Turn The Music Up . . .

Listen here to this week’s edition of Through To Midnight:

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Well, a big welcome to this week’s revels with to the sound of Chomeo opening up our Through To Midnight adventures. There were plenty more great sounds too, all of which, it’s pretty certain, you won’t hear on ‘ordinary radio’. So, without pausing long, we cued up the good stuff to bring joy to aural orifices . . . and by way of proof beyond reasonable doubt, The Brand New Heavies arrived with a message to all the Midnight Movers  . . . Turn The Music Up!

There were new releases to savour too, including Rob Thomas, who appeared by special request of the lovely Dee, she got in touch to request that one and you could too. We heard something from the new album by Grady Champion and another excellent choice from the latest album by The Larry Griffith Project

This week, our Under The Covers feature focused on Simply Red front man Mick Hucknell and brought us three excellent covers of his songs from Boombastic, Andre Ward and The Rik Waller’s Mighty Soul Band. Then, anticipating some pressure from among the Midnight Movers, we heard from the man himself with his very fine take on the old Arthur Alexander favourite ‘The Girl That Radiates That Charm’.

Michael Banks got in touch recently with some memories of The Shakespeare pub in Woolwich’s Powis Street, when it was a popular club venue back in the 60s. Looking back at some of the club’s publicity, it seemed pretty certain that keyboard wizard Mick Weaver appeared there on at least one occasion under his wonderful stage name Wynder K Frog. So, we found a musical memory too, with his ‘Shook Shimmy & Shake’.

One of the superb gigs this week, brought the sounds of the Crescent City to the heart of London along with some cheery memories too, courtesy of Tim Penn & The Second Line. For those who didn’t get to the gig, there was a little reprise in our playlist from Tim and ‘the boys’ with ‘T’s Tune’.

Listen To The Music
Must’ve Been – Chomeo (ft DRAM)
Turn The Music Up – The Brand New Heavies
Pick Up On Your Line – Jurrasik Funk
I’ll Just Keep Holding On – Phil Upchurch
The Worst In Me – Rob Thomas
Right Arm For Your Love – Grady Champion
Listen To The Music – The Isley Brothers

Under The Covers
Remembering The First Time – Boombastic
Holding Back The Years – Andre Ward
Something Got Me Started – Rik Waller’s Mighty Soul Band

Do It Again
The Girl That Radiates That Charm – Mick Hucknell
Do You Believe – Robin McKelle
Love Sneakin’ Up On You – Jane Mortifee
Shook Shimmy & Shake – Wynder K Frog
T’s Tune – Tim Penn & The Second Line
Bluebird – Anthony Gomes
Do You No Good – Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes
Do It Again – Steely Dan
Paper Sun – Traffic

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

The Whole Enchilada
The More You Do It (The More I Like It) – Ronnie Dyson
Mama Tried – The Larry Griffith Project
It’s Too Late – Angie Stone
The Whole Enchilada – Keb Mo
Everything Means Nothing – Karen Lovely

Doo Wop Delight
Hard To Believe – Leonard Lee

Blue Horizon
Waterloo Sunset – Blame Jones
Mud Slide Slim – James Taylor
Sincerely – Johnny Jenkins

Our Girls & Guitars feature threw its 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 the excellent, ‘If I Don’t Now’.

For those who love the sound of those 50s and 60s vocal groups, this week’s Doo Wop Delight came from Leonard Lee, who was one half of the 50s hit making duo Shirley & Lee. Leonard was on the playlist with his un-named group on a fine piece of doo wop, his 1961 single ‘Hard To Believe’.

There was plenty more of ‘the good stuff’ and as the time ticked away, there was a reminder that ‘we live our lives in moments’ . . . . and one of those moments made a welcome return with a memory of a youthful James Taylor at the Royal Albert Hall back in 1970 having the whole audience spellbound with the title track of his new album . . . . Mud Slide Slim. Then, as tomorrow came beckoning enticingly, it was time to collect up the music, tidy up the studio and head out into the night . . . 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, same time, same place next week, to go Through To Midnight. Until then . . . remember . . .have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5 fm on 29 May 2019.

Blues It Up . . .

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

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Well, even the summer sunshine and some friendly faces didn’t distract from the joys of putting together the playlist for this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling. There were plenty of new releases to squeeze in, as well as our album of the week from Albert Castiglia, but there were a few ‘seasoned’ choices too, starting with the show’s opener from the much missed Johnny Winter with a little help from Mac Rebennack.

Among the new releases were Southern California band, Griff Hamlin & The Single Barrel Blues Band, whose new album ‘I’ll Drink To That’ sounds like it was fun to record in the studio. There was an echo of last week’s album of the week from Jimmie Vaughan with an old Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown number and Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram’s debut album got revisited too. Big Daddy Wilson was back with his bluesy little number ‘Voodoo’ and Delbert McClinton turned up with a taster of his new album that’s due for release in July. Mississippi-based bluesman, Grady Champion,was there too with a tribute to his idol ZZ Hill from Grady’s latest album ‘Steppin’ In’.

