Dave Koz Cruise - Featured Performers Line Up - Dave Koz Cruise

BRINGING YOU TRULY FABULOUS MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT

It gives me profound pleasure to announce that the iconic funk group (and my favorite band of ALL TIME) Tower of Power will be joining us as our very special in-port guests!! This is HUGE! They’re celebrating their 50th Anniversary of making music this year, and we couldn’t be happier (nor more proud) to host them, especially on such a special anniversary year.

The incredible alto sax star Gerald Albright is excited to be making a return visit to our cruise, as well as tenor saxman Richard Elliot, trumpeter Rick Braun and acoustic guitarist Peter White! The wonderful singer Maysa will be joining us for the first time, as well as gospel legend (and one of the greatest singers of all time) BeBe Winans! Dutch saxophonist and singer Candy Dulfer is thrilled to be getting in on all the Aussie fun, as are keyboardist (and the man who gave me my start), Jeff Lorber, saxophonist Everette Harp and guitarist Paul Jackson Jr.!

And the talent doesn’t stop there. You’ll be saying “G’Day” to artists like multi-instrumentalist Vincent Ingala, trombonist/singer Aubrey Logan, saxophonist Marcus Anderson doing his thing once again all over the ship…plus amazing singers Javier Colon and Chris Walker. Plus, the hilarious comedian Tommy Davidson will be returning to keep the laughs aplenty on our journey.

Special Featured Performers

TOWER OF POWER

Special Melbourne in port Performance on the ms Noordam

Featured Performers

GERALD ALBRIGHT

Featured Performer
RICK BRAUN

Featured Performer
TOMMY DAVIDSON

Comedian
CANDY DULFER

Featured Performer
RICHARD ELLIOT

Featured Performer
EVERETTE HARP

Featured Performer
VINCENT INGALA

Featured Performer
PAUL JACKSON JR

Featured Performer
AUBREY LOGAN

Featured Performer
JEFF LORBER

Featured Performer
MAYSA

Featured Performer
CHRIS WALKER

Featured Performer
PETER WHITE

Featured Performer
BEBE WINANS

Gospel Host

TOWER OF POWER

Special Melbourne in port Performance on the ms Noordam

Oakland, California music legends Tower of Power…easily one of the most dynamic and distinctive bands in all of Soul Music, is roaring into its unprecedented 50th anniversary this year! We’re grateful the guys could join us here in Australia, especially in such a busy milestone anniversary year. Along with veteran members Emilio Castillo, Stephen “Doc” Kupka, David Garibaldi and Francis Rocco Prestia, T.O.P. consists of guitarist Jerry Cortez, organist/keyboardist Roger Smith, tenor saxophonist Tom Politzer, and trumpeters Adolfo Acosta and Sal Cracchiolo. Riding high on the smash success of their 50th anniversary album, “Soul Side Of Town”, this legendary band, with that unmistakable horn section are fully prepared to throw down on board. And I know we all can’t wait for every single funky note! Welcome T.O.P.!!

GERALD ALBRIGHT

Featured Performer

We’re so happy to welcome back eight-time Grammy nominee and one of the biggest stars of R&B and contemporary jazz, Gerald Albright! With a signature “percussive” sound on the alto saxophone — a sound which remains a standard by which young saxophonists compare themselves, Gerald’s signature playing is known the world over. He’s shared the stage with Anita Baker, The Temptations, Quincy Jones, and Whitney Houston to name a few, and with his amazing wife (The Waffle Queen!) Glynis, recently started their own label, Bright Music Records, which released Gerald’s latest album, 30 last year. A celebration of an unbelievable thirty years as a recording artist, this album reimagines hits from his long career, dating back to his debut release, Just Between Us. You can find Gerald later this summer touring once again with the Summer Horns.

RICK BRAUN

Featured Performer

If you’ve ever seen him perform, you know what a high-energy entertainer the effervescent Rick Braun is…no one throws a party like Rick! The charismatic musician-songwriter-producer has become one of the most consistent hitmakers, having amassed a vast catalogue of #1 radio hits throughout his solo career that began in 1992. The son of a musical mom growing up in Allentown, PA, Rick’s trumpet playing has graced recordings and live shows from the likes of Sade, Rod Stewart, War, and Tina Turner. But Rick and his lovely wife Christiane are proudest of their other ‘productions,’ daughter Emma and son Kyle! A big hello to the entire Braun Family. Rick is very excited about the Summer Horns album which he produced, and this Summer’s upcoming tour, as well as his sold out Rick Braun’s New Year’s Eve weekend that benefits Autism research.

