So Far So Good . . . .

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

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Well, this week saw plenty of evidence of the ‘lock-in’ having inspired some most welcome feedback on The Blues Come Calling. There may have been no physical gigs, but the internet has been jammed with the great and the good passing the virtual tip jar while they played on line to fill the musical giglists. This week also brought a bumper crop of new releases from Mike Zito, Rory Block, Larkin Poe, John Primer, David Clayton-Thomas, The Triple J Trio and more. My ‘Album of the Week‘ came from local band, The John Doe Trio and my ‘Back In Five‘ feature, focused on guitarist and singer Lois Greco who was on my show this week 5 years ago.

I kicked off the show with what I think is the best ever version of the Bo Diddley favourite ‘Who Do You Love’ by Juicy Lucy. Now, there’s a good chance that anyone who played that 45 on the Vertigo label may still be having eye trouble from watching the spinning logo . . . but that may be the least of your concerns at present!

Who Do You Love
Who Do You Love – Juicy Lucy (Who Do You Love: The Anthology – 2002)
So Far So Good – Triple J Trio (Better Days – 2020)
Get Love – The Proven Ones (You Ain’t Done – 2020)
Who’s John Doe – The John Doe Trio (Railroaded – 2020)
Hamps Boogie Woogie – Winifred Atwell (Everytime – 2019)
Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City – Lilly Martin (Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City – 2020)
We’d Have A Love Sublime – Roomful Of Blues (In A Roomful Of Blues – 2020)

Back In Five
Love Me Just Right – Lois Greco (Takin’ Hold Of Your Heart – 2010)

Pinetop’s Pick
Rattlesnake – John Brim (Saga Blues:Blowing With A Feeling – 2005)

Been So Long
So Bad To Me — The John Doe Trio (Railroaded – 2020)
Been So Long – MaD BoJo (MaD BoJo – 2020)
Love’s Enemy – Andy Fleet (The Sleepless Kind – 2020)
Kissin’ In The Dark – Memphis Minnie (Tell Mama Blues – 2019)
Boogie Funk – Albert Castiglia (Wild & Free – 2020)
Don’t Let The World Get You Down – Mike Zito (Quarantine Blues – 2020)

On The Run
On The Run – Richard Townsend & The Mighty Bosscats (Ticket To Memphis – 2020)
Rather Be Alone – Crystal Shawanda (Church House Blues – 2020)
I’d Been Drinking – Jim Gustin & Truth Jones (Lessons Learned – 2020)
Somebody’s Got To Go – Rufus Thomas (That Woman Is Poison – 1988)
Holy Ghost Fire – Larkin Poe (Self-Made Man- 2020)
Eagles – Rory Block (Prove It On Me – 2020)
Big Boss Man – Reverend Freakchild (The Bodhisattva Blues – 2020)

Austin Calling
Things Ain’t What They Used To Be – Clarence Gatemouth Brown (Live in Austin Texas – 1996)
Peace With You – JSB (JSB Live – 2020)

On The Giglist
Maggie’s Farm – The Blues Band (Ready – 2012)

Saturday Night
Saturday Night Special – Rob Rio (Bankin’ On The Boogie – 1992)
It’s My Own Fault – Johnny Winter (The Progressive Blues Experiment – 1967)

Our regular guest, Arfa Pinetop, returned in fine form with a story of plagiarism by John Brim, with his recording of ‘Rattlesnake’ and Chess records getting sufficiently jumpy about law suits, that the recording never got released at the time. Then, for our ‘Austin Calling‘ feature, there was a memory of TV show ‘Austin City Limits’ and the final appearance on the show by Clarence Gatemouth Brown. Fortunately, someone turned it into a live album and I chose a rather apt track to play from it . . . ‘Things Ain’t What They Used To Be’.

As the clock ticked away our blues-time together, I took the opportunity to go back to 1967, which was when a tall, lean albino Texan arrived at the recording studios of The Vulcan Gas Company in Austin Texas. The Texan was Johnny Winter and he was there to cut his debut album. It became known as The ‘Progressive Blues Experiment’ and it included a stunning 7 and a half minute version of a song written by B.B. King and Jules Taub . . . the song was ‘It’s My Own Fault’ and I played out with it this week. 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 . . .  keep safe, keep well and have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 31 March 2020

Can’t Sit Down . . .

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

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Well, with re-assuring predictability, the Cruise Mobile arrived right on time and all ready to whisk us off on another musical adventure to ‘who knows where’ with ‘you know who’. So, with the customary invitation to jump aboard, throw caution to the four winds and join us as we go Cruising with The Commissioner. To set the mood right, the Cruise Mobile arrived to the sound of much celebrated saxman Red Prysock with ‘Fruit Boots’ and followed fast by a 1958 Ace 45 credited to Little Booker, but we know we know him as the excellent James Booker. Then, for good measure we heard from Bobby “Mr Blues” Merrell with his 1961 Bargain 45 ‘I Ain’t Mad At You’.

After some prompting from Mr Merlot this past week, we went examining the towering contents of the Cruising pending tray and found a number of soulful ballads. So, we lined up a few that really did deserve a play, like Chuck Jackson & Mark Knopfler doing their superb tribute to the great Arthur Alexander with ‘You Better Move On’. Staying in that soulful mood, we also pulled out a 1966 Chess 45 by Texan, Billy Young with his cover of Tommy Roe’s ‘Have Pity On Me’. We also came across an old favourite from Jean Du Shon, who recorded for Chess records and 1966 was the first to record ‘For Once In My Life’, the song that would later become a big hit for Stevie Wonder. But, on hearing Jean’s version, Berry Gordy asked Chess not to promote it and, for some reason, they agreed . . . . as a result, it was a local but not a national hit. She was so disappointed, that she gave up her singing career, but she did leave us her original of that song and her great take on Little Willie John’s classic ‘Talk To Me’.