D.C. music scene veteran J.P. Reali, made his debut on the show with a track from his new EP titled ‘A Highway Cruise’ and, after getting some very positive feedback previously, Pack Rat’s Smokehouse were back with a little swampy something to test your rhythm pulses. Then, the mighty Cash Box Kings made a welcome return with ‘Ain’t No Fun (When The Rabbit’s Got A Gun)’. Buddy Guy came by with a special recording of ‘Skin Deep’ where he teamed up with over 50 musicians across America.

Steppin’ In
You Lie Too Much – Johnny Winter (Let Me In – 1991)
Almost Level With The Ground – Griff Hamlin & The Single Barrel Blues Band (I’ll Drink To That – 2019)
Midnight Hour – Jimmie Vaughan (Baby, Please Come Home – 2019)
Hard Times – Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram (Kingfish – 2019)
Voodoo – Big Daddy Wilson (Deep In My Soul – 2019)
If I Hock Guitar – Delbert McClinton & The Self-Made Men + Dana (Tall, Dark & Handsome – 2019)
Open House At My House – Grady Champion (Steppin’ In – 2019)
I Tried to Tell Ya – Albert Castiglia (Masterpiece – 2019)

Pinetop’s Pick
Organ Grinder Blues – Dana Gillespie (Blues It Up – 1990)

Baby Loves To Boogie
My Baby Loves To Boogie – J.P. Reali (A Highway Cruise – 2019)
Hoy Hoy Hoy – Pack Rat’s Smokehouse (Edge Of The Swamp – 2019)
Ain’t No Fun (When The Rabbit’s Got A Gun ) The Cash Box Kings (Hail To The Kings – 2019)
Skin Deep – Buddy Guy (Playing For Change – 2018)
Thoughts & Prayers – Albert Castiglia (Masterpiece – 2019)
Don’t Think Twice (It’s Alright) – Eric Clapton (Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Concert – 1993)

Getting There
Running Whiskey – Supersonic Blues Machine (Road Chronicles: Live – 2019)
Hard Times – Ray Charles (Atlantic Hits – 2019)
Getting There – Climax Blues Band (Hands Of Time – 2019)
Bring Me Some Water – Koko Taylor (Royal Blue – 2000)
Red Rooster – Li’l Chuck The One Man Skiffle Machine (Mono – 2019)
Hoodoo Hannah – The Larry Griffith Project (Bonafide – 2019)
Too Much Senacol – Albert Castiglia (Masterpiece – 2019)

Austin Calling
Frankie & Albert – Jewell Long (My Pony Run Blues – 2015)

Better Get Here Quick
Eyesight To The Blind – Steve Bailey & The Blue Flames (Hop On Board – 1998)
I Wanna Go Home – Albert Castiglia (Masterpiece – 2019)
I Put A Spell On You – Blue Touch (40 Miles – 2019)
Better Get Here Quick – The Texas Horns (Get Here Quick – 2019)

Pinetop’s Pick brought us the old Bessie Smith number ‘Organ Grinder Blues’ from Dana Gillespie. There was a taster of the new album from the Supersonic Blues Machine, with guest, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, and an old favourite from Ray Charles that just happens to pop up on the new 55 track compilation of his his Atlantic hits. For those heading to this year’s Blues On The Farm festival, one of the schedule acts, The Climax Blues Band showed up with a track appropriately called ‘Getting There’. Then, thanks to some listener feedback, we heard a version of Melissa Etheridge’s ‘Bring Me Some Water’ by Koko Taylor.

Li’l Chuck The One Man Skiffle Machine brought us his version of ‘Red Rooster’ and, for fans of swampy, Louisiana style blues, there was another something from the excellent Larry Griffith Project. Meanwhile, for the lovers of scratchy blues, our ‘Austin Calling’ feature focused on Texas bluesman Jewell Long and his 1960 recording of ‘Frankie & Albert’. Then we jumped forward some 38 years to catch up with long-time Seattle band Steve Bailey & The Blue Flames and their take on that favourite, ‘Eyesight To The Blind’.

Now one of the great joys of recent days has been listening to the excellent new album, ’40 Miles’ by London band Blue Touch which includes their superb version of ‘I Put A Spell On You’. Then, our blues time together was nearly done, but there was just enough time to hear from the Texas Horns, and the title track of their new album, ‘Get Here Quick’. But, before that, there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we will meet again, the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5 fm on 28 May 2019
Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 30 May 2019

It was a dream . . .

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

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Well, as we prepare to say au revoir to the month of May, with all its unnerving developments, the weather around the Grand Duchy seems to have improved and the sunny days have encouraged us to resume our alfresco dining on the South Terrace, accompanied by some fine wines rescued on our recent mission across the channel. But, in case you think we’ve been neglecting our proper duties, be assured, we have been catching up with some excellent music to fill this next Cruising with The Commissioner.

