I Got The Blues On My Mind . . .

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

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Well, a big bluesy welcome from here and one thing you can be sure of . . . when The Blues Come Calling, they always bring some of the best blues around. This week was no exception, with plenty of new year releases and some previews of new albums to come. We started with some rocking blues from Eric Schenkman’s new album ‘Who Shot John?’ and the welcome return of Benny Turner with his new album together with Cash McCall, titled ‘Going Back Home’.
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Minnesota’s own, Dee Miller Band made a stylish contribution to our playlist with the title track of their latest album ‘Leopard Skin Dress’. We headed next to Northern New Jersey to hear from Trevor B. Power, with his debut album, ‘Everyday Angel’, which includes a slinky Chicago shuffle ‘You Ain’t Acting Right’. Then, for fans of very fine acoustic blues, we had a 1956 instrumental gem ‘Guitar Shuffle’, showing off the great guitar skills of Big Bill Broonzy Many blues fans will know Paul Oscher the first white musician in Muddy Waters’ band, whose latest album ‘Cool Cat’, features Paul on vocals, harp, piano and guitar, including our choice, ‘Hide Out Baby’.

New Jersey bluesman Vin Mott was back, delivering some nice harp and vocals on his newly released, album ‘Rogue Hunter’, which has our choice, the nice little Chicago style shuffle ‘I Got The Blues On My Mind’.

I’m Alright
I’m Alright – Eric Schenkman (Who Shot John? – 2018)
It’s A Man Down There – Benny Turner & Cash McCall (Going Back Home – 2019)
Leopard Skin Dress – The Dee Miller Band (Leopard Skin Dress – 2018)
You Ain’t Actin’ Right – Trevor B Power Band (Everyday Angel – 2019)
Guitar Shuffle – Big Bill Broonzy (The Southern Blues Vol 4 – 2005)
Hide Out Baby – Paul Oscher (Cool Cat – 2018)
I Got The Blues On My Mind – Vin Mott (Rogue Hunter – 2019)

Pinetop’s Pick
Take A Little Walk With Me – Big John Wrencher (Blues Masters, Volume 4: Harmonica Classics – 1992)

Second Time Around
Second Time Around – Chris O’Leary (7 Minutes Late – 2019)
Distant Lonesome Train – John Mayall with Carolyn Wonderland (Nobody Told Me – 2019)
Slow Down – Susan Santos (No U Turn – 2019)
Gamblers Blues – Phil Alvin (Un Sung Stories – 1986)
Be Careful What You Vote For – Walter Trout (Survivor Blues – 2019)
Heartbreaker – Seth Rosenbloom (Keep On Turning – 2019)

‘7 Minutes Late’ happens to be the title of the latest solo album by Chris O’Leary, whose 6 year stint as the front man for Levon Helm’s band, clearly served him well, judging by the numbers included here, like ‘Second Time Around’. Closer to home, UK bluesman John Mayall was here again with another something from his new album ‘Nobody Told Me’, this time featuring some fine guitar work from Carolyn Wonderland on ‘Distant Lonesome Train’. One of the many joys of the past year was catching Susan Santos on her UK tour and she’s got a long-awaited new album out now, called ‘No U Turn’, which includes a little favourite, ‘Slow Down’.

Back in 1986 Phil Alvin released his debut album ‘Un Sung Stories’ and those fine people at Ace records have taken the welcome decision to re-release it, which was a good excuse to pick out a particular favourite . . . ‘Gamblers Blues’. Those who have been waiting for the new album from Walter Trout, ‘Survivor Blues’, need only wait until the end of the month and, as another taster of what to expect, we featured his version of Sunnyland Slim’s, ‘Be Careful How You Vote’.

Then all too soon, we came to our last choice for this week, which was another of the great upcoming new albums . . . this time from Seth Rosenbloom. The album, called ‘Keep On Turning’, has plenty of excellent tracks on this album, including Seth’s take on a number we know well by B.B. King, ‘Heartbreaker’. But for now, let me say a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and, until the next time The Blues Come Calling . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 15 January 2019

You Can’t Hide . . .

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

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Well, we arrived with big smiles and cheery waves as the Cruise Mobiles rolled by to collect you for yet another musical adventure. So, we invited you to cast caution to the four winds, jump aboard and join us as we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Our arrival was heralded by the sound of a 1959 instrumental called ‘Feedbag’ from Mac Rebennack, long before his doctorate award. Then, demonstrating its disregard for national boundaries, the trusty Cruise Mobile took us from New Orleans to the Netherlands for some swinging boogie from local band, The Detonics. There was definitely a flavour of gangsters, prohibition and illegal casinos about ‘Caviar & Chitlins’ from The Atomic Fireballs and followed, in great style, by Mr Excitement himself, Jackie Wilson and a 1963 Brunswick single that gets very few plays these days . . . so we rectified that!

We much enjoyed a1962 Imperial release from Philadelphia group The Majors, who had a hit with their single ‘Wonderful Dream’ and their follow up album included our choice, their version of ‘Twist & Shout’. Then, there was another re-discovery from a dark and dusty corner of the Cruising Library. This time it was UK band , Kit Packham’s One Jump Ahead with a song dedicated to long-time Cruising Crew member, The Vikster . . . and she will know why!