Well, this week’s Cruising Connections, brought a trio of tracks that all have a common link and to get you started, we heard from Rick Vito with ‘Hungry Man’. Up next we had the pleasure of the company of Jim Stringer & The Austin Music Band with the story of yet another American railway line . . . the ‘Texas & Pacific’. Then, for those still wondering about the link, our third choice came from Californian band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy with their take on ‘Jack You’re Dead’. As a bonus, especially for long time Cruising Crew member, The Vikster, Louis Jordan re-introduced us to Fat Sam From Birmingham.

Open The Door
Fruit Boots – Red Prysock
Open The Door – Little Booker
I Ain’t Mad At You – Bobby Merrill
You Better Move On – Chuck Jackson & Mark Knopfler
Have Pity On Me – Billy Young
Talk To Me – Jean Du Shon

Cruising Connections
Hungry Man – Rick Vito
Texas & Pacific – Jim Stringer & The Austin Music Band
Jack You’re Dead – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Fat Sam From Birmingham – Louis Jordan

Girls & Guitars
Where Is The Love – Michelle Malone

Doo Wop Delights
I Love You – The Dukes
45 Men In A Telephone Booth – The Four Tophatters

Oh Yeah
Can’t Sit Down – The Bim Bam Boos
It’s Not The First Boat I’ve Missed – The Mystic Knights
Don’t Leave Me Baby – Dean Barlow
Oh Yeah – Rex Garvin & Band

Now our Girls & Guitars feature took us to Atlanta to meet American singer/songwriter and guitarist Michelle Malone, who was raised there and joined her first band at the age of 12, having learnt to play guitar, saxophone and drums. Her music career has since spanned over 20 years, so far, with stints in various bands and a solo career. If you catch her on tour, you might just hear something like our choice, ‘Where Is The Love’ from her 2006 album ‘Sugar Foot’.

Fans of 50s and 60s vocal groups may have been waiting for this week’s Doo Wop Delights which started this week with a 1959 Flip 45 from California Doo Wop Group, The Dukes and followed by a 1955 release by The Four Tophatters, ‘45 Men In A Telephone Booth’. Since those days, telephone booths have almost disappeared which must be a very worrying development for Clark Kent and Dr Who.

‘You Can’t Sit Down’ is a number we know well by The Phil Upchurch Combo and The Dovells, but it’s rare to hear the 1959 original by the Bim Bam Boos. So, we put that right this week by digging out their Dasher 45, featuring Phil Upchurch on guitar. Then, came a group that we would know like to know more about . . . The Mystic Knights . . . with their great number ‘It’s Not The First Boat I’ve Missed’. Meanwhile, their was a name, familiar to fans of Northern Soul , Dean Barlow, with a song very much in that earlier 50s R&B style that we love here . . . ‘Don’t Leave Me Baby’. . . . for which The Cruisettes turned up to offer some unsolicited dangerous dancing. While attentions were diverted, we turned the trusty Cruise Mobile for home and taking us all the way back where we started was the wonderful Rex Garvin with one of his late 50s numbers and long before he was accompanied by The Mighty Cravers, or had the remotest thought that he might sock it to JB.

Then it was all over for another week. We parked up the Cruise Mobile, gave it a quick polish and a cheery wave to one and all, ever hopeful that we’ll meet again the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 31 March 2020

All Good Things . . . .

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

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Well, I kicked off the show this week in fine style with The New Orleans Suspects and feeling pretty sure you won’t have heard them on ‘ordinary radio’ this week . . . and there was plenty more of the good stuff here, because I came suitably armed with a big dose of Dr Roberts Sonic Tonic . . . and there was more than enough for everyone!  The course of treatment included some juicy new releases, a sneak preview or two and, as ever, some special treats . . . . and those paying close attention will have seen me raising my outstretched palms repeatedly in a heavenly direction, to get everyone up out of their seats ready to swing and sway Dr Roberts way . . . along with Alannah Myles . . . and yours truly too!

This past week included the birthday of soul singer Solomon Burke, which inspired this week’s choice for our ‘Under The Covers’ feature. I pulled out three songs of Solomon Burke heard again through the covers of others, starting with  Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes doing ‘Got to Get You Off My Mind’. Then, we heard from Marc Broussard and Solomon’s fellow label mate for many years Wilson Pickett . . . with ‘Everybody Needs Somebody To Love’ . . . . and don’t we just!