Not all the music we found would naturally fit into the rock, soul and ‘real’ rhythm and blues categories of Cruising with The Commissioner, but our musical postman has helped our endeavours with a few welcome visits, a cheery smile and some much awaited ‘good’ music . . . . and there’s more on the way.

A big thanks to those who followed up on the previous shows with comments and feedback, which was most welcome in pointing us to a little gem or two to slip into our playlist. So, when the appointed time arrived, we were ready with the Cruise Mobile all polished and purring nicely, together with a rather fine playlist that opened with Jimmy McCracklin and his invitation to do the Georgia Slop . . . . which some of us may have proved that to be a dangerous activity! But, throwing caution to the four winds, in our cavalier fashion . . . . it all rolled on from there . . . .

Think it over . . . . .
Georgia Slop – Jimmy McCracklin
Think It Over Baby – Pearl Galloway
It Was A Dream – Billy David
You Know – Ronnie & The Rockin’ Kings
You Need To Fall In Love – Little Jimmy Ray
Nothing But A Woman – The Sidemen
Trainsville – George Barnes
Lonely Teardrops – Jackie Wilson

Girls & Guitars
No Working During Drinking Hours – Laurie Morvan Band

Oo-wee . . .
Oo-wee – Bobby Darin
Stand By Me – Guitar Slim
Baby Please Come Home – Lloyd Price
Flippin’ – Rene Hall

Remember then . . . .
Pretty Little Girl – The Monarchs

Way down yonder . . .
My Love – Ronnie Jones
Way Down Yonder – Titus Turner
Baby Baby – Larry Williams
Choo Choo’s Bringing My Baby Home – Calvin Boze & His Allstars

Now, our Girls & Guitars spotlight fell this time on guitarist, singer and band leader, Laurie Morvan. She grew up in Illinois and soon took up the guitar, which not unnaturally, became influenced by the blues. So, to show off what she’d learnt, we picked a track from her 2011 album ‘Breathe Deep’ amusingly titled ‘No Working During Drinking Hours’.

A track by Larry Williams prompted the Cruisettes to return to Cruise Control to show off some of their vaguely co-ordinated dance steps that are always risk to our insurance premiums. Then, we caught sight of Mr Merlot glancing at the clock and raising an eyebrow in that Roger Moore manner of his. So, we turned the Cruise Mobile for home in the good company of Calvin Boze & His Allstars. Then, it was all over, we parked up the Cruise Mobile for another week and very much hoped that we might entice you back again the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 28 May 2019

Just For A Thrill . . .

Listen here to this week’s edition of Through To Midnight:

Well, as always there was a big cheery welcome for all as we set off for two hours of the music that you won’t hear on ‘ordinary radio’.  For the curious, we offered a vaguely supervised musical adventure Through To Midnight . . . different it is . . . usual it ain’t!

We brought an ‘Under The Covers’ selection that focused on Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits, with some great ‘alternative’ interpretation of Mark’s songs. Then, there was our Girls & Guitars feature with its spotlight on Northern California’s guitarist and singer Karen Almquist. For the lovers of 50s and 60s vocal groups there was a little treat from The Five Keys in our Doo Wop Delight special.

There were plenty of new releases too from The Diplomats of Solid Sound, Jimmie Vaughan, Charlie Wood, Jon Grindick, The Larry Griffith Project, The B.B. King Blues Band, The Teskey Brothers, Hamish Anderson, Mavis Staples and Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed. But, it all kicked off with the great Jon Cleary and a great party starter ‘Pump It Up’ . . . and we did . . . take a listen . . .

Pump It Up
J&B – Jeff Golub & Brian Auger
Pump It Up – Jon Cleary
Just Make A Move (And Be Yourself) – Tower Of Power
Will It Go Round In Circles – Billy Preston
Love The One You’re With – The Isley Brothers
Ain’t No Love – Sam Moore & Steve Winwood

Under The Covers
So Far Away – Bobby Thompson
Walk Of Life – Charles Mann
Sultans Of Swing – Blue System

Makin’ Whoopee
Bette Davis Eyes – Jackie De Shannon
Makin’ Whoopee – Dr John & Rickie Lee Jones
I’m Still In Love With You – Jimmie Vaughan

Girls & Guitars
Why Are People Like That – Karen Almquist

When The Night Comes
Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone – Rhythm Express
Gimme Little Sign – Danielle Brisebois
Got To Be Real – LA Sound Machine
Telephone Call From Istanbul – Tom Waits
Grand Piano – Charlie Wood
All Night Cafe – Jon Grindick
Slow Grind – Larry Griffith Project
Hey There Pretty Woman – The B.B. King Blues Band
When The Night Comes – Ray Bonneville
Hold Me – The Teskey Brothers
The Fall – Hamish Anderson

Doo Wop Delight
Just For A Thrill – The Five Keys

We Get By
We Get By – Mavis Staples
Couldn’t Find A Way – Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed
Sincerely – Johnny Jenkins

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5 fm on 22 May 2019

 

Blues Elixir . . .

