RF- New Zealand, '02

A most beautiful land with stark contrasts, from lush green forests, towering mountains, and exotic beaches, to the geological wonders of glaciers, fjords, and geysers, and literally the friendliest people on the planet, Robben and I thoroughly enjoyed our month long....

New Zealand Tour, '02

Danny Caron, Dewayne Pate, Deszon Clairborn, The Renard Horns, Liam Ryan, Robben, Erna Ferry

The show was a two hour "Blues Revue".

The 'house' band consisted of Danny Caron on guitar, drummer Deszon Claiborne (both having worked with Charles Brown and Charlie Musselwhite, and between the two having played with such artists as Bo Didley, Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison, Dr. John, Don Cherry, Bo Didley, etc.), bassist Dewayne Pate (Ford Blues Band, Chris Cain, Bobby Freeman, Steve Lukather, Boz Scaggs), keyboardist Liam Ryan (a N. Z. sessionist, composer, producer), and The Renard Horns (Rodger Fox, Jo Spiers, Cameron Allen, Johnny McCormick).

The shows 4 featured artists opened with Kentucky born, soul & blues singer, James Gaylyn fronting the first half hour, followed by German born vocalist and harmonica player, Erna Ferry for the second half hour. Both relocated to New Zealand many years ago and are major performer/artists in the "down under" entertainment scene.

After a 15 minute intermission the second half of the show would open by briefly featuring a Danny Caron guitar instrumental and then rolling right into a half hour of Long John Baldry.

John is an amazing and wonderful performer/personality, the definitive British Blues legend. Considered by many historians to be the man who brought blues to the UK back in the 50's, he is also responsible for discovering and kickstarting the careers of such artists as Elton John, Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart and many others.

He is quite the entertaining personality. One never knew what would pop out of his

mouth, but it almost always had everyone rolling on the floor with laughter. And his

stories and tales of music history and experiences were always captivating.

The Renard Horns, Liam Ryan, Long John Baldry

Because of John's admiration for Robben and appreciation of my repair & maintenance of his 40+ year old acoustic guitar (which had its headstock broken off by the airlines during shipment from Canada to N.Z.), we all became very good freinds.

Having myself been an ardent fan of his since the early 70's, it was quite a personal thrill to work with him, especially when, during the very last show, he finally performed (after my daily request) an extended acoustic version of "Don't You Lay No Boo-gie Woo-gie On The King Of Rock & Roll".

Me, John, and Robben by the stagedoor

Robben and John on the ferry from the north to south islands

Following John, the last half hour featured Robben playing Robben tunes complete with backup band and horn section. Then all the artists would return to the stage during Robben's last song, Lovin' Cup, and share lead vocals as Robben ripped out guitar solos.

Robben & I arriving by ferry at the south island

The show then closed out, after a brief speech by John about the days when he first met Robben years ago when Robben played with Jimmy Witherspoon, with the entire ensemble performing a moving, tribute rendition of Witherspoon's "Ain't Nobody's Business".

Dewayne Pate, Danny Caron, The Renard Horns, Long John, Erna Ferry, Robben

Thank You all... Good Night!

Finally, everyone would again returned to the stage one last time for an encore with a rousing rendition of "I Got My Mojo Working".

(L-R) James Gaylan, Dewayne Pate, Deszon Claiborne, Robben, Rodger Fox, John Baldry, Erna Ferry, Liam Ryan, the Renard Horns

James Gaylyn, Robben, John Baldry, Erna Ferry

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