This week’s Cruising Connections was suggested (indirectly) by the much esteemed Thom Hickey. The challenge was to spot the link between our trio of tracks, starting with a classic from Ruth Brown, The Groovebarbers with a song known well for the versions by The Clovers and Ray Charles and, lastly, Colin James and The Little Big Band with a song that was a hit for Little Willie John. Mr Merlot was ready with a lollipop and a rosette for anyone who spotted the three songs were written by Louisiana songwriter, Rudy Toombs, who also wrote our next choice from Lulu Reed & Freddy King.

Can You Picture That
Feedbag – Mac Rebennack
Butter Side Up – The Detonics

Baby Get It – Jackie Wilson
Can You Picture That – The Muppets
Twist & Shout – The Majors
She’s So Green – Kit Packham’s One Jump Ahead

Cruising Connections
Teardrops from My Eyes – Ruth Brown
One Mint Julep – Groovebarbers
I’m Shakin’ – Colin James
You Can’t Hide – Lulu Reed & Freddy King

Girls & Guitars
Slow Down – Susan Santos

Doo Wop Delights
Hand Me Down Love – The Valentines
You Broke My Heart – The Ermines

How About That
That’s Where It’s At – The Hesitations
You Don’t Know What You Mean To Me – Sam & Dave
Jumpin’ Jack Flash – Leon Russell & The New Grass Revival
How About That – Eddie Mack
I Can’t Sit Down – Marie & Rex
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This week’s Girls & Guitars feature threw its spotlight
on Spanish blues guitarist and singer, Susan Santos. She taught herself to play guitar and sing in here early years and, after playing with several local bands, she moved to Madrid in 2009, which is where she formed her own band playing a mix of blues, rock & American roots music. She’s recorded 5 albums, to date, and whilst her latest “No U Turn” seemed very appropriate for our Cruising adventure, we were not sure about her track, ‘Slow Down’.

Our Doo Wop Delights started this week with Harlem vocal group, The Valentines, who were one of the most highly regarded American doo-wop groups from the mid-1950s. They started out as The Mistletoes, then The Dreamers and by 1954 they had become The Valentines, recording their very fine 1955 45 ‘Hand Me Down Love’. They were followed by Cornel Gunter & The Ermines, who started off recording for Loma Records and one of the songs they recorded there was their 1956 single ‘You Broke My Heart’.

For those who like a little soulful ballad, we featured The Hesitations with a cover of the great Sam Cooke number, ‘That’s Where It’s At’. Then, Sam & Dave turned up with their old soul classic, ‘You Don’t Know What You Mean To Me’, which attracted the attentions of The Cruisettes. Next, in the best traditions of Cruising with The Commissioner, we set off jumping genres for Leon Russell’s special 1981 version of ‘Jumping Jack Flash’ with The New Grass Revival, which brought us to that time when we start to notice the familar faces and places coming into view as we turn the Cruise Mobile for home. Taking us there, were Eddie Mack with his 1950 Apolla single, ‘How About That’, followed by Marie & Rex who ‘Can’t Sit Down’. So, with a cheery wave, we parked up the Cruise Mobile, gave it a quick polish and promised to call by again, same time, same place, next to (once again) take you Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 12 January 2019

Just Wailing . . .

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

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Well, with no difficulty at all, The Blues Come Calling is keeping its new year’s resolution, to bring some of the best blues around each and every week. So, with a big bluesy welcome and demonstrating the international enthusiasm for the blues, we kicked off with a little rocking harp driven number, appropriately titled ‘Just Wailing’, from Swedish band The Domestic Bumblebees. Then, we were heading down to New Orleans for the timeless tale of ‘a lady of the night’ from one time Muddy Water’s harp man Paul Oscher. Paul demonstrates his capabilities as a multi-instrumentalist on his latest album ‘Cool Cat’, with vocals, harp, piano and guitar too.

If you enjoy old time country blues, then you will be pleased to see the new 60 track compilation of Sleepy John Estes works, titled ‘At His Best’, including his 1940 recording, ‘Tell Me How About It’. Then, we had some ‘Rockin’ Strawberry Jam’, courtesy of Canadian Lee Palmer and his sixth album, ‘Horns & Harps’ and we followed on with a real surprise . . . . French songstress, Sylvie Vartan and her latest album ‘Avec Toi’, which includes several blues numbers including her version ‘House Of The Rising Sun’.

Eric Gales says it took over a nine months to write the original songs for his album titled ‘The Bookends’. It’s due for release in February and he gave us a preview of the it with his number . . . ‘Whatcha Gon’ Do’. Someone else who’s been busy writing is Mark Tolstrup from Saratoga, New York. His latest album, titled ‘Northstar’, eight originals and five covers, featuring Mark on guitar and vocals, like on the infectious uptempo romp, ‘Hey Hey Baby’ with some very nice horns along for the ride.