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

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We arrived in good spirits for this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling and with an armful of new releases and a few ‘seasoned’ favourites to ensure even more good spirits among the blues fans. We kicked off the show with Austin’s own Jimmie Vaughan who was in town this past week to launch his new album ‘Baby Please Come Home’ and it was this week’s ‘album of the week’, with some great Texas blues.

There are plenty of great new releases around at present Michele D’Amour & The Love Butlers, Bob Corritore & Friends, Larry Griffith Project, Peter Poirier, Li’l Chuck The One Man Skiffle Machine, The BB King Blues Band, R.K. Turner, Joe Louis Walker, John Verity, John Clifton, Peter Ward, Pack Rat’s Smokehouse, and The Cash Box Kings.

There were a couple of choices to remind us of some memorable appearances this past week by the much esteemed Diz Watson and the superb Paddy Milner. Both had successful London gigs and our playlist included a taster of each to bring back happy memories. There was also a preview of the upcoming ‘Rockin’ The Blues’ London event with tracks from the three names appearing there, Kris Barras, Jonny Lang and Walter Trout.

Gonna Tell Your Mama
Baby Please Come Home – Jimmie Vaughan (Baby Please Come Home – 2019)
Gonna Tell Your Mama – Bob Corritore & Friends (Do The Hip-Shake Baby! – 2019)
I Know – Larry Griffith Project (Bonafide – 2019)
Saturday Night Boogie Woogie Man – Diz Watson (88 Special – 2013)
Come On Over – Michele D’Amour & The Love Butlers (Heart Of Memphis – 2019)
Tearing Me Apart – The Kris Barras Band (ft Phoebe Ions) (Lucky 13 – 2016)
Sleeping Dog Blues – Li’l Chuck The One Man Skiffle Machine (Mono – 2019)
Bad Luck – Peter Poirier (Empty Arms – 2019)

Pinetop’s Pick
On The Wall – Louise Johnson (On The Wall – 2015)

Too Tired
If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day – Blue Touch (40 Miles – 2019)
Walkin’ Blues – Keb Mo (ft musicians from 6 countries) (Playing For Change – Song Around The World – 2019)
What’s Your Name – Jimmie Vaughan (Baby, Please Come Home – 2019)
Too Tired – Jonny Lang (Smokin’ – 2011)
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow – The BB King Blues Band (The Soul Of The King – 2019)
Pick A Bale Of Cotton – R.K. Turner (Coming From My Kitchen – 2019)
Too Drunk To Drive Drunk – Joe Louis Walker (Viva Las Vegas Live – 2019)

Blues Elixir
Killing Floor – Adam Holt (Kind Of Blues – 2019)
I Just Don’t Love You Anymore – John Verity (Where’s The Love – 2019)
Poor Boy – John Clifton (In The Middle Of Nowhere – 2019)
Just A Game – Jimmie Vaughan (Baby, Please Come Home – 2019)
Blues Elixir – Peter Ward (ft Sugar Ray Norcia & Ronnie Earl) (Train To Key Biscayne – 2019)
Big Road Blues – Arthur James (Hey . . . I’m Still Here – 2019)
What’s Your Flavour Baby – Pack Rat’s Smokehouse (Edge Of The Swamp – 2019)
Be Careful How You Vote – Walter Trout (Survivor Blues – 2019)

Austin Calling
Lonely No More – W.C. Clark (Lover’s Plea – 2012)

Blues ‘Fore Dawn
The World’s Getting Smaller Everyday – Paddy Milner (21st Century Blues – 2000)
The Wine Talking – The Cash Box Kings (Hail . . . To The Kings- 2019)
Pretty Baby – J.B. Hutto & The New Hawks (Slippin’ And Slidin’ -1990)
Baby, What You Want Me To Do – Jimmie Vaughan (Babby, Please Come Home – 2019)
Blues ‘Fore Dawn – Jimmy Thackery & The Drivers (Sinner Street – 2000)

This week our regular feature ‘Austin Calling’, focused on Austin local bluesman W.C. Clark, who’s become a popular proponent of Texas blues. In his early years he got courted relentlessly by Stevie Ray Vaughan, to join his band, which he eventually did and went on to co-write Stevie’s famous hit ‘Cold Shot’. Our choice came from his 2012 album ‘Lover’s Plea’ . . . . ‘Lonely No More’.

Veteran bluesman J.B. Hutto turned up with The New Hawks at the suggestion of one listener, which was a reminder that if you have some tracks or artists to suggest for our playlist here, then do get in touch . . . email, facebook, twitter and failing those you can try telepathy! So, with a big thanks for listening to this week’s show, here’s hoping we’ll meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5 fm on 21 May 2019
Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 23 May 2019

The Right To Rock . . .

