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Lynn Olson Smooth Music Cruise Account Part 4
January 31 - February 4, 2009

Day Four, Tuesday, February 3, 2009 (Tropical White night)
Nick Colionne Guitar Clinic
Guitar: Nick Colionne
Bass: Dave ‘Hollywood’ Hiltebrand

“It’s not like I’m gonna say anything prolific or anything. Hello folks. This is the Epiphone Broadway Elitist,” Nick explained about his guitar. It has a thick body and six strings. I didn’t’ break one so I will have six strings,” he joked. He explained it is not a rock star’s guitar and went on to talk about a variety of guitars. He shared that his grandma’s words, “It’s not the guitar, it’s the guitar player.” He gave a snippet of his sound. “Bear with me a second,” he asked. “What impresses me the most is the body of the guitar. When I’m playin’ with my thumb there’s a whole other feeling. There’s nothing between you. It’s just you and the instrument. So, when I’m playin’ Wes Montgomery-style it’s like this.” He unselfishly shared with evident passion. Dishing out his spectacular blues, he proved his soulful prowess. “I don’t know what I’m gonna do tonight. I’m blowin’ it up.”

Question: “What is the difference between Norman Brown’s guitar and yours?”

Nick Colionne: “Well, that one is Norman’s and this one is mine,” he joked. “Norman’s is thinner and lighter. You need a guitar that not only sounds good to you, but that feels good to you.” He talked about shopping, strings durability and more.

Question: “How many guitars have you owned in your lifetime?”

Nick Colionne: He first joked that he had just one then adding, “I’ve had a few. I’ve had ten throughout my life, twenty-three now. Nothing like Jim Peterik, he has like 250.” He elaborated about a 57 Les Paul saying it was too heavy and hurt his back. He added that there are more reasons now to have different guitars alluding to new airline regulations and more. He mentioned also that if you’re the main guy there is no time to change a string during a show.

Question: Someone asked how often he breaks a string.

Nick Colionne: “Fourteens are very thick and hard to break. If you break one of these you done broke somethin’. It’s all about the sound. You want the sound to resonate.”

Question: Someone asked about influential people in his life.

Nick Colionne: He mentioned Wes Montgomery and Kenny Barell. He mentioned, ‘Bumpin’ on Sunset’, was the first song he ever learned. He said it frieked his mom out when he played like Hendrix. He added, “I walked around without my shirt and everyone saw my little sparrow chest.”

Question: Prices and quality were mentioned.

Nick Colionne: Nick mentioned that Gibson guitars were made all in the

USA

. He said he believes in American made things and admitted the Epiphone wasn’t made in the

. “I’m gonna have a talk with them,” he joked.

Question: “How did the All Star Jam evolve?”

Nick Colionne: “Well, the first cruise they drafted me into it with Mark and Tony. I was the closest one. Then, the next thing I knew I was doing it. You may not believe this, but it is all impromptu. The main thing is to get everyone on stage so they are not all mad at me. I believe in spontaneity. Some of these guys should be more famous than they are. This is the crème of the crop.”

Question: “Do you feed off a good crowd?”

Nick Colionne: “That’s my life. Good thing about the cruise is everyone is here to play. The first person I see smilin’ I focus on them. I never care if it is me or five million. If it is one you deserve the same show as five million.”

Question: An audience member asked about Steve Oliver’s acrylic nail guitar picking.

Nick Colionne: He said he uses a pick and Steve does a lot of classic picking.

Question: “Have you had any formal lessons?”

Nick Colionne: “Yeah, I had my first lesson when I was messin’ with the guitar in the house? He said he was banging on the guitar and his step dad got him lessons. He spent lots of time learning how to read music. He admitted, “I learned how to read music early on so then I could cut that class.” He said he went to formal music school and had three lessons because that was all they could afford. He said picked it up on the street explaining everyone on the west side of Chicago played a guitar and he listened to a lot of records. “If you want to play a guitar you need to just do it. You can teach yourself if you want it bad enough. I think when I took my first lessons it was because I was afraid of my step dad. Wes Montgomery records just did something to me. Sometimes I still get tears in my eyes. When I saw that girls like guys who play that was it for me! I love anyone who plays guitar and love listening to it.” He said he loves the guitar itself.

