Ain’t that the blues . . .

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

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Well, a big bluesy welcome to this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling and if you like the blues then you’re definitely in the right place, because we’ve got plenty of new releases, some old favourites and afew that may have slipped by under the radar . . . until now!

To prove the point, we kicked off with Will Wilde and some swaggering blues that kicks off his latest album ‘Live in Hamburg’, which is released this week. This album was recorded at the Downtown Bluesclub in Hamburg and it proved to be a great start to a great evening . . .

If I Get My Hands On You – Will Wilde (Live in Hamburg – 2016)
Rooster Blues – The Boom Band (The Moon Goes Boom – 2015)
Night Train – Rebecca Downes (Believe – 2016)
Boom Boom – Becky Barksdale (2120 Sessions – 2013)
Give Me One Reason – Leslie West (Soundcheck – 2015)
Changes Coming Here – Mark Harrison (Chicken Sandwich – 2015)
No Love For Sale – Lonnie Johnson
Ain’t That The Blues – The Rusty Wright Band (Wonder Man – 2015)
Three’s Company Boogie – Daniel Smith & Friends (Keys To the Highway – 2016)
The Blues Was In Their Souls – Blues Evolution (Inspired – 2015)
Satisfaction Blues – Rufus & Ben Quillian (Please Warm My Weiner- 2005)
Better Start Cooking – Chris Bevington & Friends (Better Start Cooking – 2016)

Sadly, the sands of time seemed to run out far too soon on this week’s show, but we did cram in plenty fine choices (even if I say so myself). But, we started heading home with Chris Bevington and Friends and the title track of their latest album ‘Better Start Cooking’. But we’ll be back again, same time, same place when once again The Blues Come Calling, Until then . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 30 January 2016

Take me to the Mardi Gras . . .

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

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Well, the rain lashed the Grand Duchy this week, along with some strong winds that made it all seem very wintery . . . . which should be no surprise, as it’s still January. But we’re already planning well ahead, with dates booked for gigs and festivals and it’s encouraging us to imagine sunny days, good company and great music.

Meanwhile, we’re still smiling about a great Saturday adventure in London, which included a hearty lunch, followed by a wander down Kingly Street (site of the famous ‘Bag O’ Nails’ club), round into Carnaby Street (so different now from it’s 60’s heyday). Then heading for Soho and couple of the Capital’s meccas for vinyl record enthusiasts . . . and we didn’t leave empty handed as we continued down Wardour Street, past the site of the Marquee Club. Then down Charing Cross Road (lingering for a brief moment where Dobell’s Jazz & Record Shop used to stand), on through the bustle of Covent Garden and across Waterloo bridge with the inevitable memory of ‘that’ haunting melody.

The good mood lasted through the preparations for this week’s show and was still evident as we set off on our cruise with Nappy Brown and a long-time favourite, ‘Don’t Be Angry’ . . . and it all rolled on from there . . . .

Cruising with the breeze . . .
Don’t Be Angry – Nappy Brown
Howlin’ At Midnight – Willis Jackson
Honey Don’t – Shakin’ Stevens & The Sunsets
Lonely Heart – Carl Perkins
Saturday Night – The Bobby Fuller Four
Open Up Your Heart – Eugene Church
Great Jumpin’ Catfish – The Wanderers
Got Nobody To Love – Terry Timmonds

Commissioned by The Commissioner . . . with The Shake
The Black Swan – Jake Thackray

It’s Alright – Etta James
Sunday Kind Of Love – Beth Hart
You Can’t Judge A Book – Becky Barksdale
Right Track – Billy Butler & The Enchanters
6345789 – The Elgins
Cars – Baked Ala Ska

Pinetop’s Pick
Hi Heel Sneakers – Brain Knight

Cruising where we please . . . .
Don’t Fear The Reaper – Blue Oyster Cult
I Wonder – The Gants
You Don’t Know What You’ve Got – Del Shannon
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow – William Bell
Go Go Power – Sugar Pie DeSanto
I Spy For The FBI – Jamo Thomas & His Party Brothers
Don’t You Just Know It – Huey ‘Piano’ Smith & The Clowns
Mardi Gras In New Orleans – Professor Longhair
Take Me To The Mardi Gras – Johnnie Taylor
Madison Blues – Elmore James
Chantilly Lace – Jerry Lee Lewis

We celebrated a few birthdays this week, with Beth Hart, Etta James,  Elmore James and Huey ‘Piano’ Smith, while our Girls & Guitars feature focused on Texan Becky Barksdale, the first act to be signed to the House of Blues label.

