Best Jazz Cruises Podcasts (2026)

1
Beyond the Cheeks: Sean Jones & Brinae Ali Revisit the Genius of Gillespie 20:49

2d ago20:49

20:49

Recorded live on the Journey of Jazz cruise, this episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations features an in-depth discussion on the legendary Dizzy Gillespie. Host Lee Mergner is joined by trumpeter Sean Jones and tap artist Brinae Ali to explore Dizzy’s physical trademarks, his deep spirituality, and his enduring influence on the evolution of jazz. Key…

1
NBA Observations With Legend! 39:04

5h ago39:04

39:04

Happy New Year, everyone! We start 2026 with some NBA Observations as Legend from I Got Next Sports Media stops by to provide some predictions for the new year. Tune in as he and Gerald talk about which players and teams Legend has on his mind that have him predicting some big things for the future this calendar year. Also, does Legend have a predi…

1
Lakers-Pistons Postgame! Detroit Blows Out The Candles On LeBron And The Lakers To Close Out 2025! 1:43:07

3h ago1:43:07

1:43:07

The Lakers close out 2025 with a matchup against the Detroit Pistons. And with LeBron James (17 points on 6-17 shooting, including 3-10 from 3) looking every bit like the 41 years he turned on Tuesday, the Lakers also looked old and slow as they fell behind early and despite coming back in the third quarter to tie the game, the Pistons easily tuned…

1
The Smooth Jazz Kitchen with Chef Bruce Buege - Snapshot; The Top 25 of 2025 1:57:26

5h ago1:57:26

1:57:26

00:00 Greg Chambers - LA Sunset 00:05 Adam Hawley feat Judah Sealy - Absolute Love 00:10 Jazmin Ghent - Upgrade 00:13 Andy Snitzer - Love Star 00:18 Boney James feat Rick Braun - Sugar 00:23 Donald Hayes feat Nathan East - Longing For You 00:28 Marcus Anderson - Any Way You Want It 00:32 Michael Mani - Triangles 00:36 Richard Elliot - Very Deliciou…

1
Lakes Snack Pack! What Does The Future Hold For The Lakers In 2026? 1:55:07

2h ago1:55:07

1:55:07

With 2026 on the horizon, the guys from the LFB stare into the crystal ball to share thoughts on what could be ahead, with some predictions for the new year. Plus, the guys preview the last game of 2025 for the Lakers against the Detroit Pistons (on LeBron's birthday), and ponder why Rui Hachimura's injury woes are not helping his cause for a banka…

1
Lakers-Kings Postgame! Lakers Finally Play Defense As They Cruise To An Easy Victory Over The Kings! 1:02:49

2h ago1:02:49

1:02:49

The Lakers hoped to end their losing skid as they continued the homestand with a Sunday night matchup with the Sacramento Kings. And after listening to Coach JJ Redick's outbursts to the press, and getting to be a full witness to more at practice on Saturday, the Lakers did come out more defensively as they turned in a small lead in the first quart…

1
Lakers-Rockets Postgame! LA Finds A Lump Of Coal In Their Stocking As They Get Blasted By Houston! 1:58:42

3h ago1:58:42

1:58:42

It's Christmas Day, and the Lakers, for the 27th straight time, are part of the festivities as their matchup this year is at home vs. the Houston Rockets. And the Lakers right from the start continue their awful efforts on defense, and with the referees holding their whistle (11 free throws as a team), and getting pounded on the boards (HOU 48-25 o…

1
The Smooth Jazz Kitchen with Chef Bruce Buege - The Other Side Of The Tracks for 2025 1:59:52

1d ago1:59:52

1:59:52

00:00 3rd Force - Where It All Begins 00:06 Adam Hawley feat Euge Groove - I Don't Mind 00:10 Jeff Lorber - Step by Step 00:14 Althea Rene - In The Moment 00:19 Kayla Waters - Apogee 00:23 Dave Koz - Yesterday's Rain 00:28 Phylicia Rae - Just Like That 00:32 Vincent Ingala - Free To Groove 00:37 Jeff Ryan - Sweet Spot 00:41 James 'PJ' Spraggins -…

