All Jams On Deck review….04-27-12…

ALL JAMS ON DECK

A FILM BY ROBERT MUGGE

 

If you have ever been on any of the Legendary Rhythm And Blues Cruise excursions, then you know all about the late-night jams after the main shows are finished.  Roger Naber, CEO of the cruise line that books these trips, has collaborated with celebrated musical documentarian Robert Mugge to create “All Jams On Deck,” which takes an intimate look at not only some of the best blues players on the planet, but the behind-the-scenes activity that goes on to pull off the whole experience without it morphing into total chaos.

 

The documentary, filmed during the October 2010 cruise to the Mexican Riviera, is roughly half performance footage and half discussions among the players regarding techniques and jam ettiquette.  Check out John Nemeth taking the Mickey Thomas vocal part along with Elvin Bishop’s guitar on “Fooled Around and Fell In Love.”  There’s a harmonica “workshop” of sorts with Kim Wilson and War’s Lee Oskar, and a demonstration of blues piano variations, courtesy of Commander Cody and Rev. Billy C. Wirtz.

 

Highlights for us included Tommy Castro’s “A Good Fool Is Hard To Find,” and a brilliant “Johnny’s Jam,” featuring Johnny Winter and Elvin Bishop on guitar, and Edgar Winter on keys.  The whole film is a great experience, and it’s all about having a good time!

 

This is Robert Mugge’s second DVD release of 2012, ( along with his “Big Shoes”  film of Ted Drozdowski’s Scissormen), and it is nominated for the Best Blues DVD  award, to be given on May 10, 2012, at the Blues Awards ceremony in Memphis.

 

“All Jams On Deck” is a film that all blues fans should see.  And, that has become quite easy to do, as the cruise line is offering this DVD for free, with only a nominal $5.95 shipping fee.  If you are unable to attend a Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise, then this film is absolutely the next best thing to being there!   Until next time….Sheryl and Don Crow.