When we started our cruise, we had no idea where we were going, but the
trusty Cruise Mobile got us there and back in style and then it was time to park it up, polish it up and get it ready for next week. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 28 January 2016

Nothing I wouldn’t do . . .

Listen here to what happened this week’s Down at Kokomo’s:

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Well, if you’re looking for good company and great music, you’ll not do better than take a trip to join the friendly faces Down at Kokomo’s. This week’s visit was full of fine sounds and a pretty crowded dance floor, but that’s how we like it!

We kicked off our playlist with an instrumental that set the mood right for the groovers . . . . courtesy of The Diplomats of Solid Sound . . . . .

Growin’ In It – The Diplomats of Solid Sound
Nothin I Wouldn’t Do – The James Hunter Six
You Got The Better Of Me – Cookin’ On 3 Burners
Can I Get A Witness – The Low Budget Blues Band
You Make Me Smile – Aloe Blacc
Blame It On Me – Boukou Groove
Voulez-vous – The Nils Landgren Funk Unit

While the groovers were having a great time, Miss Rosie was clearing the tables and Antoine was giving a cheery smile, as he returned to his duties at the door . . . . then it was time to say our goodbyes. So, we played out with The Nils Landgren Funk Unit and something you may know, although you might not admit it too readily. But, we kept the groove going to the end and, if you enjoyed your time Down at Kokomo’s this week, we hope we’ll have the pleasure of your company, same time, same place, next week. Until then . . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 28 January 2016

 

In deep . . .

Listen here to this week’s show:

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Well, we were back this week with a big bluesy welcome for our latest edition of The Blues Come Calling. The past week has brought the return of some friendly faces, the odd birthday and some great new music. But, there was also some sadness too, with the news about the passing of Glenn Frey, so I pulled out one of his bluesy numbers to remember him in our own way.

To prove the point about just how much I’ve been enjoying this week’s music discoveries, we kicked off with The Five Altered Blues Band and their swinging blues,’ I’m In Deep’ and followed up with guitarist/singer Keith Thompson’s 2006 release ‘Preachin’ The Blues’.

Preachin’ The Blues . . .
I’m In Deep – Five Altered Blues Band (Cryin’ Mercy – 2014)
Preachin’ The Blues – Keith Thompson (Independence – 2006)
Born in Chicago – RG Winfield & Double Shuffle (2015)
Who’s Been Sleeping In My Bed – Glenn Frey (Solo Collection – 1995)
Southern Rag – Blind Blake (Southern Rag – 2008)
The Thrill Is Gone – Catfish (When BB Sings The Blues – 2016)
Good Morning Blues – The Mick Clarke Band (Ruff ‘N’ Roar – 2016)

Pinetop’s Pick
Baby, Baby, Baby – Jimmy Witherspoon (Baby, Baby, Baby – 1990)

Someone New . . .
I’m Your Child – Nikki James (The Album – 2015)
Someone New – Larry Garner (Louisiana Swamp Blues Vol 3 – 2015)
Purple – Danny Bryant’s Red Eye Band (Watching You – 2015)
Hey John – Daniel Smith & Friends (Keys To The Highway – 2016)
I’m Going Down The Line – Ear Hooker (Two Bugs & A Roach – 1990)

Like all good things, it had to come to an end and Earl Hooker brought us to the end of this edition of The Blues Comes Calling. So, we headed for home, but not before we tidied up the records and CDs, put the smiling picture of the station boss back on the wall and waved everyone a cheery farewell. At least until next week, which is when, hopefully, you’ll be back again, same time same place when once again The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . . have fun!

Broadcast  by Miskin Radio
23 January 2016

No place to run . . .

Listen here to this week’s show:

 
Well, it may have been chilly outside, but there was a very warm welcome Down at Kokomo’s and there were plenty of folks to make it a memorable night. Those who have been here before know there’s always some very fine sounds on our playlist and this week was no exception. We enjoyed some fine tracks to help us on our way to the midnight hour.

We kicked off our playlist with an instrumental that set the mood right for the groovers, with Motown’s Earl Van Dyke & The Soul Brothers delivering their instrumental take on ‘Nowhere To Run’. But, even if there was little scope for running, there was plenty of room for dancing . . . . and we did!

