I feel really dumb even trying to convince you that Jam Cruise 11 was the best yet. I say that EVERY year about our amazing floating adventure, but since I really mean it, I’ll just take a few minutes to explain why and then let the photos speak for themselves.
For one, the longer Jam Cruise exists, and now it’s been a complete DECADE, the better that the returning artists get to know each other. It’s like a musical reunion. And those who don’t know each other have either wanted to meet or are now in love and planning tours together. That’s the magic of Jam Cruise.
Next, the musicianship is STELLAR every year but there was something mystical this time. I’ll get specific when I show the photos, but to name just a few, Femi Kuti, MarchFourth Marching Band & John Scofield…
OK, let’s start the photo story that depicts only a portion of the Jam Cruise experience.
There are so many cool things about Jam Cruise. Big things, little things. This is one of the little creative things that got added to the already existing decor of the MSC Poesia. Our logo was placed in the Disco under the bar and lit up the venue!
Here she is…the beautiful MSC Poesia. For years, she has taken us to distant lands where the music barely stops and the party NEVER does!
Getting moe. on board for the first time was a Jamband triumph. One of my all-time favorites for 15 years…one of the biggest in the scenes. And MAN did they have fun! Here’s Chuck on Day 1 while we were still in port. He’s sorta a shy guy but loved every minute of the week.
Oh Robert, how I love you so (and the cool photo booth on board.) Jam Cruise has given me the chance to become true friends with many musicians and Robert is one of my favorites. We even love chatting on the phone on a random Tuesday night just catching up. And we can definitely be found together either outside the Howlin Wolf at 5am in New Orleans during JazzFest or even at Café Du Monde.
Steve Kimock is one of the great musicians of the Jamband scene, one of Jam Cruise’s favorites each year and just an all around great guy. I have mad respect for him, especially as a father. He loves his kids so much and it’s encouraging to me being a new mom.
He’s the King, I’m the Queen. That’s just the way it works here on earth. Except he’s not from earth. But that’s ok, he graces us with his presence. He’s the smartest man I’ve ever met in my life. His friendship means more to me than imaginable. Each year when I do my Jam Cruise column, I show you the bio I write for him. It makes no sense which is pretty perfect for him: “And the saga continues…Bruce has now taken on the role of National Disaster Clean Up Manager. The wings that he miraculously grew since Jam Cruise 10 allow him to fly from city to city cleaning up Mother Nature’s fury. But she’s so pleased with Cloud 9’s efforts to be environmentally conscious that she doesn’t touch the MSC Poesia, as that is Bruce’s new home. He has slept on board every night since our last adventure and when he is not saving the country from Hurricanes and Fires, he has become a popular attraction during the Cabaret Nights in the Theater. See, he gave up rock and roll to become a hero and a Broadway performer. He said rock and roll is dead EXCEPT when Jam Cruise comes around. So for 5 days a year, he straps on that guitar and plays mystical notes of wisdom. Thank goodness for Captain Hamp, as the employees of the Poesia warmly call him.”
Brokedown in Bakersfield – country music has finally hit the Jamband scene! Members of ALO + Gramblers + Scott Law = a whole lotta fun! And I have a serious girl crush on Nicki Bluhm.
This photo pretty much sums up my feelings about Jam Cruise!
My little brother Nigel performed on a gorgeous white grand piano in the atrium. His set was incredible and he presented me with a photo that was taken of the two of us a few years ago while he performed a song for me during the Fantastic Four set. This shot captures the moment after he gave me the gift. I love him with all my heart.
We were THRILLED when Art Neville said he wanted to come back on Jam Cruise! Plus, he just celebrated his 75th birthday!!! This photo is extra funny because the last time he was on board, I was in a sailors outfit and he said to me in a very sultry way “I used to be in the Navy, ya know” so it was perfect that we both were wearing sailor hats here. Love this man!
John Scofield has been one of my musical heroes for 15 years. We befriended each other back in the late 90s when Berkfest Music Festival was hot. But since he spends most of his time touring in Europe, it was hard to hook up with him again. But we knew we wanted him on Jam Cruise…BADLY! So I came up with a plan. I went to see Phil & Friends when he was on tour with them. I saw him backstage and he lit up with a huge smile. Here’s how the convo went down:
“Annabel, I miss you, how are you?”
