Sweeter Than The Day Before . . .

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

Well, the social diary seems to have been jammed with events this week, leaving only a little time to rummage in the Cruising library for those lost and forgotten gems that we enjoy together. But, we did it (just in time) and didn’t come away empty handed, as you’ll hear on this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner.

The wonderful June Bateman was in there with her husband Noble Watts and his band with an Everlast 45 from 1965, ‘Possum Belly Overalls’, which happens to be a particular favourite of our good pal DJ Wheeliebag. There was another good pal of the show who got in touch this past week. I speak of Amigo, who was reminding me that the track I played recently by Curtis Byrd was written by Curtis along with Joe Melson, Ray Rush and Roy Orbison. Amigo says he’s pretty sure it was the Joe Ray Singers with Curtis on that number and they also featured on another single on the same label by David Box, ‘I’ve Had My Moments’, which was also written by Joe Melson, Ray Rush, and Roy Orbison . . . so don’t say we don’t listen to what you say!

Cruising for the border
Cookin’ With Mr Lee – Pete Thomas
The Twitch – Danny White
Possum Belly Overalls – June Bateman with Noble Watts & His Band
I’ve Had My Moments – David Box
Lonelyology (For Your Love) – Lee Dorsey
For Your Love – Larry Williams and Johnny Guitar Watson
Share A Little Love With Me (Somebody) – The Monitors
Sweeter Than The Day Before – The Valentinos
I Ain’t Coming Back – The Orlons

Girls & Guitars
Tell Mamala – Gaye Adegbalola

Cruising just for fun
Don’t Fear The Reaper – The Blue Oyster Cult
Living In The Past- Jeff Dix & Amelia
Everyday I Have To Cry Some – Lattimore Brown
Sailing Shoes – Little Feet
Ain’t That True Love – Oscar Toney Jr
Tell Me What You Gonna Do – The Bo Street Runners
I’m Tired – Kid Anderson
Everybody Needs Love – Bobby Hanna
Mean It Baby – Carl Hall

Our Girls & Guitars feature this week, focused on Virginian singer and guitarist, Gaye Adegbalola, who started out as a teacher, but found she couldn’t get by on a teacher’s income, so she began moonlighting in local clubs and became a founding member of Saffire – The Uppity Blues Women. She went on to a solo career and she’s back with a new solo offering called ‘Tell Mamala’.

Now, if you’ve been a long-time member of the Cruising Crew, you’ll know I have a soft spot for the songs of Arthur Alexander and this week I chose one that’s had plenty of covers, including a hit version for Steve Alaimo. But, my choice was a very soulful take on one of Arthur’s songs by Louisiana’s own Lattimore Brown . . . ‘Everyday I Have To Cry Some’. Meanwhile, somewhere out there in Cruising land are David Isaacs and Wendel Williams who happen to be big fans of Little Feet . . . and they’re not alone, so there was a little treat for us all with ‘Sailing Shoes’.

All too soon, it was time to turn the trusty Cruise Mobile for home and, with luck on our side, we arrived back safe and sound, with time to give everyone a cheery wave and a big smile, before we headed off to the after show party. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner, this is the Commissioner saying . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 26 October 2021

Time Of Our Life . . .

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

Well, I arrived with the cheeriest of welcomes to one and all . . . and ready with a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic, especially for all those planning an escape from doing everyday things everyday. I brought plenty of the ‘good stuff’ that you won’t hear on ‘ordinary radio’ and the promise that the Sonic Tonic will raise the spirits and excite the senses. It all kicked off with a ‘newie’ from the Stone Foundation featuring the superb voice of Melba Moore . . . . and there were plenty more gems to follow, including new releases from Colin James, Carlos Santana & Chris Stapleton, Elles Bailey, Quinn Sullivan, Willie MacCalder and more.

