We’re Onto Something . . . .

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

Well, with good fortune and a following wind, we all arrived together and the keenly attentive will have noticed that I arrived clutching this week’s special formula for Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. As ever, it was full of the ‘good stuff’ to help raise the spirits and excite the senses, with the Groove Krewe ready to kick off proceedings with their invitation to . . . ‘Have A Party’. Then, keeping that good vibe going, Saskwatch turned up to keep your eyes bright and your ears smiling!

This week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story that began, perhaps, earlier than many might think. It was a song written by singer/songwriter by Sylvia Fricker in 1961 and written in a bathtub at the Hotel Earle in Greenwich Village. She said “it was the only place . . . the cockroaches would not go”. But, she did go on to record the song in 1963 with her future husband Ian Tyson as the duo Ian & Sylvia. Then in 1965 Canadian band, We Five, took the song into Billboard chart for five weeks . . . but the version probably known best became a No. 2 UK hit in 1966 for Crispian St. Peters . . . and the song? It was ‘You Were On My Mind’.

Have A Party
Have A Party – The Groove Krewe
Your Love – Saskwatch
Hooked On Your Love – Maysa
We’re Onto Something – Claudette King
It’s Gonna Be Alright – Acantha Lang

Tell It Like It Is
You Were On My Mind – Crispian St. Peters

I’ll Believe
Livin’ On The Losin’ End – Tommy McLain
I Wouldn’t Treat A Dog – The Mighty Soul Drivers
Then I’ll Believe – The Hungry Williams
Mamalina’s Place – Joyce Grant

Mellow Moment
Against My Will – Laura Tate

Get A Hold Of Yourself
I Beg Your Pardon (You Heard) – Mickey Jupp
Get A Hold Of Yourself – Kathy Murray & The Kilowatts
I Knew The Bride When She Used To Rock & Roll – Nick Lowe

For this week’s Mellow Moment I found something to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax on the new album by Laura Tate. Her new album’s called ‘Smokey Tango’ and this was a real smoocher . . . ‘Against My Will’.

Now, if you needed to get your feet tapping and an excuse to strut your stuff, then Kathy Murray & The Kilowatts was on hand to do just that! So, with a strong recommendation to put the breakables out of reach and let your rhythm receptors run wild . . . they were on the playlist with an invitation to ‘Get A Hold Of Yourself’. Then, just as you might have been throwing a few funky moves, I took a glance at the clock and a heavy heart, I had to say it was time for my last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic. It was a great closer from Nick Lowe, with a song you’ll know well. But, before that 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!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 23 September 2022

Don’t Wait Too Long . . .

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

Well, with a big bluesy welcome to one and all, I was back with plenty of the best blues around and not enough time to fit it all in . . . but I’ll tried! With barely a pause, I kicked off with The Boogie Beasts and their cover of that 1955 Howlin’ Wolf number . . . ‘Who’ll Be Next’. It was a taster from their upcoming tribute album ‘Blues From Jupiter’, which is due out in October and then there was another something to look forward to . . . this time it was keyboard ace Ben Levin who got a warm welcome back with his 4th album, titled ‘Take Your Time’. It brought a little social comment with L’il Ed guesting on ‘Longer Hours, Shorter Pay’.

This week’s ‘album of the week’ came from Crystal Shawanda, whose powerful voice is so right for performing the blues. Her new album ‘Midnight Blues’ has everything from deeply soulful ballads to knock-you-on-your-butt rocking blues. It has 6 new original songs and 4 covers, including Crystal’s take on Buddy Guy’s ‘What Kind of Man’ with Crystal giving it a different point of view.

Who’ll Be Next
Who’ll Be Next – Boogie Beasts (Blues From Jupiter – 2022)
Longer Hours, Shorter Pay – Ben Levin & L’il Ed (Take Your Time – 2022)
I Want My Soul Back – Crystal Shawanda (Midnight Blues – 2022)
Hey Baby – The Shaelyn Band (The Shaelyn Band – 2022)
I Let My Guitar Do The Talking – Buddy Guy (The Blues Don’t Lie – 2022)
Broken Heart – John Verity (Blue – 2022)
What Kind Of Man Is This – Crystal Shawanda (Midnight Blues – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
Lonesome Train – Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee (The Essential – 2013)

