I Like It Like That . . . .

Listen here to the last Cruising with The Commissioner:

Well, on ‘National Have Fun At Work Day’ . . . it seemed another Cruising adventure was just what was need to raise the spirits and and excite the senses. So, for those looking for extreme adventure, they were on notice to be ready when the trusty Cruise Mobile comes rolling by with your last chance to throw caution to the four winds and join the Cruising Crew as we go Cruising with The Commissioner. This is the last opportunity to join the friendly faces as we explore those forgotten and overgrown backroads of the music we love. Mr Merlot and The Cruisettes were on hand to add to the fun and frolics as we headed off to ‘who knows where’ with ‘you know who!’ It all kicked off with Bill Black’s Combo and a funky little number that used to be the Commissioner’s opening theme when he was a youthful DJ out on the road. It still sounds good here and we didn’t miss out on what must be the ultimate Cruising song . . .the Merry Mr Berry with ‘what must be the ultimate Cruising song . . .’No Particular Place To Go’.

Our last Girls & Guitars feature turned its spotlight on UK guitarist and singer/songwriter Joanne Shaw Taylor who grew up in Solihull and was inspired in her early teens to play the blues after hearing Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Collins and Jimi Hendrix. She’s forged a very successful solo career and we featured a track from her latest album ‘Black & Gold’. . . . this was Joanne Shaw Taylor with ‘Greyer Shade Of Blue’

Turn It On
Don’t Be Cruel – Bill Black’s Combo
No Particular Place To Go – Chuck Berry
Please Don’t Leave Me – Martin Burguez & His Rhythm Combo
Turn It On – Don Covay
Too Many Tears – Miles Stone
S.O.S. (Stop Her On Sight) – Edwin Starr
I’m In Love Again – Little Richard & The Upsetters
I Like It Like That – Don Bryant

Girls & Guitars
Greyer Shade Of Blue – Joanne Shaw Taylor

A Shot of Rhythm & Blues
Ubangi Stomp – Terry Adams
A Shot of Rhythm & Blues – The Beatles
That’s What Love Will Do – Frank Bey with The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra

Doo Wop Stop
Silhouettes – The Rays

Heading Home
Ten Steps To Love – The Electras
I Knew The Bride When She Used To Rock & Roll – Status Quo
Heading Home – The Jive Aces
Reet Petite – Jackie Wilson

The ‘seasoned members’ of the Cruising Crew will know we have a soft spot for the vocal groups of 50s and 60s, as does our good friend Jamie Dell’Apa, down there in New Orleans. So, we’re always on the look out for some great doo wop and Jamie can be relied on to turn up some truly superb numbers that we’re very happy to follow up. This week’s choice was one of those . . . . long before others had greater success with this song, these were The Rays with their classic ‘Silhouettes’.

Mr Merlot was breathlessly pointing at the clock after The Jive Aces arrived with their suitably titled ‘Heading Home’ . . . which disguised the turning of the Cruise Mobile for home. Nevertheless, Mr Merlot and The Cruisettes were inspired to do some dangerous dancing and proving we weren’t leaving with a whimper. As the familiar faces and places came into view, we had time for one more track, to take us home in fine style/ Over the past 15 years, we’ve covered a lot of ground in our Cruising adventures . . . and I doubt that anyone, including yours truly can remember all the places we Cruised to. We’ve had plenty of good company and lots of friendly faces in the Cruise Mobile during that time . . . so a big thanks to them and to all the guests who’ve joined us along the way. But most importantly there was a big thanks to you dear listener for stopping by on this occasion.

It’s been great fun and for this last time, we were playing out with the very first record that we played on the very first Cruising with The Commissioner show. This was one of the truly classic tracks of our musical heritage . . . . the great Jackie Wilson with Reet Petite. Then, it was time for The Cruisettes, Mr Merlot and yours truly to head off to a very indulgent after show party . . . but not before giving you an extra cheery wave and wishing you well for the future . . . . and for the very last time this was yours truly, The Commissioner, saying . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 31 January 2025

Beyond the blue horizon . . .