This week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story, inspired by the birthday this week of keyboard ace and vocalist Manfred Mann. After leading his band Manfred Mann through a string of hits in the 60s, he went on to form Manfred Mann’s Earth Band and in 1976 and he released a version of the Bruce Springsteen song “Blinded by the Light”. It not only reached No. 1 in America and Canadian, but proved to be Bruce Springsteen’s only No. 1 single as a songwriter. . . so we celebrated with that song.

Joy
Now That You Want Me Back – Stone Foundation ft Melba Moore
Leave This House – Colin James
Time Of Our Life – ELO
Beast Of Burden – Johnny Rawls
Joy – Santana & Chris Stapleton

Tell It Like It Is
Blinded By The Light – Manfred Mann’s Earth Band

All Around The World
Woman Like Me – Elles Bailey
Hold Me – The Teskey Brothers
All Around The World – Quinn Sullivan

Mellow Moment
The Warmth Of The Sun – Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs

You’ve Got Me
You’ve Got Me – Earl Thomas & Paddy Milner
First Fight – Willie MacCalder
All Those Years Ago – George Harrison
Language Of Curiosity – Starlight Campbell Band
I Fought The Law – Bobby Fuller Four

I went back to 1981 for something from George Harrison, which featured Ringo Starr on drums, Paul and Linda McCartney on backing vocals and it was George’s personal tribute to John Lennon . . . ‘All Those Years Ago’. After the title track of the latest album from Starlight Campbell Band . . . ‘Language Of Curiosity’, I realised the sands of time were fast running out for this week’s Sonic Tonic, but before it did, I took the opportunity to remember the birthday this week of Bobby Fuller. He fronted The Bobby Fuller Four and had a hit in 1966 with a song written by Sonny Curtis of The Crickets. . . . ‘I Fought The Law’. So, 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 22 October 2021

Where Blue Begins . . . .

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

As ever, there was a big bluesy welcome to one and all and the news among the upcoming new releases expected soon, is the new album from Bernie Marsden. It’s called Chess and it’s his tribute to some of the great blues songs and artists that were released on that famous Chicago label . . . but before it arrives, I got the show started in great style with Bernie along with Micky Moody and that Freddie King favourite ‘Tore Down’. It was a reminder too, that over the years, there’s been a rich vein of British blues with some pretty impressive stuff to its credit. We can add to that list, Oxfordshire’s own Bill Scobie, who is keeping the spirit of the blues alive with his new album ‘Blue Dragon’. As well as some self penned numbers, he also tips his hat to a few blues masters that have influenced him over the years, including Willie Cobbs. So, I featured Bill’s take on Willie’s classic ‘You Don’t Love Me’, . . . and listen out for Bill playing all the instruments except the drums.

This week’s album of the week came from Michigan’s own, Joseph Veloz. His album ‘Joseph And The Velozians’, brings some bluesy funk, R&B and roots music with Joseph surrounded by some of the best musicians around Michigan. There’s certainly plenty of grooving going on through the tracks on the album, including some guest appearances from Thornetta Davis and Larry McCray.

It Can’t Hurt Me
Tore Down – Bernie Marsden & Micky Moody (The Night The Guitars Came To Play – 1995)
You Don’t Love Me – Bill Scobie (Blue Dragon – 2021)
Got My Mojo Working (ft Thornetta Davis) (Joseph and the Velozians – 2021)
How Long Blues – Ottile Patterson with Chris Barber’s band, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee (Easy Easy Baby – 2021)
It Can’t Hurt Me – Mississippi MacDonald (Do Right, Say Right – 2021)

Pinetop’s Pick
Where Blue Begins – Dana Gillespie (Blue One – 2015)

Confessin’ The Blues
I’m That Kinda Woman – Sugar Queen & The Straight Blues Band (Better Days – 2021)
Pretty Is As Pretty Does (ft Larry McCray) (Joseph and the Velozians – 2021)
Whatever (You Do) – Lady A (Satisfyin’ – 2021)
Gimme Some of That Yum Yum Yum – Johnnie Temple and the Harlem Hamfats (Johnnie Temple 1940-1949 – 1994)
Up in My Ear – Joseph Veloz (ft Drew Abbo) (Joseph and the Velozians – 2021)
See What You Want – Jackie Venson (Love Transcends – 2021)
Confessin’ The Blues – Chuck Berry (Rockin’ At The Hops – 1960)

