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.

Foodie Blubs from Haleiwa, HI

Beach House Restaurant

62-540 Kamehameha Hwy #1, Haleiwa, HI

Yesterday, we went off in search of where the big waves show surfers what they're made of. This took us on a ride up to the North Shore, approximately 34 miles from Honolulu. I felt transported to another time and place as we passed Coffee Farms and Pineapple Plantations along this Pacific Coastal area. Our search ended at a restaurant called the Beach House overlooking the ocean and an amazing sunset.

I dined on a tasty House Fettuccini with mushrooms, onions, and asparagus. The dish was accented by a white wine butter sauce and a memorable balsamic reduction. Like most people, I was completely satisfied until I got a better look at hubby’s meal. Although I am vegan most of the year, I had to taste his Beef Short Rib, braised in red wine with roasted onions on top of tantalizing Yukon mashed potatoes.

The trip was well worth the meal and the stunning going down of the sun! Thank you, Haleiwa.

Speed of Life Stops!

Chronicling Europe & The Baltics 2018 – Mixing Jazz in Estonia

A big part of my chronicling of this trip has to do with our shared love for jazz. I must be honest, however, in saying that I came late to the party. My husband grew up in Brooklyn, NY and has a rich history of listening to different styles of jazz. I started my journey by getting my feet wet with artists, such as Kenny G and Dave Koz.

Not long after we went on our first cruise in 2013 with DK, I realized that I was hooked. At the time, new artists like Vincent Ingala were hitting the scene and would soon be on the charts, as well. Industry staples like Richard Elliot and Gerald Albright solidified their place in what many refer to as Smooth Jazz.

There’s no way to separate the music from the destinations that we travel to. They are a mixture, a perfect blend that follows the couple thousand of us cruisers, who are on board for the both of them. Estonia left an impression on me partially because of its natural beauty. This was showcased in a very unassuming way.

There was no way to look at the busy residents and tourists on city streets to know about Tallinn’s history. It wasn’t possible to know that 1,500 islands, beaches, lakes, and forests are a part of the landscape that defines the country. Sitting relaxed in front of a restaurant near the mall, I listened to the sounds of the city.

I collected my thoughts and the inspiration for future writing, while absorbing the memories created in this place.