Smile & Get On Down . . .

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

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Well, wherever in the world your are . . . if you were one of those who had this year’s Jazz Fest down in New Orleans on your giglist, then the lock-down will have brought even greater disappointments. So, to soothe your senses and raise your spirits, this week’s Through To Midnight brings you a special mix of Dr Roberts Sonic Tonic with a very large dose of spicy Crescent City flavour. Starting it all off, there was a favourite of my good pal Wendel Williams . . . Papa Grows Funk with a great opener . . . ‘Slapjack’.

This week’s Under The Covers feature also had a New Orleans theme, when we celebrated the music of Huey Piano Smith & The Clowns, with three of their well-known songs delivered through artists from other parts of the world, including covers by Geraint Watkins & The Dominators, Prince Buster and Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames.

The wonderful Thom Hickey got an honourable mention this week. The has long been a much respected music lover with broad tastes and some great stories. His regular blog The Immortal Jukebox, has been a source of both over many years and a while back Thom told a story about a song by The Meters, which caused many a smile and I won’t spoil it here, but I did dig out The Meters’ version of ‘They All Asked For You’, especially for Thom.

Pump It Up
Slapjack – Papa Grows Funk
29 Ways – Luther Kent
The Tattooed Lady & the Alligator Man – Marcia Ball
Pump It Up – Jon Cleary
Do You No Good – Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes

Under The Covers
Don’t You Just Know It – Geraint Watkins & The Dominators
High Blood Pressure – Prince Buster
Rockin’ Pneumonia & Boogie Woogie Flu – Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames

Good Gumbo
We Make Good Gumbo – Tab Benoit
They All Asked For You – The Meters
Tear Your Playhouse Down – Ann Peebles
I Miss Ya Gal – Clarence Frogman Henry, Chas & Dave

Girls & Guitars
Oh Baby We Got A Good Thing Goin’ – Barbara Lynn

Get On Down
Right Place, Wrong Time – Dr John with Diz & the Doormen
Gumbo Ya Ya – Mook Loxley
Feel The Heat, Feel The Beat – Johnny Adams
So Swell When You’re Well – James Martin
One For The Highway – James Booker
Smile & Get On Down – Dom Pipkin & The Ikos

On The Giglist
Everytime I Hear That Mellow Saxophone – Big Town Playboys

Later On Decatur
I’m Your Puppet – Irma Thomas
Hello Stranger – Walter Wolfman Washington
Small Town Talk – Bobby Charles
Everyday – Aaron Neville
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans – John Boutte
Later On Decatur – Dave Ferrato
Sincerely – Johnny Jenkins

Since we’re focusing on New Orleans . . . this week’s Girls & Guitars feature, did the same, with it spotlight on New Orleans gal Barbara Lynn. She’s a superb singer and a mean guitar slinger too. My choice of song from her was one that got covered by the Rolling Stones. I courted a little controversy by admitting that I actually prefer the raw edge of Barbara’s and when I saw her on stage in New Orleans, all those years later, she was still doing it just like that on stage.

Now, we couldn’t visit New Orleans without a mention for Dr John. Until his passing, he was for many the heart and soul of the city and he has collaborated with many worthy names along the way. One of those got an extra boost this week with a memory of a night back in 1983 when Dr John was touring the UK and accompanied on that occasion by local talents, Diz & The Doormen. The tour culminated in a live album called ‘Such A Night’, recorded by Dr John, with Diz & the Doormen at London’s Albany Empire . . . and I played a little taster for this week’s show.

As we drifted into our mellow mood, there was one song that I couldn’t miss from this playlist. I doffed my hat to my good pal Jamie Dell’Apa down there in New Orleans who played me this track many moons ago. For me, its musical imagery captured so perfectly that late night & early morning scene around the French Quarter. It was a number by the wonderful Dave Ferrato and his most excellent ‘Later On Decatur’. Then, it was time to thank you for you good company on this ramble through the empty streets of New Orleans and conjure a musical moment or two from what might have been part of this years Jazz Fest. I very much hope 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 29 April 2020

What We Do For The Blues . . .

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

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Well, this week The Blues Come Calling brought plenty of real gems among the new blues releases this week, including a Joe Bonamassa collaboration, The Rolling Stones, Ana Popovic, Larkin Poe, Phillip Sayce, Joe Louis Walker, Keb Mo, Kaz Hawkins, Gavin Povey and more. Among the upcoming releases, there was a ‘newie’ from the excellent Norman Beaker, ‘Running Down The Clock’, which is our ‘album of the week. Now, Norman has been a familiar face on the British Blues scene for over 4 decades playing with the likes of Alexis Korner, Graham Bond, Jack Bruce, Tony Ashton, Paul Jones, Eric Burdon, Chris Farlowe and many others. He’s also received a great compliment from BB King, who once commented that, “Norman is like a white Freddy King”, a compliment indeed!

Our ‘Back In Five‘ feature, took us back to see what was on my playlist this week 5 years ago. This time, the choice brought back some real memories of seeing UK blues band Steamhammer on stage. They attracted a lot of interest back in the late 60s with their live gigs and their debut album, which featured some fine guitar work from Keiron White, as well as some delicate, almost folky, guitarwork of Martin Quittenton. They were both there on my choice ‘When All Your Friends Are Gone’.

