Where Ya At . . .

Here’s this week’s dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic:

On ‘National Leave The Office Early Day’ there was much encouragement to those who wanted to be at the front of the queue for this week’s dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. It was just what was needed to start the weekend in style, with plenty of the ‘good stuff’ for those who were bored by the ‘same old, same old’ on ‘ordinary radio’. There was plenty in the Sonic Tonic to raise the spirits and excite the senses . . . and to prove the point, it all kicked off with JD’s Time Machine and ‘The Kiss Of Freedom’. Then, those good summertime vibes were kept going with Louisiana Avenue, who were taking us ‘Uptown’.

Well, this week’s Tell It Like It Is, had a song with a story that took us back to 1965 when Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil were song writers in New York’s famous Brill Building. They had recently written the number one hit “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ for the Righteous Brothers and were hoping to repeat that success with another song for the duo. The song was ‘We Gotta Get Out of This Place’ and to promote the song, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil recorded their own demo version. UK record producer Mickie Most had a call out to the Brill Building songwriters for material for The Animals next recording session and, having heard the demo, The Animals recorded the song in June 1965. Their version became an international hit and The Righteous Brothers didn’t record the song back then, but they did record their version much later, in 2016 and it got slipped into the Sonic Tonic to make your ears smile.

Where Ya At
Kiss Of Freedom – JD’s Time Machine
Uptown – Louisiana Avenue
Where Ya At In Life – The Groove Crewe
Drift Away – Arlen Roth & Jerry Jemmott
Smile Time – Andre Bisson

Tell It Like It Is
We Gotta Get Out of This Place – The Righteous Brothers

Can’t See You
Living For The Ones – Bonnie Raitt
If I Can’t See You – Anne Peebles
Then I Loved You – Ron LaSalle
So Long – Jackie Mendez

Mellow Moment
Edith and the Kingpin – Herbie Hancock & Tina Turner

Ain’t Lyin’
I Ain’t Lyin’ – The Hogtown Allstars
Can’t Blame Nobody But Myself – Marcia Ball
Diddle-I – The Toreadors Trio

This week’s Mellow Moment arrived with the customary aim to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax. This time around, the choice came from an album called ‘River’ by Herbie Hancock, where he teamed up with a host of well known artists on a collection of covers of Joni Mitchell songs. It includes a rather special track, which features Tina Turner in an unusually cool and jazzy mood, but before we heard it, there was a familiar invitation . . . if there was someone special nearby . . . this was your moment to smooch.

There was a little more mixing of the flavours in the Sonic Tonic, with a change of style and pace, as we went swinging out with The Hogtown Allstars and then Marcia Ball with a couple of choices guaranteed to get your feet tapping and your head nodding. If it didn’t, the Sonic Tonic Recovery Team was on hand to cope with emergencies. But, all good things have to come to an end, and I was hoping I wasn’t the only one having a good time. Too soon, the clock on the studio wall said it was about time to be collecting up the music tidying up the studio and getting ready to head on out of here, but before I did . . . I had saved a little treat to send us off in high spirits and maybe even still singing along with the Toreador Trio. Before I let them loose, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and, until we meet again for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 2 June 2023

Someone Else Is Steppin’ In . . . .

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

When so much is changing around us, there’s always something re-assuring about delivering a big bluesy welcome to one and all each week and knowing that when The Blues Come Calling, there’s always plenty of the best blues around. This week was no exception and I kicked off there with Canadian band, the Fog Blues & Brass Band with the title track of their new album ‘Twelve Bar Prescription’. Great stuff it was too . . . so you can expect them to be returning to the show in future weeks. Then, those with keen powers of recall will have smiled when I said that last week I played a track from Joe Bonamassa’s upcoming album . . . the song was ‘I Want To Shout About It’ and I thought I’d play you the original by Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters . . . which is just what I did!

I was pretty sure that this week’s show brought the first time I had featured Canadian blues and roots guitarist and songwriter JW-Jones. He’s got a new album out called ‘Everything Now’ and with 11 original songs and it was my album of the week. To start us in the right direction, I chose . . . ‘It’s Not Raining In LA’ . . . and promised you would be hearing more from him later in the show.