Listen here to this last edition of The Blues Come Calling:

Well, there was a special big bluesy welcome to one and all to this, the last ever edition of The Blues Come Calling. This is the show’s 10th year and I arrived with an armful of superb bluesy choices and a few special treats. It all kicked off there with Aerosmith . . . who were the opening band on the very first edition of The Blues Come Calling . . . they were back with their take ‘Eyesight To The Blind’. Then, there was a treat from the long awaited new album by Tommy Castro. It’s titled ‘Closer To The Bone’ and for reasons you’ll quickly appreciate, it’s had plenty of plays since it arrived and ‘Hole In The Wall’ has proved to be an early favourite.

For our bluesy finale, there was the triumphant return of the much celebrated and legendary leader of Nine Below Zero, local bluesman Dennis Greaves for a ‘sitting In’ session. He came fresh from his sell out gig at the January Blues Festival, which proved to be sensational gig with guests and original members of the band returning to play on stage. As I slipped out of the presenters chair, Dennis was getting ready to sit-in with another of his bluesy selections and some stories to go with them.

Closer To The Bone
Eyesight To The Blind – Aerosmith (Honkin’ On Bobo – 2004)
Hole In The Wall – Tommy Castro and The Painkillers (Closer To The Bone – 2025)
I’ve Got Three Problems – Bob Corritore & Bobby Rush (Doin’ The Shout – 2025)
Our Fight For Freedom – Lonnie Shields (Our Fight For Freedom – 2025)

Pinetop’s Pick
Statesboro Blues – Taj Mahal (Taj Mahal – 1968)

Sitting In – Dennis Greaves
I Want To Know – Ten Years After (Ten Years After – 1967)
Stop Messin Around – Fleetwood Mac (Fleetwood Mac – 1968)
Extra Jimmies – The Fabulous Thunderbirds (What’s The Word – 1980)
Driving Sideways – Freddie King (Texas Sensation – 1975)
Ice Cream Man – Nine Below Zero (Denmark – 2024)
Riding On The L&N – John Mayall with Paul Butterfield (All My Life – 1967)

Walk This Road
Walk This Road – The Doobie Brothers (ft Mavis Staples) (Walk This Road – 2025)

Dennis Greaves has been an excellent guest on the show and I, for one, could have listened to his stories and music much longer, but all too soon, that moment arrived where I needed to be ready to hang up my headphones for good. Before that I wanted to thank all the special guests who have helped me to keep the blues alive, and have brought us their own exceptional blues choices and stories. There’s a special thanks to my regular guest, Arfa Pinetop, who has been delivering his weekly Pinetop’s Picks since we started and to The Bromley Blues Club who have sponsored this show. I’m also especially grateful to all the listeners here and across the globe, who have given so much encouragement and many kind words in their feedback over the years. My last music choice was the title track of the new Doobie Brothers album ‘Walk This Road’ which features the distinctive voice of Mavis Staples . . . and most excellent stuff in my opinion. Then for the very last time . . . there was big thanks for your good company for this week’s show and the hope that, whatever else you do, you’ll . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 29 January 2025
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 29 January 2025

C’est La Vie . . . .

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

Well, there was an extra big cheery welcome to one and all this week, because it was the very last dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. After some 15 years of presenting radio shows, including the Sonic Tonic, I was mixing up the last elixir, with some special ingredients, which I was very much hoping would ensure your ears will be full of smiles and your toes wiggling like crazy. It all kicked off with The Friends of Distinction and a song that always makes me feel good . . . ‘Grazing In The Grass’. Last week I invited folks to suggest a favourite or two from past Sonic Tonics and if you were one of those that did, then I recommended you keep listening, because there were a few heading your way, including something that last time, caused the serenity of Armstrong Towers to be blown asunder and who knows Toots & The Maytals might do the same this time too.

Well, this week’s Tell It Like It Is focused on another song with a story about the very remarkable songstress, Eva Cassidy. When she started her musical career, she was virtually unknown outside her native Washington, D.C. She only recorded two albums before her untimely passing, but after UK Radio presenters Mike Harding and Terry Wogan started playing her music, a new compilation album of Eva’s recordings was issued and it climbed to the top of the UK album chart. This led to worldwide recognition for Eva and she achieved three posthumous number-one albums and a number-one single in the UK. During her career, she and her manager scraped together enough money to record a live gig at the celebrated venue, Blues Alley. That album includes a personal favourite of mine and it comes with a tip of the hat to Al Green . . . it was Eva’s version of ‘Take Me To The River’.

