Jam Cruise 20: Family Reunion
[This review wouldn’t be possible without the amazing work of Jam Cruise photographers Chris Baldwin, Jesse Faatz, Ariel Opal Feldman, Vlad Grinberg, Jason Koerner, Courtney Scout, Josh Timmermans, and Dave Vann.]
[The feature image is of the best dancer on the boat, Mr. Inflatable Zebra. He was bustin’ moves EVERYWHERE!]
We know it is impossible to describe to a non-believer what our music means to us (regardless of genre). There is no way to describe the elation of a concert by musical wizards. Attempting to explain why we would “run around in the woods” (my mother’s words) with hundreds or thousands of like-minded individuals at a music festival is, we know, futile.
And we double down when we get on the boat (and, yes, there are plenty of music cruises). When we tell friends we are going on a cruise, and they ask, “Where are you stopping?”, we respond, “Don’t know. Don’t care.”
Because Jam Cruise is a family reunion with 3000 of our closest BFFs, folks we see once a year, and a bunch of new family members. How many people did you greet, hug, high-five, smile at, and dance with that you didn’t even know (at the time)?
Jam Cruise 20 was every bit the celebration it was cracked up to be. There were 82 sets of music, 16 other official activities, and many other options, including wellness at sea, the casino, and ports of call. I saw all or part of 57 of those. As always, YMMV. (Your mileage may vary.)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Boarding seemed like a breeze this year, always a good sign. We hugged lots of friends as we waited to embark.
After a solid pass through the cafeteria, where we ate at all hours of the day and night, it was time to SAIL AWAY!
Lettuce had the sail-away set on the Pool Deck, always fun as we’d bump into dozens of friends and friends-to-be. The sound was adequate for this carnival-like atmosphere. Fan favorite “Madison Square” got a great, long treatment.
The sound situation was entirely different in the theater, with Medeski, Martin & Porter featuring Aba Diop, a brilliant percussion player who matched up perfectly with Billy Martin at kit. The cherry on top was DJ Logic! They kicked out with a very spacey intro. That was a surprise, but not nearly as much as when the quintet dove into a stunning 20-minute improv jam. Diop added konokol to the mix, and DJ Logic was pure magic. The next jam was just as deep, as we were reminded of Medeski’s genius on every keyboard he touched. George Porter Jr. was a revelation in this setting as they settled in on a “Bubblehouse” vibe.
Porter Jr. then sang “Ohio,” which melted into yet another jam and then out into “Machine Gun.” Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds joined them for another 17-minute romp. As Porter Jr. sang “I Hear Voices,” Medeski bounced from Hammond B3 to clavinet and then Fender Rhodes. There was a funk piece (“Time Falls”?) before they capped it off with “It Ain’t No Use.”
I already got my money’s worth for the trip. Hope a recording of this set surfaces.
I walked by Jimmy Rea’s set in the Atrium, intent on catching as much of the Chali 2na and Cut Chemist Black & White set as possible. They were doing that thing they do, and nobody but nobody has a smile like Chali 2na. I only got a bit, sure I would absorb their Pool Deck set later in the week.
Speaking of Pool Deck, on to catch moe. Daniel Donato had joined them early for “Just Breathe” and “Mexico” after the band blew up “Moth.”
Then I bounced up to the theater to catch part of Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe in the theater. It was a KDTU dance party. The new-to-me band members were so solid, especially Ricio Fruge on trumpet and Ricky Giordano on guitar. There were great new tunes and classics such as “Satisfied.”
Back to catch the end of moe.’s set: a great decision! “Spine Of A Dog > Light Up Or Leave Me Alone > Rebubula”
I conceded missing Eggy this round, because I’d been waiting for years to see Magic Beans. It was worth the wait! Their first Jam Cruise set was on the Brews at Sea Stage at the opposite end of the Pool Deck stage. They drew a great crowd, and they adhered to one of life’s most important rules: BRING YOUR “A” GAME. From first note to last, they absolutely crushed with their superb jamtronica and deep, deep funk. Cody Wales and Chris Duffy form a brilliant team, providing an amazing trance-dance platform for Scott Hachey and Casey Russell to dance on. Ms. Adryon de León graced the stage to join them on “Be My Lover,” and the boys closed the set with “All I Know.”
There are always tough decisions on Jam Cruise. This was one of my worst: TAUK Moore featuring The Horn Section vs. The New Mastersounds. I started with TAUK Moore, their great tunes such as “STFU” and “Supernova” sounding so good. The set was punctuated in part by the superb Horn Section from Cool Cool Cool. Charlie Dolan and Isaac Teel kept that pulsating drive going all set.