Shout About It
Twelve Bar Prescription – FOG Blues & Brass Band (Twelve Bar Prescription – 2023)
I Want To Shout About It – Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters (Plays Big Blues – 1990)
It’s Not Raining In LA – JW Jones (Everything Now – 2023)
Someone Else Is Steppin’ In – Mississippi MacDonald & Benny Turner (Someone Else Is Steppin’ In – 2023)
Why Wasn’t I Born Rich – Robert Hokum (Personal Experience & Downright Lies – 2023)
Tail Wags The Dog – Andre Bisson (Latchford – 2023)
Everything Now – JW Jones (Everything Now – 2023)

Pinetop’s Pick
Salty Papa Blues – Etta Jones with Barney Bigard & His Orchestra

Works Everytime
Hole In My Pocket – The Zak Schulze Gang (Made Of Three – 2023)
Mighty Love – The Mystics (ft Jerry Portnoy) (Mighty Love – 2023)
Boogie Albert – John Mayall (Room To Move 1969-1974 – 1992)
Works Everytime – JW Jones (Everything Now – 2023)
The Franklin Shuffle – Mike Guldin (The Franklin Sessions – 2023)
Cheat The Devil – Anthony Rosano (Cheat The Devil – 2023)
The Baker’s Groove – Maple Blues Band (Let’s Go – 2023)

When it arrives, which may be a while yet, I was pretty sure Mississippi MacDonald’s next album would include his latest single, which was recorded a little while back when he was in Memphis. While he was there, he teamed up with celebrated bluesman Benny Turner and they recorded a song together . . . the song was one written by Denise LaSalle, and first made famous by ZZ Hill . . . . it was ‘Someone Else Is Steppin’ In’, which sounds great to me and it was why it was in this week’s playlist.

Now, if you’re a song writer and you’re heading down to Franklin in Tennessee to record a new album, it might just inspire a song. It certainly did for Mike Guldin, whose new album, ‘

Now, if you’re a song writer and you’re heading down to Franklin in Tennessee to record a new album, it might just inspire a song. It certainly did for Mike Guldin, whose new album got there before you, with is called ‘The Franklin Sessions’. The opening track is . . . ‘The Franklin Shuffle’ . . . and I couldn’t resist playing it on the show. But, with our blues time nearly gone, I decided to play out this week with a superb album of bluesy/jazzy instrumentals that arrived here courtesy of the Toronto-based Maple Blues Band. It was their latest album “Let’s Go”, where I was spoilt for choice, so this time around it was the swinging ‘Baker’s Groove’. But, before that, there was a big thanks from me 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 Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 31 May 2023
Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 1 June 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 3 June 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 4 June 2023

No More, No Less . . .

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

Well, in an uncertain world, it’s re-assuring to know that ‘come the hour, cometh the trusty Cruise Mobile . . . . and with a seat saved especially for you. As it rolled to a stop, there was an invitation for you to jump aboard and to get the pulses racing to your rhythm receptors, we were off to a flying start with Louisiana Avenue and something from their latest album . . . ‘Uptown’. Then, we were on yet another adventure . . . down those overgrown backroads of the music we love . . . . which the serial adventurers know as Cruising with The Commissioner.

Now, when it was time now for our Girls & Guitars feature, we turned our attentions to Lisa Mann, who was born in West Virginia, and later moved to California, where at age eleven she bought her first guitar and learnt to play. Back then she was listening to bands like Deep Purple, Cream and Led Zeppelin and she went on to begin her professional music career at the age of 19. To date, she has produced six albums and we chose something from her latest album, ‘Old Girl’ . . . . this was her take on ‘It’s The Monkey Or Me’.

