Blues Cruise Schedule

I didn't notice that until you said something Eva. That's a gas!! I noticed a big increase in the number of folks who knew Joe last year. They play his music on the inroom sets because he cruised in the past. I'm hoping to have my RAH shirt before I leave next Friday. I'll let you know all about it when I return.    Cathy

Alright sis, I demand you to have a great time ......you deserve another nice vaction, wish George could make it

Shreddy

Hey Kevin,
  I was gonna say the same thing. Larry McCray is freakin great.

"Put my last four nickels into a telephone
dialed the number baby, but the gu-url wasn't home..."

The Delta Hurricane and the uptown horns.  In '93 he was playing a "Flying Vee"  Then he did a little church thing.  Good Blues;  Funky, soulful, good singer, but can also rock very hard.

What guitar play now?

BigJeff Seal of Approval.

Cathy's back home safe and sound, though understandably tired. It must be so strange to go from 80's and sun to snow, ice and freezing temperatures within less than a day.

(Incidentally, Holland has had the coldest January for 12 years.)

I'll start by saying there's never a bad cruise, but the line-up was the weakest so far IMHO..Wish I was going on the Oct. cruise. More guitar players of my taste...Here's a condensed version of the cruise.

The sail away with Larry McCray was great. He's Michael Burk's cousin and "big" must run in the family. He's a sweet guy. Enjoyed him all week. One of my favorite "moments" was when he and the guitar player 2 doors down decided to jam on the porch at 2 am...It was better than most of the shows! But, they only played for a short time...

Etta canceled so Irma Thomas replaced her and what a voice. Also much respect to the Holmes Brothers. Taj Mahal, The Thunderbirds (Kim Wilson married Tab's X on the cruise) and Tommy Castro were ok. Tommy had his new gal with him and seemed less inspired this year. Even Jimmy Thackery only cut loose a few times. He played more with the Cate Brothers and Reba Russell.

Now the shocker, and be kind to me, While I was impressed with his hand, I didn't find Derek Trucks to my taste. He has a jazz tilt to his songs and when they get "jammy" I lose interest. I really tried, I promise!

BUT, Susan Tedeschi  rocked. She not only plays a wicked guitar, but her voice is magic! While Derek never came to the jams, Susan was active. In fact, some of the best guitar playing I heard was from the ladies! Ana Popovic was amazing..not only laying down some hot guitar but doing it in heels!!! Her voice is her only weakness IMHO. Debbie Davies was probably the best guitfiddle player of the ladies and when the girls jammed it got everybody's attention!

I can't say much about the piano players as I don't frequent the piano bar..there's an entire subculture in that place!

There was a huge contingency from Norway with JT Lauritsen..they were tons of fun. I also really liked the Brit James Hunter..a soulfull blues guitar player and singer that gives a high energy show. Another Brit guitar player, Todd Sharpville, was a special guest and I loved him! That was the kind of guitar playing I longed for!!!

My other favorites were IBC winners Trampled Under Foot..heard them in Memphis last year and they're even better now. I understand why Nick won the Albert King award..super player! Another IBC group (won 2nd place in 2007) Homemade Jamz Band, have aged..the drummer is 10 now...But these young kids from Mississippi really have "it". Their muffler guitars are the best! They said there may be a reality show on TLC about them. I hope it doesn't ruin them.

Other notables..Commander Cody..what a funny man!!! Tony Braunagel, drummer for the Phantom Blues Band and one of those that organized the tours in Iraq for the troops, Dion, EG Knight and Bob Margolin were also special guests and were active in the jams.

I'm happy to report I was able to stay awake for a few jams this year, even outlasted the bands! And, it's only taken 3 days to catch up on sleep...now I need to unpack and do laundry!

So, I'm not re-upped for the next Jan. cruise. I'm going to wait for the line-up to be announced. I may go in Oct. of 2010..Fingers crossed for certain guests!!!!!!! It is a wonderful experience and I hope you all get a chance to do the cruise at least once.      Cathy

ps..I didn't mention the Ports as I stay on the ship....

p.p.s. Paragraphs supplied by an editor

Oh yes, lost in the ozone.......