Bring It On Home
Pocketful Of Grits – The New Orleans Suspects
Tumbleweed – Alannah Myles
Giving It Up For Your Love – Kal David & Lauri Bono
It’s Got To Be Mellow – Jason Simms with Music Through Six
Keep It In The Family – Leon Haywood
Bring It On Home Daddy – The Damnations

Under The Covers
Got to Get You Off My Mind – Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
Cry To Me – Marc Broussard
Everybody Needs Somebody To Love – Wilson Pickett

Come To Me
Can I Get A Witness – Dusty Springfield
Are You Lonely For Me Baby – Mike Farris
Slip Away – Lisa Mills
Come To Me – Sam Ford & Trudi Green
Wild Women (Don’t Get the Blues) – Lyle Lovett & Francine Reed
Pinch Hitter – The M-Tet

Groovin’
Look In My Eyes – Tower Of Power
It’s Over Now – The Kennedy Administration
Groovin’ – Paul Carrack
Loved Me Into Loving Again – Jono Manson & Joan Osborne
Love Will Break Your Heart – Casey Hensley

Girls & Guitars
Any Other Way – Melissa Etheridge

Radiate That Charm
Come In Out Of The Rain – Johnny Jenkins
The Girl That Radiates That Charm – Chris Ruest
Rope By Rope – Jo’Buddy meets Funky Kingstone

On The Giglist
All Good Things – Jon Cleary

All I Need To Get By
Ain’t No Love in The Heart of The City – Lilly Martin
Don’t Give Up On Me – Solomon Burke
You’re All I Need To Get By – Blame Jones
Sincerely – Johnny Jenkins

Now this week’s Girls & Guitars feature turned it’s spotlight on someone who was a potential as a future ‘On The Giglist‘ artist. This was Melissa Etheridge, who was scheduled to have a UK tour date soon, but with all that’s going on at the moment, we’ll have to wait a while longer for that. But, Melissa is a most worthy contender for our Girls & Guitars feature and she showed off her talents with an excellent soulful number from her 2016 ‘Memphis Rock & Soul’ album . . . . this was her take on William Bell’s hit ‘Any Other Way’.

Now, I was a bit inventive with our ‘On The Giglist‘ feature this week, because the nearest thing I got to a gig this past week, was sitting in the virtual audience for a masterclass by Jon Cleary from his home in New Orleans . . . and excellent stuff it was too! He played plenty of other people’s songs as well as his own and with some fascinating stories too. So I felt the need to give a respectful nod in his direction . . . and play his . . . ‘All Good Things’. Then, all too soon, it was time to say a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and hope that we’ll meet again same time same place next week to go Through To Midnight. Until then remember . . . keep safe . . . keep well . . . and have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 25 March 2020

Broke Down With The Blues . . . .

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

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Well, I arrived for this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling, with a resigned air about me, as I pondered the many gaps in my giglist now. But, my usual cheery demeanour was restored, because there was no lack of new releases for the playlist this week. There were a few sneak previews of upcoming releases including my album of the week from Crystal Shawanda. ‘Back In Five‘ brought us a US cover of a John Mayall song and my guest spots featured stories about 20’s blues and racy vaudeville singer Lillian Glinn and Austin blues celebrity Jimmie Vaughan, who was celebrating a birthday this past week.

Sass Jordan made a triumphant return, after being last week’s ‘album of the week‘ and brought a little number called ‘Too Much Alcohol’. Now, among its many redeeming qualities, alcohol is a great sanitiser too and that’s a little allusion to the fact that we’re living in mighty interesting times at the moment. So, there was a big cheer from here for my radio pal Doug Hillyard in San Francisco who pointed me to a very topical piece of social comment on matters of the moment from the wonderful Rob Rio with his ‘Rona Virus Blues’. But, it all kicked off with something I promised you last week . . . . it was Dani Wilde bringing some ‘Mississippi Kisses’ . . . albeit ‘from a distance’ . . .

So Far So Good
Mississippi Kisses – Dani Wilde (Juice Me Up – 2012)
So Far So Good – Triple J Trio (Better Days – 2020)
New Orleans Is Sinking – Crystal Shawanda (Church House Blues – 2020)
The Truth – The New Soul Finders (The Truth – 2020)
I Heard About You – Jim Gustin & Truth Jones (Lessons Learned – 2020)
Same Old Blues – Freddie King (Getting Ready – 1971)
Too Much Alcohol – Sass Jordan (Rebel Moon Blues – 2020)
Rona Virus Blues – Rob Rio (Rona Virus Blues – 2020)

Pinetop’s Pick
Shake It Down – Lillian Glinn

The Voodoo Is On
I Know You Rider – Reverend Freakchild (The Bodhisattva Blues – 2020)
Mainline Voodoo – Barrelhouse (Mainline Voodoo – 2020)
Texas Flood – MaD BoJo (MaD BoJo – 2020)
Strollin’ With The Bone – T Bone Walker (The Hustle Is On – 2006)
Barley & Grape Rag – Rory Gallagher (Check Shirt Wizard – 2020)
Railroaded – The John Doe Trio (Railroaded – 2020)
Crossroads – Ry Cooder (Crossroads – 1986)
If I Pray – Casey Hensley (Good As Gone – 2020)
Move Me – Crystal Shawanda (Church House Blues – 2020)

Back In Five
Crawlin’ Up A Hill – Steve Muskrat (Only The Cool – 2008)

Make It Right
Someday Baby – Otis Spann & Fleetwood Mac (The Biggest Thing Since Colossus – 1969)
God Don’t Like It – The Jake Leg Jug Band (Goodbye Booze – 2020)
Make It Right – Shawn PittMan (Make It Right – 2020)

Austin Calling
Baby Please Come Home – Jimmie Vaughan (Baby Please Come Home – 2019)

Goin’ Home
That’s What Love Will Make You Do – Lisa Mills (The Triangle – 2020)
Doin’ Time – Richard Thompson & The Mighty Bosscats (Ticket To Memphis – 2020)
All Broke Down With The Blues – Andy Fleet (The Sleepless Kind – 2020)
Somebody Loan Me A Dime – Blind Lemon Pledge (Goin’ Home – 2020)
What The Devil Loves – King Solomon Hicks (Harlem – 2020)
Hoochie Coochie Man – Sugar Blue (Raw Sugar – 2012)

It was definitely good news to hear that local lads, The John Doe Trio, had there long-awaited second album out on release now.  It’s titled “Railroaded” and has ten original tracks, featuring the band’s customary outstanding musicianship. If you didn’t catch their album’s launch event down the road from here, then I brought a little compensation, with the album’s title track ‘Railroaded’.

