A Love Affair With The Blues . . .

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

Well, whatever happens elsewhere, you can count on there being a big bluesy welcome and another 60 minutes of the best of the blues, every time The Blues Come Calling. This week they came calling this week with something from legendary UK bluesman, Long John Baldry and his take on ‘I’m Ready’ from a new Warner Brothers collection of his blues tracks, titled ‘It’s Easy’. Then, there was another old favourite, delivered this time by one of the really entertaining bands around now, The Achievers.

If you like a little social commentary in your blues, then the songs on Shemekia Copeland’s new album ‘America’s Child’ will be worth checking out, but if you want to have a taste of songs from much earlier, we pulled out Rory Block’s latest album with her take on Bessie Smith’s ‘Do Your Duty’.

Bernie Marsden, was on our giglist recently and he always manages to include at least one Peter Green number in his setlist . . . for which we’re always grateful . . . so it was a prompt to have him on our playlist this week with his tribute to Peter, ‘Watch Out’. The boys from Brooklyn, Jimmy & Peter Bennett, were back as The Bennett Brothers with a much played track from their latest album ‘Not Made For Hire’ . . . ‘How Long’. Then, ‘first-timers’ on this show, Black Cat Road with ‘Black Cat Road’ from their album ‘Black Cat Road’.

I’m Ready
I’m Ready – Long John Baldry (It’s Easy – 2018)
Lovin’ Machine – The Achievers (Live at The SVA – 2018)
In The Blood Of The Blues – Shemekia Copeland (America’s Child – 2018)
Do Your Duty – Rory Block (A Woman’s Soul – 2018)
Watch Out – Bernie Marsden (Blues & Green – 1995)
How Long – The Bennett Brothers (Not Made For Hire – 2018)
Black Cat Road – Black Cat Road (Black Cat Road -2018)

Pinetop’s Pick
Hoochie Coochie Man – Black Stone Cherry (Black To The Blues – 2017)

Down On Frenchmen Street
Cadillac Woman – Scott Ellison (Ice Storm -2018)
Frenchmen Street Blues – Jon Cleary (Dyna-Mite – 2018)
I’m Your Country Man – Tom ‘Shy Guy’ Douglas (Let Me Tell You About The Blues – 2010)
Forget About You – Mitch Laddie Band (Another World – 2018)
A Love Affair With The Blues – Mike Vernon & The Mighty Combo (Beyond The Blues Horizon – 2018)
Night Stomp – Steve Hunter (Fit For A King – 1993)

Tulsa bluesman, Scott Ellison, was back with ‘Cadillac Woman’ from his latest album ‘Ice Storm’ and we had some very mellow blues from Jon Cleary’s latest album titled ‘Dyna-Mite’ and a tribute to his New Orleans’ roots . . . . ‘Frenchmen Street Blues’. But, for those with a love the sound of those early Frank Frost or Jimmy Reed recordings, there was something from Tennessee bluesman, Tom ‘Shy Guy’ Douglas, with his Excello 45 ‘I’m Your Country Man’.

In his early career, Mitch Laddie, got plenty of encouragement from Walter Trout and it’s not surprising either. After two much acclaimed albums, there’s been a bit of a gap, but Mitch is back now with a new release titled ‘Another World’ and we offered a taster . . . ‘Forget About You’. There was another taster to follow, with something from the up-coming album by Mike Vernon and The Mighty Combo, ‘Beyond The Blues Horizon’. It’s due for release in September and includes some good stuff, like ‘A Love Affair with The Blues’.

Then, our time was nearly up, so we played out this week with an Albert King instrumental called ‘Night Stomp’, delivered by Steve Hunter. 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 31 July 2018

Juke Box Boogie Woogie . . .

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

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Well, with a hoot and a holler, we set off on this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner and, as ever, the trusty Cruise Mobile called by with a seat saved especially for you and some great music on the radio. We kicked off in fine style with ‘Big Girl’ by King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys and being followed fast by a little 1954 Sapphire 45 from Snookum Russell. The ‘good spirits’ were definitely with us as we enjoyed a most excellent piece of rocking R&B from Ray Scott & the Scottsmen, whose later releases became big Northern Soul favourites.

Mr Merlot showed some misunderstanding of the ‘good spirits’ when he arrived with a rather large glass of Scotland’s finest export and some stout walking boots, to do a little ‘Walking With The Spirit’ with Eddie Watkins Jr. That was something we uncovered in this week’s rummaging in the Cruising Library, along with a 1958 Jubilee 45 by Ernest Tucker, which left us wondering if that’s the same guy who also recorded as Little Ernest Tucker and Monroe Tucker. So, if someone out there in Cruising land knows any more . . . do tell.