“John, I miss you so much too! We want you on Jam Cruise.”
“I’ve always wanted to do it but it needs to be the right fit.”
“How about MMW?”
“Oh, PERFECT! Let’s do it!”…. Then he walked right on stage.
One week later, they were confirmed. BOOM!
He had the GREATEST time and continues to send me text messages thanking me. What a gift…
We pride ourselves on our theme nights. The passengers go ALL OUT for each of them, even coming up with their own “unofficial” ones. Simple “color” nights seem to be a hit. Last year was green. This year we did blue night and the majority of people wore something blue that night. But what I LOVE to see is the artists getting into the theme nights. Here my buddies Dan Lebowitz and Josh Clark sporting the popular color. Righteous!
So in the Jam Room, funk isn’t always the vibe, but is definitely dominant. So what about the folky bluegrass dudes who want to strum late night? Where’s their venue? That’s what Nathan Moore asked himself before he created The Spot, located outside the Jam Room on Deck 7. Starting around midnight, Nathan and various pickers hang outside and let the ocean breeze set the mood. Sunrise is always seen while hanging at The Spot.
I’m a Colorado girl so I get to hang with cool bands like The Motet. But not only are they cool, they are fantastic musicians. They perform cover sets each Halloween. Herbie Hancock, Michael Jackson, Parliament…these have all been amazing performances. But who knew that if they played Grateful Dead songs that it would be BEYOND TREMENDOUS? Well let me tell you people, it was extraordinary, and I pushed to have it on board. It was one of the best sets on board Jam Cruise 11 hands DOWN.
I rarely get a break while working Jam Cruise. So when we get to the ports, all I want to do is lay on a lounge chair and relax. But since the beach in Turks & Caicos was so close to the ship, my radio kept going off. I wanted to be off duty so Kyle Hollingsworth GLADLY stepped in to boss people around for me. Thanks, buddy!
One of the reasons that I love to take photos with so many of the musicians is because it helps me keep the amazing memories of the cruise in my mind. And I looked to see what photo was next for the column and almost sighed because I love this man so much. When I called Eddie, unbeknownst to me it was his birthday, to book him on board, this is how the convo went down:
“Hi Eddie, I want you to do the Super Jam”
“You want me to do WHAT?”
“I want you to do the Super Jam”
“Are you kidding me???”
“Eddie, not at all! You’re going to be amazing, I know it.”
“Annabel, I’ll make you so proud.”
…And let me tell you kids, he was ridiculous. It was hands down one of the greatest super jams we’ve ever had. He spent MONTHS planning the tunes and perfecting which artists he would have sit in. After only a few hours of rehearsal on board, the 90-minute set absolutely dazzled all of us. It was more than proud of him.
Before we set sail, I was told that we would celebrate Al’s birthday on board. I was so excited because I love doing fun special things for the artists. So I got a cake and arranged to surprise him during the show. It was a wonderful moment that ended with a choked up birthday boy.
This is the funniest photo I’ve ever seen in my life. Relix’s own Mike Greenhaus and I were horsing around in the photo booth. I asked him to jump on my back and who knew that this brilliance would be the outcome.
George has become a mentor, a father figure, a friend and a brother. Our relationship, initiated by Jam Cruise but fueled on our own, has become extremely valuable to me. He feels the same way.
We’ve definitely wanted this legendary man on board for years. He came on with Steve Kimock but was found sitting in with many others. He’s such an influence for so many of the musicians on board that even uttering the name Bernie Worrell made people smile.
Ice Cream Time!!!!! Every day, the ship would dispense soft serve and who could resist? Definitely not me, Ivan or Nick!
In 2006, Dean Budnick asked me to do “My Bonnaroo Day” while on site in TN. What that entailed was taking photos during my day and putting captions with them. Since I try hard to be funny (note the word TRY) I decided to “stage” my photos. I was taking David from Steel Pulse to an autograph signing so I thought it would be funny to drag him by his long dreads and have him resist.
So when he came on board Jam Cruise, during the autograph signing, I showed him the old photo and told him that we had to recreate the prank that occurred so many years ago. He kindly obliged and it’s just too funny how similar the photos are 6 ½ years apart!
As I mentioned at the beginning of the column, one of the highlights of this year was Femi Kuti. He represents such freedom and courage. His spirit is a true inspiration. His band, aptly named “The Positive Force” is that and more. Sporting colorful and bright outfits, the essence of their music and dancing is truly amazing. I love that I captured this powerful photo with my little point and shoot.