Start Me Up
Grazing In The Grass – The Friends Of Distinction
Start Me Up – Toots & The Maytals
Poison In The Well – Solomon Burke
Oh Mary – Floyd Miles

Tell It Like It Is
Take Me To The River – Eva Cassidy

Respect Yourself
Wherever You Are – Laura Evans
Baby You Got It – Brenton Woods
Love The One You’re With – The Isley Brothers
Respect Yourself – Robert Palmer
Not Your Man – Teddy Swims

Mellow Moment
Would You Know Love – Crystal Shawanda

Soul Time
You’re Gonna Lose That Girl – Bertram Brown
Soul Time – Joe Cocker
Holy Cow – Bad Apples
(So Tired Of Standing Still) Move On – James Brown
Last Train To London – ELO
You’re So Easy To Be With – Jennifer Porter

Gotcha Covered
Don’t You Just Know It – Geraint Watkins & The Dominators
High Blood Pressure – Prince Buster
Rockin’ Pneumonia & Boogie Woogie Flu – Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames

C’est La Vie
When The Night Time Comes – Ray Bonneville
Straight Ahead – Shaw Davis & The Black Ties
All Night Long – Lionel Richie
When I Get Back – Jon Cleary
Don’t Clap On One – Martin Burguez & His Rhythm Combo
Dancing Shoes – Gumbo
Baby I Don’t Care No More – Mason Ruffner
C’est La Vie – Bob Seger

Bonus Track
Goodbye – Peter Cook & Dudley Moore

We arrived at this week’s Gotcha Covered feature with a flavour of New Orleans and a trio of tracks of the much celebrated Huey Piano Smith. It was Huey’s birthday this week and as an ever present musician and songwriter on the Crescent City music scene through the 50s and 60s, there’s a very long list of great R&B songs that feature Huey, including his own hits and his session work with other notable names, like Fats Domino, Little Richard and others. But, the choices reflected Huey’s influence well beyond his native New Orleans and beyond the USA. The first choice came from one from our own . . . Geraint Watkins & The Dominators with ‘Don’t You Just Know It’. Then, there was another of Huey’s hits . . . ‘High Blood Pressure’ . . . revisited in 1965 by none other than Prince Buster, who gave it a quite different treatment and brought a reminder of the many musical links between New Orleans and the Caribbean. The last of our trio of tracks, featured one of Huey’s songs that has been covered many time by many artists. Back in the 50s and 60s those sounds of the Crescent City were being heard loud and often on the UK music scene and this last choice was Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames with their cover of ‘Rockin’ Pneumonia & Boogie Woogie Flu’.

The devotees of the Sonic Tonic are known to keep their dancing shoes handy for the end of the playlists and they would have needed them as Mason Ruffner brought us rocking all the way to that point in the show, where I glance at the studio clock and realise it’s telling me our time together is fast running out. As I got ready to hang up my headphones for good, there was a huge thanks to all the Sonic Tonic listeners here and across the globe, who have given so much encouragement to yours truly and so many kind words about the Sonic Tonic. We have triumphed in keeping the algorithms and robots out of the studio for our Sonic Tonics, so all the music was hand picked by me and the playlists have had nothing but all the ‘good stuff’ that you’ll probably never hear on ‘ordinary radio’. So, my last choice for this finale, comes from Bob Seger and this is something to rock your socks off and any other loose apparel. But, before I let Bob loose, I wanted to say (for the very last time) a big thanks for your good company for this week’s show and all the rest . . . . and wherever you go and whatever else you do . . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 29 January 2025
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 3 February 2025

Smile & Get Down . . . .

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

Well, there were big smiles when the Cruise Mobile rolled by to take us on yet another musical adventure. So, with not a moment’s hesitation, we jumped aboard to go Cruising with The Commissioner and we arrived to the sound of UK band leader Arthur Greenslade & The G Men with a rocking little number called ‘Eclipse’. Then, while the spirits were with us we headed on down the road with The Uptown Rhythm Kings.
.
Colin James & The Little Big Band turned up with the New Orleans musician’s greeting ‘Where Y’at’ and British band Dom & The Ikos followed in the same ‘big easy’ spirit with ‘Smile & Get Down’. Meanwhile, our rummaging in the Cruising Library this week re-discovered a 1962 Duchess 45 by Big Bo & The Arrows called ‘It Keeps Raining’ which may well have been one the numbers that fellow Texan, Sam The Sham heard and which influenced our next choice by Sam. Then, our Cruising Connections brought an opportunity to spot the common link between this week’s trio of tracks, featuring vocalist Jimmy Thomason, St Louis based singer, Bobby Foster and finally, Johnny Wright . . . and Mr Merlot was on hand with a lollipop and rosette for anyone with the right answer.