In this week’s Cruising Connections, we featured a trio of tracks that were all well known 50s R&B hits and all recorded for Atlantic records in 1956 . . . . but, neither of those was the link we’re looking for. To help spot another link, we started with a classic from Big Joe Turner, Corrine Corrina’, followed by Chuck Willis’s much covered ballad ‘It’s Too Late’ and closing with a Doc Pomus song from Ray Charles. ‘Lonely Avenue’. All of which had Brooklyn girl group, The Cookies, providing the backup singing. Then we couldn’t resist the chance to play The Cookies’ 1962 hit, ‘Chains’ which got a further boost when it got covered by the Beatles.
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Our Girls & Guitars feature this week, turned its spotlight on North Carolina songstress Betsy Dawn Williams . . . or Bee Dee, as she’s known to family and friends. She got her first guitar at the age of 13 and was soon singing and playing well enough to learn the string bass as well. She’s played both in several bands along the way . . . and is now fronting her own R&B and rockabilly band, Li’l BeeDee & the Doo-Rites. Our choice from Bee Dee blamed her sleepless nights on The Boogie Woogieman Under My Bed’.

Walking With The Spirit
Big Girl – King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys
Juke Box Boogie Woogie Chick – Snookum Russell
Silk Satin & Lace – Ray Scott & The Scottsmen
Walking With The Spirit – Eddie Watkins Jr
Mirror Mirror On The Wall – Ernest Tucker

Cruising Connections
Corrine Corrina – Big Joe Turner
It’s Too Late – Chuck Willis
Lonely Avenue – Ray Charles
Chains – The Cookies

Girls & Guitars
The Boogie Woogieman Under My Bed – Lil Bee Dee & The Doo-Rites

Doo Wop Delights
W-P-L-J (White Port & Lemon Juice) – The Four Deuces
Call Baby Call – The Diamonds

One That I Like
Groceries Sir – The Dukes
Just How Much – The Kollettes
You’ve Got What I Like – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers
One That I Like – Cuddly Dudley & The Redcaps
Come On Baby – Derry Hart & The Hartbeats
Ah Poor Little Baby – Adam Faith
Hop, Skip & Jump – The King Brothers
We Say Yeah – Cliff Richard & The Shadows
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This week, our selection of Doo Wop Delights came with a respectful tip of the hat now in the direction of both Matt The Cat and Neil Pellegrin, who both featured our first choice by San Francisco vocal group, The Four Deuces. It was recorded in February 1956, it got covered by Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention in 1969 and in 1971 it was adopted as the call sign of a New York Radio station. The song was ‘W-P-L-J’. Matt The Cat, also prompted our second choice . . . a 1952 Atlantic release by 50s New York vocal group, The Diamonds (not to be confused with the later Canadian group of the same name). The New York Diamonds only ever released 3 singles, but they left behind our choice . . . their 1952 single ‘Call Baby Call’.

There was another short lived group in our playlist, The Dukes, who included Bobby Nunn and Carl Gardner from The Robins and only recorded two singles. We chose’ Groceries, Sir’ and it came with big thanks to Jamie Dell’Apa for reminding us of that one. Up next was a 1964 Chess 45 there from girl group The Kolettes, who were rumoured to be The Soul Sisters. Listening to their ‘Just How Much’, it certainly could be, but if you know more, do tell.

Then, with a characteristic lack of self-control, Mr Merlot took the controls of the Cruise Mobile and, waving a Union Jack, took us across the Atlantic for a selection of rocking sounds of the 50s from some home grown talents . . . starting with Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, then one of the regulars on the celebrated TV show ‘Oh Boy’, Cuddly Dudley, and then South London’s Derry Hart & The Hartbeats with their only ever release, a 1959 Decca 45 that gets plenty of attention from the collectors these days. Adam Faith made an appearance with another 1959 song that did well in America for Billy ‘Crash’ Craddock, then came close harmony vocal group The King Brothers trying their luck with a little rock and roll on ‘Hop Skip & Jump’ and the last choice in our little selection of UK rock and roll came from Cliff Richard and The Shadows with a real crowd pleaser from their early years ‘We Say Yeah’.

Then, the inevitable sound of the rattling tin cans, confirmed that our Cruising time had definitely run out, but wherever our musical adventures took us this week, we arrived back safe and sound, just where we started. So, as we parked up the Cruise Mobile for another week, we gave it a quick polish, we very much hoped that we’ll have the pleasure of your good company again, the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 28 July 2018

All That Blues . . .

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

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Well, a big bluesy welcome to another hour of the best of the blues, which is what you always get when The Blues Come Calling and they came calling this week with Swedish band The Bluebirds and the phrase you don’t want to hear on the weather forecast . . . . ‘Sun Turns To Rain’. But, whatever the weather, it’s always a joy to catch some new blues and there’s plenty around now, including the latest album from the Blues Band, ‘The Rooster Crowed’, and re-appeared on this week’s playlist with ‘Hot Dog’.

