Watch 5 Memorable Jam Cruise Collaborations

The list begins with a team-up representing two of the jam scene’s biggest acts. On January 10, 2015, The Disco Biscuits bassist Marc Brownstein joined Umphrey’s McGee for the latter’s “In The Kitchen” at the Pantheon Theater aboard the MSC Divina. Brownie stepped in for Umphrey’s bassist Ryan Stasik on the UM classic.

Jump ahead two years to Jam Cruise 15 on the Norwegian Pearl. On January 20, 2017 members of Turkuaz joined jam vets moe. for a rendition of Talking Heads’ “This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody).” Bassist Rob Derhak (sans bass) led the ensemble through the Speaking In Tongues favorite.

Jam Crusie 14 in 2016, also on the Divina, boasted a funk excursion New Orleans style when The Meters guitarist Leo Nocentelli, Dumpstaphunk keyboardist Ivan Neville, renowned saxophonist Ron Holloway and percussionist Mike Dillon joined NOLA funk purveyors Galactic. Leo led the all-star cast through The Meters’ “You’ve Got to Change (You’ve Got to Reform)” out on the pool deck.

NOLA was also well-represented by way of London when Crescent City residents Karl Denson and Anders Osborne teamed up for a cover of The Rolling Stones’ “Sway” on Jam Cruise 10 in 2012. While Denson had yet to become the touring saxophonist for The Stones, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe still incorporated the Sticky Fingers cut into their sets. Anders added guitar and teamed up with Karl D. to sing the chorus.

The list ends where jam all began, with a Grateful Dead tune. 2014’s Jam Cruise 12 saw one-man-band Keller Williams expanding to a trio with longtime Dead collaborator guitarist Steve Kimock and his son on drums. Keller looped out the opening rhythm of “Eyes Of The World” on acoustic guitar before switching to bass on the GD classic.