Listen here to this special show featuring Arfa Pinetop . . . traveling with the blues:
Well, a big bluesy welcome to a rather special show. During the past 5 years my regular guest Arfa Pinetop has been paying his weekly visits to The Blues Come Calling with a long list of bluesy choices for his Pinetop’s Picks. For this show, he’s brought together his memories of a trip to Memphis and beyond. Take a listen . . . .
Hillbilly Willie Blues – Alvin Youngblood Hart You’ve Got My Nose Open – James Cotton Mo’s Jam – Mojo Buford We All Gotta Go Sometime – Joe Hill Louis That’s Alright Mama – Arthur Big Boy Crudup Avenue Stomp – Big Walter Horton & Carey Bell Down At The Bottom – Howlin’ Wolf Old Black Mattie – R.L. Burnside Little Queen Of Spades – Eric Clapton Deep Ellum Blues – Jerry Lee Lewis We’re Gonna Make It – Little Milton Gonna Put Her Down – Frank Frost Help Me – Sonny Boy Williamson Blueberry Hill – Fats Domino
Well, a big bluesy thank you to Arfa Pinetop for all the music and the stories on this rather special show . . . . . and you’ll hear more from Arfa on his weekly visits to The Blues Come Calling with his Pinetop’s Picks. But, until the next time The Blues Come Calling . . . remember . . . have fun!
Listen here to this week’s edition of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic:
As ever, there was a big warm welcome to one and all and a challenge . . . if you’re tired of doing everyday things everyday, and raring to find something different . . . then I may have arrived just in time with a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. So, for those wanting to raise the spirits and excite the senses, there was a plentiful supply, as signalled with the first choice from ‘The Friends of Distinction’. I was guessing that perhaps you were a friend of distinction already, so I invited you to test your rhythm receptors and join the Brand New Heavies to ‘Dance It Out’.
Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is feature brought a song with a story that harked back to the so-called British Invasion of the 60s. There were many British bands who had success in the American charts back then. Many covered American songs that had been forgotten or overlooked, when they were released by the original artists. This week’s choice was a good example. American group The Orlons had a string of successes with the Cameo Parkway label and in November 1963, they released a song that only got them to No. 55 on the Billboard charts. But, across the Atlantic the song sounded good to The Searchers and it became a No 1 hit for them in the UK and got them to No 16 on the Billboard charts. The song was ‘Don’t Throw Your Love Away’ and I pulled out the original by The Orlons.
Dance It Out Grazing In The Grass – Friends Of Distinction Dance It Out – The Brand New Heavies You Make Me Feel Good – Paul Carrack State Of The Art – Jesse Malin Run Joe – The Neville Brothers
Tell It Like It Is Don’t Throw Your Love Away – The Orlons
Soon Enough What Is It We’re Not Talking A Bout – Wee Willie Walker Takin’ It To The Streets – Chris Daniels (w Hazel Miller & Dana Marsh (What We Did – 2021) Soon Enough For Me – Mickey Jupp Losing Time For Love – Brigette Purdy Lazy Summer Day – Tape Five
Mellow Moment Sincerely – Elise LeGrow
Already Gone You’re Already Gone – Christone Kingfish Ingram Maybellene – Tobacco Road Blues Band Queen Of Hearts – Juice Newton
Now, when we arrived at our Mellow Moment this week, it was in the hands of Canadian songstress, Elise LeGrow. She brought a favourite doo wop song of mine and I can think of one or two regular listeners who will readily recognise the song, ‘Sincerely’. For those who share their inclinations, I gave notice that they should be all ready to caste their best smile to that someone special nearby and, for those so minded, I gave my permission to smooch.