Pinetop’s Pick brought us a memory or two of the early days of Newcastle band, The Animals. Our regular guest, Arfa Pinetop, chose something from their second album ‘Animal Tracks’ and their take on Big Maceo Merriweather’s number, ‘Worried Life Blues’.

Blues Comin’ On
Blues Comin’ On – Dion & Joe Bonamassa (Blues With Friends – 2020)
Long Before You Came Along – Norman Beaker (Running Down The Clock – 2020)
Living In A Ghost Town – The Rolling Stones (Living In A Ghost Town – 2020)
Dr Blues – Gavin Povey (When I Hear Rhythm & Blues – 2020)
Old Time Used To Be – Joe Louis Walker (Old Time Used To Be – 2020)
West Coast Blues – Roger Hubbard (Brighton Belle Blues – 2020)

Back In Five
When All Your Friends Are Gone – Steamhammer (Reflection – 1968)

Oh My
Oh My – Phillip Sayce (Spirit Rising – 2020)
Digital Curse – Norman Beaker (Running Down The Clock – 2020)

Pinetop’s Pick
Worried Life Blues – The Animals (Animal Tracks – 1965)

The Time Is Right
When The Time Is Right – John Cee Stannard (When The Time Is Right – 2020)
Keep Diggin’ – Larkin Poe (Self Made Man – 2020)

On The Giglist
Blue Skies & Isolation Blues – Dave Ferra  (Starting Something – 2020)

Nice To Be Nice
Night Owl Blues – The Lovin’ Spoonful (Daydream – 1966)
Dimples – The Spencer Davis Group (Their First LP – 1965)
You Or Me – Adam Sweet (You Or Me – 2020)
Nice To Be Nice – Albert King (The Blues Don’t Change – 1977)
I Know – The Michael Mills Band (Stand Up – 2020)
Brand New Man – Ana Popovic (Live For Live – 2020)
What We Do For The Blues — Norman Beaker (Running Down The Clock – 2020)
Eating Dry Onions – Jay Willie & James Montgomery (Cadillac Walk – 2020)
You’ll Be Calling My Name – Stein Stokke & The Engine (My Own Way Out – 2020)

Austin Calling
Palace Of The King – Carolyn Wonderland (Live Texas Trio – 2015)

Leave Your Hat On
Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven – Tyler Morris (Living In The Shadows – 2020)
Don’t Tear My Clothes – Peppermint Harris (Masters Of The Last Century – 2014)
Isolation Blues – Frank Statesboro (Isolation Blues – 2020)
You Can Leave Your Hat On – Kaz Hawkins (Live at La Traverse – 2020)

I decided to keep our ‘On The Giglist‘ feature running, despite the absence of gigs now. But, I’m keeping a white knuckle grip on the hope that there’ll be events back on the giglist sometime soon and giving a big cheer to Dave Ferra, whose new album ‘Starting Something’, brought back welcome memories of a past gig by Dave. So, I pictured Dave singing one from his new album, the very topical ‘Blue Skies & Isolation Blues’.

This week’s ‘Austin Calling‘ feature focused on Austin-based, Carolyn Wonderland who is not only a celebrated guitarist and singer but also plays trumpet, accordion, piano, mandolin, and lap steel guitar. Just lately she’s been the featured guitarist in John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers and has just finished an album with him, as well as a new album of her own. There were no early tasters of either, so I pulled out Carolyn’s version of ‘Palace Of The King’, with its respectful nod in the direction of another Texas blues hero, Freddie King.

Far too soon, our blues-time together was running out, so I prepared to wave a cheery farewell to all as we played out with a track from Kaz Hawkins latest live offering ‘Live at La Traverse’. So, until the next time The Blues Come Calling, remember . . . keep safe . . . keep well . . . and have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 28 April 2020
Broadcast by Miskin radio on 30 April 2020
Broadcast by Blues@Rock Radio UK on 1 May 2020
Broadcast by Blues@Rock Radio UK on 2 May 2020

The Pleasure Is All Mine . . .

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

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Well, the sunshine has been a welcome visitor to the Grand Duchy lately and there have been many long lazy lunches in the rays of the days. But, we haven’t neglected our preparations for our musical adventures. So, at the appointed time, we rolled by in the trusty Cruise Mobile with plenty of fine music and a seat saved especially for you just so, we can go Cruising with The Commissioner. To set the mood right, we kicked off down the road in the company of The Fins and their take on ‘Strollin’ With Bone’. Then, we were getting up to full cruising speed with Jai Malano and her Rhythm Bomb Records release ‘Rocket Girl’.
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During our past cruising adventures, we’ve heard ‘Saturday Night Fish Fry’ by a many artists, but not this week’s ‘find’, a rather fine 1966 version by The Coasters, along with the great King Curtis. Our rummaging also turned up another much recorded song, written and first recorded by country music star Webb Pierce. It has since been  recorded by a long list of folks, but in 2008 it was recorded by the fabulous Little Richard and it remains his most recent release.

Shakin’ Stevens fans will know the song ‘Marie Marie’ well, but Shaky wasn’t the first to release it. The original came from American band, The Blasters in 1980. It’s been much covered since, including one by Swedish piano master Micke Muster which found its way into our playlist and it led us to another piano ace, this time from New Orleans . . . . the much celebrated Dr John, this time with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and a number that was a chart topper for the Rolling Stones.