Norwegian band, Hot Little Mama were among those with new releases and with a title like ‘Let’s Have A Natural Ball’, there’s no surprise that they deliver a cracking version of Johnny Guitar Walker’s original ‘I Got Eyes’. Al Basile was making a welcome return here with a new, Duke Robillard produced album titled ‘Meet The Originator’, featuring plenty of Mr Robillard’s guitar, a good dose of Al’s trumpet playing, along with his humorous lyrics and commentaries on life. Another happy return this week came from Little Victor and his latest album ‘Deluxe Lo-Fi’, which has some very fine guests, like Jon Atkinson & Carl Sonny Leyland, who joined him on ‘Rockin’ Daddy’.

We had a notable change of style and tempo, courtesy of the much revered John Renbourn, with an easy choice from his newly released album ‘Live in Kyoto’, where he revisits his take on Mississippi John Hurt’s ‘Candyman’. Hot on his heels came another tip of the hat to Johnny Guitar Walker, this time from the excellent Mike Sanchez & His Band, who brought back great memories of this year’s Blues On The Farm festival where he did a high powered set that had the crowd up cheering and dancing.

All Right
Sun Turns To Rain – The Bluebirds (All That Blues From Sweden – 1998)
Hot Dog – The Blues Band (The Rooster Crowed – 2018)
I Got Eyes – Hot Little Mama (Let’s Have A Natural Ball – 2018)
Candy Man – John Renbourn (Live In Kyoto – 2018)
All Right – Al Basile (Meet The Originator – 2018)
Rockin’ Daddy – Little Victor with Jon Atkinson & Carl Sonny Leyland (Deluxe Lo-Fi)
Need A Little Sugar In My Bowl – Rory Block (A Woman’s Soul: A Tribute to Bessie Smith – 2018)
Highway 60 – Mike Sanchez (You Better Dig It – 2008)

Pinetop’s Pick
Deep Elam Blues – The Grateful Dead (Live Albums Collection – 2013)

Don’t Let The Devil Ride
Can’t Look That Good – Marino Valle & The Soulmates (Reap What You Sow – 2018)
Home To Mississippi – The Keeshea Pratt Band (Believe – 2018)
Just Waiting On My Brand New Baby – The Steve Krase Band (Just Waitin’ – 2018)
Another Mule – Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio (Something Smells Funky ‘Round Here – 2018)
Went Home This Morning – Bob Corritore (Don’t Let The Devil Ride – 2018)
Ain’t Gonna Rock With You No More – Damon Fowler (The Whiskey Bayou Session – 2018)
Sen Sa Shun – Dany Franchi (Problem Child – 2018)
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Big thanks to Buzz Records for their collection ‘Reap What You Sow’ which has plenty of good stuff, including one from Marino Valle & The Soulmates with ‘Can’t Look That Good’. Anticipate a little more dipping into that collection, but also followed up on the good stuff to be found on the latest album ‘Believe’ by The Keeshea Pratt Band, who were going ‘Home To Mississippi’. For the fans of Texas blues, there was a little treat, delivered by Texas harp-blaster Steve Krase with ‘Just Waiting On My Brand New Baby’ from his latest album where he says he wanted to keep simple and have some fun . . . . and he did!

Along with Keeshea Pratt, the ‘ladies of the blues, were also represented by Rory Block with a great version of Bessie Smith’s, ‘Need A Little Sugar In My Bowl’. It’s one of the tracks on her excellent tribute album to Bessie Smith, titled ‘A Woman’s Soul’.

When you see an album titled ‘Something Smells Funky ‘Round Here’, it’s bound to grab your attention, which is what Elvin Bishop’s new release does. Fronting his Big Fun Trio, we heard another tasty track, ‘Another Mule’. Meanwhile, Damon Fowler’s 7th album release, ‘The Whiskey Bayou Session’ was recorded in studios covered in Cypress Moss on the banks of the Cane Bayou in Houma, Louisiana . . . and it seems to have soaked up a lot of that steamy heat, as evidenced by ‘Ain’t Gonna Rock With You No More’. Although our time was running short, we managed to squeeze in the opening track from harp master Bob Corritore’s new album, ‘Don’t Let the Devil Ride’ which highlights 9 different recording sessions from 2014 to 2017 and includes ‘Went Home This Morning’.

It became obvious that there’s more great music than time. So, we played out with a touch of blues from Italian, Dany Franchi’s latest album ‘Problem Child’, which is where you can find his take on Freddie King’s ‘Sen Sa Shun’. But before that, there were 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 24 July 2018

Everybody Jump . . . . . .

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

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Well, the Cruise Mobile arrived this week to the sound of King Perry’s ‘Everybody Jump’ and there certainly was plenty jumping as we set off on this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner, because Wynona Carr joined in with ‘Jump Jack Jump’ and we nearly had Charles Sheffield’s ‘Kangeroo’, but, surprisingly, propriety and decorum prevailed and we played the A side of his 1961 Excello 45 instead.