This week, Pinetop’s Pick brought us Lillian Glinn, who started out singing spirituals in church and went on to become a successful vaudeville singer in the late 20s. She was known for singing bluesy songs, often with suggestive lyrics. In 1927 she signed with Columbia records and by 1929 she had recorded a total of twenty-two tracks, including this week’s ‘pick’ . . . ‘Shake It Down’.

Now, I encourage your feedback on the show and, to date, you’ve been mighty kind. So, I couldn’t resist responding this week to the much respected Shaun Falkner, because it was he who inspired the final choice for this week’s show, from harpman Sugar Blue. This came in the form of one of Shaun’s favourite harmonica performances, Sugar Blue’s take on ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’. But, before that I gave my hearty thanks for your good company on this week’s show and gave a  heartfelt plea . . . until the next time The Blues Come Calling . . . be sensible . . . be safe . . . and (as ever) have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 24 March 2020
Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 26 March 2020
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 28 March 2020
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 29 March 2020

Wait a minute . . . .

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

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Well, the trusty Cruise Mobile arrived right on time, with its motor purring gently, its windows wound down, its radio cranked up and all ready for you to jump aboard, to go Cruising with The Commissioner. As an added enticement, we arrived with Pearl Galloway on the radio and quickly set off down the road now with Charles ‘Mad Dog’ Sheffield.

Now, back in 1954 The Five Jets were using their best endeavours to get everybody to ‘do the chicken’ and they turned up here to prove they never give up. If that didn’t burn off a few calories, then Florida all girl vocal group The Fabulettes offered an alternative slimming solution . . . ‘Try The Worrin’ Way ‘. Then, Steve Gibson & The Original Red Caps returned with their 1951 recording ‘Would I Mind’, followed by a new favourite, courtesy of Arizona singer Francine Reed, who we remember on stage with Texan, Lyle Lovett, when the pair of them set the stage alight with their high powered performance of ‘Wild Women (Don’t Get the Blues)’ . . . a song written and recorded in 1924 by ‘lady of the blues’ Ida Cox, but it never sounded like this! Of course, the Lone Star State has produced a long, long list of great guitarists and Austin’s Chris Ruest is quietly taking his place among them and he joined us doing that classic Arthur Alexander song, ‘The Girl That Radiates That Charm’.

Now, this week’s Cruising Connections, brought another trio of tracks that all have a common link, starting with Ruth Brown’s 1958 hit ‘This Little Girl’s Gone Rocking’, then the distinctive sound of The Coasters with their 1961 Atco 45 ‘Wait A Minute’ and our final clue came from Dr John, with his take on ‘Splish Splash’. Mr Merlot was on hand with a lollipop and rosette for anyone who spotted the link was Bobby Darin, who penned each of those songs and many more, including his 1961 single ‘Oo-Ee Train’.

Give It Up
Get With It – Pearl Galloway
Give It Up – Charles Sheffield
Everybody Do The Chicken – The Five Jets
Try The Worrin’ Way – The Fabulettes
Would I Mind – Steve Gibson & The Original Red Caps
Wild Women (Don’t Get the Blues) – Lyle Lovett & Francine Reed
The Girl That Radiates That Charm – Chris Ruest

Cruising Connections
This Little Girl’s Gone Rocking – Ruth Brown
Wait A Minute – The Coasters
Splish Slash – Dr John
Oo-Ee Train – Bobby Darin

Girls & Guitars
Who’Da Thunk – Kathryn Grimm

Doo Wop Delights
Last Saturday Night – C-Notes
Oh Baby – The Jesters

Count On Me
Rockin’ – The Limboos
You Can Count On Me – Gene LaMarr
The Shape I’m In – Reese Wynans
Everybody Needs Somebody To Love – The Blues Brothers

This week’s Girls & Guitars feature focused on singer and guitarist Kathryn Grimm, who hails from Portland, Oregon, where, after finishing school, she enrolled with California State University and graduated with not one, but two music degrees. She’s since been busy as a songwriter and leading two local bands. To show off her talents, we chose a track from her 2004 album ‘Grimm Again’ . . . . ‘Who’Da Thunk’.

By coincidence, this week’s Doo Wop Delights both came from New York vocal groups and both were recorded in 1958. Firstly, The C-Notes, who only released one 45, called ‘Last Saturday Night’. Sadly, although they were very talented, their single didn’t get much national exposure, because the group couldn’t afford the Payola to get their songs played on the air. Next up were The Jesters, who did achieve some success after singing under the elevated train station near the Apollo Theater, where Paul Winley discovered them and signed them to his Winley Records, where they recorded several 45s including our choice, ‘Oh Baby’.

Next, we found some very nice rockabilly, including Spanish group, The Limboos with number, ‘Rockin’, which was followed fast by Gene LaMarr & The Blue Flames with a little gem that came courtesy of a reminder from Jamie Dell’Apa. There was a shift of style with something from celebrated keyboard man Reese Wynans with friends . . . and there are plenty of notable names among his friends on ‘The Shape I’m In’. It caught the ear of Mrs TC, so we were anticipating her joining the Cruisettes for some dangerous dancing, which ensured that the Cruise Mobile’s change of direction was barely noticed, as we headed back to Cruise Control. After arriving back safe and sound, we gathering to give a cheery wave, as we headed off to the after show party, but we didn’t forget to give the Cruise Mobile a quick polish so it’s all ready for the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 24 March 2020

Don’t Get Around Much Anymore . . . .