That mood may have lingered with the most excellent Christone Kingfish Ingram who arrived with an oh so smooth number from his upcoming new album ‘662’. It was titled ‘You’re Almost Gone’ and so were we, because there was little time left to add more of the ‘good stuff’ to this week’s Sonic Tonic. But, the Tobacco Road Blues Band were present and eager to bring you something new and intended to get your rhythm receptors jumping in the red zone. Then, we were at that point where I had to add my last flavour to this week’s Sonic tonic. It came from the ever-rocking Juice Newton, who was ready to take us home with a song that did well for Dave Edmunds. But, before that, there was a big thanks for your good company this time round and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Dr Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!
Listen here to this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling:
Well, I arrived with a big bluesy welcome to one and all, while juggling another armful of the best blues around. I was very pleased to say that there was plenty around too, including a great opener for the show from The Red Devils. They were playing at Los Angeles club ‘King King’ back in 1992 and we had a taster of them live on one of their Monday night gigs.
Among the new releases, I got particularly enthused about the new album from Wee Willie Walker. I’ve been eager to see released and it proved to be every bit as good as I had hoped. Not surprisingly, it became my album of the week and an opportunity to feature the now late, Wee Willie Walker along with the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra and his album titled ‘Not In My Lifetime’. The title is a sadly apt, because Willie passed away within only a few days of completing the album . . . but superb stuff it is and if you love some real soulful blues and bluesy soul, then do check out the whole album.
If you happened to be one of the fortunate few who got to see Dino Baptiste and Dana Gilespie doing a little London session recently . . . I suspect you’ll be confirming what a great night was and it reminded me of a superb piece of boogie piano from Dino along with Julien Braunetaud. It’s something they recorded together in Mustique some years back, and it’s well worth another listen . . . ‘Royale Street Boogie’.
Cut That Out Cut That Out – The Red Devils (Live at King King – 1992) Holler If You Hear Me – Altered Five Blues Band (Holler If You Hear Me – 2021) You Don’t Have Me – Mike Zito (Resurrection – 2021) Heartbreak – Wee Willie Walker with the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra (Not In My Lifetime – 2021) Living On The Highway – Bernie Marsden (Kings – 2021) Royale Street Boogie – Dino Baptiste (Best Of Mustique Blues – 2011) Louise – Sean Chambers (That’s What I’m Talking About – 2021)
Pinetop’s Pick Sittin’ On Top Of The World – Big Joe Williams w. Bob Dylan (Three Kings And A Queen – 1962)
Have A Good Time Down Home Blues – Chris Daniels (Takin’ It To The Streets – 2021) ‘Til You’ve Walked In My Shoes – Wee Willie Walker with the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra (Not In My Lifetime – 2021) Have A Good Time Tonight – Johnny Tucker (ft Kid Ramos & The Allstars) (75 And Alive – 2021) Suffering With The Blues – Wee Willie Walker with the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra (Not In My Lifetime – 2021) Wrong Side Of The Blues – Blind Lemon Pledge (A Satchel Full Of Blues – 2021) If That Ain’t The Reason – Little Milton (Tin Pan Alley – 1993) Swanee River Boogie – Cara Bruns (Piano Lady – 2021)
Well, with a rather theatrical nod from my regular guest Arfa Pinetop, I guessed it was time for Pinetop’s Pick, which this week, brought a little something recorded in New York on 2nd March 1962 for an album called “Three Kings And A Queen”, . . . and featuring g Joe Williams with a surprise guest . . . . Bob Dylan. It one of Bob’s earliest recordings, adding some harp and vocals to Big Joe’s take on ‘Sittin’ On Top Of The World’.
Now, having already indulged the lovers of piano boogie earlier in the show, I was not done! I had another treat lined up from Cara Bruns with a track I found on her latest 7-track album, ‘Piano Lady’. It was her take on Albert Ammons classic ‘Swanee River Boogie’ , but before I let her loose, 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 22 July 2021 Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 24 July 2021 Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 25 July 2021
Listen here to this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner:
If you heard the low rumble of the Cruise Mobile in the distance, then you might have guessed it was heading in your direction and bringing with it another chance to go Cruising with The Commissioner. This week we set off on our musical adventure with some familiar faces in the form of The New Champs with ‘Sax Boogie’ and followed with a real rocking piece of R&B from Ivory Jackson, ‘I’m A Country Boy’. Soon after, Irma Thomas turned up with a very appropriately titled 1964 Richard Berry song, ‘Moments To Remember’ . . . and you may think there are more moments in current events that are better forgotten.