1
Lakers-Suns Postgame! Lakers Still Can't Find Their D As They Get Revenge Roasted By The Suns! 1:34:12

2d ago1:34:12

1:34:12

The Lakers finish off the current road trip before Christmas with a return to Phoenix as they face off against a revenge-minded Suns team for what happened in a Lakers win nine days earlier. But the Lakers' problems on defense continued as a returning Austin Reaves (17 points) picked up four quick fouls in the first half, and the rest of the team (…

1
NBA Observations With Calif Poncy! 1:42:21

8d ago1:42:21

1:42:21

Calif is back as he and Gerald preview the upcoming slate of NBA games for Christmas and what has transpired for these teams so far. They also get into this season's rookie class, and if it is working out to be a better class than last season's. They also have thoughts on some under-the-radar trade targets teams should be interested in to improve t…

1
Lakers-Clippers Postgame! Lakers Injury Problem Gets Worse As LA Gets Clipped By The Clippers! 1:15:53

4d ago1:15:53

1:15:53

The Lakers continued on with their holiday road trip with a stop very close to home as they faced the LA Clippers in the Intuit Dome on Saturday night. But the Lakers, short three starters already, fell behind early and never caught up, with only LeBron James (36 points) providing anything resembling offense. Things went from bad to worse as the La…

1
Lakers-Jazz Postgame! The Lakers Play A Sweet Note Late As They Hold Off The Jazz! 2:19:43

6d ago2:19:43

2:19:43

The Lakers continue the road trip before Christmas with a Thursday night tilt in Salt Lake City against the Jazz. And with Austin Reaves still out of the lineup, and their defense taking the first half off (giving up 78 points), it took a Luka Doncic triple-double (45 points, 11 rebounds, 14 assists, 5 steals, 1 turnover) and LeBron James (28 point…

1
The Smooth Jazz Kitchen with guest Chefs Andrew and Thomas Buege - Simple Gifts 1:55:26

8d ago1:55:26

1:55:26

My Sous Chefs sit in once again, this time together for our holiday music show. 00:00 Lisa Addeo - The Christmas Song 00:05 Chris Wingfield - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 00:08 Jazz in Pink - Christmas Candlelight feat Tamina Khyrah-joi 00:12 Gary Palmer - Midnight Mistletoe 00:16 Andrew Neu - Simple Gifts 00:21 Roberto Vazquez - Christma…

1
NBA Observations With Calif Poncy! 1:20:48

10d ago1:20:48

1:20:48

Calif Poncy is back with more NBA Observations as he and Gerald take on the latest topics in the NBA world. Tune in as the guys discuss what the trading market can be for the Lakers and other NBA teams now that, as of 12/15, 90% of the league becomes trade-eligible. They also discuss the NBA Cup and if San Antonio's victory over OKC this past weeke…

1
Bria Skonberg's Reset: From Pandemic to NYC Hot Jazz Camp Director 1:06:24

10d ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Lee Mergner hosted a Listening Party with Bria Skonberg who played tracks from her recent album, "What It Means," and then talked about the making of the recording. The album blends many different influences, but it has a decidedly New Orleans flavor thanks to contributions from Herlin Riley, Don Vappie and Ben Jaffe. Send us a text Listen to more …

1
Lakers-Suns Postgame! Brooks Pokes the Bear One Too Many Times As LA Cools Off The Suns! 1:33:10

19d ago1:33:10

1:33:10

Due to the fallout of the NBA Cup qualifying losses, the Lakers and Suns meet up for the first of two trips on Sunday to the Valley of the Sun over the next nine days to face the Suns. And despite not having Austin Reaves in the lineup, shooting 19% on 3-pointers as a team, and LeBron and Luka shooting 3-19 from three and committing 14 turnovers, t…