Blues In My Shoes
Don’t Wait Too Long – John Primer (Hard Times – 2022)
Rules Are Meant To Be Broken – Cheri Lynn (Saviours – 2022)
Blues In My Shoes – Mud Morganfield (Blues In My Shoes – 2022)
You Don’t Know Who I Am – Lee O’Nell Blues Gang (This Is Us – 2022)
Midnight Blues – Crystal Shawanda (Midnight Blues – 2022)
669 (Across The Street From The Beast) -The Hungry Williams (Let’s Go! – 2022)

There was a big thanks to Delmark Records for their taster of the upcoming new album from Mud Morganfield. The album’s titled ‘Portrait’ and produced by Bob Corritore (so you know it’ll be good) and featuring this early track . . . ‘Blues In My Shoes’. Then, there was a little touch of blues from across the channel, with French band The Lee O’Nell Blues Gang. They’ve got an album out, aptly titled ‘This Is Us’, and with plenty of rocking blues, like my choice . . . ‘You Don’t Know Who I Am’.

The, Crystal Shawanda was back with the last of my choices from this week’s mighty impressive album of the week, courtesy. This was Crystal with the album’s title track ‘Midnight Train’, but, sadly, it brought me to the last title on the playlist for this week. This came from American band, The Hungry Williams, and a track from their latest album ‘Let’s Go!’ . . . the bluesy ‘669’. Before that, there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again the next The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 22 September 2022
Broadcast by Blues on Rock Radio on 24 September 2022
Broadcast by Blues on Rock Radio on 25 September 2022

Yeah Baby . . . .

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

Well, with predictable dependability, we were back with the Cruise Mobile tuned up and ready to help you escape from the same old same old. All you had to do was jump aboard and let us take you on another musical adventure to ‘who knows where’ with ‘you know who’ . . . . which (with complete lack of credible alternatives) we still call . . . Cruising with The Commissioner. This week’s cruise started with sax man Jimmy Carpenter, who was getting us in in the right mood with a track from his new album ‘The Louisiana Record’ and his take on ‘Rockin’ At Cosimo’s. Then, taking us further on down the road was Hungry Williams with a number you may know well by someone else . . . . and if like Mr Merlot you’re tempted to wave your hand in the air and shout ‘Roy Montrell’ . . . you might be saddened to learn there were no prizes to be had.

This week, our Girls & Guitars feature threw its spotlight on Michelle Malone, who is a singer and guitarist born in Atlanta, Georgia. As well as learning to play guitar, she plays mandolin and harmonica and, as a teenager, she started performing in bands around Atlanta. In 1990 she got signed to Arista Records and released her debut album ‘Relentless’ later that year. She’s since released 20 albums and our choice was a track from her latest release, titled ‘1997’ . . . which has an unexpected topicality now . . . ‘Even The Queen’.

Oooh Wow
Rockin’ At Cosimo’s – Jimmy Carpenter
Oooh Wow – The Hungry Williams
Yeah Baby – Stella Johnson
Jack, You’re Dead – Havert Bennet
About To Get Gone – Laura Tate
Heebie Jeebies – Philipp Fankhauser

Girls & Guitars
Even The Queen – Michelle Malone

Bang Bang
Spanish Boy – The Rubies
Bang Bang – The Jimmy Castor Bunch
Boo Hoo Hoo – The Sha-Shays
Wonderful World – Otis Redding
Roamin-itis – Eddie Bo

Doo Wop Stop
Kiss Me My Love – The Honeybees
Sweetheart Of Mine – The Valentines

Ain’t Enough Room To Boogie
I Cried – Jivin’ Gene and the Jokers
I Hear You Knocking – Lazy Lester
Ain’t Enough Room Here To Boogie – King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys
Boogie Woogie On A Saturday Night – Steve Gibson & The Red Caps

Well, you got double bubble with this week’s Doo Wop Stop, with this week’s first choice coming with big thanks to Jamie Dell’Apa. He uncovered this 1957 45 on the Bee record label, which featured The Honeybees. This was one of those rare gems that got left in a dusty box somewhere and someone with finely tuned ears brought it back into the daylight for our delight. Then, we heard from vocal group, The Valentines. who, back in the mid to late 50s had Richard Barrett as the lead singer and main songwriter for the group. They became pretty influential and had a string of single releases, but they never got a national hit . . . although you wonder why with numbers like our choice . . . ‘Sweetheart Of Mine’.