Along the way this week, I craved a little indulgence, because recently I’ve been hearing a song behind a TV advert for dog food and it caught my ear. It’s a song recorded in 1937 by Johnnie Temple and the Harlem Hamfats. Now, Johnnie learned to play guitar and mandolin as a child and began playing house parties as a teenager. He moved to Chicago in the early 30s and by 1940, he had recorded two dozen, releases for Decca records. One of them was ‘Gimme Some of That Yum Yum Yum’ and that was my indulgence.

Now, if you happen to be in Austin, Texas and looking to sample some local talent, then I recommended checking out the local giglists for Jackie Venson. She’s built an enviable reputation for her live performances and she was on the playlist this week with a favourite track of mine from her new album ‘Love Transcends’. Then, all too soon, our blues time together had almost run out, but before it did, I thought we should mark the birthday this past week of Chuck Berry. So, I played out with Chuck’s take on ‘Confessin’ The Blues’. But, before that there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 21 October 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 23 October 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 24 October 2021

Won’t Do Right . . . .

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

Well, around the Grand Duchy the weather has become decidedly Autumnal and any sunshine seems to have become fleeting. The retail industry seems to have albut skipped Halloween, in favour of early start to the festive season. But, none of this has deflected us securing the broom cupboard as we approach the end of the month. But let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves . . . .

We compiled plenty of tasty treats for this week’s Cruising adventure and we kicked off this week’s show with the great Lonnie Mack and his classic recording of ‘Wham’. We didn’t waste a moment to follow up with another gem to further tantalise your musical taste buds. It came from James & Bobby Purify and their Bell 45 ‘ I Don’t Know What It Is You Got’ . . . . and it all rolled on from there . . . .

Wham
Wham – Lonnie Mack
I Don’t Know What It Is You Got – James & Bobby Purify
Just For You – Jerry Butler
But It’s Alright – The Sugarman 3
Just Won’t Do Right – James Brown & The Famous Flames
Farmer John – The Premiers

Girls & Guitars
Wicked Soul – Joanne Shaw Taylor

What You Bet
Johnny B Goode – Peter Tosh
Woke Up This Morning – Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated
Hard Luck Blues – Muddy Waters
Some Other Guy – The Big Three
She May Call You Up Tonight – Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs
All Night Drinker – Fat Mattress
Louie Louie – The Topics
Sugar Diabetes – Eddie Banks & The Five Dreamers
What You Bet – Ricky Rezell
Pretty Woman – Curtis Byrd & The Joe Rag Singers
Twist & Shout – Beverley Knight

Now, somewhere in Big Spring, Texas back in 1964, Curtis Byrd & The Joe Rag Singers cut a little number for the Joed label. It’s another of those rarities that get the collectors very excited when a copy appears and I know very little about Curtis Byrd, so if you know more, do tell . . . but in the meantime I found a copy for this week’s playlist. Then, there was something much less rare . . . this was a much covered song of The Isley Brothers, which did rather well for four up and coming lads from Liverpool, among others. This time around it came from one of the UKs sensational soul singers, Beverley Knight . . . and I was sure you’d know the song.

We may have ranged far and wide on our cruise this week, but the familiar sound of the tin cans signalled that we had arrived back safe and sound where we started. So, we parked up the trusty Cruise Mobile for another week and gave it a quick polish so it’s all ready for our next musical adventure. Of course, there’ll be a seat saved especially for you and some friendly faces to keep you company along the way. But, until the next time the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 19 October 2021

The Sweetest Feeling . . . .

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

Well, there was a big cheery welcome to one and all and for those searching for the unusual, the unexpected and a few surprises, then you were definitely in the right place. I was here with a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic guaranteed to raise the spirits and excite the senses. So, to prove the point, we kicked off with Chris Daniels & The Kings and a number that has a special place in the heart of the lovely Dee . . .’I Like Your Shoes’. But, whatever you were wearing on your feet, I brought you another opportunity to test them now, courtesy of Beverley Skeete.