Perhaps, we should get our acknowledgments up front now, because there have been some helpful pointers along the way, including Matt The Cat with his Juke In The Back show featuring the original 50s New York vocal group The Diamonds, who only ever released 3 singles on the Atlantic label during 1952 and ’53 and then faded from the music scene by 1955. We played their 1952 single ‘Call Baby Call’. We also gave a respectful nod towards Neil Pelligrin for pointing us to a 1962 Minit 45 from a son of the Crescent City, Ernie K Doe.
Our rummaging in the Cruising Library this week turned up a couple covers by significant pianists. The first was an unlikely cover of one of the many 50s hits by Buddy Holly & The Crickets, from rocker Esquerita, famed for his frantic vocals and wild piano playing. The second came from James Booker with his take on Fats Domino’s ‘All By Myself’. If you’ve had a little over exposure to Mr Domino’s version, then like me, you may have found Mr Booker’s version a refreshing alternative.
Moments To Remember Sax Boogie – The New Champs I’m A Country Boy – Ivory Jackson Wake Up Baby – King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys Juke Box Boogie Woogie Chick – Snookum Russell Get Out Of Here – Ernie K Doe Moments To Remember – Irma Thomas Mr Low Love – Terry Thomas
Girls & Guitars Back In Business – Beverly ‘Guitar’ Watkins
Hooked Call Baby Call – The Diamonds Maybe Baby – Esquerita All By Myself – James Booker One & One Is Two – The Weeklings No Money Down – Jules Blattner One Day Next Year – The Heartbeats Crazy Crazy Party – The Cues Hooked – Eilen Jewell Come On Home – Eddie Lang Have Mercy Miss Percy – Long Tall Marvin
This week, the spotlight of our Girls & Guitars feature focused on Beverly ‘Guitar’ Watkins, who hails from Atlanta in Georgia and was playing in various local bands in high school. Soon after, she was recruited into Piano Red’s Houserockers and toured across America. But, to show off her talents, we pulled out one of her own 1998 albums and this is rather fine title track of the album ‘Back In Business’.
This week, we found one of those lost songs of the Fab Four, penned by Paul McCartney and given away, ‘One & One Is Two’. It got recorded by American band The Weeklings and may have gone down well with our Ambassador to The Islands, Susan Bowman, who’s a bit of a Fab Four fan. Our ‘Doo Wop Stop’ started with The Heartbeats, followed by The Cues and a number destined to please our good pal Pete Hall who’s a bit of a fan of The Cues.
While we listened to a 1956 RPM 45 from Eddie Lang, we had to turn the Cruise Mobile for home and getting us all the way home was Marvin Philips (one half of the successful 50s singing duo Marvin & Johnny) under the name Long Tall Marvin with his 1956 Modern release, ‘Have Mercy Miss Percy’. Many may have doubted it, but we got back safe and sound, in time to park up the Cruise Mobile in its usual place, all ready for the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. So, until then . . . . remember . . . . have fun!
Listen here to this week’s edition of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic:
Well, there was a big cheery welcome to one and all and a polite request to form an orderly queue for this week’s special dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic with no pushing or shoving . . . because there was enough for everyone. For those thoroughly bored with ‘ordinary radio’, there was a further request, to relax, because we only put the ‘good stuff’ in the Sonic Tonic . . . and to prove it . . . we kicked of with The Diplomats of Solid Sound to give you a first taste! There was more to come too, with local lad, Connor Selby, heading our way, clutching his brand new album. It included another tasty treat . . . this time, a little gem called ‘Show Me A Sign’.
Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is featured a song with a story that focuses in on 29 July 1969. This was the first day of the Harlem Cultural Festival in Mount Morris Park, New York. It was one of the free concerts every Sunday afternoon from June to August, with a long list of headlining acts that attracted huge crowds. It was regarded by many as Harlem’s own Woodstock festival and although it was filmed at the time, none of the networks showed any interest in broadcasting it. So, the tapes were put in a basement and forgotten . . . . until they were re-discovered recently and put together as the film ‘Summer of Soul’. It’s on release now and among the many artists that day was the only group that appeared both here AND at Woodstock It was Sly & The Family Stone and our playlist included one of the songs they performed on stage at the Harlem Cultural Festival that day back in ’69 . . . ‘Everyday People’.
Already Gone Already Gone – Diplomats Of Solid Sound Show Me A Sign – Connor Selby Goody Day – Danielia Cotton That Sinking Feeling – Danny Toeman If You Want Me To Keep Loving You – Sonny Green
Tell It Like It Is Everyday People – Sly & The Family Stone
Holy Cow How Do I Let A Good Man Down – Robin McKelle Hard Knocks – Joe Cocker You’re In New Orleans – Kara Grainger & Anders Osborne Holy Cow – Kermit Ruffins
Mellow Moment I Won’t Let You Down – Curtis Harding
Take You There Take You There – Tierra I’ve Got The Right To Cry – Rosie Flores & The Talismen Tight Pants – Johnny Nicholas Almost Grown – Mike Sanchez & His Band
Among the new releases in this week’s Sonic Tonic, were Rosie Flores & The Talismen, Curtis Harding, Robin McKelle, Connor Selby and Danielia Cotton. Fortunately, I didn’t miss that critical moment to change mood and style, when it was time for our Mellow Moment. This week it was in the hands of the highly recommended Curtis Harding, with the re-assuring message . . . ‘I Won’t Let You Down’ . . . and regular listeners knew that this was where I invite folks to caste their best smile to that someone special nearby and, if so minded, I gave my permission to smooch!
Now, there was a reminder this week of catching Rosie Flores on her UK tour a while back, where a great time was had by all. So, there was a big smile for yours truly when I saw she’d got out a new single. It inspired the hope that there’s more to follow soon, but while we wait and wonder, we put Rosie and The Talismen into the Sonic Tonic with this one . . . . ‘I’ve Got The Right To Cry’. Then, the sands of time were running out fast for this week’s show. So, I pulled out some rocking sounds by Johnny Nicholas and the ever-rocking Mike Sanchez to take us home . . . but not before I gave a big thanks for your good company and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!
Listen here to this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling:
Well, I arrived with a big bluesy welcome for one and all and another armful of the best blues around. I was very pleased to say there was plenty around, including this week’s great opener from The Billy Walton Band and a track from their new release ‘Live From The Barn’. There was plenty more to keep the bluesers smiling too, including a little bluesy gem from ‘seasoned’ soul man Herbert Hunter, who sometimes recorded as Leroy Jones, but it was never anything but good stuff. So, I pulled out Herbert Hunter’s, ‘Oh Baby’.
Now, among the new releases was a superb single from the remarkable Joanne Shaw Taylor. It was full of the passion and style that we’ve come to expect from her on that Little Milton favourite ‘ If That Ain’t The Reason’. It’s a track that’s on her upcoming new album, produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, and if there’s more like that heading this way . . . I’ll be mighty glad . . . and I was already feeling pretty glad about this week’s album of the week, because it broaght a preview of the much anticipated new album from Christone Kingfish Ingram . . . and a real cracker it is too . . . take a listen!