This week’s Cruising Connections included the great Ray Charles, followed by Bob Dylan and Taj Mahal all singing songs by country music star, Hank Snow, who recorded them long before the versions in our selection.

Strollin’
Strollin’ With Bone – The Fins
Rocket Girl – Jai Malano
Saturday Night Fish Fry – The Coasters
I Ain’t Never – Little Richard
Marie Marie – Micke Muster
It All Over Now – Dr John & The Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Cruising Connections
I’m Moving On – Ray Charles
A Fool Such As I – Bob Dylan
Six Days On The Road – Taj Mahal

Girls & Guitars
Tumble & Fall – Kim Lenz & Her Jaguars

Hide & Seek
Sugar Coated Love – Barbara Lynn
The Pleasure Is All Mine – Bobby Long
Hide & Seek – Bill Haley & His Comets

Remember Then
Wrapped Up In A Dream – Ted Taylor
Zing Zing – The Pitch Pipes

Heading Home
5-10-15 – Blue Harlem
True Lips – Ray Agee & Elly Johnson (Ebb) 1957

This week, our girls Girls and Guitars feature, threw its spotlight on Los Angeles-based rockabilly singer and guitarist, Kim Lenz, who grew up in southern California listening to artists like Janis Martin, Wanda Jackson, Faron Young, and Johnny Horton. She took up the guitar during her teens and before she earned her University degree, she and a few musicians formed a band called Rocket, Rocket. In 1994, she settled in Dallas, and pulled together a band of her own, The Jaguars. To show off her talents, we pulled out her 2013 album ‘Follow Me’ and chose, ‘Tumble & Fall’.

The most excellent Barbara Lynn turned up with her cover of Lazy Lester’s ‘Sugar Coated Love’, followed by New Yorker, Bobby Long, with a very collectable slice of rocking R & B, titled “The Pleasure Is All Mine”, which almost certainly features the guitar work of Wild Jimmy Spruill. Another guitarist got some honours in this week’s playlist, this time it was steel guitar player, Billy Williamson, from Bill Haley’s Comets,  with a 1956 Decca release, ‘Hide and Seek’, one of the rare numbers they recorded with Billy taking the lead vocals.

For our Remember Then slot, we came clutching a very nice Ebb 45 by Ted Taylor, a one time member of The Jacks and The Cadets, who recorded his 1958 45, ‘Wrapped Up In A Dream’ in that distinctive doo wop style of 50s vocal groups, just like The Pitch Pipes with their 1957 Mercury 45 ‘Zing Zing’.

Dublin’s Imelda May appeared as vocalist on cover of Ruth Brown’s 1952 hit ‘5-10-15’  by Blue Harlem featuring Ray Gelato and Al Nicholls on saxes. Then it was back to 1957 for a little Ebb 45 by Ray Agee & Elly Johnson, ‘True Lips’ that got Mr Merlot and The Cruisettes throwing some uninhibited moves. Indeed, they got even more excited with our final choice from UK band The Big Town Playboys doing a frantic version of that Jimmy Cracklin classic, ‘The Wobble’.

Then, with a unique combination of luck and skill, the Cruise Mobile brought us home safe and sound and as it rolls gently to a stop, we gave it a polish, ready for the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 28 April 2020

Give Me Some Sunshine . . .

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

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Well, as the sunshine of the day faded away, so I was gathering together the armful of the ‘good stuff’ ready for another musical adventure as I prepared to take you Through To Midnight. With all else that’s going on at present, you may have needed little encouragement to join me for our weekly dose of Dr Roberts Sonic Tonic. It comes, as ever, with its promise to soothe the senses and lift the spirits.

Those paying close attention last week, will know I played a track from a newly released compilation of the music of Doris Troy. Now, she’s someone who never got the recognition I think she deserved, but she did produce some very notable numbers in her career and it was a good excuse to make the songs of Doris Troy the focus of this week’s Under The Covers feature. Starting us off was Lulu with her version of a song that was a hit for Doris in America, but it was an even bigger hit in the UK for The Hollies. Zoot Money & His Big Roll Band followed with another hit for Doris and then there was a very collectable Northern soul number from Lenny Gamble, who was in fact radio DJ Tony Blackburn.

Behind the scenes, there was also a small celebration, because it was this week, last year, that our Through To Midnight adventures kicked off as a regular feature . . . so, I started as we did a year ago . . . with Patrice Rushen and her aptly titled ‘Let The Music Take Me’ . . .