The Cruisettes turned out to prove that King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys were most definitely wrong when they said there ‘Ain’t Enough Room Here To Boogie’ . . . . and while they proved the point with some emphasis, they may not have noticed that with arrival of Steve Gibson & The Red Caps the trusty Cruise Mobile turned for home. Indeed, to the surprise of a few, they brought us all the way home, safe and sound. So, we were soon parking up the Cruise Mobile for another week and giving it a quick polish so it was all ready for our next musical adventure. Then, Mr Merlot, The Cruisettes and yours truly were lined up ready to wave you a fond farewell . . . ever hopeful that we’ll meet again the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 20 September 2022

Pump It Up . . .

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

As ever, there was a very warm welcome to one and all . . . and as you arrived, you may have found me opening up this week’s special walk-in session for all those suffering from over- exposure to ‘ordinary radio’. So, to help you fight back against the algorithms, I brought an ample supply of Dr Roberts Sonic Tonic . . . guaranteed to raise the spirits and excite the senses. Getting us off to a great start was Vernon Burch with ‘Never Can Find A Way’ . . . and rest assured, there was plenty more of the good stuff to come, including someone who was on my giglist this past week . . . this was Jon Cleary. But, if you were in the studio later in the show, you would have seen me brandishing an album titled ‘Creole Skies’. I’d been listening to it this week and it’s where I found a number titled ‘Music Man’ . . . so, no surprise that I slipped it into this week’s Sonic Tonic.

This week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story about an event this week, back in 1964. The London Evening News reported on a Mick Jagger look-a-like competition that was held at Greenwich Town Hall. One of the contestants was a 16 year-old Eltham Collage boy, introduced as Laurie Yarham, who not only looked like Mick Jagger but also seemed to know Mick’s every action and expression. He proved to be everyone’s idea of a winner, but there were a few red faces after it was discovered that Laurie was in fact Mick’s younger brother Chris Jagger. . . . who has gone on to show that he’s pretty impressive as a singer in his own right . . . as you heard on ‘Merry Go Round’.

Days Like This
Never Can Find The Way – Vernon Burch
Pump It Up – Jon Cleary
Days Like This – Linda Valori
Answer Me – Quinn Devlin & The Bridge Street Kings
Music Man – Johnny & The Mongrels
Nathan Williams In Town – Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas

Tell It Like It Is
Merry Go Round – Chris Jagger

Let Go
Telephone Line – Asian
Room For Us All – Effie Zilch & Miko Marks
It’s Not The Spotlight – Kim Carnes
Let Go – Dobie Gray

Mellow Mood
Hot Burrito #1 – Raul Malo

End Of The Road
Fine & Healthy Thing – Dick Lovejoy’s Southside United
End Of The Road – Jerry Lee Lewis
Your Sister Can’t Twist – Imelda May

Well, this week’s Mellow Moment, brought another opportunity to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax. On this occasion I was anticipating the upcoming London gig by The Mavericks, where the Lovely Dee may be hoping that lead singer Raul Malo will reprise his take on a particular Gram Parsons’ song . . . ‘Hot Burrito #1’. It’s a great smoocher . . . so I said, if there was someone special nearby . . . you know what to do. Then, there was a big change of mood with something from Dick Lovejoy’s Southside United, who were frequent faces on the London club circuit a while back. They featured a veritable who’s who of high calibre band members, including Dick on drums and at various times, names like Geraint Watkins and Diz Watson on piano and vocals . . . so, as an example, I dug out the band’s take on ‘Fine and Healthy Thing’.

Some out there in listening land will remember that this week back in 2015, the Ferriday Fireball, Jerry Lee Lewis, was on stage at the London Palladium for his 80th birthday tour. The place was packed with fans and plenty of well known names . . . all of whom ensured there was not one number that didn’t get thunderous applause. So, with a nod in the direction of Terry Adams and Paul Armstrong, who were there . . . we heard from the man himself, with ‘End Of The Road’. Then it was time for my last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic . . . which came from Imelda May, but before that there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 9 September 2022

Goin To The City . . . .

