Text and photographs by Joseph A. Rosen
The world’s King of Jump and Swing Blues, Duke Robillard performs at the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise 2010.
Since January 2006, I’ve had the privilege, and the big fun, of working with and photographing the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise. The Cruise is run by Roger Naber and his top flight crew out of landlocked Kansas City, MO. Go figure. It is the world’s only fully chartered Blues cruise. Twice a year, October from San Diego and January from Ft. Lauderdale, well over a thousand Blues fans and musicians commandeer a Holland America Lines ship and head to sea for a week of music, fun, sun, camaraderie, general silliness and good times.
The LRBC is a unique environment where as many as 20 acts give multiple performances, parades (planned and spontaneous) pass by, fans and musicians mingle, culinary and music related workshops amuse and inform, unique jam sessions occur nightly, silent and live auctions raise money for charitable causes and much, much more goes on during a week which passes far too quickly.
This year’s January cruise visited Curacao, Aruba and half Moon Key and featured an extra special lineup of artists covering the complete Blues spectrum from Blues/Rock legends, to Chicago, Louisiana and Mississippi masters, contemporary stylists, Southern Soul sounds, acoustic wizards, young winners of the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge (www.blues.org), some very special guests and a whole lot more. There are too many to list here, but the complete list can be found HERE.
What follows is a selection of favorite photos from that Cruise. I hope they give you a sense of the people, the experience and the good times, but as Marvin Gaye and Tami Terrell said, “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” so get on board and experience it for yourself!
The Legendary R&B Cruise is akin to a floating Blues Festival, but more. It lasts a week, all the bands play multiple times, lots of jamming and mingling goes on, because hey, we’re all on the same boat!!! Here the Tommy Castro Band shines in the sunshine.
Chicago Blues master Magic Slim
Chicago Blues master Magic Slim laid down his intense electric Blues as the ship left Ft. Lauderdale at dusk.
Johnny Winter
The lovely Annie Raines, who with her husband Paul Rishell form the duo, Rishell and Raines, performed acoustic guitar, harmonica and vocal shows in the more intimate venues on board.
New England’s, and the world’s, King of Jump and Swing Blues, Duke Robillard, lit up the big stages and many of the jam sessions.
Post-Modern Blues stylist, Keb Mo, brought his warm and heartfelt songs.
Two time Blues Music Award winning instrumentalist, Deanna Bogart, was truly surprised by a group of friendly gladiators, to whom she refers in one of her songs. Deanna played both with her own band and the Legendary R&B Revue.
Kenny Neal and the Neal Family Band, keepers of the flame of Louisiana Blues, rocked the stages. And yes, they are all cousins, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and sons.
Kenny Neal and the Neal Family Band, Louisiana Blues masters rocked!
James “Super Chikan” Johnson of Clarksdale, Mississippi welcomed veteran cruisers at the Returnees party, aided by Billy Gibson and Watermelon Slim. There is also a Virgins party for newcomers, who get “lei’d” (pronounced laid); that is they are adorned with a welcoming garland of flowers and then are no longer virgins.
Acoustic masters Guy Davis and Hans Theessink joined together in a spirited jam.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dion regaled the cruisers with great music and amazing stories. In addition he previewed a DVD recounting his recollections of the events leading up to and following the tragic plane crash which took Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper, over 50 years ago. Many people forget that he was the fourth headliner on that tour.
Dion DiMucci hit the charts with such classics as, “Runaround Sue”, “The Wanderer” and “Ruby Baby.” Dion would later add to his legacy with the inimitable 1968 folk-pop standard, “Abraham, Martin and John”, written by songwriter Dick Hollar.
Modern Blues master, Joe Louis Walker gave many finely honed shows, which were being recorded for a live CD. He was joined by many of the musicians on board, including Keb Mo and later, Johnny Winter.
Keb Mo (left) and Joe Louis Walker (right) rockin’ the boat!
Joe Louis Walker and Johnny Winter
Curtis Salgado of Portland, Oregon is one of the best Soul and Blues singers on the scene today. Back in the day he served as a model for the Blues Brothers when he and John Belushi crossed paths during the filming of Animal House. He is also a cancer survivor. That’s a great uplifting story of the healing power of the Blues: www.curtissalgado.com.
Curtis Salgado belting out some uplifting Soul and Blues.
Southern Soul and “Chitlin’ Circuit” star Theodis Ealey brought the Down Home Blues to the Caribbean.
Look out!! Parade passing!!! These folks took part in the “Remembering Woodstock/Gimme back My Wig” parade. Some folks throw themselves into the theme nights with great gusto, while others just take it all in and enjoy the eye candy!!!
Blues cruise revelry!
Blues cruise revelers…reveling!