Now, this week, Mr Merlot emerged from the Cruising Library with a bit of a rarity . . . a 45 recorded for the Jay-Dee label in 1956 by Dean Barlow that didn’t get released at the time. The song was ‘Listen To Dr Jive’ and it was the radio theme song for New York radio DJ Tommy ” Dr.Jive ‘ Smalls. Then, turning up next was Louisiana’s own David Egan with the aptly titled ‘One Foot In The Bayou’ and we kept one foot there for Oregan band, Gumbo, with a number that clearly has New Orleans roots, together with feint echoes of the Caribbean calypso.

The interest in our recent little calypso carnival inspired a some more digging and, with a nudge from Mike Sanchez, we pulled out something by calypsonian Rafael de Leon, known around his native Trinidad as Roaring Lion. He is probably best known for his composition ‘Ugly Woman’ which he recorded in 1933 and some 30 years later the song got adapted to become a chart hit for Jimmy Soul as ‘If You Wanna Be Happy’ . . . . but we played the original by Roaring Lion. Norman Span was another Trinidadian calypsonian of the 30s. Known locally as ‘King Radio’, he was the source of the much covered song ‘Man Smart, Woman Smarter’, which we played by Geraint Watkins & the Dominators.

One Foot In The Bayou
Everybody Jump – King Perry
Jump Jack Jump – Wynona Carr
I Would Be A Sinner – Charles Sheffield
Listen To Dr Jive – Dean Barlow
One Foot In The Bayou – David Egan
Cajun Queen – Gumbo
Ugly Woman – Roaring Lion
Man Smart, Woman Smarter – Geraint Watkins & the Dominators

Cruising Connections
That’s Right – Chris Powell & The Five Blue Flames 
You Can Count On Me – Gene LaMarr & The Blue Flames
Get On The Right Track Baby – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames

Girls & Guitars
Drivin’ Me Crazy – Grainne Duffy

Doo Wop Delights
Miss You – The Holidays
Come On Baby – The Cordovans

Boogie Once More
Growing Old – Billy Lewis & The Rocking Hearts 
Boogie’s The Thing – George Miller’s Mid-Driffs
How’s About A Little Kiss – Kip Tyler & The Flips
Once More – Bill Forbes

This week’s Cruising Connections invited Cruising Crew members to spot the link between a trio of tracks, featuring a 1952 Okeh release from Chris Powell, a 1958 gem from Gene LaMarr and a 60s favourite from Georgie Fame. If you were shouting ‘Blue Flames’ at any point during those three numbers, then you’re spot on, because each of those artists was accompanied by a band called The Blue Flames.

Our Girls & Guitars feature this week focused on Irish singer and guitarist Grainne Duffy, who grew up in County Monaghan in Ireland with a love of music and particularly the blues playing of Peter Green. Our choice from her was the number ‘Driving Me Crazy’ from her 2007 album ‘Out Of The Dark’.

Our Doo Wop Delights started with Pittsburg group, The Holidays, who got signed by Robbee records in 1960 and for their first release they were given the same wall of sound string arrangement, used with success for The Skyliners. The result was a very smooth piece of doo wop, ‘Miss You’. Then, we travelled to Chicago for vocal group, The Cordovans, who recorded in the late ’50s for Hiram Johnson’s small R&B label, which had few hits but it was a haven for some of the best of the Chicago’s doo wop groups, like the Cordovans.

After that, we had some more rocking numbers to keep The Cruisettes occupied, starting with a 1960 45 on the Hart record label, featuring Billy Lewis & the Rocking Hearts . . . ‘Growing Old’. Then, inspired by the excellent Neil Pellegrin, we tracked down a 1949 Mercury release, ‘Boogie’s The Thing’, which seems to have been the single by George Miller’s Mid-Driffs, and probably featuring Lee Allen on sax. Then, we played a 1957 Decca 45 by Kip Tyler & The Flips, called ‘How’s About A Little Kiss’, before crossing the Atlantic to the UK for a rocking little 1959 Columbia 45, ‘Once More’ by Huddersfield lad, Bill Forbes, who appeared a few times on the TV show ‘Oh Boy’. While we were listening to Bill Forbes, a few familiar faces and places started coming into view, because we had to turn the trusty Cruise Mobile for home. To the amazement of many, we got back where we started, on time and without mishap. So, once we had parked up the Cruise Mobile, we gave everyone a cheery wave and hoped we would all meet again next week, when the Cruise Mobile rolls by to take you Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 21 July 2018

As Long As It’s Blue . . .

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

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Well, a big bluesy welcome to 60 minutes of the best of the blues . . . . delivered with a smile every time The Blues Come Calling. This week they came calling with some antipodean blues from Indiana Phoenix and ‘As Long As It’s Blue’, which just about sums up our playlists each week. To prove the point, we pulled out some great blues from the current releases, including ‘No Time’ from Billy Price’s sixteenth album, ‘Reckoning’, ‘Walk With The Devil’ from the Bennett Brothers’ first independent album ‘Not For Hire’ and some excellent acoustic blues from the latest ‘Dave Van Ronk Collection’.

