Blues Tales

From the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise 2004

What’s in a Legend?

By Dave Fertig
DFertig@workerlaw.net

The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise gains another loyal crewmember.
Walking along the sun-glazed beach in Cozumel recently I ran into a familiar fellow. He is a short guy with a long white beard and flowing robes. He goes by the name Mr. Natural. Mr. Natural is a retired gentleman who strolls white sands along the crystal blue tropical waters, serenely watching the little neon-bright fish dart in and around the lightly curling, sparkling surf.

I hadn’t seen Mr. Natural in many years, but I’ve known him well since August of ‘69, and when we were reacquainted I squeezed the little guy with a bear hug. I cheerfully announced I was just ashore from the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, and that, much as I loved seeing him, I’d be going back, along with 1,200 others, soon to dance to more great music.
I pointed to a large cruise ship docked nearby. The ship was flying astern a big black flag with a skull and cross bones, as waves of pulsing and melodic sound came wafting ashore from the great stage on the afterdeck.

“Legendary, eh?” he twinkled his eyes and asked, “Do you know why it’s legendary?” I gaped at him stupidly, because, I mean, hell, I was still reeling from the boat, the music, the ocean, the warmth of my 1,200 friends, several days with too little sleep and almost too much fun. And, now I was looking at Mr. Natural. On a beach. In 2004. He must have been hot in that long white hassock.
Mr. Natural beamed a bright smile and grasped my hands. He said, “A thing becomes legendary by looming larger than itself in the stretch of time, by being a great and eternal experience. You are experiencing a legend you will never forget. I wish I could join you, but alas, I’ve no ticket.” He looked down at his sunburnt feet. “Nor any shoes.” Mr. Natural looked a bit glum.
“No shit!” said I. After tightly squeezing his hands I began, with all the force I could muster, spinning him gleefully like a child around and around several times in the air. When his hairy little legs pointed around to our ship’s Pirate flag waving from the aft deck, I released him and he flew lightly from the beach over the gentle sea to land amongst the waiting and welcome arms of the ship’s own Safety Committee! Safe he was indeed, among loving family!

The crowd roared a welcoming cheer as Mr. Natural began boogeying joyfully among the dancing and writhing bodies. The rhythm became stronger and the moving figures became more sinuous and magical.
Picking up some supplies in Cozumel, I re-boarded our pirate ship and rejoined the lovely and lyrical madness washing all over the boat. Everywhere, on deck and below, there were musical instruments, mostly in use, mostly in harmony and all with happiness, beating out the rhythm and blues sound of family, tribe, hope, love and togetherness. And those without instruments were shaking their fool asses all up and down the deck. It wasn’t so much wild as it was natural, easy and free.
Day and night this continued, people resting only to enjoy the fruits of nature. They were all making love, eating wonderful food, and drinking. Seeking only to trade instruments and jokes, or to nap as the boat swept the seas on it’s gently rocking journey to nowhere but home.
It was, it is, really, legendary. And it happens again January 22, 2005!

Oh, you want to know who was on the boat this year? Who played? Forget it. As wonderful and extraordinary as the musicians all were, in multifarious and electrifying combinations day and night, who they were is simply not important. (there’s a list somewhere here, or see bluescruise.com) Many who came as paying pirates were fine musicians, and many who were paid to play promised, if need be, to come back as fellow-paying-pirates.
The amazing people at L.R.B.C. who put life into this legend always makes sure the whole Pirate Crew is after the same treasure. And it’s better than any treasure you can grab hold of with your hands or describe with words, it’s a true Legend. Mr. Natural hisself said, “damn, this feels just like Woodstock, but with fine weather, good plumbing, great food and room service! Yeeow!” Indeed.
(Thanks so much to Robert Jr. & Sugar and all the fine folks at Big City Blues for their contribution to the spirit of L.R.B.C., including all the great equipment strewn about the ship for jamming!)
Dave Fertig, Elmtree Blues Society, Pasadena, California
“Where the only dues you pay are the blues you play!”

Time of my life

By Renee Parvis
renee@marvelocityinc.com

They said I’d have the time of my life.
But they were wrong.
I had the time of all my lives.
And I’m an old soul.

From Doug MacLeod playing as we boarded to disembarking with Biscuit Miller asking cruisers to autograph his Jamie Hayes poster, I was where I was meant to be. Which, apparently, was not catching zzzz’s.
Sleep, the veterans said, when you’re dead.
On the LRBC, I never felt so alive.