Hell Or Highwater Hell Or Highwater – Billy Walton Band (Live From The Barn – 2021) Oh Baby – Herbert Hunter (Northern Soul Legend – 2011) If That Ain’t The Reason – Joanne Shaw Taylor (If That Ain’t The Reason – 2021) Woman Across The River – Bernie Marsden (Kings – 2021) Dreaming of You – Mike Zito (Resurrection – 2021) ABC – Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method (50 – 2021) For The Last Time – Melissa Etheridge (One Way Out – 2021) Wild Women Don’t Get the Blues – Dani Wilde (Wild Women Don’t Get the Blues – 2021)
Pinetop’s Pick Elevator Boogie – Mabel Scott (R&B Series Classics: Mabel Scott 1938-50 – 2018)
Up & Down World Get A Life – Glen Alexander & Shadowland (Knockin On A Door – 2021) I’ll Make Love to You – Mike Zito (Resurrection – 2021) Jumping Blues – Mick Pini (Backtrack – 2021) I Can Hear The Train A-Comin’ – Ritchie Dave Porter and Debra Susan (I Can Hear The Train a Comin’ – 2021) Up & Down World – Rodd Bland & Members Only (Live On Beale Street – 2021) Don’t Bring Me Down – Mike Zito (Resurrection – 2021) D/FW – Daniel De Vita (Lost in Translation – 2020)
There were plenty of new releases to choose from and I didn’t have time for them all, but I did manage to include ‘newies, from Mike Zito, Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method, Melissa Etheridge, Mike Pini, Ritchie Dave Porter and Debra Susan, plus Glen Alexander & Shadowland. My regular guest Arfa Pinetop was back with a ‘seasoned’ piece of blues boogie from Mabel Scott. This was her single ‘Elevator Boogie’, which was first recorded by Bill Johnson & His Musical Notes in 1947 and successfully covered by Mabel in 1948.
Well, our blues-time together was fast running out, when I spotted the studio clock and realised it was nearly time to say our farewells, but I was all set to play out this week with a funky little instrumental from Argentinian guitarist Daniel De Vita. This was a track from his recent album ‘Lost In Translation’, called ‘D/FW’. Before that, there was a big thanks for your good company for 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 15 July 2021 Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 17 July 2021 Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 18 July 2021
Listen here to this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner:
Well, this past week has seen much excitement among the sports fans around the Grand Duchy, but such thoughts faded from our semi-consciousness, as the familiar sound of the Cruise Mobile was heard in the distance. Sure enough, it came rolling down the road, just in time for the faithful to jump aboard, grab the seat saved and set off on another musical adventure to who knows where. Uncertain destinations may be on offer in other quarters, but none match the joys of Cruising with The Commissioner.
This week there was a good deal of rummaging in the Cruising Library and Mr Merlot was particularly pleased, because after many sleepless hours in the Cruising Library, he came back with a big smile and a copy of Johnny Otis’s ‘Big Time Scoop’. There was also Merrill E Moore’s version of ‘Rock Island Line’, which positively rocks down the track and a lost gem by Jerry Raines, his cover of Dixieland Rock, which stayed in the vaults of Drew-Blan Records until it was discovered years later by an enthusiast looking for more of Jerry’s stuff . . . . and we’re glad he did!
Along the way, we pulled out a classic Lightning Slim song, given a great rocking treatment by Lee McBee & The Passions . . . and wouldn’t you like to be one of the Passions . . . . we can think of at least one person who would . . . and it isn’t Mr Merlot! Jimmy McCracklin appeared as the producer of Betty Bibbs’ ‘Enough For Everybody’ . . . . which just might be a theme for our Cruising adventures. But before all that, we kicked off this week’s vaguely supervised musical journey with a rocking instrumental ‘The Toast’ from the New Champs . . .