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

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Well, in these uncertain time, I arrived for this week’s Through To Midnight with a large dose of Dr Roberts Sonic Tonic to help ensure there was plenty to go round. There was no queuing, no rationing, no empty shelves and no need to venture out. Just tune in, turn the radio up and our rapid response facility was already fine-tuned to bring you more of ‘the good stuff’ that you won’t get on ‘ordinary radio’. There were new releases and previews from Lisa Mills, Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, Teddy Thompson, Diz & The Doormen, Elles Bailey and Todd Rundgren too.

This week, we went ‘Under The Covers‘ with covers of songs by John Hiatt. He learned to play the guitar when he was eleven, and went on to have a successful music career, writing a string of celebrated songs and releasing 25 albums to date. So, plenty of songs to choose from and the first choice was a celebrated cover featuring B.B. King and Eric Clapton with their take on John’s song . . . ‘Riding With The King’. Then, we heard a steamy sultry John Hiatt song from Maria Muldaur, and closed with another from Bonnie Raitt. There was an extra treat later in the show with Miller Anderson delivering an excellent version of a song co written by John Hiatt and Ry Cooder . . . ‘Across The Borderline’.

But, this week’s musical adventure kicked off with a respectful nod in the direction of the Crescent City and an invitation to The New Orleans Suspects to ‘Get It Started’ and that’s all we needed . . . .

Get It Started
Get It Started – The New Orleans Suspects
Tell Mama – Lisa Mills
Amazing – Paul Carrack
If You Want Me To Stay – Sly & The Family Stone
When Mavis Sings – Mike Farris
Little Sister – Ry Cooder

Under The Covers
Riding With The King – Eric Clapton & B.B. King
It Feels Like Rain – Maria Muldaur
Thing Called Love – Bonnie Raitt

Gonna Find It
Gonna Find It – Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar
At A Light – Teddy Thompson
I Can’t Stand The Rain – Alannagh Myles & Jeff Healey
Vieux Caribe – Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes
T’s Tune – Tim Penn & The Second Line
Diz-Connected – Diz & The Doormen
Mr Hi Fly – Groovy Eyes
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore – Dr John

Girls & Guitars
Woman Like Me – Elles Bailey (Woman Like Me – 2020)

I Saw The Light
I Feel The Earth Move – Aubrey Logan
I Saw The Light – Todd Rundgren

On The Giglist
Here Comes The Sun – Joe Brown

Wavelength
Wavelength – Van Morrison
I’d Rather Go Blind – Etta James
On The Waiting List – Dave Sutherland
Across The Borderline – Miller Anderson
(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay – Otis Redding
Sincerely – Johnny Jenkins

This week, our Girls & Guitars feature had a preview of the upcoming new single from Elles Bailey, who was all geared up to start her ‘Woman Like Me’ tour this month, but I guess we’ll have to wait a little longer for that. But, Elles did let me have a preview copy of her new single, ‘Woman Like Me’, due out in April, and I was keen to share it with you.

Now, my ‘On The Giglist‘ feature brought a memory of a charming night recently in the good company of the cheeky chappie, Joe Brown. On stage, he tells many stories about his 60 years in music and the many big names he’s played with along the way. One name that always gets a mention is George Harrison who was one of Joe’s neighbours and this time was no exception . . . Joe told a story about George and played his number . . . . ‘Here Comes The Sun’.

With the theatres and music venue going dark, there are many tours and gigs getting cancelled. This will be a real test for many artists and their livelihoods. So, I offer a heartfelt plea, wherever possible visit the artists website and order some merchandise to provide some income in these uncertain times. To support this, starting this week, I am creating a virtual giglist featuring the artists that would have been on my giglist and inviting your support for these artists, in particular.

So, a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and, until the next time we go Through To Midnight together, remember . . . be sensible . . . be safe . . . and (as always) have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 18 March 2020

Dangerous . . . .

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

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Well, despite all the unnerving international health news, I arrived with a big smile here and cheered by an armful of excellent ‘newies’ to savour from Elles Bailey, Lisa Mills, Larkin Poe, Danni Wilde and more. Sass Jordan was back with her ‘Rebel Moon Blues’ album, as our Album of the Week and there were some sneak previews too of upcoming new releases.

Our ‘Back In Five‘ feature brought a Louisiana classic from Otis Verries Hicks, who became much better known as Louisiana bluesman Lightnin’ Slim. He was taught to play guitar by his older brother Layfield, and by the late 40s, he could be found playing in bars in and around his home town, Baton Rouge. He got signed by Excello Records and in 1959 he cut a little gem that was my choice this week . . . ‘Rooster Blues’.

We kicked off this week’s show with the great Albert Collins and a little number he first recorded back in ’78. It was his original recording of ‘Too Tired’ which pops up again on the recent compilation ‘Serious Business – Texas Blues Greats’ . . . . take a listen . . . .