Nowhere To Run – Earl Van Dyke
My World Is Crumbling – Brenda Holloway
Just Before Love Ends – Jimmy Ruffin
Who Will The Next Fool Be – Betty Everett
Not Ready For Love – Rita Satch
I’ll Take You There – Boukou Groove
Feeling Good – Jean Du Shon
Happy – Speedometer

We especially enjoyed Melbourne’s own seductive siren, Rita Satch, sounding to me very much like Amy Winehouse (which is no bad thing at all) and neither was the welcome return of Boukou Groove with ‘I’ll Take You There’. But, all too soon, it was almost tomorrow and Miss Rosie began her ritual of gliding between the tables and clearing away the glasses, while Antoine was in position at the door with his cheery smile to see everyone safely back into the outside world for another week. So, for all those who enjoyed their visit Down at Kokomo’s . . . . here’s hoping we’ll have the pleasure of their company, same time same place next week. Until then, remember ….. have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 21 January 2016

Oop shoop . . .

Listen here to this week’s show:

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Well, we may have had some snow around the Grand Duchy recently, but nothing was going to stop us bringing a very warm welcome to this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner . . . and it didn’t!

This week Mr Merlot was firmly gripping our colour chart for a rather colourful Cruising connection, which started with Bristol band, Redhouse and their ‘Long Black Shiny Car’ , followed by Larry Dowd’s ‘Pink Cadillac’, then Mike Sanchez’s ‘Blue Boy’, followed by Alan Bown’s ‘Technicolour Dream’, The Orange Bicycle, and finally a double whammy with The Lemon Pipers’ ‘Green Tambourine’.

Joining us again this week were our guests Arfa Pinetop and The Shake, bringing their own choices. But, before all that, we kicked off down the road with Gene Burks and his 1964 Arock 45 ‘Shirley Jean’ and then with another Shirley . . . Shirley Gunter & The Queens, with their big hit of 1954 on Flair records, ‘Oop Shoop’ . . .

Cruising in a pink Cadillac . . . .
Shirley Jean – Gene Burks
Oop Shoop – Shirley Gunter & The Queens
Dynamite – Brenda Lee
Long Black Shiny Car – Redhouse
Pink Cadillac – Larry Dowd & The Rock-A-Tones
Blue Boy – Mike Sanchez
If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody – Aretha Franklin
Got My Mind Set On You – James Ray

Commissioner by The Commissioner . . . . with The Shake
Let’s Pretend – Tindersticks

I’ll Take You There – Jessica Mauboy
That’s The Way Love Is – Kenny Lattimore

Doo Wop Stop
You Tickle Me Baby – The Royal Jokers
Kiss Me – Marvin & Johnny

I Won’t Cry For You – The Blue Beat Stompers

Cruising way out West . . . .
Technicolour Dream – Alan Bown Set
Last Cloud Home – Orange Bicycle
Green Tambourine – The Lemon Pipers
Rosalyn – The Pretty Things

Pinetop’s Pick
Waded In The Water Trying To Get Home – Blind Joe Taggart

Everything’s Alright – The Mojos
I’ll Suffer – Barbara Lynn
Pretty Flamingo – Tommy Vann & The Echoes
Goin’ To The River – Bill & Will
Wigglin’ & Gigglin’ – Jimmy Ricks
It Hit Me Where it Hurts – Vernon & Jewel
Everybody Needs Somebody To Love – Wilson Pickett
Just Looking For A Home – Big Walter Price & His Thunderbirds

Amongst the birthdays this past week was one of songstress Barbara Lynn, who is not only an excellent soul singer and song writer, but happens to be a guitarist too (and a left hander). So, when it came to choosing the focus of this week’s Girls and Guitars feature, she was an obvious choice. So, we chose one of her less well known recordings, ‘I’ll Suffer’.

This week, if you were moved to some rhythmic movement by our playlist, then you were in good company with The Cruisettes, because they were very much in evidence and demonstrating a rather extreme brand of their most dangerous dancing. Mr Merlot took refuge in the corner, but was not sufficiently distracted to miss nodding at the Cruising clock and raising an eyebrow in a very theatrical manner to signal that time was running out on our cruise. So, we headed for home with Big Walter Price & His Thunderbirds with the very appropriate ‘Just Looking For A Home’ and we arrived just in time to park up the cruise mobile and give it a quick polish, ready for next week. That’s when we plan to call by same time same place with a seat saved especially for you. So, until the next time we go Cruising with the Commissioner . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 21January 2016

Anybody listening . . .