The ‘girls’ were well represented too, firstly, by the lovely Vanessa Collier, who many will remember from last year’s Blues Caravan. She’s back with a new album called ‘Honey Up’ , featuring a variety of musical flavours, including the bluesy ‘Love Me Like A Man’. Then we had a little taster of the new album by Shemekia Copeland, ‘America’s Child’ which has a thread of social commentary through the songs, like the opener ‘Ain’t Got Time For Hate’.

Walk With The Devil
As Long As It’s Blue – Indiana Phoenix (Down Under Blues & Roots – 2009)
No Time – Billy Price (Reckoning – 2018)
Walk With The Devil – The Bennett Brothers (Not For Hire – 2018)
Cocaine Blues – Dave Van Ronk (The Dave Van Ronk Collection (1958-1962) – 2018)
Love Me Like A Man – Vanessa Collier (Honey Up – 2018)
Ain’t Got Time For Hate – Shemekia Copeland (America’s Child – 2018)

Pinetop’s Pick
James Alley Blues – Richard ‘Rabbit’ Brown (A Richer Tradition – Country Blues & String Band Music (1923-1937) – 2007)

Having A Real Good Time
Give My Money Back – Artur Menezes (Keep Pushing – 2018)
You’ve Got To Love Her With A Feeling – Hot Little Mama (Let’s Have A Natural Ball – 2018)
Blues Why You Worry Me? – Bob Corritore (Don’t Let The Devil Ride – 2018)
Having A Real Good Time – JFK Blue (Rough Round The Edges – 2017)
The Rooster Crowed in Memphis – The Blues Band (The Rooster Crowed – 2018)
Ice Storm – Scott Ellison (Ice Storm -2018)

Now, I’ve said before that there was no shortage of good blues around at the moment and, as an example, I pulled out one of the much played tracks, ‘Give My Money Back’ from the new album, ‘Keep Pushing’ by Brazilian guitarist, Artur Menezes. There is also some fine blues to be found on the new album by Norwegian band, Hot Little Mama. They’re back with an album titled, ‘Let’s Have A Natural Ball’, which includes their take on that Freddie King favourite, ‘You’ve Got To Love Her With A Feeling’.

If you’ve not come across it yet, I recommend searching out the latest release, ‘Don’t Let The Devil Ride’, by Bob Corritore (look out for it’s distinctive ‘devilish’ artwork). You’ll be rewarded by Bob, sharing some fine studio moments with friends from recent years, like ‘Blues Why You Worry Me’. Meanwhile, closer to home, look out for 5 piece London band, JFK Blue, who are out there gigging and promoting their new album, ‘Rough Round The Edges’. They say blues is not their sole genre, but it comes through loud and strong when they play numbers like ‘Having A Real Good Time’.

The new album by The Blues Band, ‘The Rooster Crowed’ has been well played since it arrived here and this week it was the title track that got into the playlist, with more to follow in future weeks. Then, as our time was running out, we managed to squeeze in something from Tulsa bluesman Scott Ellison who, before forging a solo career, played awhile in ‘Gatemouth’ Brown’s band. The title track of his new album, ‘Ice Storm’, was our finale and just before I said a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and look forward to more the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 17 July 2018

You Can Count On Me . . . .

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

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Well, we arrived with a bright and breezy and cheery invitation to jump aboard the Cruise Mobile, where we had the windows wound down, the radio cranked up and no particular place to go. In anticipation of your good company, we saved a seat especially for you, just so we could all go Cruising with The Commissioner. Although we saw no tumbrils on the way, there was a hint of gallic flavouring at the end of our playlist, which (with a big thanks to Neil Pellegrin ) kicked off with Leonard James & His Orchestra (including Leonard on sax, Bat Caroll on piano and Dr John on guitar) and their 1968 Decca recording ‘Chicken Hop’. . . . followed by the aforementioned Bat Carroll with his 1959 Ace recording, ‘Aw! Who?’

We heard the great voice of Joe Hinton with something that our good pal The Shake especially likes that one and came right up to date with a new release from Germany’s Cat Lee King & his band from their album ‘Cocktails’ . . . . ‘Ain’tcha’. The mention of hot chillis was guaranteed to attract the attentions of our good pal Amigo and that came courtesy of New York cabaret artist, Bobby Short with his take on The Coasters’ ‘Down In Mexico’. Then we were back across the ‘big pond’ for an acapella version of ‘Long Train Runnin’ from UK vocal group, The Flying Pickets . . . doubtless, raising a rye smile from Cruising Crew members Phil Tyler and The Vikster.