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

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Well, if you were ever in any doubt, we are most certainly living in ‘interesting times’. There have been plenty of national and international events to capture our attentions, but nothing could divert us from our rummaging time in the Cruising Library . . . and very worthwhile it was too.

We pulled out a very early track from Trini Lopez, definitely more rock & roll than his later easy listening style. We also found something by blues and jazz singer, dancer, and drummer, Sonny Parker, who was a one time member of vaudeville act Butterbeans & Susie. He spent many years with Lionel Hampton’s band . . . but we played his own recording ‘She Sets My Soul On Fire’.

Several of this week’s choices came through suggestions of others. So, there were a few grateful acknowledgements, including Thom Hickey for his great piece on his Immortal Jukebox about Jackie Wilson, to our good pal Jamie Dell’Apa down there in New Orleans for turning up some great sides by The Jolly Jax . . . and we found another that they cut for Cookin’ Records in 1968. . But, before all that, we kicked off down the road with ‘Puddin’ . . . a little 1957 Imperial 45 from Ernie Freeman . . .

The Right To Rock
Puddin’ – Ernie Freeman
She Sets My Soul On Fire – Sonny Parker
The Right To Rock – Trini Lopez
Baby Workout – Jackie Wilson
Stumbling Block – Champion Jack Dupree
Tiphe Tina – The Jolly Jax
Zip Boom – The Supremes
Love Me – The Woodside Sisters
High Flyin’ Baby – The Harptones
I Saw Her Standing There – James Booker

Girls & Guitars
Awesome Sauce – Patty Reese

Much Too Much
When I See Ya! – TT Grace
You Got What I Like – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers
Red Hot – Big Boy Pete
Dear Dad – Dave Edmunds
I Do Believe – Clyde McPhatter
Tick Tock – The Medallions
Much Too Much – The Hollywood Flames
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There are some out there in Cruising land who think we will soon run out of names for our Girls & Guitars feature . . . but it hasn’t happened yet. This week our spotlight fell on Patty Reese, who hails from Colesville, Maryland and has been leading her band and gigging around America with an award winning mix of blues, soul and rock influenced numbers. To show off her talents, we chose a track from her latest album ‘Let In The Sun’ and her very New Orleans flavoured ‘Awesome Sauce’.

Our doo wop stop this week caught up with an Old Town 45 called ‘Zip Boom’ which the label credits to a short lived, mid 50s vocal group called The Supremes, but the original members of The 50s Supremes say this is not them on this recording . . . and no one seems to know who it is . . . so if you do, please tell. Matt The Cat also got a cheer from here for his profile of vocal group The Harptones, who turned up on our playlist in their own right and backing the Woodside Sisters on their version of ‘Love Me’.

The Cruise Mobile took a trans Atlantic trip for some fine rocking there from Swedish band TT Grace and then some home grown rocking from the UK’s Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers, Big Boy Pete (aka Peter Jay) and guitar ace Dave Edmunds. Then, to take us heading for home we had the good company of The Medallions and the Hollywood Flames. Then we were parking up the Cruise Mobile and giving it a quick polish so its all ready for the our next adventure together. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 14 May 2019

Something Got Me Started . . .

Listen here to this week’s edition of Through To Midnight:

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Well, if you noticed a darkly dressed individual hurrying into the studio under cover of darkness . . . it was either Elwood Blues (who was even further from Chicago than he thought) or your truly. The bundle of records and CDs clutched close may have given a clue that it was me heading in to prepare for another ‘Through To Midnight’. . . . of course, ‘prepare’ is used with a generous interpretation here, because there is always an unpredictability about what actually gets into the playlist. But, the whole show kicked off at a pace with the wonderful Elkie Brooks and followed fast by Chromeo, the much missed Allen Toussaint and Keb Mo. The funkmaster himself, Johnny Guitar Watson, was on hand to get Midnight Groovers up on the floor and Rik Waller’s Mighty Soul Band took it from there.

The wonderful Frankie Miller brought a few ‘Love Letters’ before our ‘Under The Covers’ feature turned its spotlight on Paul Carrack, with some covers of his songs by Sharon, The Fortunes and Bobby Womack. Plenty of new releases too, from George Benson, Little Steven & The Disciples Of Soul, The Kelly Bell Band, Norma Tenega and John Verity. Our Girls & Guitars had as its focus, the most excellent Bex Marshall with a favourite of hers here, ‘Bourbon Street’.