Question: “Have you played the fretless guitar?”

Nick Colionne: He said he can play the violin, bango, the keys some and the drums. He said he played a variety of instruments because of his brother’s band. He said had never played the fretless guitar.

Question: An anonymous guy in the audience mentioned he had been in broadcasting for forty years and inquired about clinics.

Nick Colionne: Nick said he likes the clinics and the socialization. He mentioned it is a great opportunity for artists to enjoy these interactions.

Question: Someone asked about Cisco.

Nick Colionne: He said, “Cisco plays for the boat.” He also talked of Larry Carlton being a living legend.

Question: An audience member asked if the laminated guitar top helped him.

Nick Colionne: He said it doesn’t’ help and he stays away from the monitor.

Comments and music: Someone asked him to play his favorite songs. He got lost in the moment with a few snippets. He was in the zone more than I’ve ever seen him. The intimacy was phenomenal. He exclaimed, “I didn’t know I could do that!”

Question: “You have a great voice. Are you going to do more singing?”

Colionne: “Carol Ray, my manager, encouraged me to sing. Carol programmed me from my family. They told him play don’t sing. Now I’m doing more vocals on my new CDs.”

Comments: We all enjoyed the unique setting of his guitar clinic. Nick talked about Bette Miner’s posters and gave kudos to her. He thanked his chiropractor, Dr. Gray, and mentioned he keeps the artists standin’ and walkin’. He then thanked Carrrie by saying she is doing a great job with his fan club. They had the Epiphone Broadway Guitar give away just before the clinic came to a close. It was valued at $1300.00 and autographed by Nick Colionne.

Day Four, Tuesday, February 3, 2009 (Tropical White night)
Steve Oliver Event
Guitar: Steve Oliver
Special Guest: Alan Hewitt on keyboard
Special Guest: Steve Madiao on trumpet
Keyboard/Synthesizer: Kevin Flournoy
Keyboard: Jay Rowe (regular member of Special EFX) (Marion Meadows, Angela Bofill and Phil Perry)
Bass: Jervonni Collier aka JV (Bruce Hornsby)
Guitar: Brian Price (Jazz Crusaders)
Percussion: Johnny Sandoval
Drums: Chad Wright (Kieko Matsui)

“Welcome to the Celebrity. Nice house, nice house,” commented Norman when he saw the crowd. He introduced Vickie Van Dyke from the Canadian Broadcast awards. “And, she can dance,” he joked. He elaborated about how unique the Canadian Smooth Jazz awards are and how they are the only Smooth Jazz awards. He talked about Vickie being involved with 947@aol.com (Hamilton, Toronto) and the Canadian jazz awards. “Please enjoy this man and honorary Canadian ladies and gentlemen, Steve Oliver.”

The intense presence of Mr. Steve Oliver took over the stage and the venue. His overhead clapping guided us to the beginning of his set. His fresh, clean vibe on guitar and vocals broke it wide open. The minute he started to play roses bloomed and birds sang. The capacity crowd was fully engaged and loving the Oliver groove. He stopped momentarily at mid song to revive the overhead clapping and keep things moving. His vocals were off-the-chain on the opener. At song’s end he cut loose with a falsetto of, “Oooooooooh,” yielding a perfect finish to, ‘Magic World’. (3D CD, One Night Live CD/DVD).

He bellowed, “Good Evening,” and paused. “This is one off my first album. It is called, ‘First View’ (First View CD, Smooth Jazz Essentials CD, One Night Live CD/DVD).” He started with his amazing self-made percussion sounds then gravitated to his guitar. Steve’s energy defines both his musicianship and performance. He is obviously deeply smitten with the jazz. He bunny hopped his exuberant energy mid-song. He fancy fingers strum the guitar often times using exaggerated harp-like movements to embellish. He is incredible to watch. It is not surprising this ten-year hit tune has withstood the test of time. Oliver’s charisma is amazing. “A little, ‘First View’, for you,” he said in conclusion.