Let The Music Take Me
Let The Music Take Me – Patrice Rushen
Singing A New Song – Bonita & The Blues Shacks
Caroline – The Fortunes
Mercy Mercy – Phoebe Snow
Something New – Nina Massara
Keep On Running – Jackie Edwards
Family Affair – Steve Winwood

Under The Covers
Just One Look – Lulu
Whatcha Gonna Do About It – Zoot Money
I’ll Do Anything – Lenny Gamble (Tony Blackburn)

Is It Over
The Truth – Kat Pearson
Is It Over – Don Bryant
99lbs – Ann Peebles
Bad Lady – Con Funk Shun
Move On Up – Hammond Express
Feelin’ Alright – Joe Cocker
Brown Eyed Handsome Man – Mollie O’Brien
I’ll Take You There – The Staple Singers
All Along The Watchtower – Steve Franco & Mr Boogieman
Give Me Some Sunshine – James King & Anders Lewin

Girls & Guitars
Reckless Heart – Joanne Shaw Taylor

Build Me Up
Who Dat – Grady Champion
Chuck E’s In Love – Rickie Lee Jones
What’s Your Name – Mel & Tim
I Can’t Go Wrong – Keith
The Brighter Song – Laura Nyro
Stone Soul Picnic – 5th Dimension
Peace Of Mind – Jenn Cleary
California Dreamin’ – Bobby Womack
Build Me Up Buttercup – Higgs & Cutill

This week’s Girls & Guitars feature, threw its spotlight on UK singer and guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor, who has been delighting audiences with her live shows and producing a string of excellent albums, including her 2019 release ‘Reckless Heart’, from which I played the title track.

As we headed into our mellow mood, Mel & Tim turned up with a great doo wop favourite, originally a hit for another singing duo, Don & Juan. The mellow moments brought us Bobby Womack too with a little welcome  California Dreamin’ and we closed with Higgs & Cutill and their inventive take on that old soul favourite ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’.  Then, it was time to collect up the music and head for the studio door, with a cheery wave and the hope that we’ll meet again next week to go Through To Midnight. Until then, remember . . . keep safe . . . keep well . . . and have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 22 April 2020

Can’t Steal My Shine . . . .

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

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There were big smiles here, because as welcome as the sunshine, the new blues releases keep coming, including ‘newies’ this week from Joe Bonamassa. Mick Clarke, Anthony Gomes, Dave Arcari, The Be Sharp Band and more. The excellent Roger Hubbard brought our ‘album of the week’ and, in the absence of current live gigs, there was dip back to a gig with Rory Gallagher. Pinetop’s Pick brought a fond memory of Sister Suzie (not a nun) and a high powered gig of hers at London’s famous 100 Club.

Louie Shelton and Boz Scaggs were there to kick off the show in fine style with the suitably titled ‘You’re On Top’. Then, like the welcome sunshine filtering through the lock-down, along came a selection of new releases, including a taster from the much awaited new album by Joe Bonamassa, ‘Royal Tea’ . . .

On Top
You’re On Top – Louie Shelton (w Boz Scaggs) (Bluesland – 2016)
A Conversation With Alice – Joe Bonamassa (A Conversation With Alice – 2020)
Black Crow Moan – Eliza Neals & Joe Louis walker (Black Crow Moan – 2020)
Make Me a Pallet On The Floor – Roger Hubbard (Brighton Belle Blues – 2020)
My Baby Drives – The Michael Mills Band (Dream A Dream – 2020)
29 Ways – Johnny Little John (Funky From Chicago – 2011)

Pinetop’s Pick
Sloppy Drunk – Sister Suzie (Ain’t No Lady – 2018)

Left With The Blues
Look At The World – George H. Miller (Valley Blues – 2020)
Silver Dollars – Joshua Batten (The City Within – 2020)
You Can’t Steal My Shine – The Rev Peyton’s Big Damn Band (Poor Until Payday – 2018)
Fightin’ The Jug – Roger Hubbard (Brighton Belle Blues – 2020)
She Left Me With The Blues – Cafe Chaos (Shifting Sands – 2020)

On The Giglist
Tore Down – Rory Gallagher (Live at Montreux Jazz Festival, 1975)

Blues Got My Back
Too Many Dirty Dishes – David Clayton Thomas (Blue Plate Special -1997)
Blues Got My Back – Tom Euler (Blues Got My Back – 2019)
Just Blues – Be Sharp Band (Ashes – 2020)
Satisfied – Roger Hubbard (Brighton Belle Blues – 2020)
Knocking At Your Door – Mick Clarke (Big Wheel – 2020)
Standing In The Need Of Prayer – David Bromberg (Big Road – 2020)
Stick To Your Guns – Dave Aarcari (Stick To Your Guns – 2020)
Steady Driver Man – Charlie Bedford (Good To Go – 2020)

Back in Five
Love – Bex Marshall (House Of Mercy – 2012)

Rockin’ The Pad
Goin’ Home – Blind Lemon Pledge (Goin’ Home – 2020)
Moonshine Gasoline – Blind Dog Mayer (Moonshine Gasoline – 2020)
Rockin’ The Pad – Memphis Slim (Blues with a Feeling – Chess Records Hits & Singles – 1950 & 1955)

Austin Calling
Fishin’ Blues – Henry Thomas (Texas Worried Blues – 1989)

Can’t Be Satisfied
Black Widow – The Sweetgrass Blues Band (Ghost Dance – 2020)
Can’t Be Satisfied – Harry Hornsey (Revue – 2020)
If You’re A Viper – Rory Block (Prove It On Me – 2020)
Two Bones & A Pick – The Fins (Bluesprint – 1997)

This week, our Back In Five feature took us back to find something that was on my playlist this week five years ago. On this occasion it was a a little something from Bex Marshall, who I managed to catch live on stage at 2014 Blues Fest at The Albert Hall. She showed off her talents to good effect and demonstrated how she could adapt well to a range of styles. They all had a bluesy feel about them, including my choice of track, ‘Love’, from her 2012 album ‘House Of Mercy’.