Tommy Castro and band started me dancing and I never stopped. Ronnie Baker Brooks had me at hello. Susan Tedeschi is genuinely delightful person. Derek Trucks, slides sensationally, impressively. Little Milton and Wolfman are classic and eternal. Rosie Ledet’s zydeco is an ideal counterpoint. I experienced Anthony Gomes with Biscuit adding the gravy. And thanks to Gaye Adegbalola, I’m an uppity blues woman too.

I knew I was truly on vacation when napping momentarily after 27 hours of working major mojo, I jumped out of bed, wiped off smudged mascara and mad-dashed to the Harp Blowout with legend Charlie Musselwhite, professor Curtis Salgado, Roomful of Blue’s Mark DuFresne and Mark Hummel. It was at once captivating, educational and hilarious. I told Charlie exactly that. He told me he hadn’t scratched the surface. Backstage pass, indeed.

Every time someone took the stage, I gave thanks for being among a select few—again. I saw The Beatles perform at Busch Stadium, which jazzed Johnnie Johnson; a gracious Rock And Roll Hall of Fame inductee wore his Cardinals hat nonstop. When Johnnie jammed with Susan on “Hound Dog,” joy spouted from my every pore.

One day, a lush melody beckoned me to a lounge, empty except for Susan’s organist William Green, who happily played the Grand for the two of us. That was a moment that I still get chills thinking about.

They call Taj Mahal L.R.B.C.’s spiritual leader. Now I know why. After Roomful hosted an exhilarating all-night jam, Mitch Woods charmed at Club 88, where I’m guessing the musician/cruiser ratio was 1/1. He pounded those black-and-whites, born to it. Taj sang some scat even, thrilling us all, his disciples. Curtis sang and played harp, stealing my heart along the way. Todd Sharpville, ubiquitous at jams, had supernatural licks to match his angelic nature. Paddy on piano, “Play me,” I’d say if I were younger. Roomful’s horn section blew me away, while huggable Jason Corbiere kept the beat on an ice bucket, grinning hugely and appreciatively. I added rhythm with Mardi Gras beads, another with spoons. Danielle, given your talent, will you remember us? Thanks, LRBC, for sharing her.

Now for some virginally advice: If you’re going to an all-night jam, bring your sunglasses. Because when I finally noticed the outdoors, the sun wasn’t rising, it had risen.
A few of my new buddies—I think of everyone on board as one, although we may not have met yet—asked where I got my energy.

It’s all about the music.
It’s all about the people.
I have found my tribe.
I am new again.

Taj and the Blues Cruise Miracle of 2004

By Patti Schroeder

As a two-time Ultimate Rhythm and Blues cruiser, I know that Taj Mahal is the spiritual leader of the blues cruise. His on-deck shows are legendary for raising the best and most ebullient spirits of his listeners. Clearly, he channels the ancestors. But I have long suspected that Taj is also a god in his own right. And on the last day of the 2004 Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, I got proof. Taj performed a miracle.

Here’s what happened.
On the last afternoon of the cruise, after the awards ceremony and the celebratory champagne that the Blues Cruise staff provided, Taj and his band took the stage for the 4:15 show on the pool deck. My husband Rich and I were seated on the pool ledge in front of the stage. I was happily sipping my ice water and he a beer, as Taj warmed up. When Taj started into an upbeat number, I put my unique green koozie on the bench next to Rich’s Corona bottle. We moved onto the dance floor and began to boogie. Taj, of course, had us all whipped into an ecstatic frenzy for quite a while. When he shifted to a slower song and I could momentarily stop dancing, I went back to the pool ledge and picked up my water bottle for a drink. Lo and behold, the ice water had turned into delicious rum punch! There were even slices of lime in the bottom, so I knew that the champagne hadn’t turned my senses. Taj had wrought a miracle.

I include pictures of Rich and me (with koozie), Taj, and the green bottle itself as proof. Taj is the god we always thought he was.

Rich and I have been married for twenty-five years. As we danced to Taj’s music that day, some fellow cruisers said, “You two look like newlyweds. What’s your secret?” Rich smiled his mellow smile and replied, “Taj.” And it’s true. Taj’s music, which we often listen to at home, helps us to remember two things. One be kind to each other, and have fun, always. And if that’s not divinity, nothing is.