“This song is off the Radiant Dreams CD called, ‘Good to Go’. He hollered the question, “Are you good to go?” He then repeated upping the volume, “Are you go to go?” This high-energy salsa affair was a blast. Steve was rockin’ it and he was most definitely in his zone. “We need some help,” he said prompting the audience with an overhead unison clap. The forceful beat yielded a great foot stompin’ party. “You guys are good to go,” he confirmed.

“I got a brand-new song released to the country today. I called a couple of guys where I live to do this special song for me. Especially in times like these we need to be, ‘Fearless’ (One Night Live CD/DVD). I have a couple of special guests.” He first introduced Alan Hewitt. Then he said, “Mr. Steve Madaio, he plays on all the Stevie Wonder CDs.” Oliver called out, “Mr. Steve Madaio,” introducing his solo. Madaio trilled with arched back giving it his all. Hewitt was stellar on the keys with Steve in the backdrop mading percussion noises throughout entire the song. Oliver thanked Steve and Alan commenting how pleased he was with their performances.

“It’s time to get funky,” he announced. “Everybody come on. Come on. One, two, three,” he said. He picked up his signature forest-green guitar and said, “Here we go. The lyrics, ‘Let me show you love’ permeated the venue. He was showing the love indeed. He pointed into the audience while singing then walked to the stage front and back to the side, center pocket. The percussion sounded like horse hoofs and led straight to a falsetto, “Ooooooh,” from Oliver.

“I need some help,” he asked. “You guys ready to sing? Let me show you, let me show you love ladies out loud. Hey ladies you are good. Let me hear it for the ladies. Ok, men look at the lady on the side and in front of you. Think of Barry White. In a deep voice, let me show you. Let me show you love. You’re good. You’re coming on the road with us guys. One more time, everybody.” The entire venue came alive in song. Everyone sang and in their own groove. “Ah, ya, ya,” Steve sang loudly. “Take it home!” he exclaimed. “One more time, you guys are great. Let’s hear it for this band.”

“A little Spanish guitar,” he announced. Needing no prompting seasoned Steve Oliver fans knew to clamor, “Ole!” He led us directly to the salsa vibe, ‘Chips and Salsa’ (3D CD, One Night Live CD/DVD). The Spanish-style guitar playing intensified moment-by-moment. The successive ‘Ole’s intensified each time. Everyone was having fun with it. “Dang, I don’t need to play a thing now. You guys are good! So, is anyone ready for some chips and salsa?” he asked as the venue transformed to a frenzy of Latin jazz with hands clapping wildly and everyone chiming in with ‘Ole’. Kevin hammered out a great synthesizer solo prefacing Steve who gave it up on guitar. He ended with arched back and outstretched arm. His exaggerated harp-like guitar stroke was brilliant.

“Johnny on percussion, hey!” Steve commented. Sandoval was a percussion wizard tonight. “Give it up, give it up,” Oliver prompted. “Come on,” he added. The audience went nuts! “Are these guys amazing or what?” Steve asked pointing to the band.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m gonna bring out Alan Hewitt on keyboard. This is one off my new CD/DVD One Night Live. This is all about passion. That’s why you are here. We all have passion about music right? And, that’s why you are here. Let’s call this, ‘This Fire’.”

Alan Hewitt reiterated as he tore into the keys, “That’s why we’re all here.” Steve added, “I agree with the lyrics. You can’t stop this fire. Who would want to? Take it Johnny!” The chemistry between Hewitt and Oliver runs deep. Friendship filled the air to overflowing. Their musicianship and camaraderie are unparalleled. Alan wailed on the keys and the audience went crazy. Steve said, “Here we go. Nothing’s gonna stop this fire right?”

“Are you guys up for a little ‘High Noon’ (Smooth Jazz Essentials CD, One Night Live CD/DVD)?” Steve took this tune to a new level with his performance tonight. “Are you with me?” Oliver started clapping overhead mid-song again leading the audience while singing. Steve’s excitement spilled into a musical bunny hop.