For this week’s Austin Calling feature, we focused on Texas bluesman Henry “Ragtime Texas” Thomas, who was out performing and recording in the 1920s. Many of the 24 sides he recorded for Vocalion Records between 1927 and 1929,  have since become celebrated songs, including his version of ‘Fishin’ Blues’, where, as well providing the guitar and vocals, Henry Thomas accompanied himself on quills.

All too soon, our blues-time together had nearly run out, so I played out with New Jersey blues band, The Fins, providing a spirited version of the T Bone Walker classic ‘Two Bones & A Pick’. But, not before saying a big thanks for your good company of this week’s show and hoping to meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then, remember . . . keep safe . . . keep well . . . and have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5 fm on 21 April 2020
Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 23 April 2020
Broadcast by Blues@Rock Radio UK on 25 April 2020
Broadcast by Blues@Rock Radio UK on 26 April 2020

Here You Come Again . . .

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

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Well, an extra warm welcome indeed, as we rolled out the Cruise Mobile, polished it up and, as ever, we called by with a seat saved especially for you . . . just so we can all go Cruising with The Commissioner.We came prepared, with plenty of great music for our musical adventure, including Fats Domino ‘s ‘Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans’ . . . . and we do . . . . but then the Cruise Mobile took us now from New Orleans to Austin in Texas, where we dropped into Darwin’s down on 6th Street to catch The Sidemen giving us their live take on Johnny Taylor’s ‘Cheaper To Keep Her’, with the genial, Wendell Williams up on stage with the band. But, to get things kicked off with great style, we pulled out a favourite by Jerry Lee Lewis and his rocking little number, ‘I’m On Fire’ and we following fast with a great piece of real R&B from Roy Montrell with his 1956 Specialty 45, ‘ Ooh Wow’,

Cruising with the top down . . . .
I’m On Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis
Ooh Wow – Roy Montrell
Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans – Fats Domino
Cheaper To Keep Her – The Sidemen
I Won’t Cry – Johnny Adams
Here You Come Again – The Crescents with The McMillan Sisters
You Talk Too Much – Frankie Ford
Gumbo – Eddie Cochran
Down In Mexico – The Pelicans
Yes, It’s You – Little Margie
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Pinetop’s Pick
When I Been Drinking – Big Bill Broonzy

No backing out . . . .
Jump Back – Lost Dog Found
I Won’t Let You Go – The Beat From Palookaville
When She Walks – Bob & Earl
Cuttin’ Out – The Pirates
Wake Up Miss Rip Van Winkle – The Tibbs Brothers
She Can Rock – Little Ike
There’ll Be No Backing Out – Mickey & Sylvia

When folks think of the duo Bob & Earl there’s a good chance they think of Harlem Shuffle, but they made plenty of other fine tracks and we dug out one of those for this week’s playlist, ‘When She Walks’. There was also a song that was recorded in America by a band called The Pirates, (nothing to do with the UK’s Johnny Kidd & The Pirates) and they recorded ‘Cuttin’ Out’ for the Back Stage label in 1966 . . . . which sounds strangely similar to the more recent song by both The Steeldrivers and Adele ‘If It Hadn’t Have Been For Love’.

We were so enjoying ourselves, that we lost track of time and, all too soon, we had to turn for home. With well practiced ease, the Cruise Mobile brought us home safe and sound from our musical adventure and as it rolled gently to a stop, we gave it a polish, so it was all ready for the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. . . . . and rest assured, when we call by we’ll have a seat saved especially for you and a playlist of some more great choices for our playlist.

So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner, remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast on Miskin Radio
on 21 April 2020

When You Get Back . . . .

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

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Well, we arrived together, which was a delight, because I came suitably equipped with a big smile and an armful of the ‘good stuff’, ready to take you who knows where. To prove the point, I kicked off proceedings with Syl Johnson with his ‘Mystery Lady’ and, in case that didn’t get the rhythms pulsing sufficiently to get you up to strut your stuff, I took the precaution of pushing back the furniture and closing the blinds, ready to get down and groove to ‘Mojo Mombo’ with Bruce Conte.

There was a shout out to my good pal Larry Grogan over in New Jersey for inspiring this week’s focus for our Under The Covers feature, because Larry did a very well researched piece on the songs that helped The Monkees on the road to success back in the 60s. So, I pulled out three covers of their songs by others, including long time Motown soulies, The Four Tops, Carole King with her demo version of ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’. Just in case that wasn’t enough, there was a real turnup, with UK jazzers The Peddlers with their typically jazz tinged version of Last Train To Clarksville.