As a little reassurance for those who might have thought I’d forgotten this week’s Tell It Like It Is, I brought along a song with a story, inspired by spotting that, soulman Sam Moore was celebrating his birthday this week. He’s best known as part of the duo Sam & Dave, who had a string of hits in the mid 60s. On their way up, they started singing together around Miami in 1961 and got signed to Roulette Records. They only had modest success with the label, but this was one of those songs that caught the attention of Atlantic records in 1965 and paved the way for their later string of hits . . . this was ‘Love Business’.

Start Me Up
I Like Your Shoes – Chris Daniels & The Kings
Start Me Up – Beverley Skeete
Loving Might Do Us Good – Stevie Nimmo
I’m Drunk – The B. Christopher Band
That’s New Orleans – Nick Daniels
I’m Vaccinated & Ready For Love – Maria Muldaur

Tell It Like It Is
Love Business – Sam & Dave

Come On In
If I Ever Break Free – Chris Rea
Come On In – Jools Holland & Ruby Turner
Look What You Done For Me – Al Green

Mellow Moment
I Get The Sweetest Feeling – Hiller & Higgs

Why Me
Tupelo Honey – Bayou Roux
On The Second Line – Gavin Povey & The Fabulous Oke She Moke She Pops
Whoever Said It Was Easy – Delbert McClinton
Why Me – Albert Lee & Hogan’s Heroes

The Sonic Tonic got a big spoonful of the unmistakable tones of Al Green. He was revisiting one of his hits and getting us ready for our Mellow Moment, where I aim to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax. This week’s choice featured one of the songs of Jackie Wilson and it turned up this time around by Hiller & Higgs with their take ‘I Get The Sweetest Feeling’. As ever, I casually mentioned that, if there was someone special nearby, you had my permission to smooch.

Then, there were some heartfelt words from Delbert McClinton . . . ‘Whoever Said It Was Easy Loving You’ . . . and those words just might ring true for one or two out there in listening land. Delbert may be retiring from performing, but he’s left us plenty of great music to enjoy still and there was some more ready for the last drop in our Sonic Tonic. It was another song recorded by Mr McClinton, but this time it came from someone who was on my giglist recently and a great night it was too. This was Albert Lee, rocking us all the way home with ‘Why Me’. 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 15 October 2021

Handle With Care . . . .

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

Well, as ever, there was a big bluesy welcome to one and all and the assurance that, if you like the blues, then you were definitely in the right place, because I was back with an armful of the best blues around. Those in the know, would have been expecting plenty of new releases, some seasoned favourites and maybe a surprise or two. So, not to disappoint, I kicked off with an early favourite of mine from Hubert Dorigatti’s new album ‘Stop’ and a little ‘Pasadena Shuffle’ to get us off in good spirits. Keeping us in good spirits was the new album by Archie Lee Hooker & The Coast to Coast Blues Band . . . the album’s title ‘Living In A Memory’ and on my choice, ‘Blinded By Love’, there was a guest appearance by Bernard Allison.

My album of the week, came courtesy of Mississippi MacDonald and a very fine collection it is too. It’s title ‘Do Right, Say Right’ and I earmarked three choices from the man himself, starting with him on full throttle with ‘That’s It, I Quit’. Then, there was something for the ‘seasoned’ bluesers out there who remember The Big Town Playboys. For many years, they were a regular feature on the UK blues and R&B scene and if you were at The Burnley Blues Festival in 1989, you’ll have seen them on stage in their own right and backing Little Willie Littlefield. Whether you were there or not, those nice people at JSP records have issued a double album titled ‘Good Rockin’ Blues & Boogie’ which has a live recording of Little Willie’s set at the festival and I took the opportunity to pull out a taster . . . ‘You Look So Fine’.

