New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Cunard and venerable jazz label Blue Note Records are proud to announce an exciting entertainment partnership, which will debut on Cunard's flagship,
Queen Mary 2, on October 29, 2015. Guests onboard will embark on a very special Transatlantic Crossing, featuring intimate jazz performances by Blue Note Records artists.
The ship's maiden voyage will feature the Blue Note Records 75th Anniversary All Star Band, Our Point of View, formed for the label's milestone anniversary in 2014. The supergroup celebrates the vitality of Blue Note by looking ahead and assembling leading young artists on the Blue Note roster who steadfastly continue to move jazz forward. Featuring keyboardist Robert Glasper, trumpeter Keyon Harrold, tenor saxophonist Marcus Strickland, guitarist Lionel Loueke, bassist Derrick Hodge, and drummer Kendrick Scott, the band's repertoire draws from each of these artists' own remarkable catalogs as well new spins on Blue Note classics.
President of Blue Note Records, Don Was, who himself is a celebrated musician and Grammy® Award winning producer for
Bonnie Raitt and the Rolling Stones, will also sail on the voyage and participate in Q&A sessions. Jazz lovers can look forward to two more special cruises in 2016, and Don will personally hand pick those artists from Blue Note Record's renowned group of musicians.
Don commented: "Cunard and Blue Note Records have accumulated 200 years of excellence and integrity in their respective fields - we're going to have a ball!"
This unique partnership celebrates the two historic, yet innovative, industry leaders. Founded in 1939 by Alfred Lion, Blue Note Records is the most revered and longest running jazz label in the world. Embarking on its 175th anniversary in 2015, Cunard was the first to offer regularly scheduled Transatlantic service and has been carrying guests between continents with luxury, sophistication and sense of occasion ever since.
"We are thrilled to work with such an iconic record label and bring the legendary Blue Note sounds of jazz to our guests," said Richard Meadows, president, Cunard, North America. "We are dedicated to offering memorable entertainment experiences while maintaining the integrity of Cunard's rich heritage, and this partnership truly personifies that commitment."
Through the decades, Blue Note Records has recorded countless legends including Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Horace Silver, Herbie Hancock,
Norah Jones and Van Morrison.
Cunard is known for offering guests unique access to some of the most beloved musicians and entertainers in the world, including
James Taylor, Carly Simon, and the late jazz legend Dave Brubeck. Guests on upcoming jazz voyages will rub shoulders with the jazz greats of today, and be treated to a series of unforgettable live performances in elegant
Queen Mary 2 spaces including the world class Royal Court Theatre, with special evening performances in the ship's Illuminations theatre.