And he’s like a big teddy bear with a great sense of humor. Um and yeah, um, he’s smoking hot (sorry boys, that comment was for the ladies).
When I called Al Schnier this past fall to do a 45-minute solo set on a smaller stage, he was delighted! Once he came on board, we were all hanging in the Jam Room at 3am and he asked if the entire band could come play, he said it didn’t seem right otherwise. “OF COURSE,” I said. “An unannounced acoustic moe. set? YES SIR!” The fans went nuts and it was simply wonderful!
One of the greatest and kindest beings I’ve ever met. And with a SOULFUL voice to boot, Jans Ingber.
Ok even though I call Nigel Hall my little brother, Jeremy is too. We’re both vibrant tribe members and we both clearly love purple! But in all seriousness, Jeremy and Dom are CRUSHING the scene with Big Gigantic. The timing of their career hit at the perfect time. It took them a few years to hit but then all of a sudden, they are selling out Red Rocks! I am beyond proud of them.
MarchFourth Marching Band is hands down the coolest group of artists I’ve seen in years. 24 of them came on board and blew everyone away. It’s like a musical circus and they are some of the most vibrant people ever. I was seriously moved to tears by their performances. Here, my new friend Mary, showed us her best feature in the crowd during their show.
JJ Grey…not only a man with incredible talent, but massive integrity. Here’s what happened. The day of embarkation, JJ wasn’t feeling well and as a result, he questioned if he could even make it on board. I got on the phone with him and tried to help him get “grounded.” He said it worked because he showed up feeling much better. But then he played his first show and went downhill. The next day, he had an atrium set scheduled and we decided it had to be cancelled, as we didn’t want to compromise his other main performance. However, he really was looking forward to performing solo and his fans, albeit understanding, were very disappointed. JJ was determined to not let them down. At the last minute, he confirmed and word spread FAST. The atrium was PACKED and JJ, with TEARS in his eyes, gave his loyal fans something extra special. This hug was very real. I had more pride in him and respect for him than ever. Thanks JJ!!!
Breakestra made their debut this year and proved themselves Jam Cruise worthy 10 times over. This band just doesn’t get enough credit. They are completely fabulous and one of the strongest aspects of the band is this lovely lady, Aphrodite. Her voice is BEYOND tremendous and I fully enjoyed sharing my candy stash with her.
Ben Ellman is another one of those real friends I have made through Jam Cruise. I’ve been a Galactic fan for forever but sharing the past 10 years getting to know Ben has enriched my life fully.
Who wouldn’t want a photo with the great Corey Glover? Living Colour’s front man has surely brought a delightful new light to Galactic’s live performance.
Not only were these two having a major bromance on board, but their love affair has lasted for many many years. And my adoration for both of them is beyond words.
Tonight’s theme was Spinal Tap and I’ve gotta give it to Bobby Mac for the fitting wig. A for effort!
Lucky me landing a photo with 3 ridiculous sax players!!!!
Kraz is like my brother from another mother. Seriously. And I seem to rant and rave annually about my friendships with these amazing musicians, but they get deeper each year. And my respect for his talent as an artist also gets deeper. We come up with a way for him to come on board every year because it just wouldn’t be the same without him.
I feel the same way about Deitch. For all of you who don’t know these musicians personally, they are the most approachable loving guys imaginable!
Ok so we are at the end of this long column. I hope I haven’t been boring you. I just try to show you my true passion…music, Jam Cruise and these special artists. As you already know, Nigel is a close friend. I have worked hard to give these artists the chance to let loose in the Jam Room. And at 4am the last night of the cruise, I loved every moment of what was happening on stage. But I’ve ALWAYS watched from the sidelines. The Jam Room is THEIR venue, not even mine to emcee. But Nigel kept calling me up. “No, no, no,” I kept saying. But he INSISTED. I was even a little nervous. I have NEVER been on the Jam Room stage. And now he wants me to sit in!!! OK, deep breathe, just go for it, Annabel. Who knew that I could sing “God Made Me Funky!” It was exhilarating and I was deeply humbled by the offer. And how COOL that a great photographer captured the unique moment! Jam Cruise HIGHLIGHT for sure!!!