That’s It, I Quit
Pasadena Shuffle – Hubert Dorigatti (Stop – 2021)
Blinded By Love – Archie Lee Hooker & The Coast to Coast Blues Band ft Bernard Allison (Living In A Memory – 2021)
That’s It, I Quit – Mississippi MacDonald (Do Right, Say Right – 2021)
Handle Me With Care – Get The Cat (Live Haus Eifgen – 2021)
Look So Fine – Little Willie Littlefield & The Big Town Playboys (Good Rockin’ Blues & Boogie – 2021)
Hellhound On My Trail – Steve Hill (Hellhound On My Trail – 2021)
I Heard It Twice – Mississippi MacDonald (Do Right, Say Right – 2021)

Pinetop’s Pick
Ride Me Easy Rider – Vinegar Joe (ft Elkie Brooks) (Vinegar Joe – 1972)

I Can’t Stop It
I Can’t Stop It – Ben Levin (Still Here – 2021)
On My Feet – Carolyn Wonderland (Tempting Fate – 2021)
Drown In My Own Tears – Joe Barr & Breezy Rodio (Soul For The Heart – 2021)
I Was Wrong – Mississippi MacDonald (Do Right, Say Right – 2021)
Back To My Room – Micke Bjorklof (Whole Nutha Thang – 2021)
White Fox – Robert Ward (Rhythm Of The People – 1993)

My regular guest, Arfa Pinetop, was back with another Pinetop’s Pick, which this week celebrated UK band Vinegar Joe and, in particular, the much talented Elkie Brooks. She gave us a great bluesy offering, in the form of ‘Ride Me Easy Rider’ . . . a track she cut with the band back in 1972.

There was a tip of the hat in the direction of Dixiefrog records, who have a new album for release soon which features seasoned soulman Joe Barr, along with Chicago based bluesman Breezy Rodio. It’s titled ‘Soul For The Heart’ and I was pretty sure you’d be hearing more from it on future playlists here, but this week I brought you a most excellent preview . . . their very fine take on ‘Drown In My Own Tears’.

Breezing through the blues birthdays this week, I noticed it was guitarist, Robert Ward’s birthday. Back in 1960 he formed the Ohio Untouchables and released released several singles with them, but, by the late 60s he was releasing singles under his name and eventually, he released his first solo album in 1991. There’s an instrumental of his that always goes down well back at the ranch . . . so to celebrate his birthday, we heard from Robert Ward with his typical vibrato soaked tone on ‘White Fox’. But, before that there was a big thanks from me for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 14 October 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 16 October 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 17 October 2021

Don’t Be Angry . . . .

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

Well, for this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner we arrived in the good company of Tommy Ridgley with his 1954 classic, ‘Jam Up’ and without wasting a moment we were up to full cruising speed with Jimmy McCracklin and ’The Wobble’. Then, Geraint Watkins & The Dominators helped to set the scene for this week’s playlist, with another choice inspired by celebrated UK R&B artist, Mike Sanchez. Over the years, Mike has proved to be adept at crossing musical boundaries, as demonstrated by his cover of Jim Reeves’ ‘Blue Boy’. There’s always a touch of the blues somewhere along the way and this time it was a 1953 number credited then to Young John Watson and titled ‘Highway 60’.

Our Cruising Connections presented a trio of tracks that all share a common connection and our first clue came from vocal group, The Willows, and their 1956 Melba records release, ‘Church Bells May Ring’. Nappy Brown was up next with a song that he got to No. 2 on the Billboard R&B charts back in 1955, ‘Don’t Be Angry’. Our third clue was The Marigolds with their 1955 Excello 45, ‘Rollin’ Stone’, which may have been all you need to identify ‘The Cadets’ who covered all three of those songs for the Modern label back in 1955 and 1956. To celebrate, we pulled out The Cadets’ original version of ‘Gangster of Love’, which they recorded as ‘Love Bandit’.