Cruiser for Life

By Mary Jo Slocum

This was my second cruise, and the good Lord willin’, I now consider myself a lifer. It is difficult to explain to people what is so darn much fun about the Blues Cruise. Yeah, it is a cruise, but not like other cruises. It’s a blues fest, only not like other blues fests.

This year seemed to have a magical, mystical quality that was noticed and mentioned by several cruisers…maybe it was listening to Walter “Wolfman” Washington playing that magnificent New Orleans funk under a full moon on the open sea. Anthony Gomes extemporaneously singing to the big Norwegian Cruise Line ship as it was pulling out of port right next to us in Cozumel was surreal and absolutely gave everyone who heard it the shivers. Watching Little Milton and Ronnie Baker Brookes tearing it up together gives one the impression that not only are the blues alright; they are in capable and honorable hands and look to remain alright for a long, long time.

One of the fun experiences (of the cruise part of the deal) was the evening meal in the dining room. The crew this year was primarily Indonesian, and a fun-loving, impish, energetic group they were! There was even a little “house band” comprised of several of the wait staff that practiced the blues every night in the dining room after it closed. They serenaded us all on the last evening at dinner. Another magical moment: Tommy Castro stopping by and watching the little band practice. My friend said to him, “Hey, Tommy, you better watch out or you can be replaced,” to which he replied, “Oh, I can always be replaced.” I respectfully disagree with that presumption, but getting back to the evening meal…on this cruise you don’t have to dress up for the dining room, which is fortunate or else most of us wouldn’t be there. I really enjoyed watching the rhythm and the flow and the competence of these guys at work, and the food was spectacular. Lobster, filet mignon, duck, lamb, fish, prime rib, caviar…I need to stop right now and get back to my Lean Cuisine. The buffets were equally delicious, as well as plentiful and frequent. I just want to emphasize that the evening meal in the dining room was a delightful experience.

Okay, so how about the music? The line-up this year was inspired, and everyone truly was at the top of his or her game. The magic really comes out at the jams, which are kinda like the buffets: delicious, plentiful and frequent.

Check out the web site and the message board in particular for more information and impressions. I didn’t even get to the fun and exotic shore trips, or the workshops, or the weather, or the people, or lots of other stuff. I just wanted to give anyone who is thinking of joining us a taste of what this cruise is like-stop me before I write another food metaphor! Thanks to Roger and the KC crew and Shirley Mae and Robert Junior and everyone who puts this together for us to enjoy. It is truly a happy and carefree moment in time, with like-minded souls, and the music the music the music! See you all next year!

Blues Honeymoon

Steve Lundborg
slundborg2000@yahoo.com

For seven days and nights my lovely bride and I had the time of our lives on the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise. We chose this for our honeymoon belated as it was (we were married seven years ago), for where else could we have been born again virgins. Virgin is a euphemism for first time Blues Cruisers, 60% of this years cruisers were virgins.

The experience feels like Dorothy’s when she awoke. Really Auntie Em, all these great Blues artists were there, Charlie Musselwhite, Taj Mahal, Tommy Castro, Susan Tedeschi, and so many more. There were these smiling, cheerful people in uniforms who served us food, brought us drinks, cleaned up after us, it was like a dream, but it seemed so real.

We danced to the best blues the world has to offer. You could eat and drink what you wanted, when you wanted, sleep when and if you wanted. Imagine Woodstock meets The Love Boat, sans the mud, bad acid and terrible acting. Anthony Gomes said it best, “This is the Olympics of partying, many are called, few are chosen.” He quoted a Swedish study that found “you gotta’ shake your ass to free your mind”. He set our minds free, it took awhile for mine to return, ragged, but happy.

The artists that played were incredible, many Cruisers were musicians. They jammed from 1am on. One night when getting out of the elevator came righteous blues from the main dining room. In the orchestra pit, were members of the restaurant staff, in their blue uniforms, jamming. Speaking of the international influence of the Blues, there were fans from all over the world, none more apparent than the Germans, some were virtual blues encyclopedias.

The most magical event for me was happening upon Doug MacLeod, his act embodies the roots of the blues. The audience reaction, like his playing was heartfelt. In his workshop a couple of days later, he said of playing the blues, and I paraphrase “it’s a conversation”. There was much more than I can relate or for that matter remember. What I do remember is that being there was mesmerizing.
The other artist that struck a chord for us (pun intended) was Ronnie Baker Brooks. On the other side of the spectrum in the Stevie Ray Vaughn style, Ronnie is also a consummate story teller. Blending his experiences with his legendary father Lonnie Brooks, John Lee Hooker to Aerosmith to make a point about the set he was playing. When we got a photo op with him and Jelly bean Johnson, he warmly asked our friend Gretchen for another shot because “our heads were turned”. Its little actions like that belie the true soul of a person for it was my head, not his that was turned and he handled it so smoothly.