“You guys are so awesome man. Thank you for coming on this cruise and sharing some love. We’re gonna close with this song. It’s all about dreams. It’s all about dreams, he repeated. It’s called, ‘Radiant Dreams’ (Radiant CD, One Night Live CD/DVD).” This tune is simply gorgeous. It is a close-your-eyes song that makes you think, dream and have hope. It raises gooseflesh across your arms paralleling Steve’s philosophy about life perfectly. His passion runs deeper than the deepest ocean. His falsetto shone through intermittently as he joined his guitar catching a dream or two.

From, ‘Radiant Dreams’ Oliver did the smooth glide to John Lennon’s. ‘Imagine’. The solemn moments he spent with this song were priceless. He took us on a journey back in time and space with one more ‘Oooooh’. The tune developed from nearly pin-drop quiet to powerful and intense when he added full vocals. His ‘Oooooh’ was breathtaking. “You say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one, I hope someday. Steve’s finally words were, “Yeah, yeah.” Every soul in the place was left wide open. We all shared a deeply spiritual moment. A lingering ‘Oooooh’ reminiscent of his performance hung poetically in the air.

“Thank you so much you guys are wonderful”, Steve said. Norman Brown came on stage and said, “Hot stuff, hot stuff. He’s puttin’ it down. He is like sunshine. Up next is Boney James.”

Day Four, Tuesday, February 3, 2009 (Tropical White night)
Boney James Event
Saxophone: Boney James
Keyboard/Synthesizer: Kevin Flournoy
Bass: Jervonni Collier aka JV (Bruce Hornsby)
Guitar: Brian Price (Jazz Crusaders)
Drums: Chad Wright (Kieko Matsui)

Norman Brown announced, “We all know his music. It’s sexy, cool and funky. It’s all that stuff. He’s a longtime friend of mine. We love him right? Comin’ up we got a beautiful horn player and all around bad cat. Please put your hands together for Boney James.”

He entered from side stage. Clad in black jeans, sassy vest, a hat and signature tennis shoes. Mr. Boney James took center, front stage by storm. The audience adores Boney James. He played the edge of the stage to eager fans serenading them one-by-one with the smooth sound of, ‘Into the Blue’ (Body Language CD). When Kevin Flournoy on synthesizer teamed up with James they dug it deep. He screamed the sax and the crowd begged for more.

‘All Night Long’ (Ride CD, Body Language CD, Lazy Afternoon CD) opened with a stellar solo from Brian Price on guitar. JV Collier got down with his bad self on a spectacular work of art he mixed for his solo. “How are you feelin’ out there?” Boney asked. “It’s so great to be back for the third year. Let’s give it up for the band.”

‘This is from a record I did a few years back called Pure. The song is called, ‘Pure’.” Flournoy opened on synthesizer while Boney strutted the stage playing like a wild man.

Chad

on drums did a rockin’ duet with James that had the audience howling. Boney leaned and out in prompting

Chad

to play-stop, stop-play offering a spectacular display of musical teamwork.

Chad

parlayed their ceased banter into biggest solo of the concert. He thumped it out. The crowd cheered loudly for him. Boney tiptoed back in at end of Wright’s handiwork and brought the sax back to the forefront. James said, “Chad Wright back there on the drums, give it up.”

“I have a new record coming out today. I want to play a few cuts off it. No one on the planet has ever heard these. They have a Stevie Wonder undertone. They are all about love and sex.” The Steve Wonder tune, ‘Send One Your Love’ (title track, Send One Your Love CD), was up. He played this one on soprano sax and made it his own. The venue heated to boiling with that cut. “Thank you very much,” he said.

“Here’s another one from the new CD. It is the Stylistics tune, ‘Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)’ (Send One Your Love CD). I think they have been playing this on the radio.”

“I asked for people’s make-out songs and the funniest suggestion was ‘Walk like an Egyptian’. It didn’t make it to the CD,” he joked. This one was my favorite make-out song. It is a John Klemmer song called, Touch’ (Send One Your Love CD).” Boney wowed the audience once again.

‘Let It Go’, (Shine CD) was up next. The mania was in full swing and Boney was all over the stage. The crowd could not get enough of this sax extraordinaire.