Just Do It
Mystery Lady – Syl Johnson
Mojo Mombo – Bruce Conte
Just Do It – Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne
Good Times With A Bad Woman – Alan Price & The Electric Blues Band
Never Make Your Move Too Soon – Charlie Wood

Under The Covers
Daydream Believer – The Four Tops
Pleasant Valley Sunday – Carole King
Last Train To Clarksville – The Peddlers

Get With It
Got To Bring It With You – Lilly Martin
When You Get Back – Tom Seals Band
Can’t Leave It Alone – Kat Pearson
When Love Comes To Town – Herbie Hancock, Joss Stone & Jonny Lang
Get With It – James Martin
Doin’ What You’re Doin’ – Delbert McClinton
I Used To Be An Animal – Eric Burdon
When We Were Young – Jo Harman & Michael McDonald
Whatcha Gonna Do About It – Doris Troy

Girls & Guitars
Mama Said – Hannah Wicklund & the Steppin Stones

Just The Two Of Us
Gravity – Robin McKelle
What Would Your Mama Say – Matt Andersen & The Mellotones
Just The Two Of Us – Regina Bell
Phenomenal Woman – Ruthie Foster
Piece Of My Heart – Eric Clapton

On The Giglist
Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye – Frankie Valli

Let’s Stay Together
Let’s Stay Together – Higgs & Cuttill
Sincerely – Johnny Jenkins

Now, there’s a precious number of baby boomers around who do indeed remember when Eric Burdon was an animal and he’s still going strong as he proved this week  with his latest release, aptly titled ‘I Used To Be An Animal’ and he wasn’t the only animal on this week’s playlist, because I noticed a bit of promotion this past week for the re-release of an album by Alan Price.  I recognised it because I knew the original was somewhere in those dusty boxes so I went rummaging again and didn’t come back empty handed, so we heard Alan Price & The Electric Blues Band with ‘Good Times With A Bad Woman’.

This week’s Girls & Guitars feature . . . which takes us to South Carolina, which is where Hannah Wicklund grew up and from where she later moved to Nashville. She credits her interest in music to her father, who gave her first guitar as a present, after he got rid of her backyard trampoline. She was a quick learner too . . . because she formed her first band at the age of eight and is now fronting her band the Steppin’ Stones who released their self-titled album in 2018. That’s where you can find . . .  Hannah my choice . . . . ‘Mama Said’.

I didn’t forget our ‘On The Giglist’ feature either, because this week the choice was something for the lovely Dee, who has been waiting anxiously for the upcoming London concert by Frankie Valli and anticipating it’ll get postponed. It hasn’t yet . . . so to soothe her a little we caught up with Frankie crooning his way through ‘Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye’. Then, it was almost time to say our goodbyes . . . so with a thanks for your good company for this show, I waved a cheery farewell and, until the next time, remember . . . keep safe . . . keep well . . . and have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 15 April 2020

Here Comes The Boogie Man . . . .

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

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Well, with Easter, there’s been a flurry of new blues releases and this week’s show has ‘newies’ from Mick Clarke, The Terraplanes, George H Miller, The John Angus Blues Band, Harry Hornsey, The Five Points Band and more. Our ‘album of the week‘ featured the excellent Eliza Neals with ‘Black Crow Moan’ and we were jumping in the blues time machine during the show for our ‘Back In Five‘ feature where we go back to see what was on the playlist, this week, 5 years ago . . . and it was a welcome reminder of a Finnish blues guitarist and singer Erja Lyytinen with her take on ‘Jumping From Six To Six’.

This week’s Pinetop’s Pick brought us a memory of blues troubadour Wizz Jones and a little taster from his album ‘When I Leave Berlin’ with his take on that old blues standard ‘Cocaine Blues’.  It all Well kicked off with something that will have been instantly recognisable to any 60s blues fans . . . the most excellent Taj Mahal with one of the much played tracks from his debut, self-titled album released back in 1968 and still sounding good in my humble opinion . . . ‘Checking Up On My Baby’ . . .

Don’t Judge The Blues
Checking Up On My Baby – Taj Mahal (Taj Mahal – 1968)
What You Say Or Do – George H. Miller (Valley Blues – 2020)
Don’t Judge The Blues – Eliza Neals (Black Crow Moan – 2020)
Every Day I Have The Blues – Gavin Povey (Every Day I Have The Blues – 2020)
Boogie Man – Five Points Gang (Live at The Premises – 2020)

Back In Five
Jumpin’ From Six To Six – Erja Lyytinen (Attention – 2002)

One Dime Blues
One Dime Blues – Harry Hornsey (Revue – 2020)
Sleeping In The Ground – Blind Faith (Hyde Park ’69 – 2020)
My Babe – MaD BoJo (MaD BoJo – 2020)

Pinetop’s Pick
Cocaine Blues – Wizz Jones (When I Leave Berlin – 2007)

It’s Red Hot
Baby Don’t Mess With Me – The Queen Bee Blues Band (Ride In My Car – 2018)
Better Man – Angela Lewis Brown (Better Man – 2020)
It’s Red Hot – Rory Block (Prove It On Me – 2020)
Hey Take Your Pants Off – Eliza Neals (Black Crow Moan – 2020)
Dust Bowl Blues – The Jake Walden Band (Carry Me Home – 2020)
Tired Of Drinking Alone – Robert John & The Wreck (Last Night On the Highway – 2020)
Key To The Highway – The Paul Jones Blues Band (Live at The 100 Club)
Brown Eyed Handsome Man – Greg Copeland & Big Daddy Wilson (Brown Eyed Handsome Man – 2020)
Midnight Train – The Terraplanes (The Terraplanes – 2020)
The Devil Don’t Love You – Eliza Neals & Joe Louis Walker (Black Crow Moan – 2020)