For those with a keen sense of challenge, this week’s Cruising Connections may have been a surprise, because we gave the answer up front, which was big band calypso. Inspired by our good pal Jamie Dell’Apa, we took the opportunity for a ‘calypso carnival’ with a selection of some great calypso tracks and stories that inspired those songs. Then, Mr Merlot, appeared with his clipboard and a half full wine glass to point out that it was time for this week’s Girls & Guitars which had its spotlight on Eliana Cargnelutti. She’s an Italian singer and guitarist who has spent the recent years playing rock blues across Italy and Europe and toured with Ruf Records 2015 Blues Caravan. She’s recorded two albums to date, and contributed several tracks to a 2015 ‘Girls & Guitars’ compilation which included our choice ‘Give Me A Kiss’

Chicken Hop
Chicken Hop – Leonard James
Aw! Who? – Bat Carroll
Let’s Start A Romance – Little Joe Hinton
Cat Lee King and his Cocks – Ain’tcha
Down In Mexico – Bobby Short
Long Train Runnin’ – The Flying Pickets

Cruising Connections
Rum & Coca Cola – Lord Invader
Sparrow Dead – Mighty Sparrow
Dr Kitch – Lord Kitchener
They Dance All Night – Robert Mitchum
Football Football – King Timothy
I Was There (At The Coronation) – Young Tiger with Cyril Blake & His Calypso Serenaders
London is the Place for Me – D Lime (featuring Tobago Crusoe)
 
Girls & Guitars
Give Me A Kiss – Eliana Cargnelutti

Doo Wop Delights
Lonely Lover – The Fabulous Five Flames
Johnny Never Knew – The Jive Five

Rock & Roll Mops
Rock & Roll Mops – Ferry Rock Barendse

There were more ‘flames’ in our Doo Wop Delights, which this week started with, possibly, the only ever release by Cleveland vocal group The Fabulous Five Flames. They recorded the two sides at Capitol Studios on 4 December 1959, and we chose ‘Lonely Lover’. The sad passing of Eugene Pitt, lead singer of The Jive Five, was a good reason to include their great 1963 Beltone 45, ‘Johnny Never Knew’, one of the few uptempo numbers and something included Neil Pellegrin’s excellent profile of the group.

As our Cruising time was running out, The Cruisettes turned up to do their Tiller Girls act while we gave a respectful nod to our French cousins across the channel with some of their home grown rock and roll, the Cruise Mobile got us home, safe and sound. We parked it up ready for our next cruising adventure and, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . . remember . . . have fun

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 14 July 2018

Alive & Well . . . .

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

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Well, a big bluesy welcome to another hour of he best of the blues and we wouldn’t have anything when The Blues Come Calling. This week they came calling with The Blues Band and ‘New Skin Game Blues’ from their new album, ‘The Rooster Crowed’ and that was only the start of the good stuff! There was plenty more, like Little Victor’s new album ‘Deluxe Lo-Fi’, where he’s joined by Steve Lucky for our choice ‘Slow Down Baby’.

Brazilian, Artur Menezes, turned up next. He’s been a familiar face on Brazil’s blues scene, opening for the likes of Buddy Guy, Bobby Rush & others. He’s relocated to LA now and has just released his fourth album, “Keep Pushing” which features all shades of blues, including the excellent ‘Pull It Through’. I owned up this week, that the latest album by Tas Cru ‘Memphis Song’ had been getting plenty of plays around here and with no apologies, I took the opportunity to play ‘One Eyed Jack’ as justification.

For the many fans of Little Willie Littlefield, the recent release of the album ‘The Best Of The Rest’ will have brought back plenty of memories of his releases through the 50s. It includes a track that shows off his piano work to good effect on ‘Jim Wilson’s Boogie’ . . . and if you’re wondering . . . Jim Wilson was King records’ representative in and around Detroit at the time. Of course, Buddy Guy has been around the blues since the 50s and is still out there proving that ‘The Blues Is Alive and Well’, with some rye observations on being ‘Old Fashioned’. It’s not often that we hear the voice of Janis Joplin, but she was on our playlist this week with a rather special track, ‘One Night Stand’, where she is singing with Paul Butterfield’s Band.

Keep Pushing
New Skin Game Blues – The Blues Band (The Rooster Crowed – 2018)
Slow Down Baby – Little Victor with Steve Lucky (Deluxe Lo-Fi – 2018)
Pull It Through – Artur Menezes (Keep Pushing – 2018)
One Eyed Jack – Tas Cru (Memphis Song – 2018)
Jim Wilson’s Boogie – Little Willie Littlefield (The Best Of The Rest (1948-58) – 2018)
Old Fashioned – Buddy Guy (The Blues Is Alive & Well – 2018)
One Night Stand – Janis Joplin with Paul Butterfield’s Band (Farewell Song – 1982)

Pinetop’s Pick
Be Careful With A Fool – Tommy Castro (Triple Trouble – 2006)
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Blues For You
That’s The Way Willie Likes It – Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio (Something Smells Funky ‘Round Here – 2018)
Monkey See, Monkey Do – Keesha Pratt Band (Believe – 2018)
39 Steps – Billy Price (Reckoning – 2018)
Need Your Love So Bad – Shirley Johnson (Tribute: A Celebration Of Delmark’s 65th Anniversary – 2018)
Big Town Playboy – Dany Franchi (Problem Child – 2018)
Shuffleboard – Jeff Golub (Blues For You – 2009)

You have to admire Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio for releasing their latest album under the title ‘Something Smells Funky ‘Round Here’, which no doubt causes a few smiles and even more when listening to the track ‘That’s The Way Willie Likes It’. For all we know, Willie likes it the way Houston’s own Keeshea Pratt Band plays it. The judges at this year’s International Blues Challenge certainly did, because they awarded the band First Place in the Band Category. If it was on the strength of the numbers in band’s latest album, then there’s every chance it included Keeshea Pratt and her band doing some bumpin’-and-grindin’ with a tale of getting even with a cheater, “Monkey See, Monkey Do”.

