Legendary In The Media

Memories of Sea Cruise Blues '02
by Rita Weigand
Big City Blues - 6/7, 2002

Having survived the first four Ultimate Rhythm & Blues Cruises from 1992 through 1996, it had been six years since I last set sail on the high seas with blues lovers from all around the country to the sounds of the best in blues in the world. I was ready for my fifth cruise and the maiden voyage of the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise did not disappoint!

A full week of solid gold blues, from January 27th through February 2nd, was filled with sun, blues and many surprises supplied by our host, Roger Naber. The fantastic line up was supplemented by several well-chosen "guests" who jammed with the scheduled artists, many until the very wee hours of the warm Caribbean nights. Among the unadvertised "guests" were former War harmonica wiz, Lee Oskar, Chicago guitar slinger, Ronnie "Baker" Brooks, and master of the 88¹s, Mitch Woods. While Osker and Woods participated in their respective workshops, all eagerly participated in the performances of the scheduled artists and the late night jams. It was a personal thrill for me to see one of my harmonica heroes, Lee Oskar, up close and personal!

As a music photojournalist myself, it was doubly exciting to have world renown photographer, Lisa Law, on board, signing copies of her masterpiece documentary book, Flashing on the Sixties, which pretty much sold out! Law photographed them all: Dylan, the Beatles, Janis Joplin, Andy Warhol, Paul Butterfiled as well as the Height Asbury scene and Woodstock. It was wonderful to watch Lisa at work during the cruise, shooting Taj Mahal¹s performances. A very gracious lady, Lisa and I had some interesting conversations about photography, music and the business of both today. And someday I hope to be able to see her photos of Taj from the LR&BC!

Some of the best moments of the LR&BC were during the ports-of-call. Snorkeling with Sting Rays in the Bahamas was nothing short of fantastic! A life long dream of mine was fulfilled by finally getting to see the Myan ruins of Chiczen Itza during the Costa Maya stop in Mexico. I had signed up for that same trip during one of the Ultimate Rhythm & Blues Cruises, but it was canceled so I never had the opportunity to see the ruins before. The 12 hour trip was well worth the time and expense. The tour came complete with a knowledgeable guide, a comfortable air conditioned bus and a buffet lunch at a hotel next to the archeological site. The site of the ruins is tremendous and one could spend days there exploring Mexican history. The first Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise was as good as it gets with the fantastic line up, special "guests" and fascinating ports offering a variety of activities to explore. The 2003 cruise promises to be as exciting!