No More, No Less
Uptown – Louisiana Avenue
Rock Yea – Del Saint & The Devils
No More, No Less – Carmen Taylor
Who’s Gonna Suffer – Fog Blues & Brass Band
Need Of Love – Lee Harvey
Cry To Me – Jessie Wagner

Girls & Guitars
It’s The Monkey Or Me – Lisa Mann

After A While
I Want To Know – Roland Cook
After A While – Wee Willie Walker & The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra

Doo Wop Stop
Shouldn’t I Know – The Cardinals

I’m On Fire
I Want To Be Your Lucky Star – Rocky & The Continental 4
Come On & Stop – Mary Johnson
Hillybilly Party – The Uncool Hillbillies
Run Run Daddy – The Majestics
Wootie Boogie – LaVelle White
Brassabilly Boogie – Pete Anderson
I’m On Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis

We picked just the right time for our Doo Wop Stop, which is where we sample those vocal groups of the 50 and 60s and this week we featured Baltimore vocal group, The Cardinals, who began their career in 1946. One of the big influences on their development was the owner of a local record store, who heard them singing and recommended them to Herb Abramson, co-founder of Atlantic Records. They got an audition in that self-same record store, at the end of which they left as the newest artists on the Atlantic label. The group came to New York and cut four sides for their first release and five months later they were at #7 on the Billboard R&B chart with our choice . . . ‘Shouldn’t I Know’.

The Cruisettes and Mr Merlot gave an enthusiastic welcome for our boogie selection, which featured Lavelle White delivering a little ‘Wootie Boogie’ and to add to enable the Cruising Crew to fill their boogie boots to overflowing . . . along came Pete Anderson with his ‘Brassabilly Boogie’. But, like it or not our Cruising time together was fast running out and to get us all back where we started we joined The Ferriday Fireball with his aptly titled ‘I’m On Fire’. As Jerry Lee Lewis faded away, it may have been a surprise to many, that we got all the way home, safe and sound. The trusty Cruise Mobile was parked up and we gave it the quick once over to check it was all ready for our next adventure. Then, to give everyone a suitable send off, Mr Merlot, The Cruisettes and yours truly were lined up with a smile and a wave, before we headed off to the after show party. But, first there was a big thanks for your good company for this week’s adventure and the hope that we’ll meet again, same time, same place, next week to go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 30 May 2023

Satisfy My Soul . . . .

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

Well, as usual, there was a big cheery welcome to one and all . . . and I arrived with a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic to get tuned up for the weekend ahead. Southside Johnny & The Asbury Dukes were on hand to get things started in style and while we were in New Jersey, it was a good opportunity to catch up with another local lad . . . Bruce Springsteen . . . who was dipping back for a great Northern Soul favourite.

There have been many fine words said about Tina Turner in the past few days, and I couldn’t let this week’s Sonic Tonic miss the opportunity to hear from her again . . . so we did . . . with ‘Break Every Rule’.

This week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story that’s been mentioned here before. This time around it came with a reminder, it was a song written back in 1962, by Mort Shuman and Doc Pomus. About that time, it got recorded by The Drifters, although their version didn’t get released until many years later. So, the first time it got released on record was courtesy of Del Shannon, on the flipside of his hit ‘Swiss Maid’. The song was ‘You Never Talked About Me’ and there have been many other versions, including a well know cover by Shakin’ Stevens, which has been the subject of much purple prose directed at me by the esteemed Paul Armstrong . . . so with a tip of the hat in his direction, ‘Shaky’ was with us with ‘that’ song!

Shake It Up
Shake It Up – Southside Johnny & The Asbury Dukes
Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) – Bruce Springsteen
Shake – André Bisson
Feel The Love In Me – Phil Dearing and Blue Train
Break Every Rule – Tina Turner

Tell It Like It Is
You Never Talked About Me – Shakin’ Stevens

Remember The Time
Come Back Home – Acantha Lang
Remember The Time – Teskey Brothers
Rope By Rope – Jo Buddy meets Funky Kingstone
Damn Your Eyes – Paul Cox

Mellow Moment
Satisfy My Soul – Paul Carrack

Makin’ Plans
Oh Marie – Vintage Explosion
Makin’ Plans – Damian Lewis
Jumpin’ Jubilee – Jim Hammond (ft Abbie Marie)

There were several choices for this week’s Sonic Tonic that came as reminders of my recent giglist encounters and it’s been good to see there’s plenty live music events around now, with multiple choices too. That was certainly the case this week, when I headed off with the lovely Dee to see one of her big favourites . . . Paul Cox . . . who was on stage, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the release of his first solo album ‘Ain’t Nothin’ Doin’. His live performance included his excellent version of Etta James’ classic . . . ‘Damn Your Eyes’ . . . so that one got slipped into the Sonic Tonic. Jo Buddy was on my giglist recently too. He was playing just down the road from here and it was a good excuse to pull out an old favourite . . . that was Jo Buddy along with Funky Kingstone and a little number definitely designed to raise the spirits and excite the senses . . . ‘Rope By Rope’. I also caught The Teskey Brothers on stage on the recent London date and this week they released a soulful single from their upcoming new album, ‘The Winding Way’, so that went into mix too.