Jam Up
Jam Up – Tommy Ridgley
The Wobble – Jimmy McCracklin
Deep In The Heart Of Texas – Geraint Watkins & The Dominators
I Like It – Little Willie Littlefield
Hurtin’ Inside – Brook Benton
Highway 60 – Johnny Guitar Watson
Blue Boy – Jim Reeves

Cruising Connections
Church Bells May Ring – The Willows
Don’t Be Angry – Nappy Brown
Rollin’ Stone – The Marigolds
Love Bandit – The Cadets

Girls & Guitars
Voodoo Voodoo – Imelda May with Mike Sanchez & His Band

Doo Wop Delights
She Keeps Me Wondering – The Spiders
Honey Gee – The Saigons

That’s All I Need
That’s All I Need – Ike Turner & His Kings of Rhythm
I’m Mad – Willie Mabon
Red Hot Mama – S. Johnson
Shirley – John Fred & His Playboys
Almost Grown – Chuck Berry

Our Girls & Guitars feature this week, focused on Irish singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Imelda May. She hails from Dublin and although she’s known now, primarily as a singer, she also plays guitar, bass guitar and sings anything from jazz to rockabilly and rhythm and blues. Back in 1998 she started touring and recording with Mike Sanchez, which is when she recorded her version of ‘Voodoo Voodoo’.
This week’s Doo Wop Delights opened with New Orleans vocal group The Spiders and their 1955 Imperial recording ‘She Keeps Me Wondering’. Our second choice was a 1955 Dootone 45 called ‘Honey Gee’, from The Saigons, a song that many say was lifted from a number by The Cap-Tans called ‘Crazy Bout My Honey Dip’ .

Ike Turner and His Kings of Rhythm kicked off the next selection of numbers, followed fast by Willie Mabon’s ‘I’m Mad’. There was also a great Checker release credited to S. Johnson. Despite much research, no one seems to know who S. Johnson was, except that he wrote his song ‘Red Hot Mama’ with Paul Gayten and recorded it in New Orleans. ‘Shirley’ by John Fred & his Playboys got us heading for home and we arrived back, safe and sound in the company of Chuck Berry with ‘Almost Grown’. Then, we were just in time to park up the trusty Cruise Mobile and give it a quick polish so it’s all ready for our next musical adventure. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 18 October 2021

Take The Money & Run . . .

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

The skies may have been grey outside, but there was the cheeriest of welcomes to one and all, when the appointed time arrived. If you’re looking for a distraction from the ‘oh so boring and predictable’, then I may have arrived just in time, because I was here with a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic . . . guaranteed to raise the spirits and excite the senses, or your money back! Starting us off in fine style was James Taylor doing his version of that Dixie Chicks favourite . . . ‘Some Days You Gotta Dance’. Then, with the Abba reunion in mind, I thought I’d pull out a funky little take on their ‘Money Money Money’, which became a worthy flavour indeed for this week’s Sonic Tonic . . . from the Nils Landgren Funk Unit.

This week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story from 1979. It was the result of a recording session back in May of that year at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama. The session featured Bob Dylan and the song would go on to be recorded by over 50 different artists, including Etta James, Mavis Staples, Natalie Cole and more. But it was this week back in 1979 that it became Bob Dylan’s twelfth American top 40 hit . . . with this song . . . ‘Gotta Serve Somebody’.

You Gotta Dance
Some Days You Gotta Dance – James Taylor
Money Money Money – Nils Landgren Funk Unit
Tell The Truth & Shame The Devil – Malford Milligan & The Southern Aces
Take The Money & Run – Colin Moulding & Tony Kaye
Under The Boardwalk – John Mellencamp

Tell It Like It Is
Gotta Serve Somebody – Bob Dylan

Can’t Go Home
When The Girl Says Yes – Al Basile
Kiss Me Like You Miss Me – Dave Keller
Can’t Go Home – Stephen Foster & Howler
Stone Soul Picnic – Johnny Johnson & The Bandwagon