I Got It The Toast – The New Champs I Got It – Diz & the Doormen Ain’t That Lovin’ You – Eddie Riff Rock Island Line – Merrill E Moore Rooster Blues – Lee McBee & The Passions Enough For Everybody – Betty Bibbs Tremble – Malcolm Dodds
Girls & Guitars Two Horns and Two Wings – Michelle Malone
Nothing But Fine Mississippi Number One – Eden Brent Dixieland Rock – Jerry Raines They Said It Couldn’t Be Done – Alvin Robinson Big Time Scoop – Johnny Otis Mr Moonlight – Dr Feelgood & The Interns I Ain’t Guilty – The Crawford Brothers You Ain’t Nothing But Fine – Rockin’ Sidney Poppa Stoppa – Pee Wee Crayton Dig Everybody, Dig That Boogie – Roy Hall Good Golly Miss Molly – The Valiants
This week’s Girls & Guitars feature focused on American singer/songwriter and guitarist Michelle Malone. She’s been in the music business for over 20 years and released a string of albums, to date, and our choice was ‘Two Horns and Two Wings’ from her 2003 album ‘Stompin’ Ground’.
Now, fans of the fab four will know well the song ‘Mister Moonlight’ and we thought it was about time to dig out the original by Dr Feelgood & The Interns . . . . which became something of a cult favorite among many British R&B bands, including those lads from Liverpool.
We said a Big thanks to Matt The Cat for reminding us of the Crawford Brothers with their 1957 Aladdin 45 ‘I Ain’t Guilty’. We also gave a nod in the direction of our good pal Arfa Pinetop for suggesting Rockin’ Sidney’s original version of ‘You Ain’t Nothing But Fine’. Another ‘notable’ in our playlist was a 1951 Modern records release by Pee Wee Crayton, dedicated to New Orleans radio presenter Clarence Haman, known as ‘Poppa Stoppa’, which just happened to be the title of the song. Then, before we knew it, the Cruise Mobile was heading for home with some frantic accompaniment from The Valiants. So, once the Cruise Mobile was parked up, we gave everyone a cheery wave, ever hopeful that we’ll meet again the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . . have fun!
Listen here to this week’s edition of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic:
Well, there was a big cheery welcome to one and all and an invitation to form an orderly queue for this week’s dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Those feeling anxious were re-assured there was enough for everyone . . . so no need for any pushing or shoving. So, for all those who were bored with ‘ordinary radio’, there was the prospect of nothing but the ‘good stuff’ in the Sonic Tonic. Patrice Rushen was on hand to prove the point with our opener and there was plenty more in store. I’d been keeping an eye on the new releases and keeping an ear out for gems like my next choice from The Bamboos and a little something from their latest album.
Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is, brought a song with a story that got a bit fraught, back in 1984 with the theme song for the hit movie “Ghostbusters”. The song was written and performed by Ray Parker Jr. and it got to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the UK Singles Chart. So, a big hit and a memorable song that is still played today, But, back then, it caused a lawsuit, regarding Ray Parker’s plagiarism of another song. That other song had been written and recorded the previous year by Huey Lewis and the News. It got them to number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the band’s signature songs. So, not surprisingly, Huey was mighty miffed and received a financial settlement at the end of the lawsuit. That song was “I Want a New Drug”.
Tired Of Being Alone I Was Tired Of Being Alone – Patrice Rushen The Thing About You – The Bamboos (I Can Feel Those Vibrations) This Love Is Real – Jackie Wilson I Got There – Sonny Green Take Me To The River – Rick Braun
Tell It Like It Is I Want A New Drug – Huey Lewis & The News
Starting Over Again Starting Over Again – Steve Washington Landline – Jonathon Long Set You Free – Soul Femme
Mellow Moment Be Ever Wonderful – Ted Taylor
Laying It On The Line Laying It On The Line – Danny Toeman Lifetime Guarantee – Kelly Richy Splish Splash – Dr John Blue Monday – Bobby Darin They Never Made It To Memphis – Juice Newton
Among the new releases was the latest album from soulful duo, Soul Femme. The album is titled ‘It Is Well With My Soul’ and it had been much played around here just lately. I chose their real funky groover, ‘Set You Free’ and then had to do a quick change of mood and style , because we’d arrived at our Mellow Moment. This week it was in the hands of exceptional balladeer Ted Taylor, with the message ‘Be Ever Wonderful’ . . . and I invited listeners to give their best smile to that someone special nearby and, if so minded . . . smooch.