How About It
Just Wailing – The Domestic Bumblebees (The Domestic Bumblebees – 2006)
Money Making Woman – Paul Oscher (Cool Cat – 2018)
Tell Me How About It – Sleepy John Estes (At His Best – 2018)
Rockin’ Strawberry Jam – Lee Palmer (Horns & Harps – 2018)
Le Penitencier – Sylvie Vartan (Avec Toi – 2018)
Whatcha Gon’ Do – Eric Gales (The Bookends – 2019)
Hey Hey Baby – Mark Tolstrup (Northstar – 2018)

Pinetop’s Pick
Every Day I Have The Blues – Rocket 88 (The Danny Adler Legacy Series Vol 12 – Rocket 88 – 1981)

Nights Never Get Lonely
What Have I Done Wrong – John Mayall with Joe Bonamassa (Nobody Told Me – 2019)
Nights Never Get Lonely – Freddie King (Lone Star Beer promo – 1974)
Love Don’t Love Nobody – Rosie Flores (A Simple Case Of the Blues – 2019)
Evil – Ian Parker (Spoonful Of Gold – 2018)
Naggin’ On My Mind – GA-20 with Charlie Musselwhite & Luther Dickinson (Naggin’ On My Mind – 2018
The Thrill Is Gone – Michael Lee & The BB King Blues Band (The Thrill Is Gone – 2018)
A.C. Strut – Debbie Davies (Round Every Corner – 2005)
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Pinetop’s Pick cites Alexis Korrner as ‘the father of British blues’, but there’s another UK bluesman who has helped plenty of others along the way, that’s John Mayall, and he’s still doing it, as demonstrated with something from his new album ‘Nobody Told Me’ and featuring some guitar work of Joe Bonamassa. Along the way, John Mayall has recorded a few Freddie King numbers and we uncovered a couple of long forgotten tracks by Freddie King that he recorded in Austin back in 1974 as promos for the local Lone Star Beer, including ‘Nights Never Get Lonely’.

Well, we’ve been waiting very patiently for the new album by Rosie Flores and we won’t have to wait much longer . . . . so keep an eye out for the title ‘Simple Case Of The Blues’, which includes Rosie’s take on Roy Brown’s ‘Love Don’t Love Nobody’. Now, blues fan in or around Boston, Massachusetts, will know local blues band GA-20, who play a fine mix of 50’s & 60’s heavy blues music with the occasional blues celebrity sitting in, like Charlie Musselwhite & Luther Dickinson who are guesting on their latest single, ‘Naggin’ On My Mind’.

Now, for blues fans the TV show ‘The Voice’ may not be a natural source of the music they love. But back in September Texan, Michael Lee auditioned for the American show with his version of BB King’s hit, ‘The Thrill Is Gone’ and he’s been back into the recording studio to re-capture that moment along with BB King’s band. Then, sadly, the thrill was almost gone for this week’s show, but there was just time for our finale from the wonderful Debbie Davies, who had a celebrated period working with Albert Collins as a member of his band, the Icebreakers, which must have been a memorable experience, because in her later solo career Debbie recorded a little number called ‘A.C. Strut’ and very much in the style of Mr Collins. So, before we went our separate ways, there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 8 January 2019

Let It Rip . . .

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

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Well, the Cruise Mobile arrived in the new year, still making plenty of noise with its windows wound down and its radio cranked up. Of course, our new year’s resolution was to save a seat especially for you, just so we can all go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . . and we started well . . . . as we came rolling down the road to the sound of Joey Giam & The Noblemen and their 1958 Klik 45 ‘Pumpkin’. For the long-time members of the Cruising Crew, there was no big surprise as we joined Swedish band Jump For Joy to head on down to New Orleans, where on Bourbon Street on a Saturday night, Harlem group The Willows brought a very appropriate song, ‘Don’t Push, Don’t Pull, Don’t Shove’.

Dr John was taking a bath and doing a little splishing and a splashing, while Jimmy Evans turned up with his self-penned song ‘The Joint’s Really Jumping’, followed by Texas singer Don Hopkins, with his ‘61 Dart 45 ‘Tiddley Diddley’. Charlie Wood is a great favourite here, especially when he brings some rocking R&B, like ‘Let It Rip’ . . . and we did!

This week’s Cruising Connections brought a trio of tracks with a common link that kicked off with a band called The Tads and the tale of The Pink Panther . . . long before Henry Mancini knew him. Then there was 50s heart-throb, Sanford Clark, with his 1958 Dot 45 ‘Modern Romance’ and our third choice, ‘Planetary Run’ from Joe Montgomery. All of which would have earned you a lollipop and rosette from Mr Merlot, if you had spotted that all three featured the legendary Al Casey on guitar.

Ride It
Pumpkin – Joey Giam &The Noblemen
Ride It – Jump For Joy
Don’t Push, Don’t Pull, Don’t Shove – The Willows
Splish Splash – Dr John
The Joint’s Really Jumping – Jimmy Evans
Tiddley-Diddley Don Hopkins
Let It Rip – Charlie Wood

Cruising Connections
The Pink Panther – The Tads
Modern Romance – Sanford Clark
Planetary Run – Joe Montgomery

Girls & Guitars
4am Fried Chicken – Ghalia & Mama’s Boys
Your Sister Can’t Twist (But She Can Rock & Roll) – Imelda May

Doo Wop Delights
My Lonely Heart – Bubber Johnson
Little Girl Of Mine – The Hurricanes

Ooh
Hungry Man – Rick Vito
The Walk – Ricky Cool & The In Crowd
Ooh Little Girl – The Big Town Playboys

This week, the trusty Cruise Mobile took us to Belgium for our Girls & Guitars feature, which focused on singer/songwriter and guitarist, Ghalia Vauthier. Having built her music career and reputation in Belgium, in 2013 she decided to move to America and settled in Clarksdale. She joined Johnny Mastro & his Mama’s Boys playing in and around New Orleans. She got signed by Ruf Records and recorded her album ‘Let The Demons Out, which included our choice, which was Ghalia & Mama’s Boys with ‘4am Fried Chicken’. We stuck with the girls then for something from the wonderful Imelda May . . . an Elton John song ‘Your Sister Can’t Twist’.