Mellow Moment
Baby It’s You – Beryl Marsden

Too Late To Grow Up
Let The Candle Light Shine – Frankie Miller
Watermelon Time – Marcia Ball
Too Late To Grow Up – The Kokomo Kings
Cry Over You – Little Willie Littlefield & The Big Town Playboys
Let It Rock – Jeff Lynne

Well, there was some mighty good time music from The Kokomo Kings, with what happens to be their latest release . . . ‘Too Late To Grow Up’ . . . and some of us know that just so well! Keeping the good times going, there was a warm welcome for The Big Town Playboys, who have been known very well to yours truly, as well as Diane & Pete. So, for them and anyone else who remembers the band well, they were in the mix for this week’s Sonic Tonic , along with Little Willie Littlefield . . . and while they were here, I recommended you had best put the breakables somewhere safe.

Now, if like Delina and Gary you were getting excited about getting out and about to hear some familiar toons of Jeff Lynne and ELO, then you too may have been disappointed that it didn’t go ahead. So, I had a sympathetic smile and a shrug, as I dosed up the Sonic Tonic to bring them some timely cheer. It came in the form of a little number from Jeff Lynne that was sure to get your rhythm receptors up in the red zone. But before that, there was a big thanks for your good company for this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again sometime soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic sometime soon. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 8 October 2021

If all it took was wishing . . . .

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

Well, there was a big bluesy welcome to one and all, as I arrived with an armful of the best blues around, which meant, plenty of new releases, some seasoned favourites and maybe a surprise or two. Perhaps, just a little controversially, I kicked off with The Rolling Stones latest . . . their cover of a Chi-Lites song that they recorded in 1979 for the Tattoo You sessions. It’s one of the rarities that’s due to appear on the band’s upcoming ‘Tattoo You’ reissue. Then, I was going back a good deal further . . . and the seasoned bluesers will be sure to remember Taj Mahal doing ‘Mailbox Blue’ on one of his early solo albums and it’s still in his repertoire, as he proves on his latest album release ‘Queen Bee Live’.

This week, my album of the week was the latest from The Headhunters Blues Band called ‘Cold Cuts’. Their reputation has been spreading fast and well beyond their stomping ground of Liverpool. But, that will be no surprise to those who’ve seen them live . . . and to make the point, my first choice from their new album was ‘Three Times A Fool’.

Troubles A-Coming
Troubles A-Coming – The Rolling Stones (Tattoo You – 2021)
Mailbox Blue – Taj Mahal (Queen Bee Live – 2021)
It Takes A Lot To Laugh It Takes A Train To Cry – Carolyn Wonderland (Tempting Fate – 2021)
Three Times A Fool – The Headhunter Blues Band (Cold Cuts – 2021)
Biloxi – Steven Foster & Howler (Southern – 2021)
Cocaine – Roy Book Binder (Live at The Fur Peace Station – 2005)
Cry For Me, Baby – The Wentus Blues Band (From The Barrell – 2021)

Pinetop’s Pick
Poor Man Blues – Ottilie Patterson (Ottilie Patterson with Chris Barber’s Jazz Band 1955-58 – 2020)

Sentenced To The Blues
Sit Down Baby – The Headhunter Blues Band (Cold Cuts – 2021)
Sentenced To The Blues – The Porkroll Project (Papa Didn’t Raise Me Right – 2021)
I Wanna Know – Rusty Ends Blues Band (Rusty Ends Blues Band – 2021)
If All It Took Was Wishing – Al Basile (B’s Testimony – 2021)
It Hurts Me Too – The Headhunter Blues Band (Cold Cuts – 2021)
I Heard It Twice – Mississippi MacDonald (Do Right, Say Right – 2021)
Frosty – Albert Collins & Stevie Ray Vaughan (Live at The New Orleans Jazz Festival – 1988)

I noticed this week had a good many notable blues birthdays and among them was Roy Bookbinder. Now, I happen to be fan of Mr Bookbinder, so it was no trouble whatsoever to pull out something from his catalogue and it was a favourite number of mine and given poignant live version by Roy from back in 2005. Now, the blues diarists will have been keen to point out two other names of the blues and both with birthdays on the same day . . . Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert Collins. So, to celebrate, I thought I would play out this week with them on playing stage together at The New Orleans Jazz Fest in 1988 and somewhere in there is Katie Webster on piano too. But, 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 7 October 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 9 October 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 10 October 2021

Juke Box Jump . . .