Where Y’At
Eclipse – Arthur Greenslade & The G Men
Sad As A Man Can Be – The Uptown Rhythm Kings
Where Y’At – Colin James & The Little Big Band
Smile & Get Down – Dom & The Ikos
The Right Girl, The Right Time – Eugene Church
Broke – Goodtime Charlie
It Keeps Raining – Big Bo & The Arrows
Ju Ju Hand – Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs

Cruising Connections
Hey Hey – Jimmy Thomason
Star Above – Bobby Foster
Look At That Chick – Johnny Wright

Girls & Guitars
Rebel Rebel – Joan Jett

Doo Wop Stop
Boom Boom – The Barons
Your Tender Lips – The Syncopates

It Just Ain’t Right
It Just Ain’t Right – London & The Bridges
I’ll Let You Hold My Hand – The Bootles
Lies – The Knickerbockers
Stairway To Heaven – The Beatnix
Tell Me Pretty Baby – Benny & The Fly-by-nighters

This week, our Girls & Guitars feature, threw its spotlight on Joan Jett. She became a founding member of girl group The Runaways and went on to pursue a solo career, producing a string of albums. the latest of which, ‘Bad Reputation’ includes our choice, her cover of David Bowie’s 1974 hit ‘Rebel Rebel’.

With Mr Merlot pointing at the clock,  we rolled into our Doo Wop Stop, with the sound of those vocal groups of the 50s, starting with The Barons and their Imperial 45, ‘Boom Boom’, then came all white, girl group The Syncopates with their 1963 debut release, ‘Your Tender Lips’ which may have been their only ever release.

By 1963 the UK music scene was starting to influence American artists, who would soon create a form of indigenous Brit beat sound of their own. We featured the debut 45 of ‘London & The Bridges’, who were a US band, followed by American all girl group, The Bootles, with their 1964 answer song, ‘I’ll Let You Hold My Hand’. But if imitation is the greatest form of flattery, then American group, The Knickerbockers did some outstanding flattery with their single ‘Lies’. Then, with a nod to Jimmy Page’s ‘Stairway To Heaven’, we heard a great version from Australian band The Beatnix.

Another Australian band, Benny & The Flybyniters, showed up next, just as we were heading for home and they got us all the way there with some hot R&B, their take on the classic ‘Tell Me Pretty Baby’. Then, we parked up the Cruise Mobile, gave it a quick polish and invited everyone to join us again next week, when we promised to call by with a seat saved especially for you. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 24 January 2025

I’ll Take It . . .

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

Well, there was very loud bluesy welcome to one and all to this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling, especially my special guest Mike Thomas, leader of the Cadillac Kings, who are busy busy on the blues scene right now and they kicked off the show with another instalment of the antics of Betty Lou, a number written by Mike and a lively intro to Mike who was here this week for one of my ‘sitting in’ sessions. I made him very welcome too and Mike proved to be one of the gurus of rhythm and blues with some great choices for the playlist . . . and a story or two!

Among the new releases, there was something from the new album by California bluesman Tommy Castro, who’s back with his 18th album. This one is titled ‘Closer To The Bone’ with Tommy delivering plenty of unvarnished, straight-ahead blues that just sizzles with energy. To prove the point, I featured Tommy’s take on this Johnny Guitar Watson favourite . . . ‘She Moves Me’.

