Put The Blame On Me . . .

Well, we recently traced many of the ‘real’ R&B originals of songs that were often in the setlists of Mike Sanchez and his band. It inspired a little digging back in the Cruising Library to find more of those British artists who have kept that music alive in the UK. So, when the Cruise Mobile arrived this week, it was tuned up and ready to indulge us in many of those artists and songs, plus the usual musical adventure to ‘who knows where’ with ‘you know who’ . . . which we still call . . . Cruising with The Commissioner. We arrived to the sound of the much-celebrated UK R&B band, Ricky Cool & The In Crowd with ‘Sounds Like Locomotion’ . . . and for all those that jumped aboard, we set off down the road with a UK R&B band . . . who happened to be Rod Stewart’s first band . . . these were Scottish band, Jimmy Powell & The Five Dimensions.

Now, this week’s Girls & Guitars feature followed our UK R&B theme with superb bluesy singer and guitarist, Jo Ann Kelly. Sadly, she was taken from us far too soon, but she left behind some outstanding tracks, including a fun version of a Brenda Lee hit that you’ll know well . . . ‘Sweet Nuthins”.

Sounds Like Locomotion
Sounds Like Locomotion – Ricky Cool & The In Crowd
Sugar Babe – Jimmy Powell & The Five Dimensions
Forget It – Mal Ryder & The Spirits
Little Boy Blue – Duffy Power
Don’t Knock Upon My Door – Billy Fury
Country Line Special – Cyril Davies Allstars
Put The Blame On Me – Dick Lovejoy’s Original Southside United
Pretty Legs – Mike Sanchez & His Band

Girls & Guitars
Sweet Nuthins – Jo Anne Kelly

Shout Out
Smile & Get Down – Dom & The Ikos
Shout Out – Si Cranstoun
Bobby’s Lovin’ Touch – Susan Singer

Doo Wop Stop
Wonderful World – The Flying Pickets

Come Back My Love
Come Back My Love – The Overtones
Love Letters In The Sand – Diz Watson with Dick Lovejoys Original Southside United
My Wife Can’t Cook – Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings
Mama We’re All Crazee Now – The Big Six
Sapphire – Shaking Stevens

This week, for our Doo Wop Stop, we were joined by one of the UK’s great vocal groups, The Flying Pickets, who turned up to re-create those sounds of the 50s and 60s vocal groups with a Sam Cooke number . . . ‘Wonderful World’.

Now, back in the 50s, in America, Pat Boone got plenty of chart success providing pretty pale versions of hits by rockers like Little Richard and Fats Domino and it always seemed a rather appropriate irony if one of those rockers covered a Pat Boone hit. That same thought might have occurred to the much-esteemed Diz Watson, who went into the studio with the aforementioned Original Southside United to show us what Fats Domino might have done with one of Pat Boone’s hits . . . ‘Love Letters In The Sand’.

Well, our last choice from Welsh rocker, Shaking Stevens, got the red safety lights flashing all through his version of ‘Sapphire’, because the Cruisettes were causing mayhem with their dangerous dancing. But, with our Cruising time together just about run out, Mr Merlot was on hand to get them all in line, to join us in waving you a fond farewell. We had parked up the trusty Cruise Mobile and given it a quick polish so it was all ready for our next adventure. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 17 May 2024

Can’t Get Enough . . .

Listen here to this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling:

The weather relented and the sun came out, which raised the spirits here. So, there was an extra special bluesy welcome to one and all . . . and especially to those who commented kindly on last week’s show. I was grateful indeed and hoped that this week’s selection would also bring a smile or two. Getting us off to a great start was Henry Fredericks who was having a birthday this week, but he is probably better known as Taj Mahal. So, to celebrate, I picked from him a track from his self title debut album, that’s now 56 years old. Then, there was an early introduction to my album of the week. This was the new album by Curtis Salgado, which has Curtis, back with 10 of his self penned song and a couple of covers on an album titled ‘Fine By Me’. There’s plenty of swagger here, especially on my first choice . . . ‘Better Things To Lie About’.