TOMMY DAVIDSON

Comedian

It’s not easy to become a household name doing comedy, but Tommy Davidson sure has done it! Possessing exceptional range from stand-up to acting to music, Tommy has deservedly earned his reputation as an extraordinary performer. Best known as one of the stars of the hit television show In Living Color, Tommy returns this year for another sailing…and there’s no doubt that this innovative talent will have your sides splitting all week long!

CANDY DULFER

Featured Performer

Talk about a child prodigy… Candy Dulfer, a Dutch alto saxophonist/singer, began playing at the ripe age of 6! The daughter of one of Holland’s most famous saxophone stars, Hans Dulfer, Candy founded her band Funky Stuff when she was just 14 years old. With her debut album Saxuality receiving a Grammy nomination, she went on to perform and record with mega-stars Prince, Dave Stewart, Van Morrison, Pink Floyd, and Tower of Power, as well as continuing her own hugely successful career performing all over the globe. Ever pushing the creative envelope, Candy recently released her autobiography, “Sax, Candy & Rock ’n Roll” and dropped another hit album entitled “Together”. A bonafide TV star, style and fashion guru and mega-successful artist, we’re elated to be ‘together’ once again with Candy on our cruise!

RICHARD ELLIOT

Featured Performer

The Scottish-born, LA-raised saxman and former Tower of Power band member, Richard Elliot continues to blow audiences away with his soulfully robust tenor playing. Whether with the Summer Horns or on his own shows, there’s simply no one that plays a horn quite like Richard. One of the most dynamic and sought-after artists in contemporary jazz, he never disappoints his audiences – taking them on the ride of their lives with his sheer mastery of the instrument. Richard’s latest album, Summer Madness, is a return to his funk roots, and is a revelation. A proud husband to Camella, and dad to five great kids, we’re thrilled to host Richard on the cruise again…and you know that if he’s onboard, jaw-dropping performances are bound to occur!

EVERETTE HARP

Featured Performer

We’re thrilled to have Houston, TX native Everette Harp joining us for the first time on our cruise! This incredible saxman first started playing piano at age 2 and the saxophone at 4, with early influences being the gospel music he heard at the church where his dad was the minister. To look at Everette is to understand the depth of his musicianship…he is ‘large’ in every way…and whether it’s his own hit music, playing with Jazz Funk Soul, or supporting other artists, he never gives less than his absolute best. Harp has performed and/or recorded with Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Neil Diamond, Al Jarreau, Natalie Cole, Will Downing, Branford Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan and Michael McDonald to name a few…an unparalleled list of superstars to signify what we all know—Everette Harp is one of the true greats in all of music.

VINCENT INGALA

Featured Performer

What a ride Vincent Ingala has had, since appearing on our first sailing in 2010! Still in his twenties, the charismatic saxophonist/singer/multi- instrumentalist from CT makes new fans everywhere he goes with his amazing playing, knowledge of music well beyond his years and his show-stopping live performances. His latest project, the infinitely listenable Personal Touch recently yielded Vincent yet another #1 with “Snap Crackle, Pop”! And look for him joining two other legendary sax artists Michael Lington and Paul Taylor for the “Sax To The Max” tour hitting the road this Spring. Always a fan favorite on our cruise, we’re ecstatic Vincent is back for another sailing!

PAUL JACKSON JR

Featured Performer

“The guitarist’s guitarist,” Paul Jackson Jr. is arguably the most-heard guitarist on Planet Earth, having played on literally thousands of the most popular albums of all time. His studio credits read like a who’s who of modern music: Michael, Elton, Lionel, Whitney and countless more. Equally at home in the studio, on TV and the concert stage, Paul can truly do it all. You’ve seen him as the resident guitarist on “American Idol” and “The Tonight Show” and is constantly traveling the country sharing his own solo music, having recorded seven albums as a leader. His latest release, Stories From Stompin’ Willie, is a musical tribute to his dear friend and mentor George Duke. We’re so excited to see what kind of magic Paul brings this year, with his solo shows and as the newest member of the supergroup, Jazz Funk Soul!