Well all good things come to an end and sadly that was true for this week’s Sonic Tonic. The clock on the wall was saying it was time for me to collect up the music, tidy up the studio and get ready to head on out the door, but before that, I had saved a little gem, to stress test your reflexes and get even more pulses rippling through to your rhythm receptors. The cause of this was Abbie Marie delivering some spirited vocals and the redoubtable Jim Hammond providing plenty of rocking keys, all aimed at taking us to the Jumpin’ Jubilee. But, before that, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and a promise to do it again soon with another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 26 May 2023

Why I Play The Blues . . .

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

Well, there was a big bluesy welcome to one and all, along with the assurance that if you were looking for ‘the blues, the whole blues and nothing but the blues’, then that’s just what you get . . . when The Blues Come Calling. Indeed, this week was no exception, because I kicked off with a track from my ‘album of the week’, which came courtesy of Germany’s Andreas Diehlmann Band. The album is titled ‘Long Way To Go’ and it has plenty of bluesy self-penned numbers, including my first choice . . . ‘Pretty Baby’. Then, there was a band who hail from just down the road from me. They were on my giglist this past week, doing a rocking set that had the crowd cheering and stomping from the start. These were the Zak Schulze Gang, who have just released their EP ‘Made Of Three’, which includes an inventive revisit to an old R&B song . . . putting it into a minor key . . . ‘Walkin’ The Dog’.

This week, Joe Bonamassa was back with a superb new single, which is a taster of his upcoming new album, to be released later this year. The song is ‘I Want To Shout About It’ which many will know as a Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters’ number. Joe’s been featuring this in his live sets lately and getting well received too, so no surprise it’s on release now.

Sweet Dreams
Pretty Baby – Andreas Diehlmann (Long Way To Go – 2023)
Walkin’ The Dog – The Zak Schulze Gang (Made Of Three – 2023)
I Want To Shout About It – Joe Bonamassa (I Want To Shout About It – 2023)
Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This – Mississippi MacDonald (Covers – 2023)
All You Can Eat – Greyhound George (No Time To Cry – 2023)
Ain’t Nobody Minding Your Store (Live At Swindon Arts Centre, 1978) – Charlie Watts (Anthology – 2023)
Baby It’s Gonna Rain All Night – Andreas Diehlman Band (Long Way To Go – 2023)

Pinetop’s Pick
Night Time Is The Right Time – Nappy Brown (Always The Right Time – 2023)

Shake It Up
Shake It Up – Mitch Grainger
Next Time You See Me – Junior Parker (Drinkin’ & Thinkin’ – 2020)
That’s Why I Play The Blues – Gary Moore (The Sanctuary Years – 2023)
Way To Hell – Andreas Dielmann (Long Way To Go – 2023)
Hold On To You – Grainne Duffy (Dirt Woman Blues – 2023)
Kingston Street Dance – Jo Buddy (One Man Strompet – 2023)

Now, the blues buffs will know it was Junior Parker’s birthday this week, so a good excuse to pull out something from his catalogue to celebrate. My choice was a number that’s been much covered by many notable names over the years, but I played Junior Parker’s version of ‘Next Time You See Me’. There was also a reminder of a previous ‘album of the week’, with the welcome return of Grainne Duffy, whose ‘Dirt Woman Blues’ is out on release now and rightly attracting plenty of attention. I chose a particular favourite . . . ‘Hold On To You’.

All too soon, our blues time together was almost gone, but I was playing out with someone who was on my giglist this past. He’s been out and about promoting his latest album ‘One Man Strompet’. This was Finland’s R&B guitarist and singer, Jo’ Buddy, who was swinging out in style on the opening track on his album . . . ‘Kingston Street Dance’. 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 96.5 fm on 24 May 2023
Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 25 May 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 27 May 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 28 May 2023

Live The Life . . . .

