James is a leading light in the contemporary/smooth jazz realm who has also achieved crossover success in the urban music world. In his 20-year solo career that spans a dozen albums, he has scored nine #1 Billboard contemporary jazz albums while earning four gold records, three Grammy nominations, a Soul Train Award and an NAACP Image Award nomination. His music is a soul-drenched mix of R&B grooves, contemporary jazz instrumentals, and romantic ballads. In addition to his slick originals, James has a knack for delivering sterling renditions of R&B classics - “Sweet Thing,” “Grazin In The Grass” and “Send One Your Love” to name a few. Touring in support of last year’s hit-filled “Contact” album, which spent a remarkable 11 weeks at #1, his sultry single “Deep Time” is presently heating up the radio airwaves.
The Atlanta-based Ford will make his debut aboard The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2013. Dispensing a unique fusion of jazz, blues, R&B and hip-hop, the electric violinist pours passion into his exhilarating performances. His latest recording, State of Mind, is a seven-song EP that includes a pair of bonus tracks, fan favorites produced by Grammy winner Colin Morrison (The Temptations, Chante Moore). Utilizing live instrumentation and adventurous sonicscapes, Ford is a soulful improviser best experienced in a concert setting.
Known as “The Greatest Party at Sea,” The Smooth Jazz Cruise showcases legends, Grammy winners and chart-topping contemporary jazz and urban adult contemporary artists aboard a luxurious full ship Holland American charter that will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel, Belize City and Key West on January 13-20 and January 20-27, 2013. It is an extraordinary week devoted to live music with the 2013 lineup consisting of Ford, George Benson, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Brian Culbertson, Jonathan Butler, Candy Dulfer, Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Bob James, Jeff Golub, Angie Stone, Paul Taylor, Steve Cole, Raul Midon, Larry Braggs, DW3, music director Brian Simpson and comedian Alonzo Bodden presented in theatre, club and intimate piano bar settings. The velvet rope is removed allowing cruisers to mix and mingle freely with the musicians at cocktail parties, informative seminars, autograph and Q&A sessions, theme nights and even sporting contests. Perennially sold-out, nearly 60% of the passengers are repeat guests. For further information or to reserve a cabin, please visit http://www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com/.
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