I’m Alright
Betty Lou Broke Outa Jail – The Cadillac Kings (Crash & Burn – 2024)
I’ll Take It – Doghouse Sam & His Magnatones (Gone Too Long – 2024)
El Sol Shuffle – La Freire Blues (El Sol Shuffle – 2025)
She Moves Me – Tommy Castro and The Painkillers (Closer To The Bone – 2025)
I’m Alright – Laura Evans (State Of Mind – 2022)

Sitting In – Mike Thomas
Mind Over Matter – The Poorboys (Bayou Bound – 1993)
I’m a Lover not a Fighter – Lazy Lester (I Hear Your Knockin’ – 1994)
The Breakdown – Los Lobos (How will the Wolf Survive – 1980)
Aw Shucks Baby – Nappy Brown (Long Time Comin’ – 2007)
On Your Way Down – Little Feat (Dixie Chicken – 1973)

Livin’ It Up
Livin’ It Up Down In Texas – Billy Gibbons (Livin’ It Up Down In Texas – 2025)
Trouble Of That Girl – Will Wilde (Trouble Of That Girl – 2025)
Boogie Man – 19-Twenty (Call It What You Want – 2025)
Ten Miles To Nowhere – Big Sam River (Tree Of Steel – 2025)

There was a huge thanks to Mike Thomas for his fascinating ‘sitting-in’ session and as I slip back into the presenters chair there was another something from my dip into the new releases. This time around it was ZZ Topper, Billy F Gibbons, with a very early treat from his new album, due out much later this year. Billy is about to start a big US tour, but there are no UK dates yet, so while we wait I brought a taste of what we may be missing . . . this was ‘Livin’ It Up Down In Texas’.

As our blues time together ebbed away, I closed this week’s show with a swinging little instrumental from Big River Sam and a number that may or may not have been inspired by a failing sat nav . . . ‘Ten Miles To Nowhere’. But, before that, there was a big thanks from me for your good company here this week and the hope that we’ll meet again when The Blues Come Calling next week. Next week’s show will be the last ever, because, after 15 years of broadcasting and many thousands of different shows, I’ll be retiring from my radio work and hanging up my headphones for good. So, until next week . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 22 January 2025
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 22 January 2025
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 25 January 2025
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 26 January 2025

One Thing Everyday . . .

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

Well, there was a big cheery welcome to one and all . . . and if you were trying to get through ‘dry January’ under an assumed name, I assured you your secret was safe with me. Then, to distract you from any temptation, I brought you a bumper dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic, with the promise to make your ears smile and your toes wiggle . . . or your money back. This week I kicked off our Sonic Tonic Fitness Programme with Simply Red and ‘Thinking Of You’, then to raise the spirits and excite the senses even further, along came Big Sam’s Funky Nation with an irresistible invitation to boogie . . . and if you did . . . you weren’t alone!

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is featured a song with a story that has crossed continents and gained some well deserved success on the American soul scene back in 1965. The song was written by Larry Brownlee, who was lead singer with Chicago soul group The C.O.D’s and it was their version that made it to number 5 on America’s Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles chart back then. The song was ‘Michael (The Lover)’. which got covered in America by the Mad Lads for the Volt label and got included on their 1966 album ‘The Mad Lads In Action’. But, it was the version by UK soul hero, Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band that got the song into the UK top 40 charts and it got delivered live on Geno’s much celebrated album of the day . . . ‘Hand Clappin, Foot Stompin, Funky-Butt … Live!’ But, if you listen to Dexy’s Midnight Runners’ tribute to ‘Geno’ you’ll hear the line “You were Michael the lover, the fighter that won” . . . and to make the point, I pulled out Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band’s take on ‘Michael (The Lover)’.

Let’s Boogie
Thinking Of You – Simply Red
Let’s Boogie – Big Sam’s Funky Nation
One Thing Everyday – Frank Bey
Girl – Mica Millar
Greedy – Carmin Gregor & JAS

Tell It Like It Is
Michael (The Lover) – Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band

Summer Grace
No One Else Can Take Your Place – The Inspirations
Human Decency – Sugaray Rayford
You’ve Gotta Believe To Believe – Frank D’Angelo
Summer Grace – Rumer

Mellow Moment
As Time Goes On – Johnny & The Revelations

Family Affair
It’s Gonna Take A Miracle – Denise Williams
Family Affair – Keb Mo
Memphis – Cassie Taylor
Grayer Shade Of Blue – Joanne Shaw Taylor
Why Don’t You Try Me – Nine Below Zero

Gotcha Covered
Life in the Fast Lane by Ingrid Kjosavik
Take It To The Limit – Etta James
Hotel California – Skadaddyz