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

Well, whether you arrived by accident or design, there was an invitation to jump aboard the trusty Cruise Mobile for yet another adventure down the overgrown backroads of the music we love . . . . which the serial adventurers know as Cruising with The Commissioner. So, getting us off to a flying start were Tommy Wills & His Twisting Tomcats with their 1961 Terry Records release ‘Aw Shucks Go On Twist’ . . . . which may have been an unwise invitation in the company of the Cruising Crew!!!

Now, if you thought of Brownie McGhee as an acoustic blues man, then you might have had to think again when you heard the rocking little number of his . . . ‘All Night Party’ . . . which is something that won’t be missed by The Cruisettes! But, I was hoping you’d miss this . . . because I’d been put on the naughty step by Mr Merlot for being over time for our Girls & Guitars feature, but it didn’t stop me saying, this week our spotlight fell on Chicago guitar slinger, Joanna Connor, who happens to have a new album out now . . . it’s called ‘Best Of Me’ and it’s where you’ll find our choice . . . the searingly sensual ballad . . . ‘I Lost You’.

All Night Party
Aw Shucks Go On Twist – Tommy Wills & His Twisting Tomcats
All Night Party – Brownie McGhee
Ohhh – Carmen Taylor & The Boleros
Tall Skinny Mama – The Swing Cats
Thirty Days – Buddy & The Hearts
Oo-Ee Train – Bobby Darin
Splish Splash – Dr John
Georgianna – Lloyd Price

Girls & Guitars
I Lost You – Joanna Connor

Shake It Up
Little Mama – Andy Wilson
Shake It Up – D.C. Rand & The Jokers
Live The Life – Billy Wright
Alene, Sweet Little Texas Queen – The Souvenirs

Doo Wop Stop
It’s Too Late Now – The Cufflinks

Let It Rock
Rock n Roll Baby – Mercy Baby
Mr Hi Fly – Diz Watson (ft Jo Buddy)
Juke Box Drive – Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88’s
Let It Rock – Chuck Berry

Well, when it was time for our Doo Wop Stop, we brought another sample of those vocal groups of the 50 and 60s. This week we featured Californian vocal group, The Cufflinks. Now, there have been several groups using this name, but this group had only one release on Dootone Records and that was our choice . . . . their 1957 single ‘It’s Too Late Now’.

There was a little something that came to mind after seeing Finland’s Jo Buddy, guesting with Diz Waton’s band at a live gig this past week. So, with a memory of a great night of stomping R&B, there was some finger walking along the shelves to find a favourite recording . . . Diz Watson and Jo Buddy with ‘Mr Hi Fly’. Then, there was a great story line in a number from Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88’s. This was his tale of his Cadillac with its ‘Juke Box Drive’ and that was all that was needed to entice The Cruisettes to provide another unsolicited demonstration of their Dangerous Dancing. But, all too soon, from somewhere way over there, Mr Merlot was frantically pointing at his watch . . . which was a sure sign That we were running out of Cruising time. So, in case you too want to join in the fun and frolics . . . we summoned up the merry Mr Berry with a much covered favourite of his to take us all the way home . . . ‘Let It Rock’. We were soon parking up Cruise Mobile for another week and waving a fond farewell, as we all hoped we’d meet again soon to go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 23 May 2023

Can’t Let Go . . . .

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

With some overdue sunshine beaming down, I offered a big cheery welcome to one and all, with the thought that if your needed to get a little pep in your step for the weekend, you definitely needed to stick around for this week’s big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. It all kicked off with Earth Wind & Fire and ‘Can’t Let Go’ and followed by a little something suggested by someone out there in listening land. It came from New Orleans R&B singer C P Love and I was pretty sure it would bring a smile to the face of Yvonne Eriksson, because she gave me a nudge in the direction of CP Love and it sent me rummaging through his music to find this favourite of mine . . . his 1971 single ,Never Been In Love Before’ . . . which I predicted would encourage more than a little toe wiggling too.

