Artists Include:

• KEN PEPLOWSKI
  Since the advent of Benny Goodman, there have been too few clarinettists to fill the void that Goodman left. Ken Peplowski is certainly one of those. The man is magic - not only is he an outstanding clarinetist and saxophone player, he’s also a charismatic entertainer who has been delighting audiences for over 30 years with his warmth, wit and musicianship.
  In his early teens, Ken was experimenting with jazz and was soon teaching at his local music store. After a year at college he joined the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under the direction of Buddy Morrow. Whilst on the road he met Sonny Stitt and studied with him. In 1980 he moved to New York City and was soon playing in all kinds of settings from Dixieland to avant-garde jazz. In 1984 Benny Goodman came out of retirement and put together a new band hiring Ken on tenor sax, he also tried to sign him to a record deal. However, Ken ultimately signed with Concord and recorded close to 20 albums as leader. His litany of collaborations includes Mel Torme, Charlie Byrd, Madonna, George Shearing, Woody Allen, Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney to name but a few. He has also filled the Hollywood Bowl!
  Ken admits to loving all kinds of music and wants to bridge the gap between musical styles. He loves a challenge and loves playing for audiences big or small. We can guarantee big audiences on our cruise Ken!
  
• JOHN ‘BUCKY’ PIZZARELLI
  began his professional career in 1943 at 17 years old. He played and recorded with the Monroe dance band, then joined NBC as a staff musician. He also toured and recorded with Benny Goodman into the 80’s. He adopted the seven string guitar and has carried forward other jazz guitar traditions as well. However, although the seven string is very popular today, for many years Bucky was considered the only guitarist next to George Van Eps to play this guitar exclusively. He started recording as leader in the 1970’s and established a pattern that he has continued throughout his career. That is, playing and recording some of the greatest guitar compositions from the 1930’s. He also led his own trio and recorded duos with Zoot Sims, Bud Freeman, Stephane Grappelli and his own son John. But along with being a dedicated preservationist of the early styles of playing, Bucky has also developed a personal style that sets him apart. He is a complete jazz musician and guitarist, who moves effortlessly from the daunting format of the solo guitar to playing solid, swinging rhythm and single string solos in an ensemble setting. Just what we need on our Regent Seven Seas.
  
• CHUCK REDD
  is a seasoned performer on both drums and vibraphone. He began performing internationally when he joined the Charlie Byrd Trio in 1980 at the age of 21. To his credit are 12 extensive European tours and five tours of Japan, with the Barney Kessel Trio, Ken Peplowski, Terry Gibbs and Conte Candoli. His career as featured artist has earned critical acclaim. He was featured vibraphonist with the Mel Torme All- Star Jazz Quintet from 1991 - 1996.
  Jazz Times has cited his talents: “ Redd’s vibes are notable for vigour and melodiousness” , they also called his playing “Exquisite”. Chuck has toured and performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Tommy Flanagan, Ray Brown, Monty Alexander, Scott Hamilton, Marian McPartland, Bucky Pizzarreli and Terry Gibbs to name but a few.
  His most note worthy performances include an appearance with the Dizzy Gillespie Quintet in Africa for the Namibian Independence Day Celebration, a recital at the White House with the Barney Kesssel Trio, concerts at Carnegie Hall with Mel Torme, and the Tonight Show.
  In addition to leading his own group, Chuck is a member of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, he presents workshops and lectures around the US. We are very fortunate that he has found time in his busy schedule to rejoin his old friends and thrill us on the Voyager. Welcome aboard Chuck!
  
• JOHNNY VARRO
  this wonderful pianist, leader and arranger has been an accomplished international performer since he was 16. His first professional job was with Bobby Hackett. He then went on to perform at Eddie Condon’s with such great jazz men as Buck Clayton, Pee Wee Russell, Yank Lawson, Billy Butterfield and many others, he then became Condon’s resident band pianist. Johnny has worked most of the jazz rooms in New York including The Embers, The Roundtable, The Metropole and Condon’s uptown with Edmund Hall. Henry “Red” Allen, Coleman Hawkins, Charlie Shavers and Jo Jones, helped further his musical education.
  In 1965 Johnny moved to Miami beach to work on the Jackie Gleason show, he also worked with Flip Philips among others and toured with the Dukes of Dixieland. After some years in California he now resides once again in Florida, in the Tampa Bay area. He enjoys playing in jazz festivals all over the world and we know this wonderful pianist will enjoy playing for us.
  
• NICKI PARROTT
  born in Newcastle, Australia, Nicki started her musical training with the piano at the age of four, soon after she took up the flute as well. At aged 15 she switched to the double bass to play in her sister’s band. In 1994 she won a scholarship from the Australian Arts to move to New York and study with the internationally acclaimed bassist Rufus Reid. Since those days, she has played with Clark Terry, Billy Taylor, Bucky Pizzarelli, DIVA, Warren Vache, Marlena Shaw, Patrice Rushen, the list is endless. She has also played at all the world’s major jazz festivals. She is the recipient of three awards, the first being a scholarship to Pan Pacific Music Camps, and first place in the Jazz Action Society’s Annual Song Competition for her composition of “Come And Get It”, which is the opening track of her 1st CD. Plus of course she was nominated for “Australian Young Achievers Award” which granted her the funds to study in New York. She has recorded many CD’s and features on the CD’s of some of the greats in jazz. We are delighted that this fun, versatile young artiste will be back on our fabulous Regent Voyager.
  

All artists scheduled to be onboard but the Consortium Members and RSSC cannot be responsible for illness, acts of God or perils of the Sea.