ENKINDLER

It’s 3:30 AM as I look at my watch while on my way back to my cabin after an amazing jam session. Delbert blurts out as he passes me by, “Do I need to throw that thing overboard?” I look up and there is a spry Delbert McClinton grinning and reaching out to shake my hand. I tell him that this is my first Sandy Beaches Cruise and he responds, “Well did we get your cherry?” I smile back and say,’ Gladly!” On Delbert’s’ Cruise all egos are left at the port. There is no difference between fan or band. This is what makes this cruise so much fun! From the first hand shake to the last hug, Delbert and his friends made us feel like family.

My wife and I accepted an offer to go on the cruise because she is the Webmaster of the BluesFestivalGuide.com. I write for the ReggaeFestivalEguide.com, so I usually have my ears entrenched there. We didn’t care what music would be playing on the cruise, we just thought it would be nice to leave our three teenagers ashore with Grandpa and eat some great food!

It was the day of the Inauguration, we had been at Sea for two days and were about to stop in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. All eyes glued on our new President, Obama! Beginning on the Aft stage, Cyril Neville and his beautiful wife Gaynielle stand along with the rest of Tribe 13 as the boat begins to simultaneously celebrate the peaceful transition of power. The first question from Cyril as he broke from the opening Funk Jam, “Will you remember where you were today?” “I know I will!” He exclaims as the Tribe breaks into a funkified blues medley version of “I feel Good!” Beautiful, both the music and message. Ricky, Amari, and Norm are incredible musicians and new found friends. Jimmy is a dream.

Just like Gilligan’s three hour tour, we got a little lost on our excursion to Isle Ixtapa. Who should we find there but “Doyle and Debbie”? A.K.A Bruce Arntson and Jenny Littleton are as sweet in person as they are funny on stage! I enjoyed my dinner with new friends from Kansas and Australia. They made us promise to catch this “Aussie” guitar slinger name Geoff Achison. Thank God we did. That night back at the Vista Lounge my wife and I were astonished by the subtle soulful brilliance of Geoff’s skill with a six-string. He wields his guitar like a wild-spirited warrior.

After soul man Mike Ferris and The Roseland All Stars blessed us with an inspirational morning montage of angelic revival music, the demons seemed to have cleared out only long enough for the Devil to walk in. Tom Hambridge and The Rattlesnakes are one band you’ve got to see live. This is headbangin’ country! And as they say, “We got cha’ Country right here!” Bringing 38-Special back to the future with Brian Love and Sal Baglio on guitars. Rob Wilbourn and Tom McDonald steady the groove as they serve up some kick ass deep Southern Fried Rock! The next day at Miramar Beach, Mazanillo I was able to speak with Grammy(R) Nominated Tom Hambridge. As we stood on the edge of the shore watching his daughters play, I asked him about his legacy. Producing and writing for such legends as Johnny Winters, Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeski along with working with Chuck Berry, ZZ Top, and George Thorogood to name a few. With over 250 songs written, what else is there to accomplish? He lifts up his daughter and says that she has won a songwriting award of her own. I am reminded of my own daughter. A humble answer from a proud father. Tom adds, “I don’ want to make a bunch of records, I just want to make twenty really great collaborative recordings.” He is well on his way.

“Just don’t talk yourself out of it”, that’s the answer to how to keep a good beat. Simple, profound, and genuine. This is the kind of answer you get from Tab Benoit about his notorious nightly jam sessions ‘til four thirty A.M. Tab Benoit (pronounced Ben-Wah) “like the beads”… He would remark in his stage show. Half comedian, half electric blues guitar genius…either way this former pilot from Pontchartrain brings a powerful punch to the conscience of American music and the State of the Louisiana Wetlands. You could easily find Tab playing name that TV tune with fans on the deck well into the night. Not to mention, he plays music with two of the coolest people I’ve met anywhere Eddie ”Blame Hip-Hop” Christmas and Carl “La Foosball” Dufrene. With so many friendly people on this cruise, it is impossible to be bored. Seth Walker is musical magic, he conjures such sweet sounds while Cuban blues crooner Raul Malo delivered a rare eclectic symphony. Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps would make Janis herself stand and applaud. So much talent gathered in one place.

We met so many genuine nice people along the way. Paul Thorn is a true gentleman and a delight to see live. Fans and bands alike, from Big Jim to Big Curtis, we never felt so welcomed. Our dinner pals Doug and Bonnie, who delivered the sound equipment were able to live out their dream of swimming with the dolphins. This boat helps dreams come true. Thanks to the fans from Norway who helped us celebrate the end of the Bush era in style. Peggy, Chip, and Mary, you’re the bomb! Thanks again Delbert for keeping the boat rockin’. I was truly able to lose track of time, now that’s a vacation! I would sell my car to go back next year. It will be the sixteenth Delbert Cruise and possibly the last, so sign up early, you will not regret it! Love and peace to all our new friends. See you next year!

James

This article was published in the Blues Festival E-Guide E-Newsletter 2/6/09. This article is archived here.

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