Meanwhile, back at the theater, The New Mastersounds were rockin’, with Lamar Williams Jr. singing up a storm on “Everything I Do.” Impressive young guitarist Shelby Kemp, who plays with Eddie Roberts in The Lucky Strokes, was up for part of the set. They funked and rocked and got jazzy, with Roberts asking, “Who DOESN’T need a little wah-wah in their life, eh?”
George Porter Jr. and Lebo held down the Jam Room; I did not. The Spot was happening, but I didn’t get there for a couple of days. And I never made it up to Galaxy Disco. This was a slightly different cruise for me in aspects such as that.
I did, however, get to the Chefs at Sea Indian Night with magnificent food from Chef Archna Becker of Bhojanic and Tandoori Pizza & Wing Co.!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26
This was the only full day at sea other than Thursday, with music and activities from noonish to sunrise. I began with Al Schnier’s set on the Garden Pool deck (it WAS Garden Party day). He had a truly engaging set, including us all in a safety meeting with “Climb to Safety.” Apparently there was no security, because Rob Derhak (his bandmate in moe.) bum-rushed the stage to sing a song or two!
I was laser-focused on the JAMTalks session with Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew, the members of Talking Heads breathing glorious life into Remain in Light. They took us on a guided tour of the process of that album and then the decision to recreate the magic of the ten-musician 1980 band. As they discussed how to put together a band like that, Harrison said he was busy producing Turquaz, who were already performing some TH songs. It was the perfect fit, and, when Turquaz bifurcated, the seven members became Cool Cool Cool, still the perfect fit.
The best exchange occurred when they were describing Belew recording his parts for Remain in Light, playing on top of existing tracks. And that video clip has disappeared. If anyone has it, please send us the link. Thank you.
Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country had the pool deck crowd dancing. Later Cimafunk and his spectacular band had the first of three Jam Cruise sets there. If you’ve seen him, then you know: Cuban James Brown on steroids. The ladies are brilliant: Ilarivis García Despaigne on trombone and Katerine Ferrer Llerena on tenor saxophone. Both sing; almost everyone in the band sings! They played the hits such as “Rompelo.” When they got near the end to the big one, “Me Voy,” it was different. Normally, Cimafunk invites two dozen or so crowd members to come up and dance. There was just no way to make that happen logistically. They closed with some Funkadelic jams.
Now it was time for Remain in Light, and from first note to last it was stunning. The Cool Cool Cool kids fit so well into this vibe, and Adrian Belew’s power trio bass player Julie Slick did as well. After “Psycho Killer,” the superb “Cross Eyed and Painless” featured special guests Mike Dillon on percussion and Harry Waters on keyboards. Waters has been on tour with his famous dad on his This is Not a Drill tour.
In addition to the incredible string-bending of Belew and playing by Harrison, Craig Brodhead crushed on guitar, as he would do at least eight more times on the cruise. Every member of the band was on fire. Mikey Carubba had a nice feature, The Horn Section were sensational, and there are not enough words for Shira Elias and Sammi Garett. That “Life During Wartime”… WOW.
With all those going on, I missed too much great music, including Perpetual Groove, Jimi’s Dead, John Medeski in the Atrium, and Big Richard. You’d have to bring two or three clones with you to catch everything.
Lotus crushed their theater set. After “Middle Road,” they launched into “Simmer and Out,” and that melted into a ridiculous jam that opened with The Bee Gees’ “You Should Be Dancing” and the band roaring under it and then on top of it. Tim Palmieri was off the hook/chain/something. They kept that vibe going all set long. Mike Greenfield is such a pleasure to watch at kit.
I passed on the MMPA set on the pool deck to catch Eddie Roberts’ latest project, The Lucky Strokes. The Golden Jazz Lounge was again stuffed to the gills. This is Roberts’ chance to be a rock’n’roller, and he is having a ball. Shelby Kemp and Roberts on guitars are a formidable pair. The Galbraith sisters provided the rhythm: Taylor on drums and Ashley on bass. The great Chris Spies on keys is a great addition. They rocked songs from their debut album including “Grits Ain’t Groceries” and “Sweet Dreams” and covers such as “Strawberry Letter 23.” This fine band is now on tour with The New Mastersounds.
Later than I wanted, I caught the Ryan Montbleau Band on the Brews at Sea stage, with a great crowd appreciating Montbleau’s songwriting. Brodhead and Carubba from Cool Cool Cool are regular members of his band. There was a great sequence that started with reggae, flowed into “Tell the Truth,” then roared out as “White Wedding”!