1
Lakers-Spurs NBA Cup Postgame! No Drinking Of The NBA Cup For The Lakers As They Lose To The Spurs! 1:17:55

22d ago1:17:55

1:17:55

The Lakers and Spurs met on Wednesday night in the Quarterfinal round of the 3rd annual NBA Cup, with a chance to meet up with the Oklahoma City Thunder this weekend in Vegas. But the Lakers weren't ready for Vegas as San Antonio's effort and quickness proved to be too much for the Lakers to handle as the team's defense suffered and their offense s…

1
Your Guide To Tampa Bay Cruises, Ships, And Sunsets 43:12

15d ago43:12

43:12

Send us a text We map a relaxed, culture-rich route from Tampa to the Western Caribbean, mixing small-ship comforts with big-port color and clear planning tips. From Cozumel tacos to Roatan’s Maya Key, we compare cruise lines, share dining picks, and highlight what’s new on the horizon. • relief efforts for Jamaica and how cruise lines help • why s…

1
The Smooth Jazz Kitchen with Chef Bruce Buege - What Cha' Gonna Do 1:57:08

15d ago1:57:08

1:57:08

00:00:00 Darren Rahn feat Wayman Tisdale - What Cha' Gonna Do for Me 00:05:24 Gerald Albright - Funkism 00:09:29 Arie Salma - Through the Clouds 00:14:24 Euge Groove feat Adam Hawley - Push It Forward 00:20:08 Everette Harp - Chasin' 00:25:17 Anissa Hargrove - What I Got 00:28:29 Brian Simpson - Saturday Cool 00:32:58 Dee Lucas - Summertime 00:37:5…

1
Dan & Chris Brubeck: The Maestro, Milhaud & "The Real Ambassadors" 49:42

24d ago49:42

49:42

Host Lee Mergner interviews brothers Chris and Dan Brubeck during the sailing of The Jazz Cruise '25, where they provide a deep, intimate look at the life and immense legacy of their father, jazz legend Dave Brubeck. The conversation spans Dave Brubeck’s surprising upbringing as a ranch cowboy, his transformative experience leading an integrated ar…

1
NBA Observations With Calif Poncy! 1:33:33

24d ago1:33:33

1:33:33

Calif Poncy has returned as he and Gerald preview this week's NBA Cup, and look at who will come out to Vegas and hoist up the league's newest in-season trophy. Plus, we fill in the gaps over the last two weeks on the Rookie of the Year and MVP races, solidifying them. Also, who are the NBA's best second-year players, and if this year's draft is be…

1
Lakers-Sixers Postgame! LeBron And Luka Return For Some Cheesesteak And A Win Over The Sixers! 1:29:47

26d ago1:29:47

1:29:47

The Lakers finish off their latest road trip with a returning Luka and LeBron as they head for some cheesesteak in Philly against the 76ers. And with Austin Reaves struggling from the field, it took a triple-double from Luka (31 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists) and a frisky LeBron (29 points) as the Lakers closed out the game strong to get the 112-…

1
Lakers Weekend- Lakerholics Spotlight On The Lakers In December! 1:21:51

26d ago1:21:51

1:21:51

The guys from lakerholics.com are back as they go over how the month of December is shaping up for the Los Angeles Lakers as they continue the road trip with a stop in Philly on Sunday. Tune in as the guys talk about Austin Reaves' play so far and what his current value may be next summer, LeBron's streak ending and how he'll be used from here, and…

1
Lakers-Celtics Postgame! Lakers Get Bombarded With Threes In Beantown As LA Gets Thumped By The C's! 1:03:40

28d ago1:03:40

1:03:40

With LeBron James and Marcus Smart out of the lineup, and Luka Doncic still on family leave, the Lakers and Austin Reaves (36 points, 8 assists, 10-12 FT's) took to the court on Friday night against their longtime archnemesis, the Boston Celtics. And with the odds stacked against them, a surging Celtics team took their momentum and used it on the L…

1
Lakers-Raptors Postgame! Lakers Escape Toronto With A Win Off Of A Rui Three! 1:56:32

29d ago1:56:32

1:56:32

The Lakers started out on their first road trip in December by heading to the Great White North, where they faced off against the Raptors. And with Luka taking the day off to celebrate the birth of his second child, the Lakers fought off the pesky Raptors as Austin Reaves scored 22 of his 44 points in the fourth quarter, and despite LeBron James fa…