Same Old Blues
Too Tired – Albert Collins (Serious Business – Texas Blues Greats – 2020)
She’s Gone – Fredrico Luiu (Walkin’ the Blues – 2019)
I’d Rather Be Blind – King Solomon Hicks (Harlem – 2020)
One Way Out – Sass Jordan (Rebel Moon Blues – 2020)
We’d Have A Love Sublime – Roomful Of Blues (In A Roomful Of Blues – 2020)
Same Old Blues – Bonnie Bramlett and Dan Penn (Goin’ Down – The Songs of Don Nix – 2002)

Back In Five
Rooster Blues – Lightnin’ Slim (Rooster Blues – 2018)

Tough On Me
Tough On Me Tough On You – Lonnie Mack (The Best Of Lonnie Mack – 2015)
Best Friend’s Grave – Backtrack Blues Band (Your Baby Has Left – 2020)

Pinetop’s Pick
Wolf Call Boogie – Hot Shot Love (Wolf Call Boogie – 1954)

Got To Hurry
Need Some Help – The Ramblin’ Preachers (Need Some Help  – 2020)
My Babe – Sass Jordan (Rebel Moon Blues – 2020)
She’s A Self Made Man – Larkin Poe (She’s A Self Made Man – 2020)
Satisfied & Tickled Too – D’Arcy Wickham (Feather Fingers – 2005)
I Hold No Grudge – Bettye LaVette (Blackbirds – 2020)
Threw Me To The Wolves – Jared James Nichols (Threw Me To The Wolves – 2020)
Got To Hurry – The Yardbirds (The Yardbirds – Best Of The Rarities – 2019)
Wang Dang Doodle – Keb Mo’, Sam Moore & Angie Stone (Randy’s Music Club – 2008)

Steppin’ In
Palace Of The King – Sass Jordan (Rebel Moon Blues – 2020)
Someone Else Is Steppin’ In – Lisa Mills (The Triangle – 2020)
Peace With You – The Justin Saladino Band (JSB Live – 2020)
Run – Phil Johari (ft Mark Leterieri) (Run – 2020)
Spoonful – Barrelhouse (Mainline Voodoo – 2020)

Austin Calling
Dangerous – Lindsay Beaver (Tough As Love – 2018)

Ride In My Car
Rock ‘N’ Rolla Train – Vanja Sky (Woman Named Trouble – 2020)
Woman Like Me – Elles Bailey (Woman Like Me – 2020)
My Babe – Sass Jordan (Rebel Moon Blues – 2020)
Living In The Shadows – Tyler Morris (Living In The Shadows -2020)
I Believe I’m In Love With You – Queen Bee Blues Band (Ride In My Car – 2018)
Howlin’ At The Moon – Dani Wilde (Howlin’ At The Moon – 2020)

Our guest spots feature a story about 50’s bluesman, Hot Shot Love from our regular ‘Pinetop’s Pick‘, while our Austin Calling feature focused on an upcoming Austin gig by drummer and band leader, Lindsay Beaver.

As gigs start to get cancelled, because of the international health issues, there was a timely warning to check with venues before gigs, even if you already have tickets. There was thought or two also for the artists, venues and promoters whose livelihoods are at risk, as a result of these cancellations and a suggestion, where possible, to buy some merchandise from them online, to help their cash-flow.

As well as thanking you for your good company for this week’s show, there was a heartfelt plea . . . until the next time The Blues Come Calling . . . be sensible . . . be safe . . . and (as ever) have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 17 March 2020
Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 19 March 2020
Broadcast by Blues @ Rock Radio UK on 21 March 2020
Broadcast by Blues @ Rock Radio UK on 22 March 2020

Around The Corner . . .

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

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Well, what more could you want . . . the trusty Cruise Mobile called by with a seat saved especially for you, with its radio cranked up and plenty of friendly faces all ready to go Cruising with The Commissioner. So, demonstrating our good intent, we arrived to the sound of Steve Gibson & The Original Red Caps and needed little encouragement to join The Ravens to go ‘Rocking All Night Long’. With the speed of light, we followed up with a little 1951 number from a band leader who got to be called ‘Tasso The Great’, but the record label just credited him as Tasso Zachary & His Orchestra. Then, the trusty Cruise Mobile was speeding us across the years from 1951 to 1958, to meet J.P. Richardson, The Big Bopper.

It’s a testament to the songwriters and performers of 50s R&B that their music lives on, not only through the original recordings, but through the covers by other artists like Washington DC band Big Joe & The Dynaflows with the Dave Bartholomew song ‘Go On Fool’. Then, from Washington, we headed to Austin Texas, to hear from singer, songwriter and keyboard man, Nakia Reynoso, with a New Orleans flavoured number . . . ‘Hoodoo Party’.

This week’s Cruising Connections came with a trio of tracks that all share a common link and started off with Johnny Darrow and his 1960 45 ‘Hand In Hand’, followed by a 1962 track by vocal group, The Drapers, which went on to become a big Northern Soul favourite. Finally, we brought an early number by The Drifters, all three of which shared something in common, because Johnny Darrow was the solo name used by the great Johnny Moore, who was one of the longest serving members of The Drifters and a member of The Drapers.