On The Giglist
I’m Your Witchdoctor – Will Wilde (Bring It On Home – 2018)

Texas Boogie
Texas Boogie – Sean Taylor (Live In London – 2020)
You Don’t Know What Love Is – Fenton Robinson (Somebody Loan Me A Dime – 1974)

Austin Calling
I Don’t Know – Cripple Clarence Lofton (A Lotta Racket – 2015)

Got Your Number
Everything’s Gonna Be Alright – Mick Clarke (Everything’s Gonna Be Alright – 2020)
Returning To The Scene Of The Crime – Dave Ferra
I’ve Got Your Number – John Angus Blues Band (I’ve Got Your Number – 2020)
Run Sugar Run – Eliza Neals (Black Crow Moan – 2020)

‘On The Giglist’ brings new of an upcoming gig by harpmaster Will Wilde and our guest spots bring memories

Now, I’m  holding dearly to the predictions that the live music scene will re-emerge soon and hopefully in time for us to catch harp-master Will Wilde on stage in June, down the road at the The Woodlands Blues Festival. So you might have guessed Will Wilde was the featured artist for this week’s ‘On The Giglist‘ and he turned up with a favourite of John Mayall song . . . ‘I’m Your Witchdoctor’.

If you like your blues a little scratchy, then you were in luck with this week’s Austin Calling feature, because Texas musicman, David Isaacs, was in touch recently with a reminder about the birthday of piano legend Cripple Clarence Lofton. Clarence was recording and performing in the late 30s and by all accounts, he proved to be an extrovert entertainer. He cut six sides at a private party in 1939, which included his song ‘I Don’t Know’. David said the song must have been the inspiration for Willie Mabon’s hit of the same name. Willie recorded his version in 1953 and it got covered many times by the likes of Freddie King, the Blues Brothers & others. But, David invited us to take a listen to that original . . .  so we heard from Cripple Clarence Lofton with his version of ‘I Don’t Know’.

Our blues time together ran out far too soon, but not before we squeezed in the last of my choices from our album of the week, from Eliza Neal’s album ‘Black Cat Moan’. 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. . . keep safe . . . keep well . . . and have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 14 April 2020
Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 16 April 2020
Broadcast by Blues@Rock Radio UK on 18 April 2020
Broadcast by Blues@Rock Radio UK on 19 April 2020

Too Close To You . . . .

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

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Well, with precision timing, we all arrived just as the trusty Cruise Mobile came rolling to a stop with its windows wound down and its radio cranked up. As always, that’s a sure sign that it’s time to jump aboard, as we head off down the road, Cruising with The Commissioner. We arrived with Boots Brown on the radio and then we headed for the wild blue yonder with the great Jesse Belvin & His Space Riders and ‘My Satellite’

Now, back in 1960 Jimmy Bell wrote and recorded a song for Hickory records in Nashville, Tennessee with the celebrated Hank Garland providing some driving guitar on ‘Going Down To The River’. It got high activity from the rhythm pulses and there was more from The Realtones, with a song dedicated to an intellectually challenged individual called Dora. The Cruise Mobile was easily tempted to New Orleans for something from local singer and saxophonist James Martin with a track from his debut album, ‘Blue’ which features that James Booker classic ‘So Swell When You’re Well’. Then, we couldn’t resist the temptation to play something from Mr Booker himself.

To get the little grey cells bouncing around, this week’s Cruising Connections, brought a trio of tracks that all had a common link . . . and we started with something from Gene Allison, followed by the ebullient Rufus Thomas and closed with a little gem from Ellas McDaniel, otherwise known as Bo Diddley. The music aficionados probably spotted that all three of our choices were artists who had songs of theirs covered by The Rolling Stones on their debut album back in April 1964. Bobby Troupe was another artist who got one of his songs covered on that album . . . the song was ‘Route 66’, but he also earned a bob or two from another song he wrote, although I don’t think he ever recorded his own version of ‘The Girl Can’t Help It’.

Dynamite
Dynamite – Boots Brown
My Satellite – Jesse Belvin & His Space Riders
Going Down To The River – Jimmy Bell
Dumb Dora – The Realtones
So Swell When You’re Well – James Martin

Cruising Connections
Reap What You Sow – Gene Allison
All Night Worker – Rufus Thomas
Hey Pretty Baby – Bo Diddley
The Girl Can’t Help It – Little Richard

Girls & Guitars
Too Close To You – Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin’ Stones

Doo Wop Delights
Darling Please – The Bees
Little Mama – The Jivers

Rhythm With My Blues
Everybody’s Carried Away – Earl King
Struttin’ Kind – Eugene Church
Jump, Jive & Shake – Dr Zoot
Rhythm With My Blues – Kit Packham & One Jump Ahead
I Gotta Get Myself A Woman – The Drifters
Out Of My Mind – The Velvet Candles
Heading Home – The Jive Aces

This week’s Girls & Guitars feature took us to South Carolina, which is where Hannah Wicklund grew up and later moved on to Nashville. She credits her interest in music to her father, who gave her her first guitar as a present, after he got rid of her backyard trampoline. She was a quick learner, and formed her first band at the age of eight. At age 21 she now fronts her band the Steppin Stones and together they released their self-titled album in 2018. That’s where we found her little upbeat rocker . . . ‘Too Close To You’.