There was another album that had been getting plenty of plays too. It came from Jeff Pitchell and it was his latest release ‘Brown Eyed Blues’. It’s full of great stuff too, as you heard with my choice . . . ‘Caught Up In The Wave’ . . . and I predicted we’d be hearing more from that one in future weeks.

Can’t Get Enough
Checkin’ Up On My Baby – Taj Mahal (Taj Mahal – 1968)
Better Things To Lie About – Curtis Salgado (Fine By Me – 2024)
Whiskey Talking – So Long Angel (Best of So Long Angel – 2024)
Hard Luck And Trouble – Mississippi MacDonald (Hard Luck And Trouble – 2024)
Caught Up In The Wave – Jeff Pitchell (Brown Eyed Blues – 2024)
Can’t Get Enough – Billy Price (Person Of Interest – 2024)
I’m Gonna Forget About You – Curtis Salgado (Fine By Me – 2024)

Pinetop’s Pick
Kissin’ In The Dark – Memphis Minnie (Killer Diller Blues – 2018)

One Day At A Time
One Day At A Time – Will Jacobs (Goldfish Blues – 2022)
Slipped Through My Fingers – Lisa Andersen (ft. Latimore) (Spirits & Soul – 2024)
I Ain’t Right – Kid Andersen (Spirits & Soul – 2024)
Something About You Brings Me Down – Fred Mandel (Part-Time Rebel – 2024)
Safe At Home – Curtis Salgado (Fine By Me – 2024)

One of the joys of the week was the arrival of a new double album release by husband and wife team Kid & Lisa Andersen. This was their latest release . . . ‘Spirits & Soul’. which has an album by each of them and I tried to avoid and domestic unrest, by choosing a track from each of them, starting with something from Lisa’s album which had Latimore guesting on . . . ‘Slipped Through My Fingers’. Then, there was a track from Kid Andersen, with his swinging shuffle . . . ‘I Ain’t Right’.

Breezing through the other new releases, I came across the first solo album by Canadian keyboard player and guitarist Fred Mandel. Over the years, he’s played alongside a very long list of top artists and he’s finally stepped out into the spotlight with his own release . . . “Part-Time Rebel” . . . and I chose a real scorcher called . . . ‘Something About You Brings Me Down’. Then, the clock on the wall was saying it was almost time to go, but I wasn’t leaving without the final choice from my album of the week . . . this was Curtis Salgado with ‘Safe At Home’ and I was hoping you would keep safe too. So, until the next time The Blues Come Calling . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 15 May 2024
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 15 May 2024
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 18 May 2024
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 19 May 2024

Been There Done That . . . .

Listen here to this week’s dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic:

The customary big cheery welcome to one and all, this week came with the promise of comfort for those who thought the weekend was too far away. I was waiting with a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic, full of the ‘good stuff’ that those algorithms don’t let you hear on ‘ordinary radio’. As a taster, I brought something from Patrice Rushen, which got slipped into the Sonic Tonic and followed by Mac Kassoon . . . along with plenty more of that good stuff to make your ears smile and maybe you toes wiggle.

When it was time for our Tell It Like It Is feature there was a song with a story which this week was one written by Jerry Ragovoy under his alias Norman Meade. It was a song that was a hit for Irma Thomas in 1964 and it inspired The Rolling Stones to record it too. But, before that, the original of the song was recorded in 1963 by trombonist Kai Winding with a vocal group called The Gospelaires, who were in fact Cissy Houston, Dionne Warwick and her sister and Dee Dee Warwick . . . and after a good deal of rummaging in the music library I found it . . . .

Look Up
Look Up – Patrice Rushen
1000 Ways Of Lovin’ You – Mac Kassoon
I Ain’t Leaving Mississippi – Jaye Hammer
Havana Moon – Booker T Jones
Tomorrow Robins Will Sing – Robi Kahakalau
Been There Done That – Linsey Alexander
Confrontation – Homegrown Syndrome
Fire – I Don’t Like Mondays

Tell It Like It Is
Time Is On My Side – Kai Winding & The Gospelaires

Change Of Heart
Change Of Heart – Joanne Shaw Taylor
Don’t Let Me Down – Katie Kadan & Chris Weaver