Well, this week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story that proved to be a change of direction and a change of fortunes for American group, The Young Rascals. The song was written by group members Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati and was quite different from the Rascals’ previous soul styled offerings. It was sufficiently different that Atlantic Records head Jerry Wexler didn’t want to release the single. But, disc jockey Murray the K had been in the studio just as the band finished recording the number and he was convinced it would be a smash hit. So, when he heard that Atlantic didn’t want to put it out, he went to see Jerry Wexler and offered him some frank and forthright advice . . . and he was right . . . because when it got released, it went on to become No. 1 hit for four straight weeks. The song has been covered many time since and has reappeared in the charts several times, including my choice . . . the version by Pato Banton which reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart in July 1996.

Better Days
Can’t Let Go – Earth Wind & Fire
Never Been In Love Before – C.P. Love
Short Fuse – Bellevue Cadillac
See It Through – Durand Jones
Mr Penniless – The Dualers
Better Days – Natasha Watts

Tell It Like It Is
Groovin’ – Pato Banton

Those Summer Days
Buy My Round – Nathanial Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Every Little Kiss – Ashby Frank
Those Summer Days – Jim Quick & The Coastline

Mellow Moment
Night Life – Cassandra McKinley

Find My Way Through
Find My Way Through – Bill Filipiak
Hold On for Home – Kaz Hawkins
A Thing Called Love – Simon Crashly & The Roadmasters
You’re The One – The Unkool Hillbillies

For this week’s Mellow Moment, my choice came from Canadian songstress, Cassandra McKinley. who produced an excellent little cover of Willie Nelson’s classic ballad ‘Night Life’. It’s one of those performances that really does suggest closing the window blinds, dimming the lights and giving your best smile to that special someone nearby . . . because this was your moment to smooch. Then, there was a warm welcome back this week for Bill Filipiak with an early favourite of mine from his new album ‘AKA Billium’ and it slipped . . . oh so easily . . . into the Sonic Tonic. So did the newie from Kaz Hawkins with the rather aptly titled ‘Hold On For Home’.

Simon Crashley & The Roadmasters turned up with a good excuse to give your rhythm receptors a real regular workout . . . ‘A Thing Called Love’ . . . and while I had been slipping all this ‘good stuff’ into the Sonic Tonic, the clock on the wall had been ticking away our time together. So, all too soon, came the moment where I had to reach for the last choice going into this week’s Sonic Tonic. It was another excuse to boogie, this time with The Unkool Hillbillies . . . but before that . . . there was just time to say a big thanks for your good company this week and hope that we’ll meet again, same time, same place, next week for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 19 May 2023

Shine On . . . .

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

Well, there was the customary big bluesy welcome to one and all, after kicking off this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling with some dangerously high powered blues from Joanna Connor and a favourite track from her latest album ‘Best Of Me’. This was her blistering take on ‘Mercury Blues’ . . . and there was more to come, because it was my album of the week.

The regular gigsters are sure to have come across Jimmy Regal & The Royals, who are out there now promoting their latest album, ‘First And Last Stop’. It’s an all original release, with their own brand of Thames delta style blues, and they were on my giglist this week, so I was guessing that my choice from that album, their funky little gem . . . ‘Ain’t Done Yet’ . . . would be on their setlist too. Another name on my giglist this week was Mississippi MacDonald and those who’ve caught him on stage with his band doing one of his scorching live shows, will surely be equally impressed by his solo acoustic performances. For those who haven’t had that joy, I offered an example . . . this was ‘Red Hot Mama’. Indeed, it was Mississippi MacDonald, who I discovered was another in crowd for the much loved Bishopstock Festival in 2001. It had been postponed because of the ‘foot and mouth’ epidemic and when it finally took place in August that year, sadly, Otis Rush was too ill to travel. So, for anyone who also missed Otis Rush back then, I pulled out a favourite of mine . . . his take on ‘That Will Never Do’.