Billy Price has been a familiar face on America’s East coast blues scene since the 70’s and he’s just released his sixteenth album entitled ‘Reckoning’ with 13 soul and blues tracks, which start with the very bluesy ‘39 Steps to my freedom!’ Many will know that Delmark Records is now 65 years old and in celebration a collection of artists gathered together to pay tribute to the label and the artists who have appeared on it over the years.The album is descriptively titled “Tribute: A Celebration Of Delmark’s 65th Anniversary, and, amongst others, it features Shirley Johnson with a very fine version of ‘Need Your Love So Bad’.

Although our 60 minutes were nearly up, there was time for Dany Franchi with a tasty treat from his latest album ‘Problem Child’, where which he reaches back to bring us those 50s blues sounds with his take on that classic, ‘Big Town Playboy’. Listening to it prompts the question ‘how can a 28 year old Italian from Genoa sound so much like a Texas bluesman?’ Then, we were all ready to play out with Jeff Golub’s swinging instrumental ‘Shuffleboard’, but not before offering a big thanks for your good company and the hope that you’ll be back here again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . .have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 10 July 2018

Hot Rod Special . . . .

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

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This week’s Cruising with The Commissioner started with the Cruise Mobile arriving with its windows down and its radio turned right up to the sound of the great Lee Allen with ‘Hot Rod Special’ and then we were heading off for the horizon now in the company of the great Charles Brown with a song he cut as a ballad back in 1951, but he re-recorded it later and gave it a whole new lease of life. Thanks to Neil Pellegrin, we tracked down a great Specialty 45 from 1956, featuring Byron ‘Slick’ Gipson & The Sliders with ‘Footloose & Fancy Free’ . . . . which sort of sums up our Cruising adventures!

With barely any change in the gentle purring of the trusty Cruise Mobile, we crossed the Atlantic to London for some great R&B from local lad Si Cranstoun and causing some involuntary rhythmic movement for Mr Merlot & the Cruisettes. So, while everyone was on their feet we found a little Dave Edmunds number to keep them there and bring a smile to the faces of our good pal Johnny 99 and maybe Yvonne Eriksson over there in Sweden.

With a gentle reminder, Mr Merlot appeared with all the robes of office and scrolls for the virtual investiture ceremony, to appoint Susan Bowman as our much esteemed Ambassador to Illinois. The ceremony, was conducted while James Booker provided a subdued and gentle accompaniment and, in accordance with tradition, Susan chose a piece of music choice to follow the ceremony,and her choice was the much admired Dave Ferrato. Meanwhile, this week’s Cruising Connections focused on three songs that were each successfully covered by a charting female UK artist . . . Lee Dorsey’s ‘Do Re Me’, Maxine Brown’s ‘Oh No Not My Baby’ and The Honey Bees ‘Some Of Your Lovin’. The answer was, they were all songs covered by Dusty Springfield.

Footloose & Fancy Free
Hot Rod Special – Lee Allen
I’ll Always Be In Love With You – Charles Brown
Footloose & Fancy Free – Byron (Slick) Gipson & The Sliders
Vegas Baby – Si Cranstoun
Here Comes The Weekend – Dave Edmunds
Stormy Monday – James Booker
Walking Down – Dave Ferrato

Cruising Connections
Do Re Me – Lee Dorsey
Oh No Not My Baby – Maxine Brown
Some Of Your Lovin’ – The Honeybees
Little By Little – Dusty Springfield

Girls & Guitars
If I Don’t Now – Melody Angel

Doo Wop Delights
Adorable – The Colts
Bip Bam – The Drifters

Flip Flip
Everybody Loves A Fat Man – Pigmeat Peterson
Flip Flip – The Vons
I Don’t Want To Be In Love – The Balham Alligators
In The Bottom Of My Heart – Thurston Harris

For our Girls & Guitars feature, we turned our spotlight on singer and guitarist, Melody Angel. She grew up on the South Side of Chicago and at age 13 her mother bought her her first guitar from the local pawn shop. Having taught herself to play, Melody formed her first band and never looked back. She recorded her first album in 2017, titled ‘In The Fire’ which included our choice, ‘If I Don’t Now’.

This week’s Doo Wop Delights started in Bakersfield, California with 50s vocal group, The Colts, who got talent spotted by Buck Ram and signed to his label, ‘Mambo Records’. They are best remembered for their debut single in 1955, the first recording of a Buck Ram song, ‘Adorable’. It got them into the charts and onto local TV, but The Drifters covered it for Atlantic records and got a bigger hit. But, we played The Colts’ original. Then we followed on with The Drifters, with their little gem ‘Bip Bam’.