Mellow Moment
Checking In – Kat Eaton

Run
Memphis – Cassie Taylor
Goodbye Albuquerque Tuesday Night – Cody Dickinson
Waste A Little Time With Me – Ted Russell Kamp
Run – Eric Clapton
Mama Told Me Not To Come – Odetta
Make Me Yours – Mary Wells

Gotcha Covered
Time Of The Season – America
Tell Her No – Del Shannon
She’s Not There – Giuliana Palma & The Bluebeaters

Diggin On Me
Walking My Cat Named Dog – They Might Be Giants
Diggin On Me – Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas
Soul Satisfied – Danny Brooks
Can’t Keep A Good Man Down – The Billy Walton Band
Saratoga – Eddie 9V
Don’t You Forget About Me – Janiva Magness
Learning To Fly – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Bloodshot Eyes – The Eskimo Brothers
Brassabilly Boogie – Pete Anderson
Shirley – John Fred & His Playboys

Once again, our Gotcha Covered feature brought the songs of one artist, heard again through the covers of others. This week, it was the music of The Zombies and it was only after I put these choices together that I realised they were all international covers of Zombies’ songs. It started off with the band, America and their 2011 cover of The Zombies’ big hit ‘Time Of The Season’. Then, the distinctive voice of Del Shannon brought his his most excellent cover of ‘Tell Her No’, which was followed by a warning for the deep dyed fans of The Zombies. I anticipated that they may not be best pleased with my last choice, which was a song with many celebrated covers, but this one came from Italian band . . . Giuliana Palma & The Bluebeaters . . . . and I suggested, any complaints should be addressed to Mr Palma.

There was a little treat for those who like a little boogie . . . for the fans of The Eskimo Brothers, there was good news of the band heading back to the UK for some dates, which prompted a song from them and I knew that was likely to bring a little twinkle to the eyes to Paul & Julie and the lovely Dee. They keep their boogie boots all ready, just in case of moments like the arrival of Pete Anderson with his ‘Brassabilly Boogie’. Then, all too soon, it was time for a big thanks for your good company this week and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 15 May 2024
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 20 May 2024

Do What You Did . . . .

Listen here to this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner:

Well, the recent sunny weather teased out the Cruise Mobile and as it rolled to a stop at the appointed time, it had its windows down, its radio cranked up and Dave Bartholomew blasting out for all to hear. Then, with just enough time for the Cruising Crew to jump aboard . . . we were off down the road to ‘who knows where’, with ‘you know who’ . . . and with some really tasty treats for this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner. Raising the spirits even higher, we headed off for the blue horizon with Ruth & Al and their 1956 Imperial 45 ‘Hello Baby’.

With no prompting from Mr Merlot, we came to our Girls & Guitars in good time and this week it focused on guitarist and singer Ruthie Foster, who’s been on our giglist in the past. To show off her talents, we pulled out her 2014 album ‘Promise of a Brand New Day’ for our choice, ‘Let Me Know’ which also happened to feature Doyle Bramhall.

Say Yeah
Turn Your Lamp Down Low – Dave Bartholomew
Hello Baby – Ruth & Al
Say Yeah – Sammy Salvo
Ain’t No Pleasing You – Clarence Frogman Henry
I Can’t Understand It – Willie Egan
Wait – Jeff Pitchell
Too Late – Sue Moreno & Jack Rabbit Slim

Girls & Guitars
Let Me Know – Ruthie Foster (with Doyle Bramhall)

Do What You Did
Do What You Did – Thurston Harris
Good Golly Miss Molly – The Playboys
Call His Name – Christine Kittrell
Woman You Talk Too Much – Al (Dr Horse) Pittman

Doo Wop Stop
Hurt Me – The Robins

From Me To You
From Me To You – The Five Keys
I Don’t Care No More – The Cats
Dixieland Rock – Jerry Raines
I’m Tired – Big Red McHouston & His Orchestra
Georgia Slop – Jimmy McCracklin

This week’s Doo Wop Stop, brought us our weekly opportunity to celebrate those vocal groups of the 50s and 60s . . . this time, with our spotlight turned on Los Angeles vocal group The Robins. They began as the Four Bluebirds in 1947, then became the Robins and later helped start The Coasters.. The Robins had two R&B Top Ten hits. “If It’s So Baby” recorded with the Johnny Otis Band in 1950 and their best-known number, “Smokey Joe’s Cafe”, recorded for the LA based SPARK label in 1955. In the following years The Robins released a single with Grady Chapman on lead, which was our choice . . . this was ‘Hurt Me’.

