Latin albums while also earning a reputation worldwide as a champion of classical music through engagements with the London Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, the Baltimore Symphony, the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, the Costa Rica National Symphony, the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra and the Bronx Arts Ensemble.
Jeff Hamilton Trio
Drummer Jeff Hamilton has been honing his big band skills since the tender age of 8, earning him a presence on the stage with legends like Ella Fitzgerald, the Count Basie Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney, Monty Alexander and Diana Krall. Currently performing with Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown and the Clayton Brothers or co-leading the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra (the Grammy®-nominated big band that provides backup for Diana Krall), this in-demand drummer brings his eponymous trio to The Jazz Cruise ‘16 for guests to revel in his sensational stylistics at the helm of a drum. Overflowing but well-deserved accolades include that of No. 1 jazz drummer in Modern Drummer Magazine’s reader’s poll, 2006 Musician of the Year (along with musical partner John Clayton) by the Los Angeles Jazz Society, and a No. 5 spot on the Gavin national jazz radio chart for “It’s Hamilton Time” by the Jeff Hamilton Trio. Featured in nearly 200 recordings – including 16 Grammy® Award-winning titles – with the likes of Natalie Cole, Barbara Streisand, Mel Torme and Herb Ellis, Jeff also teaches, arranges and composes for the drums.
Tommy Ignore Sextet
While his peers were still in highchairs, 2-year-old Tommy Igoe was sitting down at and mastering a drumset. Now a bit older and an in-demand studio and touring drummer, he’s traveled the world with big-name pop and jazz artists while simultaneously conducting clinics and master classes at top-notch institutions of education. Tommy composed the drum set book for Disney’s Broadway production of the “The Lion King” and also served as the show’s principal drummer and associate conductor. He currently travels the world with the Tommy Igoe Groove Conspiracy, a 14-piece supergroup based out of San Francisco and featuring members of Santana, Tower of Power, The Doobie Brothers, Boz Scaggs and Steely Dan. Also president of Deep Rhythm Music, his recording studio, publishing arm and record label, Tommy will show off his critically acclaimed skills as both drummer and bandleader on The Jazz Cruise ‘16
Christian McBride Trio
The Christian McBride Trio returns for an encore performance on The Jazz Cruise in 2016. Renowned bassist Christian McBride, pianist Christian Sands and drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. comprise the magnetic group founded on the fundamentals of jazz – hardcore swing, blues and the American songbook. Their first album, “Out Here,” released in 2013, marks McBride’s eleventh recording as a leader and encapsulates the trio’s experimental nature in conjunction with its respect for tradition. In it, songs like “My Favorite Things” are reincarnated in a whole new light. McBride feels strongly about his music sticking to the simplicity exhibited by masters like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Carmen McCrae. The three-time Grammy® winner stepped onto the jazz stage at age 17 and was immediately likened to renowned bassist Ray Brown. But to distinguish himself from the legend – who also happens to be his mentor and father figure – McBride resisted following in Brown’s footsteps by performing in everything but a trio. Rather, he played as a sideman on more than 300 recordings for Houston Person, Diana Krall, Chick Corea and Paul Simon among other diverse artists; formed the quintet, Inside Straight; and headed up the Christian McBride Big Band. In the third decade of his career, Christian finally welcomed the trio concept when, during a scheduled performance by Inside Straight, the group was forced to play in the absence of both its saxophonist and vibraphonist. While forming his trio, he looked to a younger generation to round out his perspective and sound. Owens had been a mainstay in McBride’s groups, subbing regularly in Inside Straight and playing drums for the Christian McBride Big Band. Sands, a master of technique and tempos, grabbed McBride’s attention during a performance on
NPR’s “Piano Jazz” program. Three years later, the combination of acclaimed bassist and