Ain’t Done Yet
Mercury Blues – Joanna Connor (Best Of Me – 2023)
Last Time – Bob Corritore & Jimmy Rogers (High Rise Blues – 2023)
Ain’t Done Yet – Jimmy Regal & The Royals (The First And Last Stop – 2023)
Red Hot Mama – Mississippi MacDonald (Devil’s Chain – 2014)
The One That Got Away – Bison Hip (Older Stronger Better – 2023)
Coffee Blues – Michael Jerome Browne (Gettin’ Together – 2023)
Shine On – Joanna Connor (Best Of Me – 2023)
That Will Never Do – Otis Rush (Ain’t Enough Coming In – 1985)

Pinetop’s Pick
Working Man Blues – Floyd Jones (Poor & Ain’t Got A Dime – 2008)

Find Out
I’m Going – C.Bone (North Sea Breeze – 2023)
Find Out – The Rex Granite Band (ft Sarah Benck) (The Long Hello – 2023)
Statesboro Blues – Taj Mahal (Taj Mahal – 1968)
I’m A Fool – Harpo Walker (Bruised Heart Blues – 2023)
Best Of Me – Joanna Connor (Best Of Me – 2023)
I Didn’t Do It – Eric Heideman (Third Degree Gravity – 2023)

The seasoned bluesers out there will know it was the birthday this week of celebrated bluesman Taj Mahal. So, it was an irresistible opportunity to play a long time favourite of his. It was his classic treatment of Blind Willie McTell’s 1928 recording ‘Stateboro Blues’, which still manages to conjure that same impact it did the first time I heard it.

Now, last week I predicted you’d be hearing more from Eric Heideman in future weeks . . . and the prediction was right, because he turned up again this week with another choice from his latest album ‘Third Degree Gravity’. This was ‘I Didn’t Do It’ . . . but before that, the clock on the wall said it was time to be leaving. So, there was a big thanks from me 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 May 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 20 May 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 21 May 2023

Pull The Plug . . . .

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

Well, whether you arrived by accident or design, there was an enthusiastic welcome to everyone to jump aboard the trusty Cruise Mobile for yet another adventure down the overgrown backroads of the music we love. The serial adventurers know that’s the seductive invitation to go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . and we didn’t linger long before we were getting off to a flying start with Willie Wright and His Sparklers and their 1961 Federal 45 ‘Bloodhound’. Then, we were testing to see if you ‘d buckled up in the seat we saved especially for you . . . all ready for Bellevue Cadillac who were bringing a favourite of The Cruisettes . . . so you were suitably warned . . . !

For those who may have been worrying about such things . . . we hadn’t run out of candidates for our Girls and Guitars feature, because this week we threw our spotlight on Texan singer and guitarist, Charlene Arthur. She started her musical career as a singer and a radio disc jockey. She got signed by RCA Records and in November 1955 she recorded a hot little song called ‘Burn That Candle’. Bill Haley got the hit with his version, and Charlene went on to cut a string of other real gems which are well worth a listen. But, it was that original rocker that we featured this week . . . Charlene Arthur & The Knights with her original of ‘Burn That Candle’.

Lucky Thirteen
Bloodhound – Willie Wright and His Sparklers
Pull The Plug – Bellevue Cadillac
Lucky Thirteen – Linus Zander
Hot Rod Roadeo – The Go-Getters
Louanne – Kieron McDonald
Cruising On A Saturday Night – Jerry Williams
Wake Up With You – The Dualers

Girls & Guitars
Burn That Candle – Charlene Arthur & The Knights

Ain’t Done Yet
Ain’t Done Yet – Jimmy Regal & The Royals
Same Thing – Ruby Ann
Baby Ain’t That Love – Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry
Tutti Frutti – Slim Gaillard

Doo Wop Stop
Oh Gloria – The Frankie Grier Quartet

Ain’t Gonna Do It
Your Love – The Mighty Jupiters
Doom A Roca – The Debs
Ain’t Gonna Do It – Dave Bartholomew
She Ain’t Worth A Dime – The Four Jacks
Wigglin’ Fool – The Bama Lamas

This week the spotlight for our Doo Wop Stop fell on Frank Grier, who back in 1957 was a member of Philadelphia vocal group Sonny Gordon & The Angels, but a year later he formed The Frankie Grier Quartet and recorded their 1958 single for the Swan Record label . . . ‘Oh Gloria’. Then, there was a 45 with a story about The Mighty Jupiters. They hailed from Long Island, New York, and back in 1958, when they were practicing on a street corner, a car pulled up and the driver rolled down the window to listen awhile. He got out and asked if they were interested in making a record and went on to introduce them to Bob Shad who ran the Warner label. The group made their first recordings with session musicians that included King Curtis and Kenny Burrell, but this proved to be their only release on the label. At the time Warner Brothers, wanted to start their own record label, so, they paid Bob Shad for the exclusive use of the “Warner” name and Bob closed his little label, but not before releasing that great piece of doo wop “Your Love “, released in 1958.