Now, Big Red McHouston & His Orchestra may have many other claims to fame, but we found a number that got included in a collection of 50s recordings featuring Mickey Baker on guitar. This one was titled ‘I’m Tired’ and if you noticed the Cruise Mobile take a change of direction during that one, you’ll have guessed we were reluctantly heading for home. Getting us all the way home was a great piece of ‘real’ rhythm and blues from Jimmy McCracklin, with his ‘Georgia Slop’. Then, all that was left, was to thank you for your good company on this week’s musical adventure and hope that we’ll meet again soon to go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 10 May 2024

Dance To My Blues . . .

Listen here to this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling:

Well, there was a big bluesy welcome to one and all . . . and while the weather and the news may have been disappointing this week . . . you could be sure there would always be plenty of the best blues around just waiting here! Indeed, to kick things off, there was Art Davis, whose latest album was bound to catch my attention, because it’s called ‘Every Day I Have The Blues’ and he came out swinging with ‘Talk To You’. Then to tempt you to a little enthused participation, Paul Stewart was along to tell you ‘You Can Dance To My Blues’, but remember to clear away the breakables first.

I was getting in early this week with my album of the week from Billy Price, whose new album ‘Person Of Interest’, proves he’s as at home with soul as blues. The album will be on release in August and when it is, it’ll include Billy’s self penned song . . . ‘Change Your Mind’ . . . with some Buchanan-style lead guitar on the song courtesy of Joe Bonamassa. There was a real treat too, with my first play of the new single from Mississippi MacDonald . . . the hard hitting blues . . . ‘Hard Luck & Trouble’.

Talk To You – Art Davis (Every Day I Have The Blues – 2024)
You Can Dance To My Blues – Paul Stewart (You Can Dance To My Blues – 2024)
Change Your Mind (in memory of Roy Buchanan) – Billy Price featuring Joe Bonamassa (Person Of Interest – 2024)
Hard Luck & Trouble – Mississippi MacDonald (Hard Luck & Trouble – 2024)
She Caught The Katy – B. Christopher Band (106 Miles To Chicago – 2024)
Bad News Travels Fast – Chris ‘Bad News’ Barnes (ft Jimmy Hall) (Bad News Travels Fast – 2024)

Pinetop’s Pick
You Upset Me Baby – B.B. King (Singing The Blues – 1957)

Payback Time
Song I Never Heard Before – Billy Price (Person Of Interest – 2024)
Somebody Who Cares – Kid Colling Cartel (Living On The Wild Side – 2024)
Crying at the Stoplight – Billy Price (Person Of Interest – 2024)
Ribbon of Tar – Son Henry & The T Rogers Band (Grace Album – 2024)
Payback Time – The Fabulous Thunderbirds (Struck Down – 2024)
Matt’s Guitar Boogie – Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy (Way Down South – 1990)

There was a big cheer from here for Stoney Plains Records who’ve signed up The Fabulous Thunderbirds for their first album in 8 years and just in time to celebrate the band’s 50th Anniversary. The album’s called ‘Struck Down’ and it’s due for release at the end of June. It has plenty of notable guests on it and I brought a taster of what to expect, with . . . . ‘Payback Time’ . . . . on which The Fabulous Thunderbirds were joined by ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons on guitar and backing vocals.

Then, our blues time together was nearly all gone, but I was keen to squeeze in something from Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy, because there’s an upcoming album titled ‘True Blues Brother- The Legacy of Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy’, which includes the last tracks recorded by Matt, plus a host of top artists paying their respects with some of Matt’s numbers and a few inspired by him. So, I was playing out this week with ‘Matt’s Guitar Boogie’, but before that, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and the hope that we’ll meet again, the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 8 May 2024
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 8 May 2024
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 11May 2024
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 12 May 2024

One More Time . . . .