With barely a pause for breath we’re heading off for our Doo Wop Delights which
took take us back to 1956, for a King 45 by Bubber Johnson, backed by Brooklyn vocal group, The Hurricanes on ‘My Lonely Heart’. Then The Hurricanes turned up in their own right with their 1956 King 45 ‘Little Girl Of Mine’.

With immaculate predictability, The Cruisettes turned up as we rounded off the first show of the new year with some excellent covers of R&B favourites, starting with the great Louis Jordan track, ‘Hungry Man’, delivered by Rick Vito. There was celebrated UK band Ricky Cool and the In Crowd providing an excellent version of Jimmy McCracklin’s classic, ‘The Walk’ and, taking us all the way home were another UK band The Big Town Playboys, with Mike Sanchez out front on ‘Ooh Little Girl’. Then, sadly, it was all over and we found ourselves parking up the trusty Cruise Mobile for another week, ever hopeful that we will all meet again the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 5 January 2019

A Storm’s Coming . . . .

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

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Well, here we are in 2019 and with re-assuring predictability this is still where The Blues Come Calling. As we welcome the new year, I thought we might take this opportunity to look back on some favourite choices from across 2018. There’s not enough time for them all, but first up was a song that may or may not be appropriate for this time of year, Breezy Rodio with ‘You Don’t Drink Enough’, then, for those who can remember the original version of ‘I’m Your Witchdoctor’ by John Mayall, we featured the excellent cover by one of the UK’s foremost harp players, Will Wilde.

2018 was a good year for the ladies of the blues and several popped up in the review choices, including Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps whose album ‘Here In Babylon’ had a favoured track called ‘ Find Me A Bar’. Teresa was in great company with the most excellent Bridget Kelly Band, who turned up with ‘Trouble In Texas’ from their latest album ‘Blues Warrior’. Another welcome guest who’s graced our past playlists many times was Deb Ryder, with something from her album ‘Enjoy The Ride’ which has been much enjoyed here since it’s release, especially ‘A Storm’s Coming’ . . . . and it is!

Now, 2018 saw the 100th birthday of Elmore James and the release of a tribute album that included Elayna Boynton, with her honeyed and smokey voice on Elmore’s ‘Can’t Stop Loving You’. One of the much celebrated releases of the past year came from Buddy Guy. His album ‘The Blues Is Alive & Well’ has done well for him and it got well played on this show too, including the track ‘Ooh Daddy’. Coming back closer to home, there was UK band The Achievers who released their first album this past year with some great blues standards like ‘Little Girl’.

You Don’t Drink Enough
You Don’t Drink Enough – Breezy Rodio (Sometime The Blues Got Me – 2018)
I’m Your Witchdoctor – Will Wilde (Bring It On Home – 2018)
Find Me A Bar – Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps (Here In Babylon – 2018)
Trouble In Texas – Bridget Kelly Band (Blues Warrior – 2018)
A Storm’s Coming – Deb Ryder (Enjoy The Ride – 2018)
Can’t Stop Loving You – Elayna Boynton (Strange Angels: In Flight With Elmore James – 2018)
Ooh Daddy – Buddy Guy (The Blues Is Alive & Well – 2018)
Little Girl – The Achievers (Live at The SVA – 2018)

Pinetop’s Pick
29 Ways – Koko Taylor (What It Takes – The Chess Years – 2009)

Back In Business
Back In Business – Frank Bey (Back In Business – 2018)
Motel Blues – Wily Bo Walker – Almost Transparent Blues (2018)
Bleach Blonde Bottle Blues – Larkin Poe (Venom & Faith – 2018)
Same Sunlight – Dana Fuchs (Love Lives On – 2018)
What’s The Matter With You – Elles Bailey (The Road I Call Home – 2019)
The Whiskey Made Me Do It – Anthony Gomes (Peace Love & Loud Guitars – 2018)
Harpoventilatin’ – Mark Hummel (Harpbreaker – 2018)

Now, picking only a few tracks from the past year proved to be more than a little difficult, but there was no forgetting the cheery reception that Frank Bey’s had with his return to the music business after several decades with his much celebrated album ‘Back In Business’. Another great talent getting some due recognition this past year was Glasgow’s Wily Bo Walker, with his new album, ‘Almost Transparent Blues’, featuring some excellent guitar work from Ed Brayshaw on ‘Motel Blues’.

Sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell were back, as blues duo Larkin Poe, with their album ‘Venom & Faith’, and a favourite here ‘Bleach Blonde Bottle Blues’. Another of the girls who got plenty of plays during the year was Dana Fuchs with her album ‘Love Lives On’ and as the end of the year approached, there were quite a few tasters of things to come in 2019, including Elles Bailey’s new album ‘The Road I Call Home’. We gave a preview to a song called ‘What’s The Matter With You’.