End Of The Road
Forbidden Fruit – Garth Hudson with Danny Brooks & The Rockin Revelators
End Of The Road – The Idle Race
Love Letters – Frankie Miller
Give Me Love – George Harrison
Pretty Jane – Dylan Kirk & The Killers
Bim Bam – Jive Aces
Slippery Slope – The Refreshments
Get Out Of Denver – Status Quo

Bonus Track
Who Put The Benzedrine in Mrs Murphy’s Ovaltine – Harry ‘The Hipster’ Gibson

We had a timely tribute to the now late Garth Hudson and we were soon getting a bit lively with The Jive Aces and their take on an old Louis Prima favourite. The band will be in the neighbourhood for a gig here soon, so, if you were going, there was a timely suggestion that to give me a wave when you get there and say the magic words ‘can I buy you a drink’! There was a cautionary note too, not to talk to Paul Armstrong about The Refreshments, unless you want a detailed account of the consequences of the band cancelling their UK tour dates.

As we came to the last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic, there was a heads up that next week’s Sonic Tonic will be the last, because Doctor Roberts is retiring from mixing these weekly doses of the Sonic Tonic. But, there was an invitation to get in touch with any gems from past shows, that you might like getting slipped into the last show. Then, you were invited to don your double denim, because the Quo were here to play us out, but before they did, there was a big thanks for your good company and the hope that we’ll meet again next week for one last dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 22 January 2025
Broad cast by Reflections Radio on 27 January 2025

Let’s Do It . . . .

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

Well, we all arrived just in time to witness the big smiles and cheery waves from the Cruising Crew, as the Cruise Mobile rolled by to collect everyone for yet another musical adventure down those forgotten and overgrown backroads of the music we love. With not a second thought, you were recommended to cast caution to the four winds, jump aboard and join us as we went Cruising with The Commissioner. As the Cruise Mobile arrived it’s radio was blaring out Allen Toussaint’s instrumental, ‘Whirlaway’ and most fitting too, since it was his birthday this week and this was a choice suggested by the much esteemed Tim Penn. Meanwhile, down in New Orleans on a Saturday night there’s been a long running radio show attempting to find the first rock & roll record. My radio pal ‘Doug The Jitterbug’ threw his stone into the pool with his nomination of Sticks McGhee’s May 1950 number ‘Let’s Do It’ . . . and we were doing the same by seconding his nomination.

This week’s Girls & Guitars feature focused on singer and guitarist Kathryn Grimm, who hails from Portland, Oregon, where, after finishing school, she enrolled with California State University and graduated with not one, but two music degrees. She’s since been busy as a songwriter and leading two local bands. To show off her talents, we chose a track from her 2004 album ‘Grimm Again’ . . . . ‘Who’Da Thunk’.

Whirlaway
Whirlaway – Allen Toussaint
Let’s Do It – Sticks McGhee
Zippety Zip – The Empires
Professor Longhair Boogie – Dr John
You’re Driving Me Crazy – Professor Longhair
After Midnight – Maggie Bell

Girls & Guitars
Who’Da Thunk – Kathryn Grimm

Let’s Be Friends
Mama We’re All Crazy Now – The Big Six
Long In The Tooth – Palomino III
Every Breath You Take – The Di Maggio Brothers
You & Me Together – Vernon Garrett
Let’s Be Friends – Ray Scott

Doo Wop Stop
Come On & Love Me – Johnny Stewart
The Boy For Me – The Tassels

That’s Cold
That’s Cold – The Texas Topcats
Half A Boy, Half A Man – Queen Ida & Her Zydeco Band
Girls All Over The World – Mike Sanchez & The Big Town Playboys

With surprising accuracy, we found our way to our Doo Wop Stop, which is where we celebrate the best of 50s and 60s vocal groups, and this week we went digging in the dark corners of the Cruising Library to find a couple of examples to surprise and delight the aficionados. We pulled out a 1961 Shelley 45 by Johnny Stewart, who had a more famous brother, Billy Stewart . . . but he does very well in his own right on our choice . . . ‘Come On & Love Me’. Then, there was a touch of uptempo doo wop from New Jersey group, The Tassels, who were led by singer Rochelle Gaudet Alessi and our choice was their 1959 single for Madison records, ‘The Boy For Me’.