Just Lookin’
J&B – Jeff Golub & Brian Auger
Rising Cost Of Love – Elkie Brooks
Over Your Shoulder – Chromeo
Happiness – Allen Toussaint
Just Lookin – Keb Mo’
It’s A Damn Shame – Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson
Something Got Me Started – Rik Waller’s Mighty Soul Band
Love Letters – Frankie Miller

Under The Covers
Over My Shoulder – Sharon
Eyes Of Blue – The Fortunes
How Long (Has This Been Goin’ On) – Bobby Womack

Amazing Game
Rockin’ Chair – George Benson
Love Again – Little Steven & The Disciples Of Soul
Last $4 – The Kelly Bell Band
It Should Have Been Me – Zoot Money & His Big Roll Band
Amazing Game – Mindi Abair & Trombone Shorty
Ya Herd Me – Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes

Girls & Guitars
Bourbon Street – Bex Marshall

Lifting Me
Walking My Cat Named Dog – They Might Be Giants
Illusion – Norma Tenega
Riders On the Storm – Nektar
Where’s The Love – John Verity
Girl From The North Country – Walter Trout
It’s Not The Spotlight – Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland
The Tide Keeps Lifting Me – The Staple Singers

Doo Wop Delight
Until You Came Along – The Visitors

Sincerely
Come With Me Baby – Rebecca Downes
Who’s That Lady – Lucas Arruda
Virtual Ground – Ana Popovic
Sincerely – Johnny Jenkins

Thanks to our good pal Neil Pellegrin, our Doo Wop Delight this week, came from The Visitors with their ‘oh so smooth’ take on ‘Until You Came Along’. There were a few great covers from Nektar, Lucas Arruda and Walter Trout that really deserve to be heard and some excellent originals from Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, The Staple Singers, Rebecca Downes and Ana Popovic (who was on our giglist this week).

Now, own up! You wouldn’t hear those on ‘ordinary radio’ . . . so keep that in mind until the next time we meet to go Through To Midnight. Until then, remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5 fm on 15 May 2019

Pocket Full Of Blues . . .

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

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Well, our blues time together kicked off this week with a swinging little number from The Larry Griffith Project, ‘I Do, I Did, I’m Done’, from their latest album ‘Bonafide’ and set the standard early for this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling. The playlist had plenty of new releases, a few ‘seasoned’ favourites and a selection of tracks from our album of the week, The B.B. King Blues Band with ‘The Soul Of The King’.

Among the great new releases was one from New England guitarist Peter Ward, who’s back with his latest album, called ‘The Train To Key Biscayne’ and Keb Mo turned up with a taster from his upcoming album ‘Oklahoma’, all about the lady in a red dress, dancing at the bar and sipping a margarita. Then, we heard from Bob Corritore & Friends with ‘Trying To Make A Living’ from their new release ‘Do The Hip Shake’ and featuring Sugaray Rayford on vocals and Junior Watson on guitar.
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If your taste in blues includes ‘one man bands’, then there was a treat from Li’l Chuck, The One Man Skiffle Machine with his take on ‘Boom Boom’, followed by this week’s ‘Pinetop’s Pick’ with ‘the mystery man of the blues’ Robert Johnson with ‘From Four Til Late’.

Thanks went out to Peter Hall for suggesting something from Albert King, recorded live at the 1975 Memphis Blues Festival . . . and so it popped up on the playlist this week, along with a great track, ‘Nothing But The Blues’, from John Verity’s latest EP ‘Where’s The Love’. Then, there was a warm welcome back for Savoy Brown with another track from their latest album, City Night’ and it was a reminder of the band’s time with Chris Youlden on vocals, especially a favourite here called ‘Needle & Spoon’, which was also recorded by Foghat . . . so that seemed a suitable follow up.

There was 48 seconds of heavenly joy from Big Daddy Wilson with the playout track on his latest album ‘Deep In My Soul’, which led into The BB King Blues Band with a great tribute to BB King called ‘Regal Blues’.

Boom Boom
I Do, I Did, I’m Done – Larry Griffith Project (Bonafide – 2019)
Change (Ain’t Never For The Good) – Peter Ward (Train To Key Biscayne – 2019)
I Remember You – Keb Mo (Oklahoma – 2019)
Trying To Make A Living (ft Sugaray Rayford & Junior Watson) – Bob Corritore & Friends (Do The Hip Shake – 2019)
Sweet Little Angel – The B.B. King Blues Band (The Soul Of The King – 2019)
Boom Boom – Li’l Chuck The One Man Skiffle Machine (Mono – 2019)

Pinetop’s Pick
From Four Til Late – Robert Johnson (The Centennial Collection – 2011)

Nothing But The Blues
Why Are You So Mean To Me – Albert King (Memphis Blues Festival 1975 – 1975)
Nothing But The Blues – John Verity (Where’s The Love – 2019)
Don’t Hang Me Out To Dry – Savoy Brown (City Night – 2019)
Needle & Spoon – Foghat (Last Train Home – 2010)
Couldn’t Keep It To Myself – Big Daddy Wilson (Deep In My Soul – 2019)
Regal Blues – The BB King Blues Band (The Soul Of The King – 2019)
San Francisco Bay Blues – Hot Tuna (Hot Tuna live at Ventura Theatre – 2011)