Now, it would be difficult to pick out an album of the year, but Anthony Gomes’ offering, ‘Peace Love & Loud Guitars’ with excellent sounds like ‘The Whiskey Made Me Do It’. Then, far too quickly, our time ran out for this brief review of 2018. But, we played out with a tour de force from harp-master, Mark Hummel. This was ‘‘Harpoventilatin’ from his latest album ‘Harpbreaker’. But, before that, let me say a big thanks for your good company over the past year and I very much hope that we’ll meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast on 1 January 2019

Shakin’ That Boogie . . .

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

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Well, here we are . . . with the trusty Cruise Mobile rolling by to collect you for the very last cruising adventure of this year . . and you find us in very good spirits too . . . because we have plenty of fond memories of good company during this past year and some very fine music. So, for one more time this year, jump aboard the Cruise Mobile and let’s go Cruising with The Commissioner.

We arrived to the sound of The Big Dani Perez R&B Band with ‘Swing & Rocket’ and we’re heading on down the road with The Ray Collins Hot Club who are ‘Shakin’ That Boogie’ . . . and ever mindful that some may be on a new fitness regime, we extended an invitation to jog alongside.

This week, we pulled out a great piece of swing from Casey MacGill & The Spirits of Rhythm, who have been on the scene in California since the early 70s and we chose ‘Jump Up’. We headed for the UK with the great Rocky Sharpe & the Replays soon we were testing the collective sense of adventure by cruising in the direction of the islands, just a few degrees South of the Tropic of Cancer, which is where we found a couple of crazy Cruising Crew members for whom we played a little number from Jan & Dean.

We deliberately steered away from seasonal numbers on this show, but our good pal Matt The Cat turned up a 50s new year number from Billy Ward & The Dominoes . . . and we made it a worthy exception.

Jump Up
Swing & Rocket – The Big Dani Perez R&B Band
Shakin’ That Boogie – The Ray Collins Hot Club
Barefootin’ – Pee Wee Crayton
Tell It Like It Is – Eddie Bo
Jump Up – Casey MacGill & The Spirits of Rhythm
When The Chips Are Down – Rocky Sharpe & The Replays
Ringing In A Brand New Year – Billy Ward & The Dominoes

Girls & Guitars
I Gotta Go – Trampled Under Foot

Good Times
Good Times – Sam Cooke
Honolulu Lulu – Jan & Dean
You Drive Me Crazy – Ray Scott
Topsy Turvy – Benn Joe Zeppa
That Was Your Mother – Terrence Simien & The Zydeco Experience
Treat Me Nice – Conway Twitty
Long Black Hair – Randy Rich & The Poor Boys
Box Of Candy – Vince Everett
You’re Gonna Pay – Ruby Ann
Barefoot Rock – Harmonica Sam & The Domestic Bumble Bees
Rock Bottom – The Beat From Palookaville
Do You Love Me – Little Willie John

Our Girls & Guitars feature this week focused on guitarist and singer, Danielle Schnebelen who provides lead vocals and guitar for Kansas City group, Trampled Under Foot. To show off her talents, we picked out a track from the band’s album ‘The Philadelphia Sessions’, called ‘I Gotta Go’. Then, we were off for a rather fine melding of a Paul Simon song with a little Louisiana sound, courtesy of the delightfully named Terrence Simien & The Zydeco Experience. Next, the Cruise Mobile took us next to Arkansas, for a number from Conway Twitty, followed by Sweden’s Beat From Palookaville with a rocking little number titled ‘Rock Bottom’.

Having kept a careful watch on the time, it was, sadly, time for our last choice on our last playlist for this year. So, we decided to go out with a rousing finale, courtesy of Little Willie John with his 1960 King 45 ‘Do You Love Me’. Then, the sound of the rattling tin cans came to confirm that this was the last time we’ll go Cruising together this year. So, with Mr Merlot and The Cruisettes alongside there was a cheery farewell and the hope that we’ll all meet again next year for even more musical adventures . . . and until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

All too soon, we came to the last choice on our last playlist for 2018 . . . . and we went out with a rousing finale from Little Willie John and his 1960 King 45 ‘Do You Love Me’. Then, the rattling tin cans came along for the last time in 2018, along with Mr Merlot & The Cruisettes to wave everyone a cheery farewell, ever hopeful that we’ll all be back again next year with renewed enthusiasm to jump aboard the Cruise Mobile and go Cruising with The Commission. So, until then . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast on 29 December 2018

Ring-A-Ling . . .

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

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Well, with the windows wound down and radio cranked up, we were making plenty of noise as Cruise Mobile arrived to collect you to go Cruising with The Commissioner. With more ‘Go, Go, Go’ than ‘Ho, Ho, Ho’. we arrived to the sound of Daddy’s Rebels with a little Red Prysock number, ‘Plaid Laces’ and advised you to hold on tight as we headed off down the road with Dimples Jackson and an Octave 45 called ‘Ring-A-Ling’. Then, the great Thornetta Davis came following fast with The Knickerbocker Allstars and some ‘Wild Wild Young Men’.

We anticipated some unrestrained excitement amongst the fans of cajun rock, as European band, The Cajun Roosters, gave the best of South Louisiana a real run for their money with a Chuck Berry classic that the merry Mr Berry never imagined sounding this way. There was another taste of Louisiana too, delivered in style from Milwaukee by local band The Uptown Savages, who (most appropriately) were ‘Movin’ On’.