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

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Well, a big bluesy welcome to this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling and it’s been a great week for re-discovering some old favourites and listening to some excellent new releases. We pulled out some 50s blues from the great Tampa Red and stumbled across a great blues track tucked away on an album by a band called Boukou Groove  that really fits into another genre. Our regular guest, Arfa Pinetop, brought along some Chicago blues from Fleetwood Mac, who were contemporaries of UK blues band Savoy Brown. By some quirky coincidence,  this week’s playlist includes a new album by the much revered bluesmen, Kim Simmons along with Savoy Brown titled ‘The Devil To Pay’ and we kicked off the show with their track ‘Snakin’’ . . .

I’m done . . .
Snakin’ Kim Simmonds & Savoy Brown (The Devil To Pay – 2015)
I’m Done – Jay Stollman (Room For One More – 2015)
Evalina – Tampa Red (Tampa Red Vol.15 – 2005)
Can’t Come Back – Boukou Groove (Let The Groove Ride – 2015)
The Killing Line – Mike Brookfield (Love Breaks The Fall – 2015)
I Don’t Want To Leave You – Nikki James (The Album – 2015)
Years Of Tears – Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat (Tijuana Bible – 2009)

Pinetop’s Pick
Red Hot Jam – Fleetwood Mac (Blues Jam In Chicago – 1969)

Come back home . . .
I Can’t Be Satisfied – Michael Messer’s Mitra (Call Of The Blues – 2016)
Anybody Listening – Cecile Doo-Kingue (Anyone Listening Part 2 – 2016)
Roll ‘Em Pete – Neville Dickie (Back To Boogie – 1975)
I Pity The Fool – The Mannish Boys (Bowie 1965 – 2006)
Come Back Home – Lance Lopez (Handmade Music – 2011)

I was more than a little surprised to hear it played by Neville Dickie on a blues radio show from New Orleans last week, but as I’m a sucker for some boogie woogie, I included it in the playlist. I also included a tribute to David Bowie which may have been a shock to some folks to find out that he started out singing blues and R&B. So, I dug out a track of his from his time with The Mannish Boys . . . Bobby Bland’s hit ‘I Pity The Fool’. But we closed the show with some head nodding, foot tapping blues from Lance Lopez and track, appropriately titled, ‘Come Back Home’.

Then it was time to tidy up the records and CDs, put the smiling picture of the station boss back on the wall and wave everyone a cheery farewell . . . at least until next week. Because, we’ll be back, same time, same place when once again The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . have fun!

Everything’s alright . . .

Listen here to this week’s show:

Well, the preparations for this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner were overshadowed by the passing of David Bowie and we included our own tribute, although, unlike many, it focused on his R&B origins and his covers of early songs that clearly influenced his formative days. But, his music lives on and we’re very grateful for that legacy.

Despite that shock to the system, we kept on track with our newly found features for the new year, including our Girls & Guitars feature, The Shake’s ‘Commissioned by The Commissioner’ choices, our Doo Wop Stop and something bluesy from Arfa Pinetop and ‘Pinetop’s Pick’. But, we didn’t forget our Cruising Connections selection, which this week focused on the originals of songs that got covered by Elvis.

First of all, though, we kicked off down the road with Tommy Ridgley, a favourite son of the Crescent City, with his 1950 Imperial 45 ‘Boogie Woogie Mama’ . . . . followed swiftly by a 1957 release from Bobby & Buddy and a song inspired by an advert for Thunderbird Wine . . . . ‘What’s The Word – Thunderbird’

What’s the word . . .
Boogie Woogie Mama – Tommy Ridgley
What’s The Word . . . Thunderbird – Bobby & Buddy
You Got Me Uptight – The Gay Poppers
His Latest Flame – Del Shannon
Bossa Nova Baby – Tippie & The Clovers
Burning Love – Arthur Alexander
Born A Loser – Don Ray
Just Ain’t Enough Love – The Isley Brothers
Just One Look – Doris Troy
Look Through Any Window – Michael Carpenter

Commissioned by The Commissioner . . . . with The Shake
Leaving This Town – The Beach Boys

What You Gonna Do About It – The Heptones

Pinetop’s Pick
A Married Man’s A Fool – Blind Willie McTell

COD – Albert King

Cruising where we please . . .
Rosalyn – David Bowie
Everything’s Alright – David Bowie
Dancing In The Street – David Bowie & Mick Jagger
The Rain, The Park & Other Things – The Cowsills
The Grooviest Girl In The World – The Fun & Games
Having A Good Time – Alberta Hunter

Girls & Guitars
Sweet Talkin’ Devil – Cecile Doo-Kingue

Romance Without Finance – Little Feat

Doo Wop Stop
Crazy Eyes For You – Bobby Hamilton
Zippity Zip – The Empires

Cruising for home . . .
I Know You Don’t Love Me – Howlin’ Wilf & The VeeJays
Bumpity Bump – Mitch Woods
The Tattooed Lady & The Alligator Man – Marcia Ball

Our Girls & Guitars feature had a welcome surprise this week, in the form of a pre-release copy of the new album by Cecile Doo-Kingue. She is one of Montreal’s singer/songwriters and an exceptional guitarist too. Her new album is titled Anyone Listening Part 2 which gets released later this month and amongst the tracks is ‘Sweet Talkin’ Devil’.