We went back to 1952 for a Federal records release by Pigmeat Peterson, whose real name was Eddie Mack, and a rarely heard B side, ‘Everybody Loves A Fat Man’. The Cruise Mobile then headed for Buffalo, to catch local vocal group, The Vons with their 1960 single issued by Hollywood’s Pop Records label . . . . a fine piece of rockabilly . . . . ‘Flip Flip’.

We had a taste of Louisiana with some rocking sounds from UK band, The Balham Alligators, during which we had to turn the Cruise Mobile for home, and taking us all the way home was the excellent Thurston Harris. Wherever our Cruising adventures took us this week, we arrived back, safe and sound, where we started and ever hopeful that you’ll be here same time same place next week. Which is when we’ll swing by in the Cruise Mobile with a seat saved especially for you, just so we can all go Cruising with The Commissioner. So, until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 7 July 2018

The Blues Been Good To Me . . .

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

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Well, if you’re looking for an hour of the best blues around, then you’ve come to the right place, because that’s what you always get when The Blues Come Calling. To demonstrate this point, we kicked off this week’s show with Glasgow’s own, Wily Bo Walker and ‘Storm Warning’ from his excellent new album ‘Almost Transparent Blues’, featuring the superb guitar work of Ed Brayshaw. There was some sizzling harp playing to follow from Russ Green with ‘First Thing Smoking’, one of the very fine tracks to be found on his latest album ‘City Soul’. Then for those who have not previously come across The Waydown Wailers, we made a timely introduction with ‘Another Bump In The Road’ from their latest album ‘Backland Blues’.

For those who like their blues with a little ‘seasoning’, we offered something by veteran UK bluesman, Bob Hall with his rolling piano on that Ike Turner classic, ‘Rocket 88’ and our regular guest, Arfa Pinetop, featured Stevie Ray Vaughan in this week’s Pinetop’s Pick.

The ‘ladies of the blues’ were well represented in this week’s playlist with Rory Block’s tribute album to Bessie Smith, ‘A Woman’s Soul’, and her fine take on ‘Give Me A Pigfoot & A Bottle Of Beer’ (a frequent cry around Mayfair on a Saturday night). Lindsel Ell returned to our playlist with her superb version of John Mayer’s song ‘Gravity’ and Shawn Megorden made a welcome debut here with her upbeat and jazzy interpretation of ‘Who Will The Next Fool Be’.

Storm Warning
Storm Warning – Wily Bo Walker (Almost Transparent Blues – 2018)
First Thing Smoking – Russ Green (City Soul – 2018)
Another Bump In The Road – The Waydown Wailers (Backland Blues)
Give Me A Pigfoot & A Bottle Of Beer – Rory Block (A Woman’s Soul: A Tribute to Bessie Smith – 2018)
Rocket 88 – Bob Hall (Shuffling The Blues – 1999)
Gravity – Lindsey Ell (The Continuum Project – 2018)
Who Will The Next Fool Be – Shawn Megorden (Cover Girl – 2007)

Pinetop’s Pick
Look At Little Sister – Stevie Ray Vaughan (The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble – 2002)

Heal My Soul
Heal My Soul – Tas Cru (Memphis Song – 2018)
Stealin’ Stealin’ – Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore (Downey To Lubbock – 2018)
Have You Ever Loved A Woman – Freddie Pate (I Got The Blues – 2018)
Cognac – Buddy Guy with Jeff Beck & Keith Richards (The Blues Is Alive & Well – 2018)
Blues Been Good To Me – Tom Hambridge (The NOLA Sessions – 2018)
Strange Land – John Clifton (Nightlife – 2018)

The continuing number of great blues releases is a good sign of the health of the blues and long may it be so. The latest releases by Tas Cru (‘Memphis Song’), Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore (‘Downey To Lubbock’) and Freddie Pate (‘I Got The Blues’) are all great examples of the quality and enthusiasm around the current blues scene. The variety of styles and sources of inspiration reveal the breadth of the genre, with plenty of new generation artists developing the music creatively. We can still enjoy seeing ‘seasoned’ players, like Buddy Guy, continuing to tour and record and encouraging new talents in the blues, while still producing great new albums.

Tom Hambridge’s latest offering ‘The NOLA Sessions’ is a homage to the Crescent City, it music and artists. Like others, it has inspired Tom and his ‘Blues Has Been Good To Me’ is a particular favourite here. Although we ran out of time before we ran out of good music, we did manage to find time to play something from John Clifton’s album ‘Nightlife’, which has had plenty of plays since it arrived and ‘Strange Land’ may have been a reminded to some of the ‘changing landscape’ with which we now live. But, there’s good news too and that includes your good company for this week’s show. Of course, there’s always the hope that we’ll meet again soon. So, until the next time The Blues Come Calling . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 2 July 2018