Then we were off to Italy for Torino band, The Uppertones with their number ‘No One’, which captured that 50s and 60s vibe that encouraged Mr Merlot and yours truly to demonstrate how to swing and sway The Commissioner’s way, getting awarded only a 5 for style, but a 10 for enthusiasm by Mrs TC. Amidst all the excitement, we didn’t forget this week’s Cruising Connections, with its invitation to spot the link between its trio of tracks, starting with the great Slim Harpo and one of his classics. It was followed by Lazy Lester and Chuck Berry whose songs were both covered on the first album by one famous four piece group along with originals of their own. Meanwhile, our Girls & Guitars feature this week gave a big welcome back to Australian Blues guitarist and singer, Fiona Boyes. She’s got a new album out, called ‘Voodoo In The Shadows’ and it was a good excuse to pick something from it . . . and we did!

Movin’ On
Plaid Laces/The Fox – Daddy’s Rebels
Ring-A-Ling – Dimples Jackson
Wild Wild Young Men – Thornetta Davis & The Knickerbocker Allstars
Brown Eyed Handsom Man – Cajun Roosters
Movin’ On – The Uptown Savages
No One – The Uppertones

Cruising Connections
Got Love If You Want It – Slim Harpo
I’m A Lover Not A Fighter – Lazy Lester
Beautiful Delilah – Chuck Berry
All Day & All Of The Night – The Kinks

Girls & Guitars
Don’t Leave Your Feet At Home – Fiona Boyes

Doo Wop Delights
Confidential – Bubber Johnson
Pa-Pa-Ya Baby – The Jumping Jacks

Put Some Rhythm In My Blues
Put Some Rhythm In My Blues – Blue Blot
Have You Seen My Baby – Choker Campbell
I Love You Oh Darling – Big Jay McNeely
Hong Kong Jelly Wong – The Royaltones
Rocket Room – The Domestic Bumblebees
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This week Mr Merlot went rummaging in the Cruising Library for more of those 50s vocal groups to feature in our Doo Wop Delights. He returned with an empty wine bottle and glass, but also a couple of gems, the first of which came from Bubber Johnson his 45, titled ‘Confidential’. We also heard from The Jumping Jacks with one of two 45s they recorded in 1954 for the small New York label Bruce records . . . ‘Pa-Pa-Ya Baby’.

Taking us across frontiers, the trusty Cruise mobile whisked us off to Belgium next to hear from local band, Blue Blot who were intent on putting some rhythm in their blues. Then, we were treated to a rare1954 Atlantic 45 from Choker Campbell, who started playing the saxophone at the age of 5 and went on to lead one of the road bands that supported touring Motown artists. There was another band leader next on our playlist, Big Jay McNeely with a little number he released in 1960 on the Swingin’ label . . .’I Love You Oh Darling’.

It came the time to start heading reluctantly for home and we did it with The Royaltones who recorded a little gem called ‘Hong Kong Jelly Wong’ in the summer of 1956 for Old Town Records and it came with a shout out to our good pal Jamie Dell’Apa, who has a thing about Chinese rock songs. Then, taking us all the way home was Swedish band, The Domestic Bumblebees, who were going to the ‘Rocket Room’, after which we parked up the Cruise Mobile and gave it a quick polish so it was suitably smart for the festive celebrations and ready for the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . enjoy the festivities and . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 22 December 2018

You Can’t Lose ‘Em All . . .

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

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Well, you can be sure, when The Blues Come Calling they always bring some of the best blues around and this week was no exception. With a big bluesy welcome from here, we kicked off with ‘Edgier’ by Kim Wilson, who’s heading our way soon for London’s Blues Week in January. Another January joy will be the release of the new album ‘Church of the Blues’ from Watermelon Slim, who gave us a preview with a track from the album . . . ‘St Peter’s Ledger’. Another someone making a welcome return to our playlist was Bobby G with that seductive vibe of his on ‘Can’t Stop Loving You’.

For those who like a little ‘seasoned’ blues, we featured a song recorded by Memphis Minnie back in 1933, which appears again on a newly released collection of her works, called ‘100% blues’, this was ‘Ain’t No Use Trying To Tell On Me’. Now, if you come across an album titled ‘Strong Roots’, take a listen. It features the superb bluesy and jazzy talents of Cole and Logan Layman, under their band name, ‘In Layman Terms’, with a little funk here and there, along with excellent vocals, guitar work and some fine work from the horn section, as we heard on the bluesy ‘Notice Me’.

We went back to 1991 for an album released then by the great Albert Collins. The album was called ‘Ice’ and it included Albert swinging out on our choice, the tale of ‘The Hawk’. Then, we came up to date with someone who is currently delivering some fine rock with his guitar, but can also tease from it some soulful and melancholy sounds. This is Yugoslavian born Zed Mitchell, who was making his very welcome début on show with ‘Home Is With You’, from his latest album, simply titled ‘Wow’.