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

If you doubted that there would be a big bluesy welcome to one and all when The Blues Come Calling . . . you just might have been surprised that I was back with another armful of the best blues around. So, to start us off in great style, there was a band who I first saw back in 2010. I can confirm, they’re still going strong and on top form, because they were on my giglist this past weekend too . . . courtesy of Alan Bates . . . and delivering a typically storming show too . . . they were The Stumble. They were followed on the playlist with a treat for any fans of those Chicago blues of the 50s and 60s. It came from blues harp master, Grant Dermody and it’s his new album, titled ‘Behind The Sun’. It had plenty of treats too, with 9 originals, a pair of Muddy Waters classics and tunes penned by Rick Estrin, Kim Wilson, Jimmy Reed, and Otis Rush.

Now, I’m not sure if Mick Clarke views himself as a veteran of the British blues scene, but he certainly has a long and very credible career, going all the way back to his days with much celebrated 60s blues band, Killing Floor. He’s just released his latest album, titled ‘Telegram’ and I pulled out an early favourite of mine from it . . . ‘Can’t Stop Lovin’.

Don’t Boss Me
I Love You Too Much – The Stumble (On The Other Side – 2016)
Don’t Boss Me – Grant Dermody (Behind The Sun – 2022)
Hot Blooded Love – Jeremiah Johnson (Hi Fi Drive By -2022)
Paying The Cost To Be The Boss – B.B. King (King Of The Blues – 1993)
Just No Getting Over You – Joanne Shaw Taylor (Nobody’s Fool – 2022)
Can’t Stop Lovin’ – Mick Clarke (Telegram – 2022)
Honest I Do – Grant Dermody (Behind The Sun – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
Mystery Train – The Paul Butterfield Blues Band (The Paul Butterfield Blues Band – 1965)

Satisfied
Goin To The City – James Williams (Still Got The Grease – 2022)
Drinkin’ About My Thinkin’ Problem – Emil & the Ecstatics (Ballad Of The Do Right Man – 2022)
Could Have Been Alright – Mississippi MacDonald (Soul Fixers – 2017)
We’re All Going Down – Cass Clayton (We’re All Going Down – 2022)
Satisfied – Mississippi John Hurt (Mr Hurt Goes To Washington – 2021)
Trouble No More – Grant Dermody (Behind The Sun – 2022)

Now, this past week, I was down in Hastings at the Acoustic Blues Club for their tribute night to Mississippi John Hurt and a great night it was too. The place was packed and on stage, host, Mick King and friends, gave us plenty of highlights from Mr Hurt’s catalogue. So, the playlist got a little treat from Mr Hurt himself, as a memory of a great evening.

With our blues time together just about to run out, I returned to my album of the week from Grant Dermody. These days he calls Louisiana his home and it’s where he recorded his album, ‘Behind The Sun’. My last choice from it was one of its Muddy Waters classics . . . ‘Trouble No More’. Then, sadly, it was time to say 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 Miskin Radio on 15 September 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 17 September 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 18 September 2022

We’re All Crazee Now . . .

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

Well, we were back with the Cruise Mobile tuned up and ready to help you escape from all the chaos and double speak. So, for all those that jumped aboard, we set off on another musical adventure to ‘who knows where’ with ‘you know who’ . . . which we still call . . . Cruising with The Commissioner. We arrived to the sound of the much-celebrated UK R&B band, Ricky Cool & The In Crowd with ‘Sounds Like Locomotion’ . . . heralding our UK R&B themed playlist for this week’s Cruise. Then, taking us further down the road was another UK R&B band . . . who happened to be Rod Stewart’s first band . . . these were Scottish band, Jimmy Powell & The Five Dimensions.

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

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

Girls & Guitars
Sweet Nuthins – Jo Anne Kelly

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

Doo Wop Stop
Wonderful World – The Flying Pickets

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

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

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

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

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 13 September 2022

Two Steps From The Blues

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

Well, there was the customary big bluesy welcome to one and all for another jam packed edition of the Blues Come Calling. It came with nothing but the best blues around and kicking off this week with Little Milton Campbell, who was born this week back in 1934. So, as good an excuse to hear him on the show as I needed and I followed up with my album of the week, which came from Jeremiah Johnson. Now, it’s been many years since I first saw Jeremiah Johnson playing in ‘The Big Easy’ in Houston, Texas and it’s been a joy to see him going from strength to strength since then. He’s back now with a new album called ‘Hi Fi Drive By’ and my first choice was an early favourite of mine from the album . . . ‘Skipping School’.