AUBREY LOGAN

Featured Performer

If you’ve never seen Aubrey Logan live, we guarantee you, once you see her do her thing, you will never forget this woman! Whether jammin’ on her trombone or sailing through a song with her nothing-held-back, multi-octave voice, Aubrey completely captivates an audience. A graduate of Boston’s Berklee College of Music and winner of the top vocal competitions at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, Aubrey is passionate about her art and finds herself at home whether in a recording studio, on stage with symphony orchestras, intimate clubs or in a classroom teaching kids. Beyond excited about her stunning new album “Where The Sunshine Is Expensive”, due this month, you can also find the tireless Aubrey on tour this Summer for another Summer Horns tour. Welcome back Aubrey!

JEFF LORBER

Featured Performer

Grammy award winning pianist, composer, producer and first timer to our cruise, we proudly welcome the legendary jazz fusion pioneer, Jeff Lorber! Beginning his amazing career with the Jeff Lorber Fusion in the 70s, Jeff went on to record countless hit albums, traveling the world over sharing his unique gift. When not doing his own music, the tireless music maker helped launch the careers of a whole slate of artists including Kenny G, Karen White and Boney James, and was instrumental in starting it all off for Dave Koz, co-writing and producing many of Koz’s hits. Lorber’s brand new release with his Jazz Funk Soul colleagues is Life and Times, a tribute to the legacy and inspiration that their longtime friend and collaborator, Chuck Loeb left behind.

MAYSA

Featured Performer

We’re beyond thrilled to welcome Maysa to our Down Under cruise…not only because of her unique, instantly identifiable vocal sound encompassing Jazz, Soul and R&B, but because she is one of the most giving and generous artists of her generation with millions of die-hard fans all over the globe. Celebrating over 26 years in the business, this Grammy-nominated musical chameleon and communicator has garnered raves with her solo work as well as hits with the UK-based soul outfit Incognito. Be sure to catch her and that amazing voice all over the ship this week—if you’ve not yet heard Maysa sing, prepare to be completely blown away!!

CHRIS WALKER

Featured Performer

Raised in Houston, Texas, where he began singing before speaking, returning artist Chris Walker got his start in the church as a member of his family gospel group. Since then, Chris has gone on to play bass for Ornette Coleman, Regina Belle and for the last many years, was right there alongside the great Al Jarreau, singing and playing his heart out. A solo artist as well with two Top 5 Billboard R&B hits, Chris is most excited about releasing his just completed Al Jarreau tribute project “We’re In This Love Together” this Spring, featuring the original Jarreau band and special guests Will Downing, David Foster, Bob James, Rick Braun, Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum and many other luminaries.

PETER WHITE

Featured Performer

Fans of Peter White are some of the most passionate in all of music. And for good reason…in a career that spans four decades, 15 solo recordings and countless performances all over the globe, Peter insists that it’s the faces in the crowd and the fans that keep the experience fresh for him. “Everyone’s favorite English guitarist,” Peter has maintained a reputation as one of the most versatile and prolific acoustic guitarists in contemporary jazz, armed with an unparalleled combination of lyricism and energy, as his latest album, Groovin’, proudly showcases. His touch is immediately recognizable, and you will her a whole lot of his guitar this week, wafting from the MainStage to his own watering hole onboard, the Peter White Pub! Do make sure you visit!

BEBE WINANS

Gospel Host

We couldn’t be more thrilled to have six-time Grammy award winner BeBe Winans here with us this year for the very first time! A true living legend, BeBe is the seventh child and youngest male of the Detroit based “first family of gospel music”, The Winans. Best known as an inspirational, R&B, and popular vocalist/songwriter, Bebe, along with his musical partner and sister CeCe, became the first true Christian crossover artists to hit the mainstream, and millions of records later, he has not stopped creating. The critically acclaimed production of his buzzed-about new musical “Born For This” played in Boston during the summer of 2018 and set to hit Broadway later this year. Here to host our popular gospel show and so much more, we are so excited to have the incredible Bebe Winans on board!