It was like a dream until it was over. Reality blows, that’s why we’ve got to get back next year and do it all over again.

Bluesin’ On High Seas

By Ann Steinmetz

The music already had begun to play in my head. It was hard to believe the day had finally come for my hubby and me to leave for our third Blues Cruise. My toes tapped and I giggled all during the three-hour flight. Arriving at the hotel headquarters was like coming home. The familiar faces prompted hugs. The unfamiliar faces prompted grins and nods of welcome. So it began again—the bus ride to the cruise terminal, the snakes of people to get through customs like a line dance set to the beat of Doug MacLeod – who’s that? Is he on the cruise? – the photo, taking off the winter jacket to reveal a Hawaiian shirt and finally on board only to have to wait for the music.

Tommy Castro’s joy matched that of the audience and we were underway! The weariness of a long year full of work changes, health problems and family crisis melted away. I confess I cried. I tear even now as I think about the cleansing power that even a cynic like me feels when the blanket of the blues warms both body and soul. I would be saved another year. But I could hardly believe my eyes, was that Reverend Billy? No one said he would be on board. Yes, it was him, the most infectious, blasphemous and loveable of blues musicians. I would be doubly saved.The music and the Reverend, I could not stop grinning. Every night about 11, I’d stop in at Club 88’s, Mitch Woods’ impromptu lounge to see Billy C. and Mitch Woods and Mark and that steel drum player and whoever else showed up.

The stage acts were great, but the intimacy of the piano bar filled with the love of the musicians was like being in the midst of a beautiful piece of art. Our room was sandwiched between Ronne Baker Brooks band with Jelly Bean and the Derek Trucks band. So even in sleep we were literally surrounded by the music. I felt special during each and every minute on the cruise. I am not a musician. I am not a singer. I am not even a collector of music. But I am a believer that the Blues Cruise saved and healed and will keep me safe for another year.

One week trip to heaven

By “bluesman”
bluesman@mtaonline.net

What I have been describing as a “one week trip to heaven” for “umpteen” years just happened again! The ‘04 edition of the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise has come and gone and the “saving grace” for me and mine is that there’s only 340 days until the ‘05 edition begins on, what I’m told is a newer, bigger and more musically oriented ship than the Veendam.

There are not enough superlative-type words in any language I know to adequately describe the thrill ride of the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise! It is a rare and unique monumental event for the blues, for the musicians and for us, the fans!

I have loved music of many genre for as long as I can remember and to see that same love in the eyes and the voices and the bodies of everyone, including the wonderful crew, over the past week was simply joyous!

We see old friends, and they are truly friends of the blues, every year! There are also the virgin cruisers, getting their first taste of blues, cruisin’ heaven. It doesn’t take long to know that this experience must be reapplied again and again for the full effect.

My lovely lady and I began these “one week trips to heaven” with the URBC in 1995. The ‘04 LRBC was #8. We have coerced both family and friends along and there are more coming still. It’s getting closer!

That Ship Kicked Ass

By JP
JPND75@aol.com

To Roger (met ya late w/Lisa at Club 88) and your terrific staff (sorry not to have met most of you),
I’d tossed around idea of music cruise for years, between yours and Delbirt’s. Convinced by Ms. Hoffman that this was The One! Having roomed with her many times at Jazzfest, signed up as her roomie last April. Got excited as months passed and cruised message board—-and now that I’m home it was terrific, better than I ever imagined. Suffice to say, I plan on being in running for next year’s Bluesin’ Marketing MVP. This letter I sent out Monday has received 12 “yes, I’m in” responses so far. Enjoy:

To: All my musically-motivated friends
As you all know, I’d been a big booster of Jazzfest in the Big Easy for years. Too many terrific times have been had there for me to ever regret attending. I’d always overlook the little yet frequent pains-in -the-ass such as: shows that chronically start late, spending tons on cabs over the length of the fest, dubious/dangerous after-hours neighborhoods, jam-packed stages, long beer lines, tedious waits for restaurant tables, sloppy-drunk frat boys, sold-out shows and on and on...............etc.
Look in the mirror and ask yourself: “Self, do I REALLY love live music.....The Blues, godfather to all we listen to today?” You can have terrific festing (7 days) and eliminate every problem stated above.
Cause if you answer yes——read on to hear of perhaps the greatest nine days I’ve reveled in over my half century spent roaming this planet. We’ve all seen the movie “Woodstock”. Recall the stage being set up? Now picture watching a crane spend seven hours uploading tons and tons and tons of equipment up 12 stories. Building a stage, from the ground up, literally right over a pool, complete with welders’ torches sparking over I-beams, electricians erecting lighting scaffolds, sound techs stringing miles of cable, buzz saws whining as carpenters scurry about. Amps/monitors/soundboards/guitars/pianos/organs—everything a music fan might desire!
ON A CRUISE SHIP !!!!!!!!

Ever yearn to party only with die-hard music heads? From most all 50 states, Canada, Austria, England, Germany? Ever been envious of those sitting side-stage/backstage? (No off-limits fencing here!) Where the first time anyone asks “what you do for a living” occurs after 5 days at sea? Where not one cell phone is heard ringing? Tired of one genre, walk 5 minutes to any of other 3 locations for music? Ever sat in nearly deserted, quiet lounge sharing cigs with musician from Germany at 3 am—-only to have 20-something young dude with British accent humbly approach us asking “Would you mind if I played the piano?” and promptly get blown away with 1/2 hour of boogie piano straight from Professor Longhair and New Orleans? Desire to drink without the fear of the DUI? Ever been grooving in front of a stage, turn around, and see Taj Mahal and one of ladies from Saffire/ Uppity Blues Women bopping equally joyfully RIGHT BEHIND you? When’s the last time you sat down to lunch with a professional musician? Had a cocktail at 2am with a harp player? Walked a beach in Honduras with a saxman who jammed with every available grouping until dawn every day? Went in (unsuccessful) search of a fishing guide in Belize with drummer for Roomfull of Blues? Shoot the shit with flute player for Derek Trucks about influences for my daughter’s playing—-same guy who was awarded most-jamminest musician? Stay up till dawn almost daily? See 80-something piano legend Johnnie Johnson (wrote most of Chuck Berry’s hits) be invited up by almost every band? See Little Milton—as polished as BB King, and the author of Shake, Rattle And Roll and Hey, Hey, The Blues Are Alright? See 3 hour jam that started at 1 in the morning feature about 25 guys, including 13 on stage at once? Ever seen 4 bass players jam together at 3 am? Ever been flattered by musician, after last afternoon farewell gig by Taj, ask you to autograph HIS festival poster? Folks, all this truly happened to me. And once I get used to beginning a day at 7am instead of ending it then, I’ll coherently relive another 101 things I haven’t even mentioned yet.

The reason for my urgency in bringing all this to your attention is this: The 2005 Ultimate Rhythm and Blues Cruise, sailing in January next year, already has 700 bookings (half capacity). This year’s gig sold out 6 months in advance—-though did meet one lucky soul from Calgary who heard about it 12/7 and filled a cancellation 4 days later! Truth be told: I had always been the anti-cruiser. Not on this boat: dress up for dinner (not me) or live in tees and shorts—-nobody cares. There are no rules. Seeing just-off-duty crews in their dress whites boppin’ with beers in hand said it all. Pull into a port and out came the 20 foot long, OUR BOAT KICKS ASS sign for all the other ships to be envious of!!! Not to mention the pirate’s skull and crossbones flag proudly waving from the stern flagpole! Folks, your fellow cruisers are the counterculture of yesteryear....no losers on this ship. Don’t delay, don’t deliberate, don’t second-guess yourself, don’t say you can’t afford it. Do something you will fondly bask in for the rest of your life, do your own life a favor and GET ON BOARD! This is not a paid political announcement—-however, for the price of a cocktail ot two, I’ll gladly provide the long version of this joyful adventure. And mention that I referred ya; referral fund will pay for a cocktail party next year.