Listen here to this week’s dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic:

Well, no surprise that it all started with a big cheery welcome to one and all . . . and whatever might have got your emotions in a whirl this past week, I was ready with just what was needed to raise the spirits and excite the senses. This week’s big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic had way more of the ‘good stuff’ than you could shake a stick at . . . . and I was rather hoping there would be stick waving at all! So, getting us in the right mood were The Brand New Heavies to ‘Dance It Out’ and followed fast by Abi Farrell with some Northern Soul for the 21st Century . . . ‘New Love’.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is . . . brought a song with a story, suggested by David Isaacs, who had been listening in from Dallas, Texas. It was a song written by Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson, and Josephine Armstead and originally recorded by The Coasters in May 1965. It got recorded again by Ronnie Milsap in October 1965 as a B-side to the single, “Never Had It So Good. The song was “Let’s Go Get Stoned” and it was Ronnie Milsap’s version that inspired Ray Charles to record the song in 1966, when it became a number one R&B hit for him. But, after some deep digging in the music library, I found that original version by The Coasters . . . and that’s what got played.

Dance It Out
Dance It Out – The Brand New Heavies with Angie Ricci
New Love – Abi Farrell
Damage Control – Billy Price
One More Time – Eugene Hideaway Bridges
Starting All Over Again – James McGovan

Tell It Like It Is
Let’s Go Get Stoned – The Coasters

If You Knew
Alone Again Or – Love
If You Knew – The Young Rascals
Teach Your Children – Pluto Shervington
Like You – The Imagine If
Sha La La – The Soultown Revivalists

Mellow Moment
Heaven Knows – 54 Ultra

Lift Me Up
Right Wave – Bill Filipiak
That’s Where It’s At – Colin James
Long Train Running – Bananarama
Lift Me Up – Jeff Lynne
Still In Love With You – Siggi Schwarz

Gotcha Covered
You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me – Carla Thomas
Some Of Your Lovin’ – Phil Collins
I Only Want To Be You – Southside Johnny & The Asbury Dukes

Live It Up
Live It Up – Dusty Springfield
What Is It We’re Not Talking About – Wee Willie Walker with Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra
Dreams – Scary Pockets
Baby It’s You – Loleatta Holloway
Don’t Worry ‘Bout A Thing – Stevie Wonder
Bring It On Home Daddy – The Damnations
I Should Be Lovin’ This – Mickey Jupp
Some People Can’t Dance – The Buckeroos
C’est La Vie – Bob Seger

This week’s Gotcha Covered feature brought three songs made famous by Dusty Springfield and heard again here through the covers of others. It started with Carla Thomas who gave us her take on Dusty’s . . . ‘You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me’. Then, we heard from Phil Collins, who is well known as a great fan of those 60s soul hits. So, I pulled out his version of a Carole King and Gerry Goffin song that did well for Dusty Springfield . . . . ‘Some Of Your Lovin’. The next song proved to be a huge hit ballad for Dusty, but I doubted anyone could have imagined the song getting rocked up. So, the version of . . . ‘I Only Want To Be You’ . . . by Southside Johnny & The Asbury Dukes may have been a surprise to many. Then, we had to hear something from Dusty herself, so I chose one of hers that’s still a big Northern Soul favourite . . . ‘Live It Up’.

Now, somewhere this week, Bob Seger was celebrating his birthday . . . and somewhere else, I’m pretty sure my good pal, Stuart Wright would have given me a frown if I didn’t mention that and perhaps more than a frown if I didn’t play something from the man himself. So, to stress testing your rhythm receptors, with that rocking R&B, I pulled out one from Bob that’s proved to be one of the great floor fillers for the party people. But, before that, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 8 May 2024
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 13 May 2024

Cheer Up . . . .

Listen here to this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner:

Well, the elections are over, the sunshine has been hiding somewhere, other than the Grand Duchy, so we were gearing up for some spirited Cruising adventures and even more enjoyable prospects. So, we arrived in the Cruise Mobile in good cheer, with a seat saved especially for you and all ready to whisk you off for another Cruising with The Commissioner. We arrived with some rockin’ R&B from Ace Cannon and then, with practised ease, we set off down the road to ‘who knows where’ with Ronnie Dawson blasting out of the radio.