Long before were we prepared, we were heading for home with some rockin’ New Orleans R&B from Mitch Woods and a favourite from the latest album by Marcia Ball, ‘The Tattooed Lady & The Alligator Man’. But, we arrived home safe and sound and just in time to park up the cruise mobile and give it a quick polish, ready for next week. That’s when we plan to call by same time same place with a seat saved especially for you. So, until the next time we go Cruising with the Commissioner . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 14 January 2016

Do your thing . . .

Listen here to this week’s show:

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Well, we all made it back after the festive break and it all seemed like we’d never been away. Antoine was there at the door to welcome everyone Down at Kokomo’s and, as the familiar faces drifted in, we relaxed for another evening of good company and some very fine sounds.

To help us on our way to the midnight hour this week, we kicked off our playlist with an instrumental that just set the mood right . . . . 6ix Toys and ‘Do Your Thing’ . . . and that needed little encouragement Down at Kokomo’s . . . .

6ix Toys – Do Your Thing
Don’t Do It – Janiva Magness
This Girl – Cookin’ On 3 Burners (Ft Kylie Auldist)
Can’t Stop Dancing – Nate James
Stand On My Own Two Feet – Angelo Starr
I’m Feelin’ You – Boukou Groove
If It Moves, It Grooves – The R&B Express

Well, there were plenty of folks on the floor and grooving to Boukou Groove, which is probably why no-one noticed Miss Rosie gliding effortlessly between the tables here and chatting to folks as she cleared away the glasses. As we all know now, that’s a sure sign that it’s nearly tomorrow and our cue to find something suitable to take us through to midnight. So, we chose one more from The R&B Express and a great little number, appropriately titled ‘If It Moves, It Grooves’ and it did! But, then it was time to be heading for home, with Jazzy G (reluctantly) leaving his seat at the end of the bar, to find Antoine at the door with a cheery smile to see everyone safely out. So, we very much very much hope you enjoyed your visit Down at Kokomo’s and that we’ll have the pleasure of your company, same time same place next week. Until then . . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 14 January 2016

I Get The Blues So Easy

Listen here to this week’s show:

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Well, all the festive decorations are gone now and we’re wondering about the wisdom of our new year’s resolutions. But, we came back full of good spirits to bring some more great blues and start 2016 as we mean to go on. To prove it, we packed all we could into this week’s playlist, with some new releases and some old favourites to create that rich mix that has served us well, to date. Take a listen to what we picked out for this week’s playlist:

I Get The Blues So Easy
Kiss me One More Time – Willie Cobbs (Pure Gold 45 – 1964)
Everybody Already Knows -Eden Brent (Jigsaw Heart – 2015)
Found True Love – Blue Stew (Headed South – 2005)
I Get The Blues So Easy – Debbie Davies (Love Spin – 2015)
Loan Me A Dime – Wily Bo Walker & E.D. Brayshaw (Loan Me A Dime – 2014)
My Creole Belle – Mississippi John Hurt (Friends Of Old Time Music – 2006)
Mexicali Run – Jim Suhler & Monkey Beat (Tijuana Bible – 2009)

Pinetop’s Pick
Say No To The Devil – Rev. Gary Davis

Don’t Whisper
That’s My Life – Roomful Of Blues (Jumpin’ & Swingin’ – 2010)
The Usual – Low Budget Blues Band (Low Budget Blues Band – 1990)
Champagne For Ali Baba – Piano Connection & Marcs Boogie (Boogie Woogie & Blues – 1999)
Don’t Whisper – Shemekia Copelan (Talking To Strangers – 2002)
May Be Right, May Be Wrong – Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames (Slip Into A Dream – 2015)

Time ticked by and all too soon we were playing out with the latest album from Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames ‘Slip into a dream’. That was the signal to bring us to the end of this edition of The Blues Comes Calling, but, before we started heading for home, we tidied up the records and CDs, put the smiling picture of the station boss back on the wall and waved a cheery farewell to all . . . at least until next week. But, we’ll be back again . . .same time same place when once again The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 9 January 2016