Cunard Announces Grammy® Award Artist Gregory Porter to Headline Blue Note "Jazz at Sea" Transatlantic Crossing October 25, 2016

SOUTHAMPTON, England, Nov. 18, 2015 /CNW/ -- On the heels of Queen Mary 2's first-ever "Jazz at Sea" Transatlantic Crossing with Blue Note Records, Cunard is delighted to announce that Grammy^® Award-winning singer and songwriter, Gregory Porter, will be headlining the third Blue Note jazz-themed Transatlantic Crossing on October 25, 2016. Porter delighted fans with his powerhouse performances in the Royal Court Theatre during the first, October 29 Jazz at Sea Crossing. During the voyage, Porter spoke about Queen Mary 2's intimate venues and about how the rhythm of water inspires his music.

Described by The New York Times as "a jazz singer of thrilling presence, a booming baritone with a gift for earthy refinement and soaring uplift," Porter signed to Blue Note Records in 2013 and recently took home his second Jazz FM award for "International Jazz Artist of the Year." Porter is widely known for his third studio album, Liquid Spirit, which won the 2014 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album and reached top 10 on the UK album chart.

"Having sailed across the Atlantic with Cunard for the first time, I realize what a unique and exciting travel experience the transatlantic crossing was and I'm thrilled to headline one of the Jazz at Sea voyages next year," said Gregory Porter. "It was inspiring to be on board Queen Mary 2 with some of the greatest minds and musicians in jazz and to meet music fans from around the world."

Cunard and Blue Note Records' first "Jazz at Sea" Transatlantic Crossing included intimate performances by a star-studded roster of fellow Blue Note musicians, featuring: Grammy^® Award-winning jazz pianist and record producer Robert Glasper, acclaimed trumpet player Keyon Harrold, tenor saxophonist Marcus Strickland, guitarist Lionel Loueke, bassist Derrick Hodge and drummer Kendrick Scott.

"The Jazz at Sea experience was one of the greatest experiences of my life," said Don Was, president, Blue Note Records. "Matching up Blue Note Records and Cunard was a stroke of genius. Market research shows that both brands are continually recognized for excellence and integrity, and the Blue Note brand offers a 'cool' vibe as well."

During the first-ever Blue Note "Jazz at Sea" Transatlantic Crossing, lounges and public spaces were transformed to jazz destinations in the evenings where Blue Note artists were met to packed houses in the Chart Room, G32 and Illuminations. Q&A sessions provided a more intimate and informal setting for guests to learn more about the artists, their influences and backgrounds, and where Porter demonstrated the words that moved him in impromptu a capella performances.

"We are delighted that Gregory Porter will join us again in 2016," said Richard Meadows, president, Cunard, North America. "Cunard and Blue Note Records share a deep connection with over 200 combined years of experience in our respective industries, and we are excited to continue to deliver stimulating, celebrated and significant entertainment for our guests."

This special Transatlantic Crossing will also feature other noteworthy jazz musicians that will soon be announced.

For more information about Queen Mary 2 or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard toll free at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.

About Queen Mary 2
Christened by Her Majesty The Queen in 2004, Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 defines luxury travel for the 21st Century and continues a 175-year legacy of transatlantic travel. Queen Mary 2 achieved her 200th Transatlantic Crossing in July 2013. Famous names who have experienced this iconic voyage since 2004 include President George H.W. Bush, Desmond Tutu, James Taylor, Wes Anderson, Tilda Swinton, George Takei, Kim Novak, Uma Thurman, Richard Dreyfuss, John Cleese and Angela Bassett.

About Cunard
Defining true excellence at sea with over 175 years of legendary voyages, Cunard is the operator of luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth that are renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Cunard has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840.Today Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.

World's Leading Cruise Lines
Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Seabourn and fathom. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

About Blue Note Records
Blue Note Records was founded when a German immigrant named Alfred Lion produced his first recording session with two boogie woogie pianists on January 6, 1939 in New York City. Blue Note has gone on to represent The Finest In Jazz, tracing the entire history of the music from Boogie Woogie, Hot Jazz and Swing, through Bebop, Hard Bop, Post Bop, Soul Jazz, Avant-Garde, and Fusion, and into Jazz's numerous modern day incarnations. Blue Note's legendary catalog includes a true Who's Who of Jazz history: Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Horace Silver, Art Blakey, Jimmy Smith, Dexter Gordon, Grant Green, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, McCoy Tyner, Donald Byrd, Andrew Hill, Ornette Coleman, and many more. Blue Note has since established itself as the most respected and longest running Jazz label in the world, remaining home to some of the most prominent stars and cutting-edge innovators in Jazz today while at the same time broadening its horizons to include quality music in many genres. Under the leadership of current President Don Was, Blue Note has renewed its dedication to Lion's original vision that "any particular style of playing which represents an authentic way of musical feeling is genuine expression." Blue Note Records is one of the flagship labels of the Capitol Music Group.

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For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Jackie Chase, Cunard Line, 661-753-1035, [email protected]
Maria Andriano, MGA Media Group, 212-251-1015, [email protected]

For additional information about Blue Note, contact:
Cem Kurosman, Capitol Music Group/Blue Note Records, 212.786.8634, [email protected]

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SOURCE Cunard