“I want to take you back to my Trust CD to the title cut.” James was strutting and playing like there was no tomorrow when the special effect rolled in. The smoke created a spectacular mood and everyone was engaged. Kevin hit the synthesizer and the audience roared. The two them teamed up and knocked this one out of the park. Boney wailed on his sax while the women swooned. The aisles filled quickly with the energy of dance. Everyone was shakin’ it. James ended center stage playing amidst the smoky hue.

“Here’s another one off the new CD. We couldn’t do a make-out record without doing a Barry White tune. I wish I had that voice. I think I’ll just stick to the saxophone.” ‘I’m Gonna Love You Just a Little More’ (Send One Your Love CD), sent everyone there into the make-out zone as it echoed, ‘I’m gonna love you, love you, love you’. The crowd went nuts and all the women continued to dance like crazy. Heck, there were plenty of guys dancing too!

Boney asked, “You guys havin’ fun out there? I know we’re havin’ fun up here on the two and four y’all. We’re just gonna groove on you for a while. Boney grabbed his soprano sax for a medley. ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ (Shine CD), took the audience to mellow as he prompted everyone to click their fingers in rhythm. JV and Boney were both superstars on this one. The finale smoothed the audience to mellow. He added a standard made famous by Norah Jones and Luther Vandross. ‘Creepin’ (Trust CD).

‘Sweet Thing’ (Sweet Thing CD, The Best of Smooth Jazz), rounded it out filling the air with the smell of fallen fruit. I could almost feel the juices running down my forearms on a summer’s day.

‘See What I’m Sayin’ (Ride CD), ended the night in a frenzy of jazz. The team of James and JV turned it out again on this tune. Brian Price added his screamin’ guitar genius turning the venue upside down. The B & B (Boney and Brian) hit it hard. These two outdid themselves. It was incredible. JV slipped back out of the corner pocket cutting loose with a taste of his fancy footwork. Everyone was going crazy when Boney decided to plunge into the audience. “What, you want more?” Boney asked.

With a “One two, one two,” Boney started his encore. ‘Grazin’ in the Grass’ (Shake It Up CD) had Brian, Kevin, JV,

Chad

and Boney all rocking it out. Amidst the chaos of fun Boney said, “Thank you all so much for coming out tonight. Thank you. Good night.” Norman Brown announced, “That’s Mr. Boney James.”

Day Four, Tuesday, February 3, 2009 (Tropical White night)
Chilei Minucci Event
Guitar: Chieli Minucci
Special Guest: Greg Adams on trumpet
Special Guest: Mindi Abair on saxophone
Keyboard: Jay Rowe (regular member of Special EFX) (Marion Meadows, Angela Bofill and Phil Perry)
Bass: Jervonni Collier aka JV (Bruce Hornsby)
Guitar: Brian Price (Jazz Crusaders)
Percussion: Johnny Sandoval
Drums: Chad Wright (Kieko Matsui)

Tropical White night had me running to catch the Minucci show. Chieli first teamed up with his special guest Mr. Greg Adams. Chieli coaxed, “Greg Adams, the birthday boy, please.”

Minucci asked, “I want everyone to close your eyes and imagine you are in outer space. This one is kinda new from Special EFX. This one is for the first time kinda.” ‘Accession’ (Sweet Surrender CD, Special EFX) delivered the mystery of the unknown. The intense keyboard playing of Jay Rowe took this song to another plain. We had several wow moments. Minucci gave a special thanks to Jay Rowe at song’s end. Chieli introduced the band members giving a special thanks

Chad

for the intro and Johnny Sandoval on percussion also mentioning that Jay Rowe plays with Marion Meadows.

“This is a short show we’re doing tonight. I’d like to bring out a special guest. Please put your hands together for Miss Mindi Abair.” The stage kicked up when he teamed up with Mindi. The stage became a rock n’ roll heaven when they hit it. Jay Rowe and JV were lit up leading us straight to Mindi’s solo. She strutted across the stage with Minucci and the band not far behind. Minucci and Abair played well off each other on their duet. “Thank-you once again, Chieli Minucci at your service,” he spouted. The stage lined up for a group bow.