I Tried To Tell Ya
Another Sleepless Night – Michele D’Amour & The Love Dealers (Heart Of Memphis – 2019)
Pocket Full Of Money The B.B. King Blues Band (The Soul Of The King – 2019)
The Fishes & Five Loaves Of Bread – R.K. Turner (Coming From My Kitchen – 2019)
Alimony Blues – Duke Robbilard (Blue Mood – 2004)
I Tried To Tell Ya – Albert Castiglia (Masterpiece – 2019)
Velvet Curtains (Treme Trippin’) – Wily Bo Walker (Ain’t No Man A Good Man – 2019)
Hoochie Coochie Man – Billy Preston & Johnny Guitar Watson (Recorded live in Germany 1990)

Austin Calling
Get Lost With Me – Eric Johanson & Tiffany Pollack (Blues In My Blood – 2019)

Like It This Way
Last Thing I Do – Ana Popovic (Like It On Top – 2019)
Like It This Way (Live) – Joe Louis Walker (Viva Las Vegas Live – 10 May 2019)
Paying The Cost To Be The Boss – The BB King Blues Band (The Soul Of The King – 2019)
Watch It Die – Samantha Fish (Kill Or Be Kind – 2019)

Michele D’Amour & The Love Dealers are no strangers to the show and they showed why with the opening track from their latest album ‘Heart Of Memphis’, which they recorded at Memphis’s legendary Royal Studios. Then there were some very nice acoustic blues from R.K. Turner on his current his debut, solo album release ‘Come From My Kitchen’, followed by some electric blues from the much esteemed Duke Robillard and a swinging little number he recorded for Stony Plains records in 2004 . . . called ‘Alimony Blues’.

Among the new releases was Albert Castiglia with his new album ‘Masterpiece’, which was recorded in Texas and produced by Mike Zito. Somewhere, nearer to home, was the most excellent Wily Bo Walker, who seems endlessly busy writing and recording, and is now producing the music and soundtrack album for a new London theatre production, opening next year. Meanwhile, sometime later this year, he’s got a new album due for release titled ‘Ain’t No Man A Good Man’, and he’s given us a taster from it, called ‘Velvet Curtains’.

The ever smiling Wendel Williams was in touch last week all the way from Texas and suggested taking a listen to that version of ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’, recorded live in Germany back in 1990, featuring the wonderful Billy Preston on keyboards and vocals, along with the equally wonderful Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson guesting on guitar. . . . so we did . . . and it proved a timely intro to this week’s ‘Austin Calling’, where we sample some blues from in and around the city. This week, we featured guitarist Eric Johanson who opening for Tab Benoit on stage at Austin’s famous venue, Antone’s. We’ caught up with Eric here now with and fellow New Orleanian, Tiffany Pollack, on a track from their ‘Blues In My Blood’ album together . . . ‘Get Lost With Me’.

If you were in town for Ana Popvic’s London gig this past week, then you too will have had a great night and it prompted another play for her number ‘Last Thing I Do’. There was a reminder of another gig too, with the news that Joe Louis Walker is this year’s Blues Music Awards winner and has a new live album out called ‘Viva Las Vegas’. It was at Woolwich’s Tramshed that I first saw him perform many moons ago and he’s still sounding just as good!

As our blues time together started running out, there was just time to squeeze in one more by The BB King Blues Band and get ready to play out with a new release from Samantha Fish called ‘Watch It Die’ from her upcoming album ‘Kill Or Be Kind’. But, before that there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we will meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then, remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5 fm on 14 May 2019
Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 16 May 2019

Gimme Little Sign . . .

Listen here to the latest edition of Cruising with The Commissioner:

Well, the month of May has arrived with some unpredictability, particularly from the weather. We have enjoyed some really sunny days, which encouraged us to resume our alfresco dining on the South Terrace. Not for too long though, because we’ve been catching up with some excellent music too, although not all of it would naturally fit into the rock, soul and ‘real’ rhythm and blues categories of Cruising with The Commissioner. But, our musical postman has made a few welcome visits with a smile and some much awaited music . . . . and there are more on the way.

So, ‘come the hour’, we rolled out the trusty Cruise Mobile, turned up the radio and called by for the friendly faces. Then, our musical adventure started in earnest with Jimmy McCracklin and his 1957 Irma 45 ‘Savoy Jump’. Then, as if that weren’t enough, we kept rolling down the road with doo wop group the Chords, or the Chordcats, as they are shown on the label of their 1954 Cat 45, ‘Hold Me Baby’.

