As time goes by, stories of life onboard Jam Cruise never seem to get old. Whether it’s your roommate, besti, your son or daughter, brother or sister, classmate, or possibly your significant other, if someone in your life attended Jam Cruise, you’re going to hear about it. Keeping in mind that Jam Cruise provides the “Ultimate Backstage Pass” by intertwining some of the most talented musicians in the jam band scene with roughly 3,000 of the biggest jam band pha-natics ready to rock out, then, casting them all out for 5 days and 4 nights on one of the most luxurious ships on the planet (the MSC Divina), it’s not too hard to understand why your friends won’t shut up about their Jam Cruise experience.
A story you may not hear too often is how the artists feel about their experiences aboard Jam Cruise. This is one of those stories:
While aboard Jam Cruise 14 (January 6-11, 2016) I was fortunate enough to spend some time with an artist who was playing on Jam Cruise for the first time, as well as, a veteran, who was on his fifth or so cruise. The rookie of the pair, Matt Jalbert, plays some mean lead + rhythm guitar in the up-and-coming group from New York called TAUK. The veteran, Steve Adams, is an amazing bassist, formally known for his role in Animal Liberation Orchestra (ALO). In addition to ALO, Steve was also onboard to perform with his side project, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers.
Although Steve had been there for multiple years, it was clear that both of them were thrilled to be there. During my chat with Matt, which, by the way, conveniently took place right outside the ship’s sports bar that was airing an NFL Playoff game. After taking a seat away from the football fans, and right outside infamous Jazz Room, Matt talked me about the progression of TAUK over the last couple years, as well as, how fortunate he feels to be playing Jam Cruise.
Matt Jalbert of TAUK on Jam Cruise 14
When I asked him about how he felt about being a part of such a glorious occasion, he replied that he’s “trying to still make sense of it.” In just a short period of time TAUK has gone quite the distance both tour-wise and career-wise. Matt also brought up how crazy it was that not too long ago they would drive hours to play for a handful of people; now, they’re playing on a cruise ship for the masses.
TAUK playing on Jam Cruise 14
Another accomplishment Matt was extremely proud of was when TAUK got to play the infamous, Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. Despite it was an opening set to welcome on Papadosio and Umphrey’s McGee, it was an amazing moment for all of them. “It was the fastest 30 minutes of my life,” Matt stated. He also mentioned how grateful he was for the two bands’ overall support, and, how they helped “show them the way.”
As we carried on our discussion, he made note of a long string of with Umphrey’s McGee going on right now. Appropriately dubbed TAUKing McGee, this series of shows feature collaborations with TAUK and the members from Umphrey’s McGee. These rare collaborations began at the Beacon Theatre in New York on January 21st and will continue sporadically through late March. From concert halls to festivals, and now cruise ships, TAUK, will be all over the place in 2016 and beyond.
When I inquired about how collaborations on Jam Cruise, he explained that most artists are pretty open-minded about collaborations and willing to jam with other musicians on the boat (they were, anyways).
During TAUK’s visit to the Jam Room (located in the Black & White Lounge) they were fortunate enough to play with the likes of Oteil Burbrigde from The Allman Brothers, Adam Dietch of Lettuce and Break Science, plus, to the always-amazing Zach Deputy even dropped in for a surprise jam session. In fact, collaborations aboard Jam Cruise can be so spontaneous that sometimes the artists themselves won’t know it until the moment of. Matt had no idea that Zach was going to sit in with them until TAUK’s bassist Charlie Dolan leaned over to him as they were ending a song, and whispered, “Zach Deputy is going to hop up with us for the next song.”
Cheers roared when Zach and the boys hit the signature notes of one of TAUK’s biggest jams, “I Want You” (aka “She’s So Heavy”). The infamous Beatles cover has done wonders for one another and that night was no different; they nailed it!
After reminiscing about his jam session with Zach Deputy, he went on to say, “Not only is it crazy that we’re all in the same place, but we’re all in the same place in the middle of the ocean.” When you have legends like Dr. John on the ship, just being on the same vessel makes you appreciate your surroundings that much more. Once aboard Jam Cruise, attendees are quick to realize just how special of a celebration it really is.
Another benefit of Jam Cruise for both the attendees and the artists, alike, is getting inspired by from legends such as Dr. John and one of Matt’s personal favorite, Bernard Purdie. He was able to catch the very end of Bernard’s set, however, he got to see him electrify both the crowd and those playing next to him on-stage. In this case, it was Karl Denson, and fellow saxophone legend, Ron Holloway. Matt carried by saying, “Seeing a collection of musicians that haven’t ever played before is really special.”