The gorgeous Lynn Briggs from the Oasis came out and asked everyone, “Put your hands together for Chieli Minucci. Please put your hands together for Bob and Judy for putting this together. Thanks to Acoustic Alchemy, Boney James and Chieli Minucci. Moments from now we will have more entertainment from Heather Headley.”

Day Four, Tuesday, February 3, 2009 (Tropical White night)
Heather Headley Event
Vocals: Heather Headley
Keyboard: John ‘The Wolverine’ Erickson
Bass: Jervonni Collier aka JV (Bruce Hornsby)
Guitar: Brian Price (Jazz Crusaders)
Drums: Chad Wright (Kieko Matsui)

Mr. Norman Brown said, “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Here is Lynn Briggs. Brown and Briggs teamed up for the intro saying, “How about my man Chieli Minucci? Did you know Chieli wrote for the Guiding Light? He won three Emmys. Show your love one more time for Chieli Minucci. I have someone coming out for you new who I saw singing for the president. One more round for our band. They learned one-hundred and five songs. We can’t do it without you. Let’s get this party started. She has the voice of an angel. Heather Headley, are you ready? Come on.”

‘Fallin’ for You’ (This Is Who I Am CD), wowed us from note one. From the moment she took the stage Heather Headley grabbed hold of the audience commanding the room. She came out clapping her hands over her head and had it goin’ on. She strutted across the stage putting everyone under her spell. She said, “Hey guys, what are you doing? If you’ll indulge me I’d like to talk to you, kinda talk me through.” She talked about Bob Jamison inviting her to cruise and shyly admitted everyone started to intimidate her. “I am humbled and honored to be here tonight with music connoisseurs. I can’t mess up. I got to do anything I want and you can’t get off the boat. Some jazz, some of everything and a little of everything.”

“If any of you women that are sitting next to good men this will be for him. Next up was, ‘He Is’ (This Is Who I Am CD). She said this was her first CD. Wow, this girl can sing! What a set of pipes! Her energy was infectious and everyone was into her. The entire audience was clapping. Heather is amazing. On behalf of everyone there who most definitely shares my sentiment, nice call Bob! Headley has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard!

Heather warned, “Don’t start me. There’ll be church in here. It’s a smooth jazz cruise not church. This is an old Four Tops song that I sang for my wedding, ‘I Believe In You And Me, (unrecorded).” This song brought tears to my eyes. Heather truly has the voice of an angel. Everything about her exudes soul and a love for music that runs deep. She mesmerized everyone there repeatedly owning the stage, venue and audience. Heather is a gift from God and truly her own miracle, simply genius.

“Here is a song from my second album. It’s kinda like that adult love, I hope you like it.” She sang, ‘In My Mind’ (title track and single for In My Mind CD) with both hands in her pockets exuding unmatched simplicity. The power of Headley’s voice is mind blowing. At songs end she said, “So, by the way, I had an outfit planned but the stilettos didn’t work. So, next time I owe you stilettos.”

“Come on audience, I need your help.” ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You’ (unrecorded), had her hopping and bopping across the stage with boundless energy. She drew in everyone like a magnet then commenting, “You guys are good.”

“We’re gonna go through a little medley here. You guys will know them so here we go. ‘Givin’ You the Best of My Love’ (unrecorded), is for all you guys that are grown and sexy. You can’t be grown and not sexy. Can I get a witness?” The venue echoed, ‘No one does it like you’ when she sang ‘Whip Appeal’ (unrecorded). I was enthralled by the sheer power of her voice.

“This one is for all the ladies. I don’t now if you know this one. This is for the grown and sexy. When she sang, ‘Super Woman’ (unrecorded), I was awestruck by her vocals. I felt honored to be in her presence.

She then invited Roberta Flack to the party with ‘It Might Be You’ (Unrecorded). This tune was gorgeous. There is something about Heather’s singing that brings out the gratitude of the moment.

“I thought we’d try a new song on you. This song is by a friend of mine Kenny Lattimore. I thought I’d try it on you. You can tell me if you like it. If you don’t like it don’t say anything.” She gave generously of her talent on ‘For You’ (unrecorded). I swear this girl could sing the phone book and it would sound good!