Cruising with the warm breezes . . . . .
Savoy Jump – Jimmy McCracklin
Hold Me Baby – The Chordcats
Move With You Baby – Big Amos
Mary Lou – Ronnie Hawkins & The Hawks
Fever – Gene Harris & The Three Sounds
Go Away – The Hesitations

Girls & Guitars
I’m A Woman – Ellen McIlwaine

Cruising with the crew . . . . .
Gimme Little Sign – Maxine Harvey
All Along The Watchtower – The Brothers & Sisters Gospel Choir
Mr Blue Sky – The Spectres
Everyone But The Right One – Helen Shapiro
Watching The River Flow – Joe Cocker
So Deep In Love – Eddy Giles
Dang Me – Sam Hutchins
Baby Boy’s In Love – Jimmy Holliday
Take My Love (I Want To Give It All To You) – Little Willie John
Tune Up – Junior Walker & The Allstars

Now, not for the first time, we did some virtual travelling down to Nashville, for our ‘Girls & Guitars’ feature. That’s where Ellen McIlwaine was born, although she was raised in Japan, where she heard people like Ray Charles, Fats Domino and Professor Longhair. On moving to back to America, she bought a guitar and began a music career that has included recording a number of albums to date. We took a track from her 1998 album ‘Women In (E)Motion’, which shows off her fine slide guitar work and her adaptation of a Muddy Waters number, which she calls ‘I’m A Woman’.

Eventually, Junior Walker & The Allstars brought us all the way home, when we had to park up the Cruise Mobile for another week. But, all being well, we’ll be back again next week to call by for you once more to go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . until then . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 14 May 2019

You Got It . . .

Listen here to this week’s Through To Midnight:

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Well, it’s becoming a habit now on Wednesday nights . . . with the weekend definitely coming into view . . . there’s an invitation to relax in your favourite chair with a large glass of your favourite elixir and take a vaguely supervised musical journey Through To Midnight. The great James Brown was on hand to get things started in style and followed by a whole bunch of those sounds you won’t hear on ‘ordinary radio’. Some were new releases, like Eli Paperboy Reed with ‘News You Can Use’, from his latest album ‘99 Cent Dreams’, Canadian band, Brett Spalding & The Psychic Spies, with something from their latest album ‘Living To Play’ and James Martin turned up with his cover of ‘So Swell When You’re Well’.

We also heard new releases from Crescent City musician, Luke Winslow-King, with his lovely number ‘Going To New Orleans’ and the unmistakeable rich baritone voice of Big Daddy Wilson on his soulful and reflective ‘Mississippi Me’. Another distinctive voice with a new release too . . . Rob Thomas with his latest release ‘We Were Beautiful’ which definitely qualifies to be here as among the ‘good stuff.

Ricky Lee Jones was in the spotlight for our Girls & Guitars feature this week and sporting her new release ‘Lonely People’, while our Doo Wop Delight spot was reserved for Aaron Neville with one of his early recordings, ‘Everyday’. We found Van Morrison Under The Covers this week with three covers of his songs by other artists, starting with Georgie Fame’s take on ‘Moondance’, followed by a very special version of Van’s classic ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ and rounded off by Dexy’s Midnight Runners with a great favourite from the Van Morrison songbook . . . . ‘Jackie Wilson Said’.

So, plenty to enjoy . . . and a reminder that you will only hear the good stuff here, because DIFFERENT it is . . . USUAL it ain’t!

Midnight At The Oasis
So Tired Of Standing Still – James Brown
Forget Me Nots – Patrice Rushen
News You Can Use – Eli Paperboy Reed
Hear No Evil – Buddy Miles
Family Affair – Sly & The Family Stone
Midnight At The Oasis – The Brand New Heavies
Put Your Hands On It – John Fohl
Doin’ The Blah Blah Blah – Charlie Wood
Drive By – Brett Spalding & The Psychic Spies

Under The Covers
Moondance – Georgie Fame
Brown Eyed Girl – Caroline Jones
Jackie Wilson Said – Dexy’s Midnight Runners

Abracadabra
Ride Like The Wind – Harambee
Dixie Chicken – Little Feat
I Wanna Be With You – Winfield Parker
So Swell When You’re Well – James Martin
One For The Highway – James Booker
Going To New Orleans – Luke Winslow-King
Velvet Windows – (Treme Trippin’) – Wily Bo Walker
Abracadabra – Robin McKelle
Santa Fe – Jackie De Shannon
You Got It – Berk & The Virtual Band
We Were Beautiful – Rob Thomas

Girls & Guitars
Lonely People – Ricky Lee Jones

Doo Wop Delight
Everyday – Aaron Neville

Try It
Mississippi Me – Big Daddy Wilson
Learning To Fly – Lizanne Knott, Jesse Terry & Michael Logan
Caravan Of Love – Terry Callier
Try It Baby – Earl Van Dyke

Well, a big thanks for listening to the show . . . and here’s hoping we’ll meet again, same time, same place next week, to go Through To Midnight. Until then, remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5 fm on 8 May 2019