Nuff Of That Stuff
Nuff Of That Stuff – Steve Gibson & The Original Red Caps
Rock Me All Night Long – The Ravens
Louisville KY – Tasso Zachary & His Orchestra
Walking Through My Dreams – The Big Bopper
Go On Fool – Big Joe & The Dynaflows
Hoodoo Party – Nakia

Cruising Connections
Hand In Hand – Johnny Darrow
I Know Your Love Has Gone Away – The Drapers
Fools Fall In Love – The Drifters

Girls & Guitars
Come On Over To Me – Meg Williams

Doo Wop Delights
Coming Back To You – The Royal Jokers
Gee What A Girl – The Hummers

Let It Rock
Mr Moonlight – Dr Feelgood & The Interns
Roscoe James McClain – The Tymes
Compensation Cheque – The Vals (Unique Laboratories)
Girls Girls Girls – The Coasters
Splish Splash – Freddy Cannon
Around The Corner (From My House) – Jewel Akens
Let It Rock – Mike Sanchez & The Limboos

This week’s Girls & Guitars feature took us down to Nashville to meet singer/songwriter and guitarist Meg Williams. Although she’s a native of Hornell, New York, she moved to Nashville a few years back and has been building a name for herself both in Music City and beyond. We brought a taste of her talents with a single titled ‘Come On Over To Me’.

Then, we were back with more sounds of those 50s vocal groups in our Doo Wop Delights. We kicked off with a Detroit vocal group who were known as The Serenaders, The Muskateers and The Royals but are probably best known as The Royal Jokers, which is what they were called when they recorded their 1959 single ‘Coming Back To You’. They were followed by New York group The Hummers with a number they recorded for Old Town records in 1955, but it didn’t released until 1995. It was probably their only recording . . . ‘Gee What A Girl‘.

After Dr. Feelgood and the Interns’ UK cult R&B favorite, ‘Mr Moonlight’, we had a couple of Coasters sound-alike songs from The Tymes and Chicago group, The Vals. There are only five copies still known to exist of The Vals 45 ‘Compensation Cheque’, so the collectors get very interested! Then, we heard from The Coasters themselves with a Leiber and Stoller song, ‘Girls Girls Girls’. Bobby Darin also had one or two songs in The Coasters catalogue and we found one of his songs covered by the ‘Boom Boom Man’ himself Freddy Cannon. While the Cruisettes were out in force and whooping along, almost in the right places, with Mr Cannon and Jewel Akens, we stealthily turned the Cruise Mobile for home and taking us all the way home was that larger than life character Mike Sanchez. Then, it was all over, with nothing left to do except say, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 17 March 2020

Feel The Earth Move . . .

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

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Well, I was looking forward to catching up with the friendly faces, because I was itching to share another big dose of Dr Roberts Sonic Tonic. So, at the appointed time, I hit the airwaves with that celebrated elixir, ready to excite your rhythm receptors and keep you on the good foot, all the way Through To Midnight.

In preparation, the studio blinds were closed, the floor was cleared ready for some fancy footwork and there was a comfy seat or two for those who just wanted lounge in the listening corner. There was plenty of the good stuff too, including our Under The Covers feature, which focused on the songs of Motown stars, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles. They had a string of hits through the 60, 70s and beyond, so, not surprisingly, there are plenty of covers to choose from and we started our trio of tracks with Ali Campbell & Mick Hucknall’s take on ‘Being With You’, followed by all-girl rock band, Fanny, with their 1972 version of a song written by Smokey Robinson and other members of the Miracles, ‘Ain’t That Peculiar’. The last choice, ‘Going To A Go-Go’ came from UK Motown fan Phil Collins who included it in his 2010 album ‘Going Back’.

But, before that,  we kicked off with the help of Smooth & Turrell and got the ‘Hard Work’ out of the way right at the start . . . .

Nick Of Time
Hard Work – Smooth & Turrell
Love Dagger – Wilson Pickett
French Quarter Moon – Le Roux
Big Chief – Tim Penn & The Second Line
You Do It – John Papa Gros
Nick Of Time – James Hunter Six

Under The Covers
Being With You – Ali Campbell & Mick Hucknall
Ain’t That Peculiar – Fanny
Going To A Go Go – Phil Collins

I Feel The Earth Move
Irish Bordello – The Justin Saladino Band
While My Guitar Gently Weeps – Jeff Healey
I Feel The Earth Move – Rita Hovink

On The Giglist
Happiest Man Alive – Dan Burnett

Give Me Time
The Light In Us – Stone Foundation
Nu Reality – Lexsoul Dancemachine
Will It Go Round In Circles – Jools Holland & Paul Weller
Give Me Time – Phillip Sayce
I’d Rather Be Blind – King Solomon Hicks
You Don’t Know What You Mean To Me – Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings
Fever – Patti Drew
Bring It On Home Daddy – Ted Hawkins

Girls & Guitars
Shadow Play – Vanja Sky

It’s Alright
Can I Call You Rose – Thee Sacred Souls
It’s Alright – Aaron Neville
All Along The Watchtower – Bob Dylan
We Are Family – Eldissa
Get Here – Brenda Russell
Hello Old Friend – Jo Harmon
Sincerely – Johnny Jenkins

Multi-instrumentalist, Dan Burnett, was a long over due treat On The Giglist this week. He’s been causing a real buzz for a while and he gave plenty of reasons to understanding all the good reports. He delivered some superb vocals and outstanding keyboard skills, which shone through on my choice from Dan and his band on the ‘Happiest Man Alive’.

Our Girls & Guitars feature brought a new release from Croatian singer and guitarist Vanja Sky. She was on tour in the UK back in 2018 as a member of the Blues Caravan and she’s got a new album due out soon. The album’s titled ‘Woman Named Trouble’ and we had a taster from it called ‘Shadow Play’.

All too soon, Tomorrow was loitering on the doorstep,  but it had to wait a while longer while we enjoyed some mellow moments in the company of Eldissa, Brenda Russell and Jo Harman. Then it was time to say thanks for your good company on this week’s show and hope that we’ll meet again, same time, same place, to go Through To Midnight. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 11 March 2020

Boogie In The Park . . .