Now, you may know well the song ‘Half A Boy, Half A Man’, but we were guessing you may not have heard it before from Louisiana’s first female accordion player and zydeco band leader, Queen Ida & Her Zydeco Band, and it happened to be Queen Ida’s 95th birthday this week, so an extra cheer from here. If you detected the Cruise Mobile taking a shift of direction while Queen Ida was letting loose, then you were right . . . because it was time to be heading for home and taking us all the way there was Mike Sanchez & The Big Town Playboys. Now, its great to see Mike back in the UK for some overdue live gigs here soon and with any luck this number will be on his setlist . . . this is ‘Girls All Over The World’, but before Mike got into gear, Mr Merlot, The Cruisettes and yours truly were lined up here to give you a cheery wave and a smile, before we head off for the after show party. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 17 January 2025

Never Too Old . . . .

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

Well, as ever, I’ve arrived here with a big bluesy welcome to one and all . . . and all ready to party with Nico Wayne Toussaint and our rocking opener . . . ‘Never Too Old’. . . straight from his new album ‘From Clarksdale With Love’. Now, I’ve been pretty busy this week tidying up some of the late releases from last year and getting ready for plenty of the promised new releases for 2025 . . . and there’s some great ones heading this way. One of the albums that got released in the last few days of last year was titled . . . ‘Rhythm & Western’ by Omar & The Howlers . . . and I was sure you’d recognise their take on Little Walter’s classic . . . ‘Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights)’.

This year has started well with new releases and one brought a big smile to my face as I listened to the first time around. It’s had many plays since then and it came from Guy Verlinde and Tom Eylenbosch, who have recorded as a guitar and piano duo and produced a cracking album called ‘Promised Land Blues’. It’s very much in that style of piano and guitar duos of Scrapper Blackwell and Leroy Carr . . . and Georgia Tom and Tampa Red . . . with plenty of spirited enthusiasm too, which was why it was my album of the week.

Hittin’ On Nothing
Never Too Old – Nico Wayne Toussaint (From Clarksville With Love – 2024)
Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights) – Omar & The Howlers (Rhythm & Western – 2024)
Hittin’ On Nothing – Janiva Magness (w Jesse Dayton) (Back For Me – 2025)
I’ve Got You – Guy Verlinde & Tom EylenBosch (Promised Land Blues – 2025)
Storm Warning – Charlie Musselwhite (Storm Warning – 2025)
Struttin’ Round Town – Scott Low (Struttin’ Round Town – 2025)
Hard to Admit – Guy Verlinde & Tom EylenBosch (Promised Land Blues – 2025)

Pinetop’s Pick
Sittin’ On Top Of The World – Howlin’ Wolf (The Real Folk Blues – 1966)

Do That Boogie
Blues In The 21st – Jimmy Vivino & Joe Bonamassa (Gonna Be 2 of Those Days – 2025)
Same Old Mistakes – Vinyl Paradise (Vinyl Paradise – 2025)
Come Hell Or High Water – Travellin’ Blue (Take The Edge Off – 2025)
Me and You Baby – Austin Tyler Lee Band (Austin Tyler Lee Band – 2024)
Do That Boogie – Guy Verlinde & Tom EylenBosch (Promised Land Blues – 2025)
Oil & Water (Live) – Erja Lyytinen (20 Years Of Blues Rock – 2025)

Now, it’s always rewarding to see how the blues is alive and well internationally. This week there was another example with something from Maltese blues/rock trio ‘Vinyl Paradise’. They’ve been together since 2017 and they’ve just released their self-titled debut album, featuring 12 brand-new original tracks. I played one that caught my ear early . . . ‘Same Old Mistakes’.

Before our blues time together ran out, I was intent on playing with a track from the new album by Erja Lyytinen . . ’20 Years of Blues Rock!’. It’s a recording of Erja’s 20th anniversary concert at the Tavastia club in Helsinki. It has plenty of reminders of her career highlights, along with some past band members and a few special guests. My choice from the album was her revisit to her number ‘Oil & Water’ . . . 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 15 January 2025
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 15 January 2025
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 19 January 2025
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 19 January 2025

Movin’ On A Groove . . .

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

Nothing less that a big cheery welcome was waiting for one and all, along with the hope that if you are still pursuing your new year resolution and it happens to be a regular dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic, then good fortune had smiled on you here. I was on hand with an ample supply of our elixir and ready to raise the spirits and excite the senses. Getting us heading in the right direction were the Homegrown Syndrome with their funky little number ‘Confrontation’ and following fast, with a steer in another direction were The Stone Foundation to find the ‘Light In Us’ (and mine just might have a faulty switch).