1
The Smooth Jazz Kitchen with Chef Bruce Buege - Give It All You Got 2:00:03

27d ago2:00:03

2:00:03

00:00 Brian Culbertson feat Eric Marienthal - Morning Light 00:06 Randy Sloan - Flow Motion 00:09 Michael Cates - Judith Lorraine 00:14 Richard Elliot - Camella 00:18 Skinny Hightower & Alex Parchment - Red Lights 00:22 Will Downing - Back to Us 00:27 Jazz Holdouts - Morning Breeze 00:31 Louie Fitzgerald - Gentle Breeze 00:35 Joyce Cooling - Global…

1
Lakers-Suns Postgame! Lakers End The Homestand Getting Burned By The Suns! 1:50:55

1M ago1:50:55

1:50:55

The Lakers closed out the homestand with a Monday night tilt against the Phoenix Suns. And despite Devin Booker leaving the game for Phoenix after just ten minutes, and Luka Doncic (38 points, 11 rebounds, 9 turnovers) scoring big numbers again in the first, the Lakers collapsed going into the half and never recovered as the Suns' Dillon "The Villa…

1
Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter: The Real, Fazioli Pianos, and Creative Process Secrets 54:20

24d ago54:20

54:20

This episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations features an interview by Michael Lazaroff with Journey of Jazz '25 co-hosts Marcus Miller and Gregory Porter. The session evolved into a candid conversation where the three shared memorable cruise stories, discussed their musical influences (including Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, and Nat King Cole), recou…

1
Lakers-Mavs Postgame! Lakers Thank Nico One More Time As They Get Another NBA Cup Win Over The Mavs! 49:25

1M ago49:25

49:25

The Lakers finished off Group B Play in the NBA Cup on Black Friday against the Dallas Mavericks in Los Angeles. After a back-and-forth first half, the starting lineup took over with Austin Reaves (38 points, 8 rebounds) putting his imprint on the game, Luka Doncic (35 points, 11 assists) reminding Mavs fans why they miss him, Deandre Ayton (17 poi…

1
NBA Observations With Calif Poncy! 1:45:53

1M ago1:45:53

1:45:53

Calif Poncy is back as he and Gerald share thoughts on how Oklahoma City has continued its success without skipping a beat, and reflect on the Paul George trade that helped make it happen. Plus, on the other side of that trade, the once-mighty Clippers have stumbled to start the season, and the guys go into detail about whether the ship has crashed…

1
Lakers-Clippers Postgame! The Lakers Offense Sinks The Clippers In NBA Cup Action! 1:47:05

1M ago1:47:05

1:47:05

NBA Cup action continued for the NBA on Tuesday night as the Lakers and Clippers faced off to see who could break the tie at the top of Group B. And in one of their best offensive showings of the season, it was again the fourth quarter defense that paced the team as Luka Doncic (43 points, 13 assists. 9 rebounds, 7-12 from 3), Austin Reaves (31 poi…

1
The Smooth Jazz Kitchen with Chef Bruce Buege - Thanks for Being Here 1:58:30

29d ago1:58:30

1:58:30

00:00 Bob Baldwin - I'm Good (Thanks for Asking) 00:06 Kim Scott - Give Thanks 00:11 Walter Beasley - Be Thankful (For What You've Got) 00:15 Doc Powell - Thank You 00:19 Michael Haggins - Be Thankful 00:23 Kim Waters - Thank You 00:26 Gary Fuston - Soul Thankful 00:30 Jeanette Harris feat Joel Bowers - Thankful 00:35 Yellowjackets - Thank You 00:4…

1
Oscar Peterson's Poem to Ella: A Look at Their Deep, Loving Friendship - w/Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner & Kelly Peterson 47:58

1M ago47:58

47:58

110: Remembering Ella Fitzgerald & Oscar Peterson w/Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner & Kelly Peterson This episode of Jazz Cruises Conversations, hosted by Lee Mergner, is drawn from a "Jazz on Film" session on the Journey of Jazz Cruise. The session focuses on the lives, careers, and close relationship of jazz titans Ella Fitzgerald and Os…