Now, there’s been much interest in the upcoming new album from Buddy Guy . . . ‘The Blues Don’t Lie’. There have been a couple tasters from the album released early and this week I featured Buddy along with Mavis Staples guesting on a track titled ‘We Go Back’. There are several fine duets on this album, which undoubtedly serve some wider commercial interests, but a personal shout out from here for an opportunity to hear Buddy doing an album on his own again . . . and maybe he will.

The Blues Is Alright
The Blues Is Alright – Little Milton Campbell (Playing For Keeps – 1984)
Skippin’ School – Jeremiah Johnson (Hi Fi Drive By – 2022)
Into The Night – Anthony Geraci (ft Walter Trout) (Blues Called My Name – 2022)
Give Me A Break – The Love Light Orchestra (Leave the Light On – 2022)
We Go Back – Buddy Guy (ft Mavis Staples) (The Blues Don’t Lie – 2022)
Eye 4 An I – Danny R & Paul Gillings (100 to 1 – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
This Train – Sister Rosetta Tharpe (Gospel Train – 1958)

Be With Me
Woodstock – Mick Kolassa (They Call Me Uncle Mick – 2022)
Two Steps From The Blues – Angela Strehli (Ace Of Blues – 2022)
Sweet Misery – Jeremiah Johnson (Hi Fi Drive By – 2022)
Be With Me – Jon Cleary (Live at The Maple Leaf Bar – 2022)
Jimmy Reed Highway – The Alligators (Straight To Tape – 2022)
Hey Mama – John Angus Band (One More Time – 2022)

I was sure I promised you more from last week’s album of the week, from Mick Kolassa. His new release has a distinctly acoustic mood and includes that fascinating interpretation of Joni Mitchell’s song, which became a chart hit for Matthews Southern Comfort . . . but full marks to Mick for giving it that bluesy twist along with the one and only Watermelon Slim . . . this was ‘Woodstock’. Then, there was magic memory with a highlight from my giglist this past week featuring Jon Cleary. It was at the last of his London gigs before he returned to New Orleans, leaving us with the promise of a new album coming soon. One of the numbers that we can expect to see on it, is an old Johnny Guitar Watson number, which Mr Watson called ‘Lonely Man’s Prayer’, but Jon Cleary calls it ‘Be With Me’.

Now, and if you’re seasoned gigster, particularly around Cheshire and Staffordshire, then The John Angus Blues Band may be familiar faces on stage there. But, for those who don’t know them well, I presented an example with the band providing a powered up number from their album ‘One More Time’ . . . . this was ‘Hey Mama’. As we were about to play out with it, there was a big thanks from me to you for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 8 September 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 10 September 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 11 September 2022

Dis A Itty Bit . . . .

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

Well, we were back and with the Cruise Mobile tuned up and ready to help you escape from all the chaos and double speak. Just jump aboard and let’s take you on another musical adventure to ‘who knows where’ with ‘you know who’ . . . which (with complete unoriginality) we still call . . . Cruising with The Commissioner. This week it all kicked off with sax man Joe Houston getting us in in the right mood with his ‘Crazy Twist’. Then, taking us further on down the road was Rufus Thomas with his invitation to test out his Rocket 88 . . . . and we did!

We covered plenty of ground this week, with the trusty Cruise Mobile taking us across frontiers in pursuit of some great music . . . and, for this week’s Girls & Guitars feature, we were heading off to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, because that’s where we found American blues, soul and roots guitarist and singer Lisa Mills. She’s released 7 albums to date and we took a dip into her 2012 album ‘Satisfied’ for this little gem . . . . ‘Always Nobody’.