I was brokenhearted (is that a verb?) twice with miserable sound. Lettuce in the theater was so loud, and the bass reverberated through everything, drowning out a brilliant 49-minute opening of “Vibe > Phyllis > House Of Lett > Jump To It > House Of Lett.” The setlist is superb, with a real treat toward the end: Donny Hathaway’s “Valdez in the Country.”
From there Franc Moody were doing the pool deck. This was the fifth time seeing them, but the sound was so loud and so uneven, it was a struggle to enjoy.
Isaac Teel and Kanika Moore were holding down the Jam Room. No surprise seeing the rest of the TAUK bandmates up there, at least for a while. There were jams and sit-ins and “Superstition” and a lot of fun. How about Ivan Neville on B3?
There was music in the Disco Elevators and at sunrise on the Garden Pool Deck with Displace from Tampa. Lee Rissin had several manic elevator events as well. Also on tap during the day: Deitch Family Drum Clinic, Garden party crafting, Meet the Brewers, and Costume Party with Kanika and Jelly.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27
It was Montego Bay day, as many explored Jamaica. I slept. And ate.
Magic Beans held an early Musical BEANgo, and there was scavenger hunt scoring.
There was a change to the day’s schedule; David Hinds of Steel Pulse needed to return to Jamaica after their set, which was moved up earlier to make that happen. This band is celebrating 49 years bringing powerful reggae to the world, and they never disappoint. Also, there is no way to keep bass wizard Amlak Tafari from running around in the crowd!
Keller Williams always delights, sending his vibes fore, aft, port, and starboard.
The Cory Wong Show hit the theater. If you’ve seen him and the band, then you KNOW it’s a SHOW. Love all of his antics and the incredible sound of that big band. They also threw in a fine version of Steely Dan’s “Peg.”
I have no reason to doubt Lee Rissin when he says that the best set on the boat was the Krasno Moore Project, which of course I missed.
In the midst of the pool deck schedule change, there was an open slot, and Diggin Dirt were moved from the small Brews at Sea stage to the big stage, which is a good thing, because [1] they couldn’t have fit in there, and [2] their stunning performance deserved to be seen by everyone. Diggin Dirt were by far my favorite “discovery” this year.
The following comes from an article about the band you can read here:
We missed the opening of the set coming from Cory Wong, but Diggin Dirt blew us away immediately, and the sound was great! And here was singer Zach Alder, with a big cowboy hat on, singin’ and shoutin’ and screamin’ and pourin’ himself into the set. Eric Dobko on bass and Joey Incorvaia on drums propelled the groove with their relentless funk attack, and the guitars of Rory Urquhart and Zach Gutierrez harkened back to Jimmy Nolen on “”Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag.” (EVERY player on the scene today owes a huge debt of gratitude to Nolen.)
What truly set their presentation apart was the twin sax attack of Aaron Gottesman (tenor) and Tyler Martin (baritone). Several of their best-known tunes helped fill out the set, including “Operator,” “Superstar,” “Leather Tramp,” and “Milkman” (you MUST see this video!). Diggin Dirt already had us on a real high when the unmistakable opening notes of “Mississippi Queen” rushed out, and Alder owned it!
For the pièce de résistance, they rolled out of “Queen” and into “There Was a Time.” This comes from the greatest R&B recording ever (well, it’s my article), James Brown ‘Live’ at the Apollo (1967), in the medley “Let Yourself Go > There Was a Time > I Feel Alright > Cold Sweat,” and damn skippy that’s Jimmy “Chank” Nolen on that funk guitar!
TAUK lit up the B&W with a fine set of instrumentals, opening with “Friction” and never letting up. Collaborator Kanika joined in on “Tom Sawyer,” and Elise Testone helped them torch Led Zep’s “No Quarter” and then “Come Together.”
The Sweet Lillies did the Atrium, and George Porter Jr. joined them for part of the set. They performed a song they wrote for the Queen of Jam Cruise, Annabel Lukins Stelling.
Cimafunk and crew were setting up in the Golden Jazz Lounge. There was simply no chance to move anywhere near there. Sardines aren’t packed that tight.
It was moe.’s turn in the theater, and they did it up big with a great set including a long take on “Silver Sun” and a blistering 35-minute romp through “Four > Buster” and then a “Godzilla” sign-off. Nate Wilson is such a superb addition to this band.
Cool Cool Cool hit the pool deck, and the dance party was ON! Proud to see bass player Digo Zambrano as a great fit for the band, perfectly in lockstep with Mikey Carubba on drums. We heard new songs, older ones, their first official single “Never Noticed,” and much more. The Horn Section weaved their magic throughout the set, and Shira Elias and Sammi Garett are simply deluxe. Still my favorite: the power of “Tied Up”!