This week, we went digging in someone else’s music collection, which is always a welcome journey of discovery and made a joy when it’s someone like our good pal Jamie Dell’Apa. There were plenty of dusty gems to choose from and, although it was tempting to do more, we pulled out just a handful and promised to return another day.

Hot Stuff
Big Shot – Ace Cannon
Just Rockin’ & Rollin’ – Ronnie Dawson
Them There Eyes – Maria Vincent & The Millionaires
Gonna Learn To Rock – Doyle Madden
Steam Heat – Patti Page
Feelin’ All Right – Larry Dale
Let The Good Time Roll, Creole – Memphis Slim
Apron Strings – Billy The Kid
D In Love – Curtis Lee
Lucky Lips – Ruth Brown
No Turning Back – Cliff Richard & The Drifters

Girls & Guitars
John The Revelator – Larkin Poe

Jukebox Rock & Roll
Drugstore Rock & Roll – Janis Martin
Fall Guy – Titus Turner

Doo Wop Stop
A Kiss & A Vow – The Nitecaps
Cheer Up – The Five Fleets

Enough Is Enough
They All Asked About You – Rockin’ Dopsie Jr
Another Bachelor – The Adventurers
Enough Enough – The Refreshments

This week, our Girls & Guitars feature came with a ‘two for one’ bonus, because it turned its spotlight on sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, who hail from Atlanta and have successfully established themselves American roots rock band, Larkin Poe. They’ve got a reputation for strong southern harmonies, heavy electric guitar riffs, and slide guitar, all of which has seen them often touted as “the little sisters of the Allman Brothers”. As an example, we featured their version of ‘John The Revelator’.

Hopefully, our the delights of our Doo Wop Stop brought some joy to those who share a love the sounds of those 50s & 60s vocal groups. This week we featured a soulful ballad by The Nitecaps and then an upbeat number by The Adventurers, appropriately titled ‘Cheer Up’. But, all too soon, our Cruising time was running out and we had to turn the trusty Cruise Mobile for home. We got back home safe and sound in the company of Swedish rockers, The Refreshments, with a number that brought a knowing nod or two from Mr Merlot, ‘Enough Is Enough’. Then it was all over and we parked up the Cruise Mobile, all ready for the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 3 May 2024

Strong Enough . . . .

Listen here to this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling:

Well, there was a big bluesy welcome to one and all, and especially all the folks who got in touch with such kind words, after last week’s show. There was a special thanks too for last week’s special guest, Mike Thomas of The Cadillac Kings, who made me smile too. Somewhere out there in blues land, Buddy Guy is well into his ‘Damn Right Farewell’ tour, although it doesn’t look like it’s getting here, so as some small compensation, I opened the show with Buddy and a big favourite here . . .’Show Me The Money’. Then, I was getting in early with my album of the week, which was the latest release by Johnny Burgin and I started my choices with the title track ‘Ramblin’ From Coast To Coast’.

Among those who got in touch after last week’s show was, double winner in this years Blues Awards, Mississippi MacDonald . . . because last week I featured his version of a song, that he was quick to tell me was the first time that it had been played on radio. It was a great number . . . ‘Blind Crippled & Crazy’ . . . written by the Reverend Charles Hodges Sr. and allegedly co-written by Don Robey . . . but it’s a song first recorded by O.V. Wright and I played is his version.

Show Me The Money
Show Me The Money – Buddy Guy (Skin Deep – 2008)
Ramblin’ From Coast To Coast – Johnny Burgin (Ramblin’ From Coast To Coast – 2024)
Wish You Wouldn’t Go – Jeff Rogers (Lock & Key – 2023)
Baby’s Long Gone – Jesse Dayton (Angel In My Pocket – 2024)
Can’t Be Satisfied – Little Feat (Sam’s Place – 2024)
Blind Crippled & Crazy – O.V. Wright (God Blessed Our Love – 2000)
I Need Something Sweet – Johnny Burgin (Ramblin’ From Coast To Coast – 2024)

Pinetop’s Pick
32-20 – Robert Johnson (King Of The Delta Blues Singers – 1937)