Edgier
Edgier – Kim Wilson (Blues & Boogie Vol 1 – 2017)
St Peter’s Ledger – Watermelon Slim (Church Of The Blues – 2019)
Can’t Stop Loving You – Bobby G (PhD In The Blues – 2018)
Ain’t No Use Trying To Tell On Me – Memphis Minnie (100% Blues – 2018)
Notice Me – In Layman Terms (Strong Roots – 2018)
The Hawk – Albert Collins (Ice – 1991)
Home Is With You – Zed Mitchell – (Wow – 2018)

Pinetop’s Pick
Good Morning Little Schoolgirl – John Lee Williamson (Good Gal Blues – 2010)

Let’s Get Back
Let’s Get Back – The Delgado Brothers (Let’s Get Back – 1999)
New Orleans – Fiona Boyes (Voodoo In The Shadows – 2018)
Watch Out – Fred Chapellier (Fred Chapellier Plays Peter Green – 2018)
Blind Willie McTell – Ruth Wyand (Tribe Of One – 2018)
You Can’t Lose ‘Em All – Lee Roy Parnell (Back To The Well – 2006)
Dump That Chump – Rick Estrin & The Nightcats (You Asked For It Live – 2014)
Hideaway – Jeff Healey (See The Light – 1988)

The Delgado Brothers have been playing together since the 80s and have been described as Los Angeles’ best kept secret. They were back on our playlist this week with the title track of their 1999 album ‘Let’s Get Back’. French bluesman, Fred Chapellier, was definitely back with another fond memories Peter Green, from his time with Fleetwood Mac. Fred’s current album is filled with Peter’s songs, including ‘Watch Out’. As a genre, the blues has its fair share of sarcasm and so Ruth Wyand should feel at home with her self-confessed sarcastic sense of humour. It comes across now and then in the her songs on her new album ‘Tribe Of One’ and we heard her with ‘Better Off Alone’.

Texan, Lee Roy Parnell who can do gritty, soulful vocals, first-rate slide guitar and can skip seamlessly across the musical boundaries between country, R&B and gutbucket blues. We heard him with a track from his album ‘Back To The Well’ bringing us some sly optimism on ‘You Can’t Lose ‘Em All’. Closer to home, those keeping an eye on the giglists for next year will know one of the bands heading this way early in the new year is Rick Estrin & The Nightcats and, as a taster, we gave a spin to their crowd pleaser ‘Dump That Chump’.

Before our blues-time together ran out, we pulled out a great cover of Freddie King’s signature instrumental, ‘Hideaway’, this time, from the excellent Jeff Healey. But before that there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 18 December 2018

Rocking With You . . .

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

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Well, as ever, the Cruise Mobile rolled by at the appointed time with its windows wound down and its the radio cranked up. There was the customary seat saved especially for you, just so we can all go Cruising with The Commissioner. We arrived to the sound of ‘Once More’ by Jackie Kelso, then, with some squeals from the wheels, we were off down the road with a burst of New Orleans Rhythm and Blues from Sicilian band, Virginia Brown and The Shameless.

We enjoyed some rocking R&B from Milwaukee band, The Uptown Savages, with ‘Crazy’ . . . an apt description for The Cruisettes and their approach to dancing. Then, the Cruise Mobile was taking us on a detour to Norfolk, Virginia for some more rocking rhythm and blues from The Griffin Brothers and, with not a second thought, we were off to Texas to catch singer and pianist, Teddy Reynolds, with his 1962 recording, ‘Rocking With You Baby’. With a tip of the hat in the direction of Jamie Dell’Apa and Dave Ferrato, we heard from Little Bill & The Bluenotes and the flipside of 1959 chart hit ‘I Love an Angel’, titled ‘Bye Bye Baby’.

We pulled out a 1956 Vik 45, ‘I’m A Big Boy Now’, from singing duo Tic & Toc, followed by the much covered Ted Jarrett song, ‘You Can Make It If You Try’, this time by the great Jimmy Witherspoon. Then, we were into this week’s Cruising Connections with a trio of tracks that were no great brain teaser, but all three share a particular piece of 50s jive talk. We started with The Del-Vikings, then The Cadets and finally a1960 Atlas 45 by Mae Mercer. Mr Merlot was on hand with enough rosettes and lollipops for everyone who spotted that the common link there was the expression ‘googa mooga’. We had the Cruising researchers burning the mid-day oil looking for even more songs featuring that expression and we couldn’t leave without playing Lee Dorsey’s 1965 classic ‘Great Googa Mooga’.

Once More
Once More – Jackie Kelso
Black Diamond – Virginia Brown & The Shameless
Crazy – The Uptown Savages
The House By The Railroad Track – The Griffin Brothers
Rocking With You Baby – Teddy Reynolds
Bye Bye Baby – Little Bill & The Bluenotes
I’m A Big Boy Now – Tic & Toc
You Can Make It If You Try – Jimmy Witherspoon

Cruising Connections
Flat Tire – The Del-Vikings
Stranded In The Jungle – The Cadets
Great Googa Mooga – Mae Mercer
Great Googa Mooga – Lee Dorsey

Girls & Guitars
I’m A Sucker For Love – Debbie Davies

Doo Wop Delights
Hold Me – Bobby Long
Haunting Memories – The Harlliquins

I Can’t Cook
My Wife Can’t Cook – The Phantom Blues Band
So What If I Can’t Cook – Little Alice
Lil Evette – Lonnie Russ
Come Back Uncle John – Big John Greer
Long Tall Sally – Little Richard

This week’s Girls & Guitars feature threw its spotlight on guitarist and singer Debbie Davies. She grew up in the 60s in a musical family and by the age of 12 she had taken an interest in the guitar and was particularly attracted to the bluesier sounds she was hearing. After hearing the electric guitar of Eric Clapton with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, she decided to pursue a music career and 1984, she had landed the lead guitar spot with Maggie Mayall and the Cadillacs, and was then recruited by Albert Collins to join his band. She’s since struck out on a solo career and we played her take on a John Mayall song, ‘I’m A Sucker For Love’.