“Well, I have to say thanks for letting me hang out with you. You had me laughing and I appreciate your love of music,” said Heather. “Before we go I’d like to do a song from my second album, ‘I Wish I Wasn’t’ (This Is Who I am CD, Dance Vault Mixes CD). Her performance was sparkling. At set’s end she said, “Thank you guys and good night.” Norman took the stage and said, “Give it up for Heather Headley and the Smooth Cruise Band.

I still can’t believe I am part of such a mind blowing musical event. Heather Headley, you truly rocked my world with your stellar voice.

Day Four, Tuesday, February 3, 2009 (Tropical White night)
Nick at Night Jam Session
Guitar: Nick Colionne
Keyboard/Synthesizer: Tim ‘the Rock’ Gant
Keyboard: John ‘The Wolverine’ Erickson
Trumpet: Cisco
Trumpet: Steve Madaio
Trombone: Carlos
Guitar: Buddy Fambro
Bass: Dave ‘Hollywood’ Hiltebrand
Drums: Chris ‘The Wildman’ Meskil

The lovely and energetic Lynn Briggs took the stage. “Give it up for Heather Headley. Ok, we’re gonna party like its 2999. Let’s give a shout out to Carol Ray, Nick’s manager, and to Karrie, his fan club President. I’m ready to hear the man we love. We call him Nick at Night because he turns it out, Mr. Nick Colionne.”

In black and silver complete with beret, Nick Colionne opened it up on vocals. “I won’t be your fool, I’ll walk out the door”, electrified the venue. “I won’t end up with a broken heart and no pride,” he went on to sing. He muttered, “You gotta take that hard line. I’m not sellin’ nothing tonight. I’m lying, I’ll be silent. I’ll be sellin’ something later. I’m gonna keep this movin’ along. This man is a legend and I know you’ve heard a lot of his songs. Let’s keep this going for Jim Peterik of Life Force.” When his hat tipped off his head he said, “That ain’t good when you knock off my only hat. So, y’all ready for this? Here we go, Jim Peterik, Life Force. Put your hands together.”

Jim took the stage and said, “I had the pleasure of writing this for Rocky III.” He then rocked it with ‘Eye of the Tiger’. Lisa McClowry admitting this was her first cruise. She assisted Peterik with vocals on ‘Unconditional Surrender. Tim ‘The Rock’ Gant hit the synthesizer and Althea came by to jam on flute. John ‘The Wolverine’ Erickson was wild and crazy on the keys. The audience loved it. Nick jammed with them saying, “Let’s bring out the horn section.” Cisco on trumpet, Steve Madaio on trumpet and Carlos on Trombone jumped in stirring the pot. At conclusion Jim shared that he wrote this song when he was nineteen.

Peterik also shared the story of how he wrote, ‘I’m Your Vehicle’, (previously performed with Jim Peterik and the Ides of March), for his now-wife of thirty-six years. The familiar lyrics, “You know I love ya, I need ya, I want ya, I got to have you child, great God in heaven you know I love you,” were on the lips of everyone there. We were all singing and carrying on. It was a blast. The band was in a full jam. Chris ‘The Wildman’ was wilder-than-wild on drums. His fierce style had everyone thumping.

“You never know what you’re gonna see on a smooth jazz cruise. It can be something. And, that was something! Give me something in ‘D’ Dave. I’m gonna send someone out. “Everybody say, ‘Yeah’. Owwwww!” exclaimed Nick. He strutted on stage proudly announcing, “Alright my first act! You’ve seen them yesterday and tonight.” He introduced Althea René, Will Brock aka ‘Chocolate Chip’ and Gail ‘aka ‘Gaily’Jhonson.

Althea said, “Nick, break it down one time. I’m gonna turn it over to you. Let’s hear it for Nick, featuring Ms. Gail Jhonson. Let’s do it!” René exclaimed. “I’ve been chillin’ too much and eatin’ too. This is from my Chocolate Rush CD.” Chaka Khan was invited to our party with ‘Ain’t No Body’. Althea was shakin’ it and prompting, “Come on Gail.” Gail’s solo rocked the house. Althea went crazy scatting front stage, center. The house was on its ear and everyone loved her. “Bass!” she demanded. Chocolate Chip took over leaving his mark on the stage and the venue. He more than tore it up. He paddled his bass like a maniac. “Chocolate Chip!” Althea screamed relentlessly.