Down South
No More Shuffle – Bad Blues Quartet (ft Mike Zito) (White Gloves – 2024)
Getaway Blues – Eden Brent (Getaway Blues – 2024)
Down South In New Orleans – Harry Orlove (Mildly Popular – 2024)
Older & Wiser – Johnny Burgin (ft Rae Gordon) (Ramblin’ From Coast To Coast – 2024)
Strong Enough – The Roadhouse Blues Band (Last of the Overthinkers – 2024)
Evil No More – The Boneshakers (Evil No More – 2024)
Little Walter’s Jump – Little Walter (Little Walter’s Jump – 1967)

It was a long time back that I first saw singer and pianist Eden Brent. She was live on stage at Ronnie Scott’s and mighty impressive too. So, I had a big smile when I saw her new release ‘Getaway Blues’ and I thought it might just satisfy those who comment that they want more piano blues on the show . . . and they did!

I guessed that the keenest of bluesers would know that it was Little Walter’s birthday this week, and I knew I’d be in more trouble than most if I didn’t play something of his to mark the occasion. So, I was playing out this week with a number that Little Walter played one time for a TV show, but I don’t think he ever recorded it . . . this was ‘Little Walter’s Jump’. Before that, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and the hope that we’ll meet again, the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 1 May 2024
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 1 May 2024
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 4 May 2024
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 5 May 2024

Soak It All In . . . .

Listen here to this week’s dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic:

Well, as the merry month of May arrived full of promise, so did I, with a big cheery welcome to one and all, together with this week’s big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. It came completely free of algorithms, but full of the delights to be had beyond ‘ordinary radio’. So, if that’s piqued your curiosity, then I promised you were definitely in the right place to sample all the special ingredients designed to make your ears smile and your toes wiggle. We got off to a good start with our opener from Josh Tesky & The Soul Messin’ Allstars with their sure fire dancer . . . ‘Soul A Go Go’ . . . and there’s plenty more of the good stuff heading your way!

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story inspired by the birthday this week of soul man Tyrone Davis. He started out in Chicago as valet and chauffeur for blues man Freddie King. He started singing in local clubs and got to cut some early records for some small record labels in the city, but it all changed when Chicago record producer Carl Davis signed him in 1968 to Dakar Records, where his first release was “A Woman Needs to Be Loved”. The radio stations were more impressed when they flipped the record and began to play “Can I Change My Mind”. As a result, the record shot up the listings and spent three weeks on the top of the Billboard R&B chart. It became a million seller and Tyrone went on to have a long list of hit records over more than 20 years. . . . but I played the one that started it . . .”Can I Change My Mind”.

Soul A Go Go
Soul A Go Go – Josh Tesky & The Soul Messin’ Allstars
Everyman – Lakeside
Take Me In Your Arms (and Rock Me) – The Doobie Brothers
Saratoga – Eddie 9 Volt

Tell It Like It Is
Can I Change My Mind – Tyrone Davis

Turn Up
No Reason – Madness
Stubborn Kinda Fellow – Stevie Wonder
Fabulous Baby – Beverley Knight
Turn Up – Mr Sipp
Dead Of Night – Jeff Rogers
Trapped By A Thing Called Love – Denise LaSalle
Thing About Smokey – The Soultown Revivalists (ft Ryan Innes)

Mellow Moment
I’d Rather Leave When I’m In Love – Rita Coolidge

Long Shot
The Long Shot (Acoustic) – Mingo Fishtrap
What You Want Me To Do – Johnny Rawls
Gold Shoes – Frankie Miller & Francis Rossi
Love Direction – The Dip

Gotcha Covered
Take Me To The Mardi Gras – Johnnie Taylor
You Can Call Me Al – Pamela Maynard
Me & Julio Down By The Schoolyard – Jesse Malin

Too Late
Don’t Fear The Reaper – Lauren Fincham
Soak It All In – Bill Filipiak
Tumblin’ – The California Honeydrops
This Is The Night – Alias Ron Kavana
Down South In New Orleans – Harry Orlove
Gutbucket – Little Georgie & The Shuffling Hungarians
Gather Round – Lee Rocker
Too Late To Grow Up – The Kokomo Kings
Dive Bar Boogie – The Hawkmen