1
Lakers-Jazz Postgame! Lakers Escape The Salt Lake With A Victory That Quiets The Jazz! 2:03:05

1M ago2:03:05

2:03:05

The Lakers, after five days off, head into Salt Lake City for another tour of duty against the Utah Jazz. It wasn't pretty, as the Lakers struggled to get some distance against the Jazz until the fourth quarter. And even when they did, they let Utah back in the game in the closing seconds, but a missed shot by Keyonte George at the buzzer let the L…

1
Lakers Weekend- Lakerholics Spotlight On LeBron's Return And The Exit Of The Buss Brothers! 56:30

1M ago56:30

56:30

The guys from lakerholics.com are back as they go over the return of LeBron on Tuesday against the Jazz, and where LeBron can take the team moving forward. They also discuss the recent news of Jesse and Joey Buss being fired from the front office, and how the removal of virtually the entire Scouting Department will affect the team's upcoming draft …

1
Lakers Snack Pack- Joey And Jesse Buss Get The Axe, Who Will Be Fired Next? 1:32:08

1M ago1:32:08

1:32:08

In the latest ongoing saga of the internal fights behind the scenes at Lakers Central, word came today that Jesse and Joey Buss, along with most of the scouting department, have been relieved of their services. Tune in as the LFB shares thoughts on what the reports say on why the firing took place, and who else might be gone soon, now that Mark Wal…

1
NBA Observations With Calif Poncy! 1:17:20

1M ago1:17:20

1:17:20

Calif Poncy is back with Gerald as they discuss their latest NBA Observations! Tune in as they go over the surprising start for the Detroit Pistons and what may need for them to happen to have them remain at the top of the Eastern Conference. Plus, how good have the Nuggets looked so far, and could they be Oklahoma City's only real roadblock on the…

1
Lakers-Jazz Postgame! LeBron's Return Hits The Right Note In The Lakers Win Over The Jazz! 2:02:11

1M ago2:02:11

2:02:11

The return of LeBron James highlights the Lakers' arrival home on Tuesday night as they face off against the Utah Jazz. And even though it got off to a rough start (especially on the defensive end) for the Lakers, LeBron (11 points, 12 assists), Luka Doncic (37 points, 10 assists), Austin Reaves (26 points), Deandre Ayton (20 points, 14 rebounds), …

1
The Smooth Jazz Kitchen with Chef Bruce Buege - Every Step Of The Way 1:58:08

1M ago1:58:08

1:58:08

00:00 Richard Elliot - Driftin' 00:05 Norman Brown - Remember The Time 00:09 Wayman Tisdale - Bass Man 00:15 Althea René - And She Said 00:19 Rick Braun & Richard Elliot - Sao Paulo 00:24 Bob James - Goldings 00:27 Larry Goldings - Bob James 00:32 Bobby Lyle - Give Me Your Heart 00:36 Boney James - Ain't No Sunshine 00:41 Jayson Tipp - It's Your Ho…

1
Marcus Miller & Ravi Coltrane: Dual Legacy, Finding Your Voice in Jazz 46:31

1M ago46:31

46:31

Ravi Coltrane with Marcus Miller Marcus 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 mus…

1
Lakers-Bucks Postgame! Lakers Close Out The Trip On A High After A Convincing Win In Milwaukee! 2:40:17

2M ago2:40:17

2:40:17

The Lakers finished off the road trip on the second night of a back-to-back in Milwaukee as they faced off against the Bucks. And with one of their most complete first halves of the season, the Lakers behind Luka Doncic (41 points, 9 rebounds, 5-11 from 3), Austin Reaves (25 points, 5-9 from 3), and Deandre Ayton (20 points, 10 rebounds) got up to …