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

If the current events have been unnerving, confusing or, at least, disappointing, then you might have been very pleased to find the trusty Cruise Mobile rolling along at the appointed hour, to whisk you away to ‘who knows where’ with ‘you know who’! As ever, it arrived with the windows down the radio cranked up and a seat saved especially for you. So, after a big cheery welcome there was the customary invitation to jump aboard to go Cruising with the Commissioner.

We set off on our musical adventure this week with Swedish band Nosey Joe & The Pool Kings with a rocking little number titled ‘Club Jump’, which heralded not only a European theme to our choices, but a special feature too. This week we decided to feature on one of the UK’s notable independent record labels, Immediate, and a selection of tracks from their single releases.

After Sweden’s Nosey Joe & The Pool Kings, we demonstrated our international credentials, as our R&B choices ranged from Netherlands band, Dee’s Honeytones, to the UK’s amazing Si Cranstoun, then another Swedish band, The Beat From Palookaville, followed by German band Cherry Casino & The Gamblers. We went dipping back a few years for something from one of the instantly recognisable voices of the UK 60s, Helen Shapiro, who had her first chart success at the age of 14. If you want to know more about her, check out Thom Hickey’s blog the ‘Immortal Jukebox’, where he provides a worthy celebration of her career. Then, we closed our international choices with UK 8 piece band, The Big Heat, who proved they can do some great swinging R&B that can excites some rhythmic movement, with numbers like, ‘Slowly Losing My Mind’.

This week’s Girls & Guitars feature also had a European flavour, with its spotlight on an all girl band from Liverpool, The Liverbirds. They were one of the few female Merseybeat bands of the 60s and featured two singer/guitarists in their line up, Valerie Gell and Pamela Birch, along with bassist Mary McGlory and drummer Sylvia Saunders. During their time together, they released two albums and several singles, one of which got into the German charts, their cover of Bo Diddley’s ‘Diddley Daddy’.

Juke Box Jump 
Club Jump – Nosey Joe & The Pool Kings
Big Bess – Dee’s Honeytones

Juke Box Jump – Si Cranstoun
I’m Glad Glad – The Beat From Palookaville
The Party’s Going On – Cherry Casino & The Gamblers

Girls & Guitars
Diddley Daddy – The Liverbirds

Cruising with Immediate Records
Hang On Sloopy – The McCoys
The Bells Of Rhymney – The Fifth Avenue
Cara-Lin – The Strangeloves
You Can’t Buy My Love – Barbara Lynn
I’m Your Witchdoctor – John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
Out Of Time – Chris Farlowe
First Cut Is The Deepest – P.P. Arnold
Hello Suzie – Amen Corner
Lazy Sunday Afternoon – The Small Faces

Slowly Losing My Mind
Fever – Helen Shapiro
Slowly Losing My Mind – The Big Heat
Rainy Day Women 12 & 35 – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

In the event, we only had time to skim through the musical legacy of the Immediate record label, launched, as it was, in the middle of 1965 with much fanfare and support from some notable artists. The famous first release came via the American label Bang records and featured a re-working of the Vibrations song ‘Hang On Sloopy’ by The McCoys. Immediate records also encouraged UK artists and, as well as mainstream music, the label also built a reputation for recording blues material, with names like Jo Ann Kelly, Savoy Brown, Eric Clapton and Fleetwood Mac. There was plenty more ‘good stuff’ on the label, but we ran out of time. So, we may be revisiting this story on a future occasion.

As the Cruise Mobile rolled to a stopped, we were grateful to find ourselves returned safe and sound to where we started. Then, with a quick polish of the Cruise Mobile and some cheery farewells, we were ready to do it all again. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 5 October 2021