Well, for this week’s Gotcha Covered feature I turned the spotlight on the songs of Paul Simon, heard again through the covers of other. . . . and this week it’s the songs of Paul Simon, which have been covered by some big names along the way and sometimes in a quite different style too. First up was the great soulman Johnnie Taylor who happened to have a birthday this week and he was bringing his very fine on “Take Me To The Mardi Gras”. Then, came a song that showed how easily Paul’s songs could be adapted to a reggae style. This was Pamela Maynard with her version of “You Can Call Me Al”, which was followed by a cover that I keep going back to . . . this was Jesse Malin with his take on “Me & Julio Down By The Schoolyard”.

The Kokomo Kings arrived with a number that resonated very well with yours truly . . . “Too Late To Grow Up” . . . and, if there’s fun to be had, I say “let’s have it”. But, like all things, the good times had to come to an end, but we finished with a flourish from The Hawkmen, stress testing your rhythm receptors, with a rocking piece of R&B with their search for some “Dive Bar Boogie”. Then it was time for me to give you a big thanks for your good company this week and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 1 May 2024
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 6 May 2024

Come Out Swingin’ . . .

Well, there was a very warm welcome to one and all . . . and for those who were not looking our way at the time . . . be assured, they missed us giving you a cheery wave and a smile, which seemed all that was needed to entice the faithful to throw caution to the four winds and join us, to go Cruising with The Commissioner. So, with a cry of ‘hi ho, here we go’ we set off on our vaguely supervised cruising adventure with Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers and their 45 ‘Goin’ Round In Circles’ and getting us up to full cruising speed next was a new release from Mighty Mike Schermer straight off his album ‘Just Gettin’ Good’.

This week’s Girls & Guitars feature focused on guitarist and singer Teal Collins. Her early introduction to music was through her disc jockey dad and she went on to record sessions for Grammy award winning producers, which achieved Gold and Platinum albums. Then, in 2002 Teal met up with Josh Zee in the San Francisco Bay Area and they decided to form a band called Mother Truckers. The Band recorded several albums and in 2005, they moved their music to Austin, Texas, where they got a residency at the legendary Continental Club. They went on to appear at the South By South West festival and, won the Austin Music Award as “Best Roots Rock Band Of The Year”. So, to show off their talents, we chose a track of theirs called “Streets of Atlanta” which, did indeed, featured the guitar and vocals of Teal Collins

Come Out Swingin’
Goin’ Round In Circles – Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers
Kimmy Gimmee – Mighty Mike Schermer (Just Gettin’ Good)
Air Travel – Chris Farlowe
Don’t Change Your Pretty Ways – Hank Ballard & The Midnighters
Come Out Swingin’ – Candye Kane
Three Cool Cats – Jump4Joy
Make It Be Me – The Flares
Portrait Of My Love – Baba Brooks

Girls & Guitars
Streets of Atlanta – Mother Truckers (ft Teal Collins)

Something Cool
Zip Boom – The Supremes
Cookin’ In Style – Percy Mayfield
How Come – Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums
Cajun Boy – The Royal Rhythmaires
Get Done – The Cats
Something Cool – The Academics
Memphis Tennessee – Rosco Gordon
Oo Wee Sugar – James Sugar Boy Crawford
Yama Yama Pretty Mama – Richard Berry

Our Cruising took many places for this week’s music gumbo, including Memphis, where Rosco Gordon started his early career, recording for the Memphis based Sun Records. We found his tribute to that city and before we got any complaints from certain members of the Cruising Crew, we were heading for the Crescent City to catch up with James Sugar Boy Crawford. Then, as we skilfully turned the Cruise Mobile for home, those familiar faces and places came into view as Ricard Berry brought us a big favourite from him . . . ‘Yama Yama Pretty Mama’.

All too soon, it was time to say goodbye, at least for this week, as we completed our road trip and parked up the Cruise Mobile ready to give it a quick polish, ready for next time. So, just look out for us . . . . same time same place next week, when we’ll be here, if you’ll be there, and we’ll be by with a seat saved especially for you. Until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 26 April 2024