This week’s Tell It Like It Is brought us a song with a story about the emergence of Motown in the UK. Back it’s early years, Motown labels were issued in the UK on the small Oriole Record label and later the Phillips and Stateside labels. Among those early releases in 1961 was the release of The Marvelettes first single, ‘Please Mr. Postman’. In America, the song went on to sell over a million copies and became the group’s biggest hit, reaching the top of America’s Billboard Pop and R&B charts. It was the first Motown song to reach the No.1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart. But, when Motown released the song in the UK, it didn’t even make it into the British top fifty. Few in the U.K. knew the song, until The Beatles performed it on BBC Radio’s ‘Here We Go’ on 7 March 1962 and it then became the first time any Tamla Motown song was played on BBC radio . . . . and I brought a reminder of what the listeners heard then.

Here To Stay
Confrontation – Homegrown Syndrome
The Light In Us – The Stone Foundation (ft Laville)
I Don’t Need No Doctor – Jeremy Davis & The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra
If You Were Mine – Honeybear, The Band
My Love Is Here To Stay – Linda Lewis

Tell It Like It Is
Please Mr Postman – The Beatles

Everybody’s Dancing
Everybody’s Dancing – Cindy Blackman & Carlos Santana
Movin’ On A Groove – Barbara Lynn
Feels Like Things Are Coming Our Way – Charles Wigg Walker
Send Me – Steve Washington

Mellow Moment
Perfect Stranger – Ledisi & Kenny Lattimore

Heaven Knows
Heaven Knows – Mica Miller
Harvest For The World – Average White Band (ft Chris Jasper)
You Can’t Sit Down – The Phil Upchurch Combo
All the Young Dudes – Enrico Ruggeri
The Way that I Love You – 7:45s
Nick of Time – Greg Coulson Band
What A Night – 19-Twenty (ft. Lachy Doley & Hussey Hicks)

Gotcha Covered
(Your Love Is Lifting Me) Higher & Higher – Rod Stewart
I’ll Be Satisfied – King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys
Whispers (Getting Louder) – The Isley Brothers

Same Old Feeling
Turn On Your Lovelight – Nuno Mindelis
Don’t Think That You Know – Amanda St John
That Same Old Feeling – The Volumes
Damn Yours Eyes – Paul Cox
Try Rock N Roll – The Buckeroos
Hello Baby – Anna Dukke
Wreck Out Of Me – The Hub Caps

Bonus Track
I Wish They Wouldn’t Always Say I Sound Like The Guy From The USA Blues – Chris Sandford

Now, regular listeners will have known, when it was about time now for our Gotcha Covered feature. This is where I bring you three songs of one artist, heard again through the covers of others. This week our featured artist was Mr Excitement himself . . . Jackie Wilson . . . who was not only a successful hit maker, but was also much admired by a long list of other performers too. I started our trio of tracks with a cover of one of Jackie’s big hits from Rod Stewart with . . . ‘(Your Love Is Lifting Me) Higher & Higher’. Then, there was one of Jackie Wilson’s early hits which Berry Gordy had a hand in writing and it was delivered there by King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys with their full throttle version of ‘I’ll Be Satisfied’. My final choice was a song written for for Jackie Wilson back in 1966 by Barbara Acklin and David Scott. Jackie Wilson recorded it with Motown’s Funk Brothers and with backing vocals by Motown group The Andantes. Then, a year later Motown released a version of the song by The Isley Brothers . . . ‘Whispers (Getting Louder)’

Well, far too soon, the relentless tick tock of the studio clock was telling me that, sadly, I had come to the last choice to slip into the Sonic Tonic. This week it came from Swedish band, The Hub Caps, who describe their music as . . . a ladle of rockabilly, a huge shot of rock n roll and a few splashes of old-fashioned country. The band assured us that all the ingredients were carefully stirred together and served with lots of swing, as they were eager to demonstrate. But, before I let them loose, there was a big thanks from me 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 January 2025
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 20 January 2025

You Can’t Hide . . .

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

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
.
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 Reflections Radio on 10 January 2025