I caught the second half of Magic Beans’ B&W set, and once again they were, indeed, magic. The Beans threw down another epic set, packing the dance floor. Russell is a true keyboard wizard, and he and the band were locked in tight. The set also featured a sit-in from Brock Butler of Perpetual Groove, and he is encouraging them to schedule a run together!
Chali 2na and Cut Chemist absolutely crushed their pool deck set. They are both brilliant rappers, and Cut Chemist’s work on the desks is amazing. Their positivity permeated across the crowd.
Adryon de León and Elise Testone led an outstanding collective in the Jam Room, with Chris Spies, Tim Palmieri, Mike Greenfield, Craig Brodhead, Taylor Galbraith, and numerous others. They soared on songs such as “It Ain’t Over ’Til It’s Over,” “Lovely Day” with Shelby Kemp, and “Baby, I Love You.”
Dumpstaphunk played their only set of the cruise, and I miss it!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28
This was Grand Cayman day. MSC Divina anchored in the harbored, and many took tenders over to shore to explore. Others stayed on board. Amlak Tafari held a talk titled “From Handsworth to Hollywood.”
The New Mastersounds had the sailaway pool deck set. Lamar Williams Jr. and The Horn Section were part of the set, and a string of great guests made this one a blast. Duane Betts and Shelby Kemp joined in on “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More” (Allman Brothers Band), and Shira Elias and a trombone player were next. Magical song “Yokacoka” was in the mix, as were Daniel Donato later and then Adryon de León. Taylor Galbraith took the drum kit as Simon Allen joined Joe Tatton on keyboards! Ashley Galbraith sat in on bass as well!
Alric “AC” Carter of TAUK had the Atrium set, joined for part by bandmates Charlie Dolan and Isaac Teel. It is great to hear him on a grand piano, given that we are accustomed to see him on all manner of electric and electronic keyboards.
Matt Butler was doing his directorial thing in the theater with a huge collection of players for Everyone Orchestra, once again spotlighting Positive Legacy. It would almost be easier to figure out who WASN’T there. Always enjoyable hearing the orchestra improvise, invent, and expand on the themes Butler presented.
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe had another dynamite set, this time in the theater. In addition to the band’s great music, they threw down a fine version of “Miss You,” since, you know, Karl does play in that band! Nigel Hall had a great sit-in as well.
Shira Elias assembled a great combo with two of her Cool Cool Cool bandmates (Craig Brodhead and Digo Zambrano), two TAUK boys (Isaac Teel and Alric “AC” Carter), and two Dumpstaphunk horns. After singing the Grover Washington Jr. tune “Mr. Magic,” Elias invited up a wonderful lineup of vocalists including Elise Testone, Lyle Divinsky, Josh Schwartz, Adryon de León, and Sammi Garett, who sang a Spice Girls song everybody but me in the place knew.
Annabel gave her heartfelt introduction to Galactic even more special, noting that this 20th cruise was also the band’s 20th. Galactic then reminded us precisely WHY they’ve been on every cruise with a superb set fronted by the amazing Anjelika Jelly Joseph. Stanton Moore’s partner in crime Mike Dillon was there, as usual. “There’s Something Wrong with This Picture” is more relevant than ever.”
For me, it was disaster again for Franc Moody, sound-wise. I assure you that Ned Franc and Jon Moody and their bandmates sound better than what you heard on board. The set included favorites “Flesh and Blood,” “She’s Too Good for Me,” and “Love to See You Dancing.”
Proxima Parada did the Brews at Sea thing with much more enthusiasm than I observed Monday in the B&W. They were rocking and keeping the patrons very happy.
Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass were holding late-night church service on the pool deck with hymns such as “Mexicali Blues” and “Sugaree.” Now THAT’S a church!
Purple Party presented a veritable who’s who of musicians on board during a brilliant presentation curated by Casey Russell of Magic Beans. Cool Cool Cool joined him to kick things off, along with Adryon de Leon, Elise Testone, and Lyle Divinsky. Players and singers came and went throughout the set, including Lebo, Karl Denson, the other Magic Beans, Kanika Moore, the TAUK boys, Ivan Neville, Tony Hall, Mike Greenfield and numerous others I missed.
Duane Betts & Cris Jacobs closed out the Jam Room.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 29
It was TV Characters theme day, and the ladies of Big Richard aced this one with their Power Rangers outfits. I loved their song “The To Do List.” Around the ship, the Franc Moody gents held What in the Word game show, Isaac Teel and Lyle Divinsky hosted Swoosh There It Is, and the Positive Legacy Silent Auction again raised funds for the program.