From there Buddy Fambro came to light with a stellar solo again rocking the house. Buddy, Althea and Chocolate Chip had the place on fire. Althea and Will Brock went nuts together. “Give it up!” Althea exclaimed. Nick gave a huge thanks to Althea René and Gail Jhonson.

Nick said, “We’ve got Gary Grainger on bass and some sax players. Ok, Boney James and Michael Lington. How about a hand for John, the band, Luiz the stage manager, Steve Madaio on trumpet, Miles on guitar, Will Brock, Boney James on sax, Michael Lington on sax and Chris Meskil on drums.” Collione then exclaimed, “Fellows, put it where you want it!”

The final jam had Tim ‘The Rock’ Gant on the synthesizer creating a huge finale. Boney James rocked us all home for the night on his solo. Steve Madaio trilled it up on trumpet. From there Michael Lington brought in a little slow and easy. He went from sultry to trill, trill, trill in a matter of minutes. The smoke machine appropriately kicked in just as he started smokin’ it. Miles from Acoustic Alchemy came out scattin’ and ripped it to out-of-control. What a jam this was!

A medley of Boney, Lington and Steve Madaio was front and center stage. They were out of control and we were having a blast watching. Steve used his hand as a mute, simply amazing. Miles joined them center stage and performed a wow moment! From there it was Boney to Steve to Miles and then to Lington. The music was phenomenal. I had many moments of gratitude being in the presence of so many great artists.

Nick was back up. “Well give it up!” he exclaimed. “You can sit down now, we’re changing it up. We’re gonna feature Will Brock on vocals. Will said, “Hey y’all I’m gonna say something.” His uncontrollable energy split the place wide open when they all started jammin’ on, ‘Come Together’. We heard some fantastic vocals from Will. He was knockin’ it out on the synthesizer and bunny hoppin’.

Brock announced, “Mr. Meadows come on. Hey, yeah. That’s Marion Meadows y’all.” Will was back on vocals while and dancing across the stage. He handed it off to Nick who got down and bluesy. He picked the life out of those strings, stellar. Still-singing Brock cheered him on. “Come back,” he coaxed. Brock looked on in awe and with great respect. Marion was playing and Nick was still at it when our vocal star, Will Brock bunny hopped across the entire stage. His energy was contagious and everyone there had a bad case of Brock fever.

Will whispered, “Can we play it soft so we don’t need the mic?” With the mic back on he quietly sang, “Come together right now.” Marion was still blowin’ when Nick came back on stage.

“We’re bringing everybody up here. You havin’ a good time?” Nick asked. “We have more people that want to play but we have time constraints. Tomorrow night we can go all night long!” Someone in the audience screamed, “I love you babe.” Nick answered, “I love you too babe.” He joked, “A love like ours will never die baby.”

“If I were the Temptations we’d need a miracle he said during his partial role call. He called out, “Althea René, Hollywood, Jay Rowe, Cisco, Jim Peterik, Lisa McClowery, Gary and Greg Grainger, Chris ‘The Wildman’ Meskil, Miles Gilderdale, Tim ‘The Rock’ Gant.”

A wild medley of solos concluded the night with Althea, Cisco, Jay Rowe, Miles and Nick, Jim Peterik, Tim ‘The Rock’ Gant, Hollywood, Hollywood and Nick, Lisa McClowery. “One more time for John ‘The Wolverine’ Erickson,” Nick said. A huge dance party finished it off.

“Can we hit it one more time? Can we hit it one more time? Can we hit it one more time?” Nick repeated for the third time. “Come to the jam session tomorrow night. There will be surprises,” he anxiously admitted. The rock-a-dilly style of Nick Colionne yielded one last silly crazy-fun Nick moment shared by all.

© February, 2009. All rights reserved. All information presented is copyrighted by Haven Entertainment Inc. and author (Lynn M. Olson) except where otherwise noted. No portion of this work may be reproduced, displayed or sold without the express written consent of the both Haven Entertainment Inc. and the author. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.