Ain’t Enough Room To Boogie
Crazy Twist – Joe Houston
Rocket 88 – Rufus Thomas
There Ain’t Enough Room To Boogie – Tyrone Hibbs & The Hip Shakers
Dis A Itty Bit – Robin Hood Brians with Lew Douglas & His Orchestra
Mother In Law – Cubanismo with John Boutte
Sheila – Tommy Roe & The Satins

Girls & Guitars
Always Nobody – Lisa Mills

Wake Me Up
Wake Me Up Before You Go Go – The Boppers
Rendezvous Des Cheminots – Wily Bo Walker ft Karena K & The Danny Flam Band
Love Me – Willy & Ruth
Miss Bombilla Brown – Diz Watson

Doo Wop Stop
A Little Too Long – The Wanderers

Don’t Tease
Please Don’t Tease – The Spaniels
Big Jamboree – The Big Jamboree
Cadillac Boogie – Al Hill & The Love Butlers
Carlton Street Boogie – Bill King

Now, there was a song that had a great tendency to become a bit of an earworm. It came from the great UK R&B legend Diz Watson and it was a song with its origins back in the early 50s when it was recorded by Calypso Pioneer, Attila The Hun. He was one of those who helped introduced calypso to America, where it was adopted and adapted and can be heard in some of that New Orleans music of the 50s and 60s, like our choice ‘Miss Bombilla Brown’. Then, with perfect timing. Mr Merlot could be seen raising a bushy eyebrow and giving a knowing nod, which was all that was needed to signal it was time for our Doo Wop Stop. This week it featured East Coast vocal group The Wanderers, who began their career in 1952 as the Barons and by 1957, had become The Wanderers. They began releasing singles on various labels and by 1961, they’d been performing for nearly a decade without much chart success, but they did produce our choice . . . their 1961 Cub Records 45, ‘A Little Too Long’.

‘Cadillac Boogie’ is surely a song you’ll know well, but it may have been the first time you’ve heard it by Al Hill & The Love Butlers . . . . and there may be a few out there in Cruising land who have their names on the list to fill any vacancies among the Love Butlers . . . . and I was not even looking in Mr Merlot’s direction! But, our Cruising time together was fast running out, so we deftly turned the Cruise Mobile for home during this visit to Carlton Street in the company of Bill King, who was encouraging some enthused boogying!

Well, with all that had been going on . . . we may have surprised many by arriving back safe and sound . . . and where we started, So, we all assembled to give you a cheery wave farewell before we headed off to the after show party. But before that, there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s cruise . . . and until the next we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

When I See Ya . . .

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

Well, as ever, there was a very warm welcome to one and all, as you caught me opening up my special walk-in session for all those suffering from over- exposure to ‘ordinary radio’. So, to help you fight back against the algorithms, I brought along an ample supply of Dr Roberts Sonic Tonic, guaranteed to raise the spirits and excite the senses. Getting us off to a great start was a band whose name might resonate with a few out there in listening land . . . they’re called ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ and they were there with a little number titled ‘Fire’. I made sure there was plenty more of the ‘good stuff’ to come, including a gem from The California Honeydrops.

This week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story about the UK No.1 album this week in 1975. It was Rod Stewart’s ‘Atlantic Crossing’, with its title, inspired by Rod’s departure from the UK to escape the 83 per cent top rate of income tax introduced by the then Prime Minister Harold Wilson. Rod headed across the Atlantic for the jet-set lifestyle in Los Angeles, while the album was enjoying a five-week run at the top of the charts. Among the songs on the album, was Rod’s take on a favourite Bobby Blue Bland number written by Barry Goldberg and Gerry Goffin . . . ‘It’s Not The Spotlight’

Too Much
Fire – I Don’t Like Mondays
I Miss You Baby – The California Honeydrops
Too Much Too Late – Full Flava (ft Dee Johnson)

Tell It Like It Is
It’s Not The Spotlight – Rod Stewart

Can’t Go Back
Man Of The Universe – The Tedesky Brothers
Love Got Something To Do With It – Johnny & The Mongrels
Can’t Go Back – Paris Delane

Mellow Mood
I Want A Lover – Patty Tuite

When I See Ya
Love Comes Easy – Thee Sacred Souls
Tempted – Marty Stuart
Brassabilly Boogie – Pete Andersen
Long Lean & Lanky – Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88s
When I See Ya – TT Grace

Now, for this week, our Mellow Moment , I was very grateful for the company of Patty Tuite and a number from her latest album ‘Hard Case Of The Blues’, which is where I found her little gem . . . . ‘I Want A Lover’. So, as I tried to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax, I suggested that if there was someone special nearby . . . this could be the moment to smooch.

