeter Sean Jones talked with fellow brassman Wycliffe Gordon about his storied life in music. The trombonist talked about his early years playing music in churches, his introduction to jazz, his experience with playing in the McDonald's High School All-Star Band, and his work with Wynton Marsalis in both Wynton's Septet and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

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• #106: Niki Haris "Lift Thine Eyes" Listening Party

  This listening party session during the Journey of Jazz cruise featured Niki Haris spinning and talking about several tracks from her album "Lift Thine Eyes."  The stellar vocalist talked about the inspiration behind the music and even sang along with the tracks. 

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• #105: John Clayton & Jeff Hamilton with Marcus Miller

  This interview from the Journey of Jazz cruise was hosted by Marcus Miller, co-host of that sailing, who talked with John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, longtime co-leaders of the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.  Their Grammy Award-winning big band performed during the cruise and the two also played with their old friend Diana Krall.   Marcus talked with John and Jeff about the group's formation and long 40-year history.  And he opened the floor to numerous questions from the audience.

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