On the heels of Queen Mary 2's
first-ever "Jazz at Sea" Transatlantic Crossing with Blue Note
Records, Cunard has announced that Grammy® Award-winning singer and
songwriter, Gregory Porter, will be headlining the third Blue Note jazz-themed
Transatlantic Crossing on October 25, 2016. Porter delighted fans with his
powerhouse performances in the Royal Court Theatre during the first, October 29
Jazz at Sea Crossing. During the voyage, Porter spoke about Queen Mary 2's
intimate venues and about how the rhythm of water inspires his music.
Described
by The New York Times as "a jazz singer of thrilling presence, a booming
baritone with a gift for earthy refinement and soaring uplift," Porter
signed to Blue Note Records in 2013 and recently took home his second Jazz FM
award for "International Jazz Artist of the Year." Porter is widely
known for his third studio album, Liquid Spirit, which won the 2014 Grammy for
Best Jazz Vocal Album and reached top 10 on the UK album chart.
"Having
sailed across the Atlantic with Cunard for the first time, I realize what a
unique and exciting travel experience the transatlantic crossing was and I'm
thrilled to headline one of the Jazz at Sea voyages next year," said
Gregory Porter. "It was inspiring to be on board Queen Mary 2 with some of
the greatest minds and musicians in jazz and to meet music fans from around the
world."
Cunard
and Blue Note Records' first "Jazz at Sea" Transatlantic Crossing
included intimate performances by a star-studded roster of fellow Blue Note
musicians, featuring: Grammy® Award-winning jazz pianist and record producer
Robert Glasper, acclaimed trumpet player Keyon Harrold, tenor saxophonist
Marcus Strickland, guitarist Lionel Loueke, bassist Derrick Hodge and drummer
Kendrick Scott.
"The
Jazz at Sea experience was one of the greatest experiences of my life,"
said Don Was, president, Blue Note Records. "Matching up Blue Note Records
and Cunard was a stroke of genius. Market research shows that both brands are
continually recognized for excellence and integrity, and the Blue Note brand
offers a 'cool' vibe as well."
During
the first-ever Blue Note "Jazz at Sea" Transatlantic Crossing,
lounges and public spaces were transformed to jazz destinations in the evenings
where Blue Note artists were met to packed houses in the Chart Room, G32 and
Illuminations. Q&A sessions provided a more intimate and informal setting
for guests to learn more about the artists, their influences and backgrounds,
and where Porter demonstrated the words that moved him in impromptu a capella
performances.
"We
are delighted that Gregory Porter will join us again in 2016," said
Richard Meadows, president, Cunard, North America. "Cunard and Blue Note
Records share a deep connection with over 200 combined years of experience in
our respective industries, and we are excited to continue to deliver
stimulating, celebrated and significant entertainment for our guests."
This
special Transatlantic Crossing will also feature other noteworthy jazz
musicians that will soon be announced.
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