Ron Holloway on Jam Cruise 14
After he revealed his inspirations, he summed up what it’s like for artists aboard the massive MSC Divina during Jam Cruise, “Jam Cruise is a collection of people who love music, who are adventurers, and all these musicians in the same place, it’s special, and I’m trying to make the most of it.”
Karl Denson on Jam Cruise 14
One thing is for certain, is you’ll continue to hear people talk about TAUK. Just recently the group locked it’s second appearance. This time, to open for The String Cheese Incident. In addition to his tour, TAUK is working on an album that should be ready for your listening pleasure soon. Before we parted ways, he stressed that he wanted to get a Jam Cruise “Repeat Offender Robe.” First-time Jam Cruisers find out quick exactly how to earn the coveted Jam Cruise Repeat Offender Robe, cruisers must sail on four cruises.
Matt Jalbert on Jam Cruise 14
Pretty pricey robe, but well worth it. Someone who can back me up on that is our next interviewee, Steve Adams. As mentioned above, Steve is a veteran of Jam Cruise and recently gave us the opportunity to hear the thoughts of a veteran cruiser.
In the midst of all the fun festivities and amazing music aboard Jam Cruise, Steve and I were having such a good time aboard the MSC Divina that we lost track of time and were forced to touch base after the ship docked. Nevertheless, Steve provided some quality responses to some general Jam Cruise questions:
How many jam cruises have you played on Jam Cruise/how was it your first time?
I’ve done a handful of cruises at this point, maybe five or so? With ALO and Nicki Bluhm & the Gramblers, as well as a country music side-project featuring both bands called Brokedown in Bakersfield.
Each time is new and unique, based on the combination of people and musicians on the boat. The cruise itself seems to keep evolving every year, each component more dialed – the jam room, the activities, the food, the collaboration of players, the secret spots. Even after 14 cruises, I’d say the festival is definitely one that continues to get better and more epic each year.
Steve Adams w/ Nicki Bluhm and The Gramblers on Jam Cruise 14
What is your favorite part(s) about Jam Cruise in general?
Favorite parts – maybe it’s the reunion of musicians the most. This happens at many festivals around the country, but Jam Cruise is definitely a special one. First off, everyone is on the boat for 5 days together, that just doesn’t happen at any other festival I know of. Because of that, relationships blossom. New ones begin, old ones grow deeper. It’s a musician-friendly fest where the musicians benefit as much as the people on board, and both parties win because of it.
Aside from that, it’s amazing to be on a boat, cruising the Caribbean. I love hitting the top pool deck and taking in where in the world we are. I don’t always make it off the boat since the boat is simply its own world within itself, but when I do, it’s always great to get a glimpse, if even just a short port-town moment, of another country and appreciate being somewhere else, the languages, the customs, the scenery. I hope that connection is nurtured more as Jam Cruise continues to evolve, more port experience and cultural connections.
Can recall a highlight for you or a moment that you immensely enjoyed on Jam Cruise 14?
I loved the new (to me) Chefs at Sea program, where featured chefs lead the cruise kitchen in custom menus with some of the best dishes you can imagine, creative and super healthy! A game-changer in the cruise-line food arena.
More personal highlights included a mini cabin portable record party with Chris Stillwell, hanging out and jamming with Amy Helm (swoon!), backing up Rayland Baxter with the ALO guys, Jans Ingber the person, Keller Williams’ Atrium set with a parade of sit-ins that summarized many of my heroes on the boat… and fixing a salad next to James Singleton in the buffet line. To only name a few.
Steve Adams of ALO and Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers on Jam Cruise 14
Where can I find ALO’s set from Jam Cruise?
iTunes, I believe! Or in the backlogs of your Jam Cruise memories, if you were a lucky cruiser yourself.
End of Interview
Well, there you have it! It seems that despite whether it’s an artist on their first Jam Cruise or if it’s their fifth, all of them love Jam Cruise for many different reasons other than performing. When they do decide to collaborate, however, is when the true Jam Cruise magic happens.. Taking into consideration what you’ve heard from Matt, Steve, and all the Jam Cruisers that simply won’t stop talking about why they love Jam Cruise so much, do yourself a favor and take the Jam Cruise journey for yourself. Alike the rest of them, once you hop on Jam Cruise, you’ll be hooked for life (or at least until you attend 9 or more cruises and earn the highest honor of a Jam Cruise “Lifer”).
Now is a time better than any to pre-book your cabin because Cloud 9 Adventures just announced that the Jam Cruise 15 lineup will be released on April 28th! This means, that all available cabins that are up for grabs when the Jam Cruise lineup drops, will go somewhat quickly. The nice rooms will probably get taken first and blocks will be booked solid. If you want a chance to choose what cabins and amenities are right for you, then pre-book your Jam Cruise cabin now!