One of the most special aspects of Jam Cruise is the Masters at Sea program, where enrollees go to class early each day in the Black & White lounge to learn from some great masters, including Nikki Glaspie, Nigel Hall, Melody Trucks, Vaylor Trucks, Eric Krasno, Ross James, George Porter Jr., Matt Butler, Stanton Moore, and Jimi’s Dead. All met early Sunday before the sail-away to meet the masters and learn about the programs.
That was a special meeting, but not nearly as special as the Participant Orchestra Finale Concert Thursday afternoon. What a delight it was to hear dozens upon dozens of our fellow Jam Cruisers making great music after their week of mentorship with songs such as “Bertha,” “The Weight,” and “Dear Mr. Fantasy.” And that was capped off by a set of music from the masters themselves!
To date, we have not found any photographs of these two events. Still looking.
Lebo’s Yacht Rock was a pure delight last year, and this year’s set was a match. He rounded up six of the Cool Cool Cool kids, Chris Spies, and a long list of guests. They played “Peg,” “One of These Nights” (Karl Denson), “Whatcha Gonna Do for Me” (Denson, Adryon de León, Ricio Fruge), “Don’t Stop,” and lots more.
Annabel regaled us with the story of how she finally asked Mike Dillon to host the Super Jam, and super it certainly was! Initially, the band featured the Gailbraiths, Chris Spies, Eddie Roberts, and a player to be named later. There was a take on “Apache” and another before Nikki Glaspie and a bass player got up. Dillon is a huge Frank Zappa devotee, and “Peaches En Regalia” and “Willie the Pimp” gloriously poured out. They rocked “Pusherman” and “Cocaine” before Stanton Moore settled in for some Trouble Funk.
There was a tune for Skerik and a then a parade of guests. One of the highlights — seriously, just watch the video for ALL the everything — was when Dillon and Punkadelick bandmate Glaspie started screaming about Satan and then played a tortured version of “Supernaut” (Black Sabbath). Pure Mike Dillon from start to finish, with Mama D on deck 16 presiding over the festivities!
Steel Pulse had a guest-filled set in the theater, and songstress Kim Dawson is with them!
Cory Wong took the pool stage, although this set didn’t quite match their earlier outing in the theater. Plenty of high energy, but they’d set the bar high the other day.
Perpetual Groove was a great addition to this year’s cruise, and Brock Butler and company rocked both of their sets. The B&W show featured a bunch of guests and a fine “Sun > Pepper > Dog” sequence.
Many make the pilgrimage annually to Ivan Neville’s Atrium set, filled to overflowing with musicians and music lovers alike.
Cimafunk and band had another of their dynamic dance parties in the theater, overshadowed by absurdly loud bass, drums, and conga. Seriously. Nonetheless, they pulled out all the stops, rolling through “Rompelo” and lots of their favorites, a set so hot he stripped off his shirt! There were plenty of James Brown grooves and some fine piano work. Somehow, he thought the set ended at 11. Realizing that they had 15 more minutes, the band bounced through some P-Funk including “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker).”
I had this plan. I would check out Diggin Dirt in the Black & White Lounge for half an hour, hit Lotus on the Pool Deck for another 30 minutes, then finish with Galactic in the Pantheon to close the night (well, except for Marc Brownstein and band with Chali 2na in the Jam Room at 2).
Didn’t happen.
Diggin Dirt threw down one of the most amazing sets of Jam Cruise — or any other time, for that matter. At the conclusion of the set, I accosted bass player Eric Dobko, explaining how he had ruined my plan, since I was riveted there the entire set. With a huge grin, he said, “That’s just the way I created the setlist!” BRAVO!
Then I offered one other comment:
“My one musical regret was that I never saw James Brown in person. I think that is as close as I’ll ever get.” With tears in my eyes.
Diggin Dirt not only claim to play funk/rock/reggae groove music created behind the redwood curtain in Humboldt County, CA, but they deliver in mass quantities. I have not been this excited about a band in ages.
I did manage to catch the end of the superb Lotus set on the pool deck before drifting back down for some last-minute vibes with Marc Brownstein and Chali 2na in the Jam Room, so much fun.
And I poked my head into The Spot for a few minutes before I took a brief nap before grabbing breakfast, before saying goodbye to so many dear friends old and new.
That is what I heard and saw. Regardless of your journey and experience, I am positive you had a fabulous cruise!
Jam Cruise 21? Pre-booked weeks ago!
