Wayman Tisdale to host Winter Jazz Cruise Despite Health Issues
By Dee Dee McNeil
I want to give you a headsup on three tantalizing winter sea cruises that encourage us to relax
and enjoy some of the best Jazz parties at sea. On January 18th through the 25 th , bass guitarist
Wayman Tisdale will host a Smooth Jazz Cruise. This is a huge undertaking for Tisdale, who
discovered (after an unexpected fall) he had a cancerous cyst below his right knee. During the
treatment of his broken leg the cancer was detected. This discovery prompted an amputation that
removed part of Tisdale’s leg because of bone cancer. A six foot nine inch former NBA player,
Wayman Tisdale proclaims that his latest cd, “Rebound” is a testament of his fierce battle to
conquer this recent health challenge. His wife, Regina, informed the AP his operation was
successful and “everything went well.” It went so well that on January 18 th , Tisdale is inviting
us to join him and a few of his good friends for a week of Jazz, along with visits to San Juan,
Puerto Rico and Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. One of the super star acts on board will be
Marcus Miller, a twotime Grammy Award winner who will showcase his diversified electric
bass talents. Miller cut his musical teeth on historic performances with Miles Davis, as well as
his famed collaborations with Luther Vandross and David Sanborn. You will also enjoy
vocalists/entertainers Jody Watley, Peabo Bryson and South African guitarist/singer Jonathon
Butler. Gerald Albright will be blowing his sensitive saxophone and keeping the party lively,
along with Kirk Whalum, Jeff Lorber, Everett Harp and a host of other dynamic performers.
(see www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com) Unlike our currently unfriendly plane fares, there are no
fuel surcharges on this Smooth Jazz Cruise. There’s no extra charge for baggage and plenty of
great food and accommodations are all inclusive. Group rates are available. Now if you prefer
more straight ahead and/or fusion Jazz, The Playboy Caribbean Jazz Cruise will probably interest
you. Marcus Miller is on this cruise too. He will host the event. His special guest with be
Grammy Award winning pianist/composer, Herbie Hancock. Vocalist Dianne Reeves will be on
hand along with icon reed man, composer and vocalist James Moody. Latin percussionist and
Grammy winner Poncho Sanches will have everyone up and dancing, along with another
Grammy Winner, Blues man, Keb Mo. Also on hand will be Russian keyboard prodigy, Eldar ,
trumpeter supreme, Roy Hargrove, brilliant reed master, James Carter, Roberta Gambarini, the
New Birth Brass band, DJ Logic and they’ll even entertain you further with comedian Alonzo
Bodden. (see www.playboyjazzcruise.com) The promoter of these popular onthewater
festivals is Jazz Cruises, LLC, founded by Anita E. Berry. She vowed to establish a fullship
charter dedicated solely to Straight Ahead Jazz and she’s done just that. Her first cruise, in 2001,
was a sellout event and her success continues. Berry’s company is currently so busy that her
sons, Michael, Bob and Dick have joined hands to help mom run the business. Other jazz
Cruises upcoming begin November 2 – 9, 2008 and feature Dave Koz and Friends at Sea. This
cruise will take off from Fort Lauderdale to the exotic ports of Key West, Grand Cayman,
Cozumel and Belize. For more information about upcoming events, see www.thejazzcruise.com.
September 2, 2008
Jazzy Diary Submission

Dee Dee McNeil
December 2008

 ↑ Back to Top