This week, our Doo Wop Delights kicked off with a 1959 Glow-Hill 45 from Bobby Long, featuring a Rudy Toombs ballad called ‘Hold Me’, followed by a 1958 45 on George Goldner’s Juanita label from New York group The Halliquins, with a song titled ‘Haunting Memories’, previously recorded by a group called The Serenaders.

Now, last week we played a version of a much covered Lonnie Russ song, ‘My Wife Can’t Cook’, by Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings. This time around we found another of those covers by The Phantom Blues Band and said that Lonnie Russ’s original success inspired an answer song and, by a stroke of amazing good fortune, we found it by Little Alice. We also found something from Lonnie Russ himself . . . his 1964 4J record release, ‘Lil Evette’.

As a distraction from us turning the Cruise Mobile for home, we pulled out another answer song. This time it was a 1959 release by Big John Greer, that continued the story of Uncle John and Sally that was started by Little Richard’s ‘Long Tall Sally’, which happened to get us all the way home. So, we parked up the trusty Cruise Mobile, gave it a quick polish and thanked everyone for their good company on this week’s cruise, hoping, that we’ll all meet again the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 15 December 2018

Like It This Way . . .

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

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Well, a big bluesy welcome to another hour of the best blues around, which is just what you get when The Blues Come Calling. They came calling this week with some joyful blues from the great B.B. King, playing with his friend Robert Cray. Those with long memories will know the name Victor Brox, whose daughter Kyla has shown his same passion and talent for the blues, as you can hear on her single, appropriately titled ‘Bluesman’s Child’.

There was a warm welcome back this week for Australian lady of the blues Fiona Boyes with a track called ‘Party At Red’s’ from her latest album ‘Voodoo in the Shadows’, which has been getting many plays here. Then, we were off to New Orleans with local band Keith Stone with Red Gravy. This is a little something that has been haunting me since I first heard it . . . ‘Crazy In Love With You’. Now, you can say with great assurance that Mick Kolassa is a veteran of the blues. He turned up in fine Chicago style with ‘US 12 to Highway 49’.

If you’re waiting of the new album from Elles Bailey’s you’ll have to be a bit patient, because it’s not due for release until the 8th March next year. The album’s titled ‘The Road I Call Home’ and we had another taster from it this week with ‘What’s The Matter With You’. For those in any doubt about French bluesman, Fred Chapellier, being a fan of Peter Green, listen to his latest album which is filled with songs from Peter’s time with Fleetwood Mac, including this week’s choice ‘Like It This Way’.

Playing With My Friends
Playing With My Friends – B.B. King & Robert Cray (The Anthology – 2000)
Bluesman’s Child – Kyla Brox (Bluesman’s Child – 2018)
Party At Red’s – Fiona Boyes (Voodoo In The Shadows – 2018)
Crazy In Love With You – Keith Stone with Red Gravy (Keith Stone with Red Gravy – 2018)
US 12 to Highway 49 – Mick Kolassa & The Taylor Made Blues Band (149 Delta Avenue – 2018)
What’s The Matter With You – Elles Bailey (The Road I Call Home – 2019)
Like It This Way – Fred Chapellier (Fred Chapellier Plays Peter Green – 2018)

Pinetop’s Pick
Insane Asylum – Willie Dixon & Koko Taylor (Bad Luck & Trouble Blues – 2015)
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Blues Walking
Stranger For Me – Jon Amor (Colour In The Sky – 2018)
Drive Me Away – Matt Walsh (The Midnight Strain – 2018)
Better Off Alone – Ruth Wyand (Tribe Of One – 2018)
BBQ Man – Barbara Blue (Fish In Dirty H2O- 2018)
Blues Walking – Old Riley & The Water (Biting Through – 2018)
Me My Guitar & the Blues – Walter Trout (Survivor Blues – 2018)

It’s been a long time coming, but the new album from Jon Amor is out now and as if proof were needed, we played a bluesy little number from it, called ‘Stranger For Me’. For more, look out for the album, titled ‘Colour In the Sky’ and there’s plenty of excellent stuff on there that goes well beyond the blues. Now, Matt Walsh got plenty of very positive support in the blues community for his 2007 release of ‘Hard Luck’ , and his latest release, ‘The Midnight Strain’ looks set to to do the same. It has a real mix of styles here, including a favourite here, Drive Me Away.

Now, Ruth Wyand admits to many of musical influences, including the likes of Hank Williams, the Allman Brothers, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. All those influences have brought her to her new album ‘Tribe Of One’ and we took a little glimpse inside with ‘Better Off Alone’. The sunny weather may be a distant memory now, but Barbara Blue shared a few memorable moments with her story of her favourite BBQ man. Then, there was another taste down home blues, Louisiana style, from Old Riley & The Water, featuring singer and guitarist Sean Riley along with some excellent New Orleans musicians on ‘Blues Walking’.

There was a special treat with our last choice for this week’s playlist. It came from Walter Trout with a preview of his new covers album ‘Survivor Blues’. He says: “I didn’t want to do the Blues greatest hits. I wanted to do old, obscure songs that have hardly been covered. So,this time around it was the Jimmy Dawkins track ‘Me, My Guitar And The Blues’. But before that, there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 11 December 2018