Harpman Johnny Sansone, on board with Tab Benoit and the Swamp Jam Band, channels Blues Legend Howlin’ Wolf under the full moon. Nothing quite like a good howl at the moon!!!
Late at night (and often into the day) the Piano Bar is the place to be. Here the lovely Eden Brent takes a break from the keys and joins Jason Ricci on vocals. Varying combinations of musicians, both professional and amateur sit and share the fun in this intimate room.
The Legendary R&B Revue is a touring revue born on the cruise. The Revue features Tommy Castro and his band, Magic Dick, harpman from the original J. Giels band, Deanna Bogart and a variety of top pros, here featuring Kenny Neal, performing in the large Main Stage theatre.
Harpman Magic Dick
Kenny Neal, performing in the large Main Stage theatre.
James “Super Chickan” Johnson seemed to be everywhere. He performed often, playing his custom made Chiktars and Diddley Bows, which besides sounding great are true works of Folk Art. In addition he gave us a culinary demonstration and a workshop about his instruments.
James “Super Chickan” Johnson styled Chiktar
James “Super Chickan” Johnson styled “Diddley Bow”
Jamiesa Turner, Super Chikan’s daughter is the drummer of his all female backing band “The Fighting Cocks.”
Jason Ricci is a modern harmonica powerhouse who fits none of the stereotypes of a traditional Bluesman, except the ones of giving a totally committed, high energy, deeply felt, show every time he takes the stage. Often both Jason and the audience were left gasping for air!!
Houma Louisiana’s own Tab Benoit and the Swamp Band Jam brought a Gumbo of sounds featuring Johnny Sansone, Cyril Neville, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, Mike Zito and more.
Look out again, it’s Mardis Gras!! Musicians, including Cyril Neville, and cruisers alike took part in the Second Line parade!!!
It’s only a masquerade at the Second Line parade!
Jive sax at Second Line parade…
This late night jam session featured the guitarists of the 2008 and 2009 winning bands of the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. On the left is J.P. Soars of J.P. Soars and the Red Hots (2009), and on the right is Nick Schnebelen of Trampled Under Foot (2008).
Magic Slim signs a fan’s shirt during one of the popular autograph sessions.
Louisiana meets Texas!!!! Kenny Neal dropped by and jammed with Johnny Winter, one of the many unexpected combinations that seem to occur regularly on the LRBC.
DeltaGroove/EclectoGroove label owner and harpman Randy Chortkoff, with ace drummer Jimmy Bott in the background, here fronts the Mannish Boys, a revue featuring tons of Blues talent. Vocalists Finis Tasby and Bobby Jones, as well as guitarists Kirk Fletcher and “Paris Slim” Goldwasser all shine as part of the revue.
Chicago veteran vocalist Bobby Jones brought his real deal, seasoned vocals and performance to the Mannish Boys shows.
Rising star Shawn Strasky, guitarist with Jason Ricci and New Blood throws himself into a solo during a late night jam. Shawn will soon have his own CD on the EclectoGroove label.
Blues and World music hero Taj Mahal gave sweet and soulful performances backed by the superb Phantom Blues Band. Taj recently celebrated his 40th year in show business, last summer’s BonTaj Roulet Tour with Bonnie Raitt and his induction in the Blues Hall of Fame in 2009.
Ruthie Foster lets it shine as she sings her heart and soul with her unique blend of Blues, Gospel, Soul, Reggae and more. She’s a special artist and her CD “The Truth According to Ruthie Foster” was Grammy Nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album.
Ruthie Foster drivin’ home some soulful blues…
Keb Mo sings one more sweet song to close out his set on the last night of the Cruise.
About Joseph A. Rosen:
Joseph A. Rosen is a New York City based professional photographer whose work has appeared in Time,Newsweek, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated and more. Corporate clients include JP Morgan/Chase Bank, American Express, Nordstrom, PepsiCo and IBM. He has been a working and exhibiting professional since prior to his graduation from Carnegie-Mellon University with a degree in Photography and Related Studies. His music clients are some of the greatest names in the industry from blues, R&B, soul, rock, Cajun/Zydeco, and jazz, the record companies for whom they record and their management groups. Joe has received the prestigious Keeping the Blues Alive in Photography and Art Award for 2002. The award is presented by the Blues Foundation of Memphis to an artist who has created a body of work which has brought the Blues to the public though photography and “made a significant contribution to the blues world.” For more information about Joseph A. Rosen, please visit www.josepharosen.com.
Related Links
Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise
All photos in this article – Copyright Joseph A. Rosen 2010.
Mike Owens (12 years ago)
Great piece Joe, really brings the flavour of it all across and whetting my appetite. Look forward to meeting with you on the Jan 2012 cruise.