By good fortune or cunning planning, we found ourselves back where we started and with most of what we started with still intact! So, with well practiced skills, we parked up the Cruise Mobile, gave it the customary quick polish, so it was all ready for our next adventure together. Mr Merlot, The Cruisettes and yours truly were soon lined up and waving in your direction in the hope that we were sending you off, eager to return the next time the trusty Cruise Mobile came rolling by to take you Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 16 May 2023

I Don’t Care . . . .

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

Well, it’s not everyday that you get an invitation to escape from the ‘everyday’, ‘ordinary’ and boring, but that’s just the invitation you get from me each week. To bring you welcome re-assurance, I was back with the remedy . . . my weekly dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. As ever, it came with its special formula, full of the ‘good stuff’ that you won’t hear on ordinary radio’. To kick off the proceedings, I brought an example of just what goes in the mix, with an album titled ‘Fresh Bear Tracks’ by T Bear and in case that didn’t get those urgent pulses heading to you rhythm receptors, Thomas Atlas was back with another choice from his self-titled album.

This week’s Tell It Like It Is featured another song with a story. On this occasion, it was a song written back in 1962, by Mort Shuman and Doc Pomus. It first got recorded by Del Shannon and it appeared on the flipside of his hit ‘Swiss Maid’. Del also performed the song in the UK film “It’s Trad Dad”. About the same time, The Drifters also cut a version of the song, but it didn’t get released at the time. The song was ‘You Never Talked About Me’ and there have been many later versions, including a well know cover by Shaking Stevens, but I thought I’d dig out that early version by The Drifters, where they changed the lyrics a little but it’s still ‘that’ song!

Turn Up The Heat
I Don’t Care – T Bear
Turn Up The Heat – Thomas Atlas
Ain’t That Peculiar – Martha Reeves
Up County Down – Van Morrison

Tell It Like It Is
She Never Talked About Me – The Drifters

Let’s Go Get Stoned
Where Did You Come From – Mingo Fishtrap
Let’s Go Get Stoned – Crystal Thomas
Wilderness – Amanda Jane Heywood

Mellow Moment
It’s Gonna Take A Miracle – Manhattan Transfer

Heaven Tonight
I Can Take You To Heaven Tonight – Otis Clay
Walk In My Shoes – Bill Toms and Hard Rain
Something New – Nina Massara
Tu Tu – Simon Crashly & The Roadmasters
Little Bit O’Soap – Paul Boddy & The Slidewinder Blues Band
That’s The Day (I’ll Never Forget) – Pepita Slappers

When it was time for our Mellow Moment, I had a real gem in mind. So, to soothe you, smooth you and make you relax, I brought along a song that was a hit back in 1965 for a group called The Royalettes. It got to No 1 in America in 1982 when it got recorded by Deniece Williams, but my choice was a very smooth version by Manhattan Transfer and it came with a reminder to folks, that if there was someone special nearby . . . it could be your moment for a smooch.

As the tick tock of the studio clock became ever more urgent, I launched into a selection that I gave fair warning would need your dancing shoes. It all started with a trip to the ‘Big Easy’ in the good company of Simon Crashly & The Roadmasters, followed fast by a song that was hit for The Jarmels back in 1961 and revisited more recently by Paul Boddy and The Slidewinders. Then, it was time for something to get the pulses pumping to all extremities, as my last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic. It came in the form of a high-octane new release by Northern Swedish band the Pepita Slappers. But, before we found out just how effective it was, there was a big thanks for your good company for this weeks show and a reminder that with just a little encouragement from you, I’ll be back again soon with another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember. . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 12 May 2023