Now, the fan of 50s and 60s vocal groups, may well have been patiently
waiting for this week’s Doo Wop Delights and their quiet anticipation was rewarded with our first choice from The Bees whose membership included Billy Bland ( who would go onto solo success) and they recorded our choice, ‘Darling Please’ for Imperial Records on 9 April 1954 . . . although for some reason, it never got released at the time. We followed up with The Jivers and ‘Little Mama’, a number they recorded for Aladdin records in June 1956 at Capitol Studios in Los Angeles.

There was a tip of the hat in the direction of our good pal Neil Pellegrin, who pointed us to Earl King’s, ‘Everybody’s Carried Away’, which made way for Eugene Church’s Class 45 from 1960, ‘Struttin’ Kind’. Then, for those who wanted to join Dr Zoot to jump jive and shake, we suggested finding a good space before The Cruisettes arrived.Kit Packham & One Jump Ahead kept things lively with an order of ‘rhythm with my blues’ and The Drifters did the same with a 1956 releases that is seldom heard these days, so we did our bit here to remedy that.

We confirmed our international credentials, when the Cruise Mobile took us across the Atlantic to hear some great R&B from Finnish group The Velvet Candles and while attentions were elsewhere, The Jive Aces helped us change direction as, like us, they were ‘Heading Home’. Then, all too soon, we were parking up the trusty Cruise Mobile, giving it a quick polish and offering a big wave and a smile to all who joined us for this week’s musical adventure. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 14 April 2020

Gonna Get You Good . . .

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

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Well, with immaculate timing, we virtually arrived together . . . and doing it virtually meant there was no need for face masks, sanitiser or a tape measure. To ensure we were doing it right, I was all ready with another dose of Dr Roberts Sonic Tonic, . . . and for a taster of the ‘good stuff’ to come, we kicked off with The Funkin’ Groovers, submitting the case for the prosecution with ‘Blame It On The Boogie’. Then, ready or not, there was another essential in our quarantiny’s fitness programme from Project Grand Slam . . . which was all that was needed to get folks to push back the furniture, pull down the blinds and follow Dr Roberts in some free form groovy moves . . .

For this week’s Under The Covers feature, I had a little trio of tracks all lined up all ready, but the sad news about the untimely departure of the wonderful Bill Withers rather put that on hold. So, instead there was a little celebration of the songs of Bill Withers, heard again here through the covers of others, and hearing from Tres Chic, Georgie Fame and a little New Orleans flavour f romThe Neville Brothers.

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You Really Got Me
Blame It On The Boogie – The Funkin’ Groovers
You Really Got Me – Project Grand Slam
Beverley – Stone Foundation
Delta Lady – Joe Cocker
The Way You Do The Things You Do – Rita Coolidge

Under The Covers
Just The Two Of Us – Tres Chic
Lovely Day – Georgie Fame
Ain’t No Sunshine – The Neville Brothers

Let’s Get It On
Tearing Us Apart – Eric Clapton & Tina Turner
Let’s Get It On – Leon Haywood
When You Get Back – Albie Donnelly’s Supercharge
Gonna Find it – Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar (Run To Me – 2020)
What’s Going On – Vanja Sky
Gonna Fix You Good – The Alan Bown Set
I’ve Been Hurt By Love – Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band
I Take What I Want – Sam Moore & Billy Preston
I Wrote A Simple Song – Ian Moss
Woman Like Me – Elles Bailey

Girls & Guitars
I’m Always Coming Back – Jan James

Next To Me
Oogum Boogum Song – Brenton Wood
Next To Me – Lilly Martin (w Ellis Hall)

On The Giglist
Cursed With A Thirst – Diz & The Doormen

A Song For You
When Rita Leaves – Southside Johnny & Asbury Jukes
Rock Me Tonight (For Old Time Sake) – Freddie Jackson
A Song For You – Ray Charles
Borderline – Paul Carrack
Sincerely – Johnny Jenkins

Well, this week’s Girls & Guitars feature focused its spotlight on Jan James, who grew up in central Michigan and started singing in the local church choir. She began playing the guitar in her early years and when she got to University, she began performing as a duo with a fellow student. Since then, she’s gone on to settle in Chicago, where she has become a familiar face around the local blues clubs. She’s cut a string of albums and her latest, “Justify” is where I found this choice . . . ‘I’m Coming Back To You’.

Now, long time listeners to the show will have spotted a ready inclination on my part to play music from New Orleans . . . and we have some very fine UK musicians who share my passion for the music of the Crescent City, including the wonderful Diz Watson. So, whenever the opportunity comes around it’s always an easy choice to add Diz Watson to my giglist. He’ll be on my giglist again sometime soon, when life gets a little easier. So, for this week’s On The Giglist feature we welcomed back Diz & The Doormen doing ‘Cursed With A Thirst’.

All too soon, I spotted tomorrow heading for the doorstep, ready to take us who knows where, so I kept him waiting a bit longer while we heard from Chris Daniels & The Kings with their take on Tom Waits, ‘The Heart Of Saturday Night’. Then, it was time to say our cheery farewells, ever mindful that we can all 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 8 April 2020