Now, on my giglist this week, was Marty Stuart, who was on a trans-Atlantic visit and was made very welcome, certainly on the night I saw him. As a memory jogger for one of the many songs he included in his setlist, I pulled out his number . . .’Tempted’. Then, with an eye on the clock, the regulars will have anticipated where we were heading at this point in the show. I slipped some lively boogie into the Sonic Tonic, especially for those who had their rhythm receptors tuned up and plenty of moves to show off. First up was Pete Andersen with the ‘Brassabilly Boogie’ and I was hoping to keep those pulses pumping with more boogie from piano ace Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88s. It was a serenade to a tall, slim and elegant lady of his acquaintance . . . described, unflatteringly, as ‘Long Lean & Lanky’. Then, it was time for my last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic, which came from TT Grace, but before that there was a big thanks for your good company this week and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then, . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 2 September 2022

The Blues Called My Name . . .

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

Well, as you’ve come to expect, there was a big bluesy welcome to one and all to this week’s show . . . and with precision timing I arrived with a cheery smile and another armful of the best blues around. We kicked off our blues-time together with a track from an album that’s definitely been growing on me . . . the album’s titled ‘Holding On’ an it’s the latest by The Firebird Smith Blues Band. My choice was . . .’No Turning Back’. Then, there was some speculation that Edinburgh College, must be somewhere extra special for music, because its lecturers have included Robin Robertson, who leads The Robin Robertson Blues Band and Annette Chapman, who is out front as vocalist with the band. . . . and one hell of a vocalist too! The band have a new single out . . . ‘I’m Bad’ . . . which I played later in the show, but first up we had the band driving on full throttle, with the adrenaline pumping all the way on ‘Is That You?’

There was a warm welcome back this week to Mick Kolassa, who was back with a new album where he’s returned to his acoustic roots. The album’s called ‘They Call Me Uncle Mick’ and it opens with Mick’s version of that Bo Carter number from 1931 ‘My Pencil Wont Write’. Mick let’s everyone know that this album is about fun and features guests Bobby Rush and Doug McLeod. Doug turned up on guitar on another choice from the album . . . ‘Used to Be’. This album was my album of the week, and rightly so, for my third choice . . . ‘Bless His Heart’.

Holding On
Holding On – The Firebird Blues Band (No Turning Back – 2022)
Is That You – The Robin Robertson Blues Band (Look Before You Leap – 2015)
My Pencil Wont Write No More – Mick Kolassa (They Call Me Uncle Mick – 2022)
Swiss Avenue Express – Claire Hamlin (Elbows 2 – 2022)
The Blues Called My Name – Anthony Garcaci (ft Sugar Ray Norcia & Monster Mike Welch) (Blues Called My Name – 2022)
Broken Heart – John Verity (Blue – 2022)
Used To Be – Mick Kolassa (They Call Me Uncle Mick – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
Too Too Train – Big Bill Broonzy (Big Bill Broonzy Vol.2 1932-1934 – 1991)

Double Down
Double Down – Patty Tuite (ft Paul Nelson) (Hard Case Of The Blues – 2022)
Blues Worse Than I Ever Had – Marcus King (Young Blood – 2022)
Tore Down – The Alligators (Straight To Tape – 2022)
I’m Bad – The Robin Robertson Blues Band
Bless His Heart – Mick Kolassa (They Call Me Uncle Mick – 2022)
Boogie Fling – The Wang Dang Doodle (City of Night – 2015)

Now, from time to time, the lovers of boogie piano let me know that I’m overdue for an example or two and this week I came suitably equipped. I brought some rockin’ boogie piano from Essex, courtesy of the late Claire Hamlin. This was a track from Claire’s EP ‘Elbows 2’ . . . and sooner or later I’ll find out why its got that title . . . but in the meantime, she was on the playlist with her number . . . ‘Swiss Avenue Express’.

All too soon, our blues-time together was fast running out, but before it did I was bringing you a band who were on my giglist, this past week. These are The Wang Dang Doodle, who are a London based 4 piece band who delivered a spirited blues set on stage with some classics and a few self penned numbers. To give you a flavour of their live performance, I pulled out a little instrumental from their EP ‘City of Night’. This was a sure fire crowd pleaser called ‘Boogie Fling’ . . . 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 Miskin Radio on 1 September 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 3 September 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 4 September 2022