As time ticked by, we headed down to New Orleans to catch the much celebrated Dr John with a rare recording of him doing Bobby Darin’s number ‘Splish Splash’ and it so happens I was out among friendly faces this week for a rather special tribute gig to the music of Bobby Darin . . . and a great night it proved to be! It got me thinking about at least one of Bobby’s tracks where he gives his own tip of the hat in the direction of New Orleans, with his take on ‘Blue Monday’, a song that was first recorded in 1953 by Smiley Lewis, and has been covered by Fats Domino and many more since, including Bobby Darin, who has brought us to the last ‘toon’ for our Sonic Tonic. It came from Juice Newton and it was a tale of well laid plans going awry. But, before we heard, ‘They Never Made It To Memphis’, there was a big thanks for your good company and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!
Listen here to this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling:
Well, in changeable world, you can be sure that every time The Blues Come Calling they’ll bring the best blues around. So, this week there was a reassuringly cheery welcome to one and all and the customary armful of new releases. This also included the new album ‘Kings’ from guitar ace Bernie Marsden, where he pays tribute to the three Kings of the blues. It was my album of the week, where Bernie slyly slips in an instrumental of his own called ‘Runaway’, which was the show opener this week. There were ‘newies’ too from Ronnie Wood, Immediate Family, Big Harp George, Jonathon Long, Misty Blues, Brandon Isaak, Eric Bibb, Wily Bo Walker and Jo’ Buddy.
As a demonstration that I do listen to what your say, I got a little gentle nudge this week about the absence of the great Sam Lay from the playlists. So, I rectified that with a track from his 2005 album ‘I Get Evil’ . . . ‘You’re So Fine’. My regular guest, Arfa Pinetop, was along with a ‘pick’ from piano maestro, Roosevelt Sykes with his 1929 release ‘Boot That Thing’ and for those with a Mississippi John Hurt gap in their music collection, there was a favourite from the latest compilation of his work. ‘Hurt Goes To Washington’, where you’ll find ‘Keep Me Knockin’.
Coming Through Runaway – Bernie Marsden (Kings – 2021) You’re So Fine – Sam Lay (I Get Evil – 2005) Baby What You Want Me to Do – Ronnie Wood (feat. Mick Taylor) (Mr Luck – 2021) 3.45 Coming Through – Immediate Family (Can’t Stop Progress – 2021) It’s Tuesday – Big Harp George (It’s Tuesday – 2021) You’ve Got To Love Her With A Feeling – Bernie Marsden (Kings – 2021)
Ready To Play My Kind Of Woman – Jonathon Long (Parable Of A Southern Man – 2021) Ready To Play – Misty Blues (None More Blue – 2021) Lost Loves & Loose Women – Brandon Isaak (Modern Primitive – 2021) Keep Me Knockin – John Hurt (Mr Hurt Goes To Washington – 2021) Whole World’s Got The Blues – Eric Bibb (feat. Eric Gales) (Dear America – 2021) Don’t Lie To Me – Bernie Marsden (Kings – 2021) Could Have Loved You – Wily Bo Walker & ED Brayshaw (Could Have Loved You – 2021) Variations on Lockdown Shuffle · Jo’ Buddy (Variations on Lockdown Shuffle – 2021)
Now, I’m not sure that Brandon Isaak is as well known as he might be here, but his new album may well change that. It’s called ‘Modern Primitive’ and it includes a gritty little Chicago-style shuffle called “Lost Loves & Loose Women”, which was my choice for this week’s playlist.
Among the familiar faces getting a warm welcome back, was a frequent visitor to the playlists here, Wily Bo Walker. He was back with his latest single release ‘Could Have Loved You’, which brought us almost to the end of our blues-time together. But, before we said our farewells, we were playing out with guitarman Jo’ Buddy and his latest single, called ‘Variations on Lockdown Shuffle’. So, until the next time The Blues Come Calling . . . remember . . . have fun!
Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 8 July 2021 Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 10 July 2021 Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 11 July 2021
Listen here to this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner:
Well, around the Grand Duchy the weather has proved as changeable as political fortunes this week. But our spirits have been kept high with a plenty of music gigs and encounters with some friendly faces. But, none of this socialising distracted us (too much) from our preparations for this week’s musical adventure. So, just when you thought it was safe to cross the road, the Cruise Mobile came heading your way, at speed, and barely slowed down to let folks jump aboard . . . . but they did!
So, with a ‘toot’ and a cheer, we began yet another musical adventure to ‘who knows where’ with ‘you know who’ . . . which, with complete lack of innovation, we still call Cruising with The Commissioner.
This week our fun and frolics included a selection of song about ‘Shirley’, although probably not all about the same girl. It opened with Shirley & Lee’s, ‘Shirley Come Back To Me’, then Bobby Lee Trammell, with ‘Shirley Lee’ featuring James Burton on guitar. Rosco Gordon followed and we closed the ‘Shirley fest’ with a great favourite here, courtesy of Mike Sanchez & His Band. But before that, we got this week’s cruise underway with sax man Joe Houston and the aptly titled ‘Blow Joe Blow’ . . . . . Walk Right In Blow Joe Blow – Joe Houston The Prove My Love To You – Joe Jones She Walked Right In – Morris Pejoe Little Mary – Fats Domino Shirley Come Back To Me – Shirley & Lee Shirley Lee – Bobby Lee Trammell Surely, I Love You – Rosco Gordon Shirley – Mike Sanchez & His Band Big Boy Pete – Don & Dewey
Girls & Guitars Can’t Slow Down – Clare Free
Where You At Jack Sugar Baby – The Jacks Ay Te Te Fee – Clifton Chenier Sugar Bee – The Balham Alligators Act Naturally – Buck Owens I Cried – Jivin’ Gene & The Jokers One Day Next Year – The Heartbeats Be My Girl – The Nitecaps Where You At Jack – Little Mummy Let ‘Em Roll – King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys
This week, our ‘Girls & Guitars’ feature focused its spotlight on singer songwriter and guitarist, Clare Free. She first picked up the guitar at age 17 and says she was influenced by artists like Albert Collins, Luther Allison and Buddy Guy. She’s served her time in a long list of bands and played with some notable names along the way. But she decided to go solo and released her first solo album in 2010. She’s recorded three albums to date and we chose her track, ‘Can’t Slow Down’ from her latest album.
At one point we turned the Cruise Mobile for Louisiana, prompted by the much esteemed Thom Hickey and a piece he wrote on his Immortal Jukebox blog about the origins of Zydeco music and the significant influence of Louisiana accordionist Clifton Chenier. So, we added our modest contribution to the cause with Clifton Chenier’s ‘Ay Te Te Fee’. Another taste of Louisiana came courtesy of the irrepressible Arfa Pinetop, who recounted tales of a recent gig featuring the great UK keyboard and accordion player Geraint Watkins . . . so, it was a good excuse to dig out an album by Mr Watkins with the excellent Balham Alligators and play their take on ‘Sugar Bee’.
This week, our time management got a bit lax, but we did manage to squeeze in our ‘Doo Wop Delights’, which included The Heartbeats with their 1958 Roulette single ‘One Day Next Year’ and Detroit vocal group, The Nitecaps with their 1955 Groove 45 ‘Be My Girl’. But, all too soon those familiar faces and places came into view, as we turned the Cruise Mobile for home and getting us all the way home was King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys with the suitably titled, ‘Let ‘Em Roll’. So, once we parked up the Cruise Mobile, we were saying our farewells, ever hopeful that we’ll all meet again next week to go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!
