Review of the Makin’ Waves 4^th Annual Cruise January 25-30, 2010

By Joe Sizemore, Music Adjudicator, Professional Musician, Retired Music Educator

Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to “get outta town” and spend a week in the sunny Caribbean during last week’s cold, rainy, icy, snowy weather? When offered the chance to sail away and spend a week with the CWB (Craig Woolard Band) aboard Carnival’s Inspiration I didn’t even have to think about it. When Craig told me I’d get to perform with the legendary Archie Bell (Tighten Up, I Can‘t Stop Dancin‘, Showdown, just to name a few) I was packed and ready! The trip was all and more than I anticipated.

The weather and the water was wonderfully warm, as was the service and attention to our every need provided by George and Jackie of All About Travel. I could write a travel review and may do just that, but this is a review of the week long music that some 250 beach music fans and more than 2000 plus people enjoyed, many hearing Carolina Beach Music for their first time.

The first performance at sea set the bar high with standard CWB musical fare and Craig Woolard flair. Despite the motion of the ocean and some questionable constitutions, the music was tight and energetic. Choreography was somewhat compromised by the pitch and yaw of the ship, and some very creative dance steps were invented by the enthusiastic shaggers that braved the rolling dance floor. But, the crowd and the band stayed for the entire session. Several of the ship’s musicians and entertainers caught the performance, and the shipboard buzz quickly spread, “The CWB is a very hot act.” Fortunately the more southern latitudes held calmer seas and more gentle breezes. but the music was just getting started!

Night two found the CWB on the Lido Deck entertaining the whole ship. Led by award winning DJ Ray Scott, the Making Waves group introduced an energetic international crowd to Carolina Beach Music and the art of Shagging. The CWB performed many beach standards, but took the opportunity to perform several numbers from their new CD, Main Street People. This new CD is fabulous and deserves a full review (again, maybe soon). Sound engineer Alan Wentz had the daunting task of mixing sound outside, in the middle of the ocean, on the top floor of a thirteen story floating hotel, with acoustical demands changing by the moment. Alan succeeded beyond belief. Many new converts to beach music, and especially to the CWB, were born under the stars on this night.

Archie Bell was featured night three in the Candlelight Lounge performing for nearly an hour with all of his songs performed in their original key. His vocal power and endurance is attributed to an old Texas liquid concoction called a “snake bite.” For whatever reason, Mr. Bell’s sound was in tune, powerful, and soulfully rendered. Archie’s horn parts were skillfully arranged by CWB’s own Keith Stone who also handled lead trumpet, yours truly second, Greg Moseley Trombone, and of course Craig Woolard on sax. I don’t mean to “blow my own horn,” but it just does not get any better than Archie Bell at his best, Donald Jordan’s bluesy, gospel rich guitar, Andy Swindell’s authentic R&B keyboards, Russ Whitman’s incredible power and percussion technique, Greg Watson’s inventive and intuitive bass, and the horn section that Craig Woolard put on stage that night. I was thrilled and honored to be able to share a moment of such musical magic as night three on the high seas.

Day four found the CWB and many of the bands shipmates at the infamous Senor Frog’s in Cozumel, Mexico. It wasn’t long before SRO (Standing Room Only) and a frat party atmosphere made for instant party. The band tried to be as musical as they could with the equipment at hand and Alan had his hands full as he tried to coax quality sound from an abused and antiquated system. But, the end effect was a hugely successful party at the Frog! Everyone left with a smile on their face and a song in their heart.

On the last day at sea the band performed for the entire ship once again on the Lido Deck. Word had spread, and a huge crowd of cruisers were on hand to feast on CWB’s final fare. Craig was the ultimate entertainer and gave everyone a show to remember. More new offerings from Main Street People and a sophisticated Tower of Power like flavor, coupled with the Caribbean sun and drinks with umbrellas made the last performance a true finale. A reception was held and several impromptu performances were offered that afternoon. Of note were the two original songs that Keith Stone’s eight year old daughter, Maggie, wrote and performed while accompanying herself on guitar. She displayed a creative originality that could open important musical doors for her in the very near future. I hope to be fortunate enough to review this young lady in about ten years.

For me, the week’s experience was an honor and a privilege. The magic of the music, and the professionalism and generosity of the musicians was thoroughly rewarding. The service and attention to detail from our hosts was completely satisfying, but the wholesome atmosphere, camaraderie, and sense of family shared by and with the musicians, their wives and children, our hosts, and all the polite and caring members of our entourage was beyond memorable. It was truly touching. I highly recommend this musical venue and the Craig Woolard Band.

Another Party with Old Friends and new Fans!

May 22, 2010 is reserved for this great group of partyers!!

May 30^th, 2009, right on Back Creek overlooking the pool was the party to open the “Season” in Bath. Great food, fun, and music. The best beach, boogie and blues on the Pamlico was heard by 250 guests and perhaps thousands if you count all the boaters, dock sitters, and the crowd at the Quarter Deck! Hey, all those people can’t be wrong! Thanks for all the kind words! We picked up three more gigs so look for us at your next event! June is booked up, but July has a few dates available, as does August. Call me!

2008 Carolina Beach Music Awards were great!

Thanks to the Carpenter family for all they do to promote Beach Music and for the staff and stars that make me feel special. Thank you and congratulations to 2008's #1 D J , Ray Scott for your kind and generous intros. But, as always, thank you Craig Woolard, Debbie, and the CWB. I am always energized and encouraged when I am around the best in the business! I encourage all of my friends and fans to join the academy and help our music grow! For information on joining, voting, and meeting all the artists and DJs, go to CAMMY.ORG