Featured Artist - 2019 Australia - Dave Koz & Friends at Sea

Jazmin Ghent

By Athelda R. Ensley,

Collages, LLC

For cruisers experienced with Dave Koz & Friends at Sea, the addition of Jazmin Ghent to the 2019 line-up on Holland America’s Ms. Noordam was a superb idea. This national and now international jazz recording artist brought her own unique vibe to both voyages. She also enhanced the musical experience by complimenting the excellence that is commonly associated with this annual cruise.

Born in Heidelberg, Germany, Jazmin now lives and works in Central Florida. She is no stranger when it comes to applying her talents in the most creative of ways. Working as an elementary music teacher provides her with her share of ingenuity and resilience. This can be seen and heard through the artistry she demonstrates, playing her saxophone.

Tailoring Your Own Sound

Welcoming to admiring passengers onboard, Ghent showcased many of the qualities that make her stand out and right at home with every caliber musician. She has found the way to tailor a sound that connects to her name. Those who listened to Jazmin’s first album Boss, released in 2015 quickly became fans. It was easy to determine that this was a skilled and talented sax player no matter her age.

Harmonizing with Other Musicians

Dave Koz Cruises are an example of a well-oiled and memorable machine. They are designed to provide passengers with continual music at dynamic onboard venues. Each performance showcases the skills of diverse musicians, many of which are award-winning recipients. Ghent with her celebrated The Story of Jaz album joined this prestigious club of artists on the 2019 cruise.

Being Recognized

Artists, including the likes of Gerald Albright, Peter White, Marcus Anderson, and Richard Elliott were all on this adventure Down Under. Already recognized in 2017 as the Smooth Jazz Network’s Best New Artist, Ghent received the 2019 NAACP’s Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album, The Story of Jaz. She received this honor while performing on the cruise in Australia this year.

Her career and talent will continue to bring attention Jazmin’s way. One thing’s for sure, cruisers are hoping to see her next year on the Dave Koz & Friends at Sea’s 2020 Amsterdam & the British Isles Cruise.

Chronicling Europe & The Baltics 2018 – The Music Plays On

If I had to find a phrase to describe these unique cruises it would be continual music. It doesn’t matter whether you are asleep in your cabin or on deck for a stroll. There is jazz being played everywhere on the ship from sunrise to sunset. What more could fans from countries around the globe ask for when they truly love the music?

Departing from Helsinki brings a bit of sadness to us, travelers because we know the end is coming. There’s one more full-day at sea and then back to Copenhagen. For the majority of us, we will be heading to the airport and home. So I normally take this time to finish up my notes, make some important observations, and enjoy the last two days apart from the Speed of Life.

Each cruise we’ve gotten the chance to meet people we would not have encountered in the states. That in itself is amazing to think about. We’ve adopted travel parents, brothers, sisters, and friends on these journeys. Maybe this is why so many of the jazz fans and cruisers keep coming each year. It’s difficult to say goodbye but we know the music will play on until we see each other again.

#Rick Braun #Marcus Anderson