by Brian D. Holland.

Rocking the Boat - A Musical Conversation & Journey was recently released on DVD format. Starring Delbert McClinton and numerous performers he’s been associated with over the years, the incredible concert footage taken during his 2006 Sandy Beaches cruise is the general setting of the film. Humorous and interesting conversation transpires throughout, as Delbert and friends reminisce about the music and years gone past. The music itself is a hodgepodge of American true grit, as performers of honky-tonk blues, boogie-woogie, rock, country, and New Orleans style R&B take to the stage for 1,200 fans. And each and every one of them truly does rock the boat.

Delbert McClinton has been a warrior of American music since his early days as a country singer-songwriter. Often stepping outside the country barriers, he opened for the likes of Sonny Boy Williamson, Jimmy Reed, and Howlin’ Wolf while McClinton was a member of the Straitjackets. This and other scenarios were undoubtedly instrumental in creating the assorted music style he’s known for, one that’s manifested within an air of Texas southern harmony. Throughout his touring and performing years, McClinton met, befriended, and became acquainted with many of the brilliant yet down-to-earth performers on this DVD, people who are a lot like him yet as diverse as the music can get. Though I’m sure that some of the included names will be recognizable, some will be new and unfamiliar as well. Nevertheless, be prepared to see and hear some incredible performances by experienced veterans, as well as a few up-and-coming acts. It’s a chapter in raw and untamed Americana history, and the musicianship is incredible throughout. And you’ve got to listen to the war stories, because they're incredibly fascinating.

There’s a lot of footage on Rocking The Boat, both in the main part (113 minutes) and in the bonus material (1 hour), so take an afternoon to sit down and view the content. It’s a part of American history that will leave you proud and put a smile upon your face for a long time to come.

Rocking The Boat
Delbert McClinton – “B-Movie Boxcar Blues (Open)
Jimmy Hall – “That’s the Truth”
Delbert McClinton – “Two More Bottles of Wine”
Rodney Crowell – “Dancing Circles Round the Sun”
Stephen Bruton – “Right on Time”
Rodney Crowell – “Fate’s Right Hand
Delbert McClinton – “New York City”
Delbert McClinton – “Shaky Ground”
Mingo Fishtrap – “In the Bank”
Al Anderson – “Another Trip Around the Sun”
Tommy Castro – “Wake-Up Call”
Paul Thorn – “Mission Temple Fireworks Stand”
Marcia Ball – “Louisiana 1927”
Wayne Toups – “Please Explain”
Teresa James – “Come Up and See Me Sometime”
Marcia Ball – “Let Me Play with Your Poodle”
Delbert McClinton – “Hammerhead Stew”
Delbert McClinton – “Never Been Rocked Enough”
Delbert McClinton – “Watchin’ the Rain” (credits)

Bonus
Jeffrey Steele – “Help Somebody”
Buddy Miller – “Worry Too Much”
Clay McClinton – “Worn Down to the Bone”
Whitney Johnson – “Memphis Women and Chicken”
Terry Allen – “Gimme A Ride to Heaven”
Pianorama – “Down the Road A Piece”
Bob DiPiero – “Mirror Mirror”
Chris Stapleton – “Fool Me Again”
Al Anderson – “I Gotta Big One”
Stephen Bruton – “Nothing But the Truth”
Teresa James – “EIEIEIO”

A Film by Jay Curley

JC Communications 2008

Links:
www.rockingtheboatmovie.com
Rocking The Boat on Amazon