Rocking the Boat: A Musical Conversation and Journey (2007) Online

The (often undeserving) first tier of music - the Madonna Ciccone's, the Britney Spears, the Rolling Stones' and Elton Johns' of the world get pretty well known pretty quickly.

The B tier - the Delbert McClinton's, Marcia Ball's, and Jimmy Hall's of the world don't get so much attention. They tend to make music that is more genuine - less directed by the market-makers and more directed at their creative impulses - than the first tier artists. They gather a group of loyal listeners who dependably purchase their disks and attend their concerts -- regardless of whether those disks get radio play. The reliable audiences provide enough relative security to allow these artists to develop and hone a style and a message in a way that artists cannot manage: like politicians delivering the message the pollsters tell them to deliver, the first-tier artists produce the music the marketing wizzes tell them to produce. Not surprisingly, such music often comes out sounding like crap.

This movie provides a unique view into the mind and careers of a number of a small number of the dedicated second-tier artists, and a view at their collective annual retreat: Delbert McClinton's Sandy Beaches Cruise. It also shows the ups and downs of the life of a second-tier entertainer.

Making music is less about glamour, and more about hard work and dedication, than the conventional wisdom reveals. This movie shows (if only a little) how a few dedicated professionals have managed to eke out a living without sacrificing their integrity.

The only reason this movie did not rate 10 of 10 is that it's too short. As a veteran Delbert cruiser (only 7 so far) I know the combination of pure mellow and adrenaline rush experienced concurrently on these treks. I've been introduced to so much wonderful music and the thrill of seeing so much incredible talent gathered - playing with and off each other is captured on this film. The stories, the storytellers, and of course the music will have you signing up for the next Sandy Beach Cruise. I can't even fathom how to edit a film like this, with the many hours of fabulous footage Jay must have had - every cut had to feel a little like chopping off a body part.

If you know this music, you'll love this movie. If you don't know the music, watch this movie and fall in love with it.

Mr Jay Curlee and Co. have done it. They have captured the true spirit of not only the great Delbert McClinton, but every other musician on that ship (the annual Delbert McClinton Sandy Beaches Cruise). My wife and I have been truly blessed to be able to join Delbert and Friends on five of these annual events, and my opinion has not changed. It is the greatest vacation experience possible.

The way the filmmaker has weaved the musical performances with the conversations is inspiring. Any aspiring musician who is out on the road just hammering away, trying with all their heart to make a living in the music business NEEDS to see this film. Delbert and his longtime friends telling stories of all the bad things that happened to them over their early years is both sad and hilarious if you can believe it. Lesser men and women would have quit the business.

If you enjoyed the original "Rocky" in 1975 in terms of a sports underdog in triumph, SEE THIS FILM, especially if you are a true aficionado of REAL MUSIC being made by REAL PEOPLE.

This film quite simply, is an uplifting experience.

This film captures what Delbert fans and cruisers have heretofore been unable to explain. Through a wonderful intertwining of story and song, Jay Curlee illustrates the camaraderie, the music, the Pure Magic that Rocks the Boat.

One week each year a reunion occurs to celebrate the music, the songwriters, the fans, the world-class musicians, the history, the aura that is Delbert McClinton and his music. It's family. It's belonging. It's fun. It's adventure. It's a place where you don't have to ask, "Do you know who Delbert is?"

Finally, it's a way to show the rest of the world why these cruisers truly are "The Fortunate Few."

Although accomplished in the art and craft of film making Director/Producer Jay Curlee and Wife/Producer Susan, had no thoughts beyond enjoying their vacation when they booked passage on Delbert McClinton's Sandy Beaches Cruise. Once aboard,and, smitten by this truly unique experience and the vibe that surrounds it, the spark of Jay's muse was ignited.This would provide the inspiration for the feature film he had always longed to make. Here was a story to be told,an experience to be shared and the opportunity to capture that palpable, joyous vibe that permeates the very air on a Sandy Beaches Cruise. Now,three cruises and miles of film later,the story of Delbert McClinton,his music,his friends and fans is masterfully presented in Rocking The Boat A Musical Conversation and Journey. This is no travelogue of exotic ports of call but rather, the story of a man and his music,his fellow musicians and fans who count down the days between these yearly cruises. Jay's understanding and treatment of this phenomenon puts on film what is hard to put in words. It'a more than a cruise,it's more than a concert. It's a floating Family Reunion. Jay has captured that and some of the most moving musical performances ever on land or sea. Buy this Movie and play it loud and you too will know why 70% of these cruisers keep cumin' back for more. Kudos Jay & Susan......jack Malone

This movie gives a funny and insightful look into the life of Texas roots music legend Delbert McClinton. It ranges from stories of his early years to the current yearly Sandy Beaches Cruise, which is the main backdrop of the movie. Along the way we meet Delbert's friends and fellow artists on the SBC, all very talented singers, musicians, and songwriters themselves. There is great music throughout this movie and the players I knew I just say yes, the movie got them right. The players that I didn't know I say I need to go out and buy a CD or watch them somewhere.

Music documentaries are normally about a concert. This is about a week long concert on a cruise ship and captures all the fun associated with that experience. It makes you understand that the reason the cruisers have so much fun is that the artists have so much fun.

Two themes, the very funny and interesting stories about Delbert and some of the other artists's life and times, and the great music. A very great story about a real good time.

As a longtime Delbert McClinton fan who has never yet had the opportunity or pleasure to participate on a Sandy Beaches Cruise, this movie was not only a chance to experience the cruise without being there, but a truly amazing insight into the life and times of a true American musical icon! Jay Curlee & company managed to capture stunning musical performances as well as backroom banter among friends. The stories are comical and captivating and the production never gets in the way of the performances or the cruisers. The viewer is given a 1st class, front row seat to so much rich musical history in front of and behind the scenes! This movie is not only a must see for Delbert fans, but anyone who pulls for the underdog and longs to see hard-working people enjoy the fruits of their labor and reach goals never before thought possible. If you watch it once, you'll find yourself watching it time and time again, which just adds to the mystic of being Delbertized! Obviously I highly recommend this movie.

This documentary really needed to get done and Jay Curlee did an excellent job of catching the experience of America's diverse musical culture being performed by lifetime masters of their art. There is no genre silo, no generational lock, no class snobbishness here. It is the story of expression, talent, fun, and the desire to share an experience with whomever feels the same passion. The performers who are in this film may not be on the front page every week but the ones who are there owe their entire careers to the foundation that was created and sustained by people on this boat. Fifty years from now this film will still be relevant as the music that draws these people together is timeless.

Great music is the base, great people the body of this fine piece of work. The Cruise is an amazing experience and Mr Curlee and his team have done an excellent job of capturing the spirit of the best thing going. Get on the boat! Get out and see these talented musicians and hear this music that is surly "Too Good For The Radio". Buy this movie, have a showing party at your home, crank up the sound, dance, love your friends, be free. Life can be that good, just get on the boat.

This Delbert McClinto led gang loves what they do and we get to see the best at their finest.

Marcia Ball is a national treasure. I am spearheading an effort to have her likeness carved into Mount Rushmore. We'll have to sacrifice a Giant Redwood to serve as that leg "Her Tallness" bounces as she plays, but Hey, it'll grow back in a couple of thousand years and we'll still be looking up at all the joy on the Lido Deck.

Mingo Fishtrap IS the future of FUNK. Dave in Virginia