I realize this is a long ramble. Trust me, the reality is like nothing else I’ve witnessed in 35 years of hearing live music. And should you find yourself saying “I’m not that big a fan of the Blues”........you have no idea how WRONG you can be.
Love Ya All, JP

Backstage Pass with the Artists

By Roger Lindgren
nilrl@comcast.net

Imagine the magic that would happen if you could get a dozen or so of the world’s greatest blues bands together at a festival for a week. Where they could sit in with each other at performances or jam all night. Instead of playing a gig, packing up, and driving to the next town, as a performer you get to watch, hang and jam with all these monster players. Imagine that you are sharing the festival with 1200 rabid blues fans. Imagine if everybody had a backstage pass or more accurately the whole festival is one giant backstage. Imagine that headliners and band members are mingling, dining, dancing and partying with fans. Imagine the most beautiful setting in the world with a perfect 80 degree weather with unlimited five star food served. Imagine this festival stopping at exotic ports such as Roatan, Belize and Cozumel with beautiful beaches and great snorkeling. Imagine yourself snorkeling with Tommy Castro or dining with Roomful. Imagine that the only rule the whole week is, that there are none, and that outrageous behavior is not only tolerated but the norm. Imagine a yearly reunion of your best friends from around the world. Imagine Woodstock at the Mardi Gras.

Imagine that you were with Taj Mahal, Roomful of Blues, Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Little Milton, Charlie Musselwhite, Walter Wolfman Washington, Curtis Salgado, Rosie Ledet, Anthony Gomes, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Todd Sharpville, Doug McCleod, and Tommy Castro. Imagine that wasn’t enough, so there were surprise guests at the festival including Boogie Woogie and piano bar jam master Mitch Woods, The infamous Rev. Billy C. Wirtz, the legendary piano guru Johnnie Johnson, harmonica ace Mark Hummel and the fabulous Uppity Blues women Gay Abdegbalola and Andra Faye and guitar slinger Jellybean Johnson.

Imagine 48 fabulous performances with guest performers sitting in. Imagine late night jams with multiple headliners playing together past 5 AM. Imagine you are a musician and you get to jam with legends. Imagine a piano bar that is taken over by Mitch Woods and Rev Billy until sunrise every morning. Imagine this festival being on a beautiful cruise liner. Imagine a ship that parties 24 hours a day for a week!

Imagine that you don’t need to imagine this ‘cause it’s real. It happened to me on Feb 7-14. We sailed from Tampa on the beautiful MS Veendam on a chartered cruise called the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise (bluescruise.com).

Hi, I’m Roger; a veteran of too many of these cruises to accurately count them (the mind has a tendency to get a little muddled from an overload of music and partying). I would try to describe the cruise, but as Tim a second time cruiser said, “my friends had been telling me everything about this cruise for years, I had seen pictures and videos and I thought I knew what to expect, but there really is no way to tell someone about it – you have to experience it”.
Imagine being on this cruise next year.

Muddy would be proud

By Melville Borders
melville.borders@lausd.net

Muddy Waters (and countless others) would be proud of us.
In anticipation of sailing on the 2004 Legendary Rhythm & Blues cruise I had been re-reading Robert Gordon‘s “Can’t be Satisfied: The Life and Times of Muddy Waters”. In the book Mr. Gordon documents that Muddy was by no means an angel, but he still was a man full of loyalty and love and compassion for other people. At the same time, Mr. Waters is portrayed as driven by the music and the life, but ultimately unable to get his fill. Totally consumed.

Now that I’m home after the cruise, trying to absorb the full weight of the shared journey we all had undertaken, I have come to the conclusion that, of course, all of us share the need for the love and the music, as Muddy did. I’m no doctor, but I now believe this need and drive to dig the blues to be necessary on a cellular level.

Consider this: On the first night of the cruise I had the opportunity to speak to young Anthony Gomes. He stated that he could feel alot of love on the boat and we agreed that this was indeed a beautiful thing. Now consider that what brought us all together was the music. How else could we all have possibly have met each other?

Oh, we all need it people. Hope you all caught Rev. Billy’s gospel workshop, or Johnny Johnson’s piano workshop. Or how ‘bout Doug MacLeod’s show in Ruben’s Lounge? These events, amongst many others, brought tears to MY eyes.

But now, guess what? I need more...went out today and spent $100 on new music. I’m tryin’ to figure out how to upload my photos to the net. I’m scouring the net and papers for my next show (Shemekia at Yesteryear’s and Cal St. LA). Tryin’ to figure out how I’m gonna afford next year’s cruise. Tryin’ to practice my guitar and harmonica so I can jam with y’all someday. Driven? I think you could safely say that. Satisfied? No way!

So where does the LRBC fit in? It is just plainly, simply, purely the greatest device ever invented to scratch that infectious itch we all share.
Muddy would be proud of us.

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