1
Lakers Weekend- Lakerholics Spotlight On LeBron's Return! 58:45

2M ago58:45

58:45

The crew from lakerholics.com are back as they go over the current road trip and preview Saturday night's game against Milwaukee. They also cover the impending return of LeBron James and what his addition will and won't do to shake things up with the Lakers' lineup. The Lakerholics are back and are talking Lakers and LeBron as part of another great…

1
Lakers-Pelicans Postgame! Lakers Take A Gold Cup Advantage With A Win Over New Orleans! 1:40:09

2M ago1:40:09

1:40:09

The Lakers continued the road trip on Friday night, with their next stop headed to Bourbon Street as they met up with the New Orleans Hornets. And with a stop the next night in Milwaukee for the Lakers, it would have been nice to put away this game in the early moments. But each time the Lakers moved out to a double-digit lead, the Pelicans kept it…

1
Lakers-Thunder Postgame! Lakers Hear The Thunder As They Get Thumped By OKC! 1:17:30

2M ago1:17:30

1:17:30

The Lakers' big test on the road trip came as they strolled into Oklahoma City, where they faced off against the defending champion Thunder. The test was there, and unfortunately, the Lakers failed it as they got pounded into the ground right from the tip-off with turnovers and a mess on both ends of the floor as they got pummeled by the Thunder 12…

1
The Smooth Jazz Kitchen with Chef Bruce Buege - Cruising Onward 1:56:54

2M ago1:56:54

1:56:54

00:00 Saxl Rose - Cruise Control 00:05 Jeff Ryan - Speakeasy 00:10 Patrik Dimak - Doubleback 00:14 Johnny Britt - City Of Lights 00:18 Fostina Dixon feat Chris Big Dog Davis - Lets Stay Together 00:23 Gota - Sensual Wave 00:28 Luis Alas - Sax You Up 00:31 3rd Force - Onward and Upward 00:35 Marcus Johnson - Chocolate City Groovin' 00:39 Lars Taylor…

1
NBA Observations With Calif Poncy! 1:04:03

2M ago1:04:03

1:04:03

Calif is back as he and Gerald discuss some teams and IF their starts are real or not. Tune in as they go over the surprising start of the Bulls and Spurs, and if one or both of these teams can maintain their winning ways. Plus, they describe the mess currently with Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, and how the "Clips Gonna Clip" looks with the …

1
Emmet Cohen & Benny Benack III: The Future of Jazz, Community, and Inspiring Others 53:16

1M ago53:16

53:16

Pianist Emmet Cohen sits down with his longtime friend, trumpeter and singer Benny Benack III, for a conversation recorded during the recent Journey of Jazz cruise. This interview tracks Cohen's journey from a college student to becoming a celebrated artist and future host of The Jazz Cruise. Cohen discusses the inspiration behind his acclaimed "Ma…

1
Lakers-Hornets Postgame! Lakers Ride A Strong 3rd Quarter To Sting The Hornets In Charlotte! 1:12:08

2M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

The road trip continues, this time with a stop in Charlotte as they faced off against the Hornets. And with the first quarter seemingly a defensive repeat performance from Atlanta, the Lakers refocused at the half as Luka Doncic (38 points), Austin Reaves (24) and Rui Hachimura (21, 3-3 from 3) ignited the scoring in the third quarter while Marcus …

1
Lakers-Hawks Postgame! Lakers Lay An Egg As They Get Clawed By The Hawks In Atlanta! 1:12:33

2M ago1:12:33

1:12:33

The Lakers started off their five-game road trip in Hotlanta on Saturday night as they faced the Atlanta Hawks. And not a very audacious start for LA as Atlanta, despite not having their top four players in the lineup, dominated the Lakers for the first three quarters and cruised to an easy 122-102 victory over LA. Tune in as Gerald and Legend brea…

1
Lakers Weekend- Lakerholics Spotlight On The Early Season Success For the Lakers! 1:23:42

2M ago1:23:42

1:23:42

The guys from lakerholics.com are back to go over the Lakers' recent success and why it's happening. They also talk about the upcoming five-game road trip starting Saturday night and what to expect while the Lakers are away. Plus, with LeBron's return looming on the horizon, the Lakerholics speculate on how his return should be handled and how the …

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