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

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Well, another bumper week for great blues releases, with the arrival of the much awaited, ‘Check Shirt Wizard’, Joanne Shaw Taylor’s ‘Restless Blues’, Johnny Tienne A’s ‘Be You’ and the legendary Roomful Of Blues as my album of the week, with their first studio album in nearly a decade! There were plenty of sneak previews of upcoming new releases too from Crystal Shawanda, Vanja Sky, Diz Watson & The Doormen, Rory Block, Albert Castiglia, Rhythm Express, James Pitt and local duo, Ridgerunner.

Now, the giglist here has been filling up nicely for the weeks and months ahead and among the great delights of the past week was a great local gig by Northern Ireland power trio, Delta Fuse. They took to the stage with plenty of fire and energy and wowed the crowd for sure. Then, there was an overdue opportunity to catch up with multi-instrumentalist Dan Burnett at a gig that came with a trip down the road from here. There’s been a real buzz about Dan for a while now and he gave us plenty of reasons to justify those good reports. He did some superb vocals and showed his outstanding keyboard prowess to with numbers like my choice . . . ‘Piano Boogie Madness’.

‘Back In Five’ brings some boogie from one-man-band, Joe Louis Hill and my guest spots feature stories about Robert Lockwood Jr and a night out on Austin’s 6th street with local band The Sidemen. All this and more!

I Take What I Want
I Take What I Want – Rory Gallagher (Check Shirt Wizard – 2020)
Leave For Good – Layla Zoe (Retrospective Tour 2019 – 2020)
Red House – Gary Moore (Live at the Fender Strat 50th Anniversary Concert 2004)
Sky’s The Limit – Ivy Ford (Club 27 – 2020)
Mr Hi-Fly – Diz Watson & The Doormen (ft Jo’Buddy) (Mr Hi-Fly – 2020)
Wayward Girl Blues – Rory Block (Prove It On Me – 2020)

Pinetop’s Pick
Sweet Home Chicago – Robert LockWood Jr (Ramblin’ On My Mind – 1982)

Move Me
Phone Zombies – Roomful Of Blues (In A Roomful Of Blues – 2020)
Move Me – Crystal Shawanda (Church House Blues – 2020)

Back In Five
Boogie In The Park – Joe Hill Louis (Yellow Sun Blues – 2006)

Come To Play The Blues
Too Much Boogie – Roomful Of Blues (In A Roomful Of Blues – 2020)
Ain’t Superstitious – Carlos Santana & Jonny Lang (Guitar Heaven – 2010)
Higher Ground – Smokey Greenwell (Classic Smoke – 2005)
She’s Too Much – Roomful Of Blues (In A Roomful Of Blues – 2020)
Big Dog – Albert Castiglia (Wild Free – 2020)
Driftin’ Blues – Rhythm Express (feat. Bill King) (Drifting Blues – 2020)
Shadow Play – Vanja Sky (Woman Named Trouble – 2020)
Come To Play The Blues – James Pitt (Come To Play The Blues – 2020)
Barley & Grape Rag – Rory Gallagher (Check Shirt Wizard – 2020)
Let The Sleeping Dog Lie – Roomful Of Blues (In A Roomful Of Blues – 2020)

Austin Calling
Cheaper To Keep Her – The Sidemen (Live at Darwins – 2017)

On The Giglist
Piano Boogie Madness – Dan Burnett (Piano Boogie Madness – 2013)
Spoonful – Delta Fuse (Spoonful – 2019)

Lessons Learned
U-Turn – Johnny Tienne A (Be You – 2020)
Police Dog Blues – Ridgerunner (Ridgerunner 2020)
Reckless Boogie – Joanne Shaw Taylor (Reckless Blues – 2020)

Now, those with keen recall, will remember that, for last week’s Austin Calling, Texas musicman, David Isaacs told a story of the great Johnny Taylor turning up at one of David’s gigs and getting chatting to him between sets. It was a reminder of one of Johnny Taylor’s songs that got to be a setlist regular for David’s band The Texas Topcats, with our mutual pal Wendel Williams on bass and vocals. . . . and Wendel was doing it again one night in 2017 on stage at local Austin club Darwins. He was with his Austin band, The Sidemen, and fortunately, someone recorded the session which did indeed include a Johnny Taylor favourite . . .’Cheaper To Keeper’.

Then, this week’s On The Giglist feature, brought the great delights of catching up with multi-instrumentalist Dan Burnett at a gig that came with a trip down the road apiece. Now, Dan’s been causing a real buzz for a while and he gave us plenty of reasons to justify those good reports. He did some superb vocals and wowed the crowd with his outstanding keyboard prowess on numbers like, ‘Piano Boogie Madness’. Another memory from my giglist this past week was Northern Ireland band, Delta Fuse, who took to the stage with plenty of fire and energy and looking like they were having great fun . . . and they weren’t alone, especially with numbers like their inventive version of ‘Spoonful’.

But, all too soon, this weeks blues time together was running out fast, but before I collected up the music and tidied up the studio, there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and I played out with a most excellent instrumental from the wonderful Joanne Shaw Taylor. It was a track from her ‘Reckless Blues’ EP and featuring her excellent guitarwork on ‘Reckless Boogie’. So, until the next time The Blues Come Calling . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 10 March 2020
Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 12 March 2020
Broadcast by Blues @ Rock Radio on 15 March 2020