Open The Door . . .

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

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.

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 in the company of the wonderful Rex Garvin. 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 30 March 2021

Well All Right . . .

Listen here to this week’s edition of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic:

Well, I arrived for this week’s show with a big smile and a cheery wave. I also brought an invitation to break free of the mundane and predictable, and join me for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic with its carefully selected armful of the ‘good stuff’, designed to raise the spirits and excite the senses. If that was enough of an enticement, for everyone who turned up on time and wearing their dancing shoes, there was the excellent James Taylor to kick start proceedings with ‘ Some Days You Gotta Dance’ . . .

There were new releases to keep us on our toes, from Pat Smillie, Peter’s Deal, Bill Toms & Hard Rain, Lady D and West Side Joe & The Men Of Soul. There was also this week’s Tell It Like It Is, with a song with a story. It featured a little number written by Jeff Barry & Bert Burns. It was first recorded by The McCoys back in 1967, and it became their 7th single. The song was ‘I Got To Go Back (And Watch That Little Girl Dance)’. Now it only ever reached number 62 on the charts back then and apart from a solo re-recording by The McCoys frontman Rick Derringer, you’ll find only one other version of the song . . . by a Hong Kong covers band. But, that’s not the whole story, because in 1969 Otis Redding recorded a song titled ‘Look At That Girl’ with the record label showing Otis as the song’s writer . . . but it is ‘that same song’ . . .

Good Way To Stay
Some Days You Gotta Dance – James Taylor
Move On Up – Con Funk Shun
Nae Nae (Month Of Sundays) – Pat Smillie
I Got The Will – Laverne Brown with Red Beans & Rice
Good Way To Stay – Peter’s Deal
Come To Me – Bill Toms and Hard Rain

Tell It Like It Is
Look at That Girl – Otis Redding

Supernatural
Supernatural – Lulu
Marrakesh Express – Goldrush

Mellow Moment
Holding Back The Years – Etta James

Set Me Free
Set Me Free – Lady D
Found You – West Side Joe & The Men Of Soul
Real Real Gone – Van Morrison
The Boys Are Back In Town – The Bus Boys
Well All Right – Little Richard

Our Sonic Tonic was getting plenty of flavours from around the world and there are a few exotic spices that came courtesy of Goldrush with a Graham Nash song that you’ll know well . . . ‘Marrakesh Express’. Then, in introducing our Mellow Moment, I acknowledged that I’d been receiving reports that our choices had been inspiring some sensual smooching out there in listening land. So, I issued a warning to all concerned to close the blinds on the windows, especially for this week’s soulful groove from Etta James.

An overdue glance at the clock signalled that it was time to collect up all the music, tidy up the studio and get ready to head on out. But not before bringing you a fitting finale with a big spoonful of high octane ingredients to the mix from the Georgia Peach, Little Richard, with a song written for him by Sam Cooke. Before he let loose, I was giving everyone a big smile and waving a cheery farewell and hoping that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 2 April 2021

Somebody’s Gotta Move . . .

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

Well, I arrive in the right place, at the right time and with a big bluesy welcome to one and all. I came armed with a big smile and an armful of the best blues around . . .and there’s been a good deal of catching up going on this week, because the new releases have been piling up waiting for some attention. Now, those waiting on the new Gary Moore album ‘How Blue Can You Get’, probably know that it opens with Gary doing a live version of that Freddie King classic, ‘Tore Down’ . . . and so did we! Then, there was another blues classic, revisited this time by Jimmie Bratcher. It was his take on ‘Grits Ain’t Groceries’ and it came from his new album ‘I’m Hungry’, which happened to be my album of the week.

Among the new releases on this week’s playlist, were ‘newies’ from Jim Kirkpatrick, Shakin’ Woods, Clare Free, Arne Skage, Tony Caster & Black Mouth Dog, West Side Joe & The Men of Soul, Tomislav Goluban, David Place and Lady D. There were some seasoned favourites, with our regular guest Arfa Pinetop bringing a little Piedmont blues from Blind Boy Fuller and for the fans of Slim Harpo, who like their blues on vinyl, there was the welcome news of a new vinyl collection of his Excello recordings, titled ‘Baby Scratch My Back’.

Where You Gonna Stop
Tore Down – Gary Moore (Essential Montreaux – 2009)
Grits Ain’t Groceries – Jimmie Bratcher (I’m Hungry – 2021)
61 & 49 – Jim Kirkpatrick (61 & 49 – 2021)
Enemy – Shakin’ Woods (The Blues Proper Sessions Vol.2 – 2021)
Call Trade Descriptions – Clare Free (Call Trade Descriptions – 2021)
Soulfood Mama – Skage (Procrastnation Blues – 2021)
Where You Gonna Stop – Jimmie Bratcher (I’m Hungry – 2021)

Pinetop’s Pick
My Brown Skin Sugar Plum – Blind Boy Fuller (East Coast Piedmont Style – 2015)

Shake Your Hips
Don’t Be Ashamed – Tony Caster & Black Mouth Dog (Tony Caster & Black Mouth Dog – 2021)
Colorado Mama – West Side Joe & The Men of Soul (Keep On Climbin’ – 2021)
Express Connection – Tomislav Goluban (Express Connection – 2021)
One Rainy Day In Memphis – David Place (Pandora’s Box – 2020)
Shake Your Hips – Slim Harpo (Baby Scratch My Back – 2021)
Bacon Is On My Mind – Jimmie Bratcher (I’m Hungry – 2021)
Somebody’s Gotta Move – Lady D (Disturbing My Peace – 2021)

There was some international travelling with the blues this week, and to prove that blues music is truly an international language and there was a warm welcome for Croatian bluesman Tomislav Goluban with the title track of his 12th album, “ Express Connection” and good stuff it is too! Those international links were also evident with the latest album by Australian musician, David Place. He says his love for the guitar was born in 2002, as a result of his move to London, where he found an acoustic guitar left behind by the previous tenant of his flat. It inspired him to try his luck playing on the streets and clubs of London, during which he soaked up the sounds of the city. His latest album, Pandora’s Box, brings all those influences together in a laid back collection songs that included my choice . . . ‘One Rainy Day In Memphis’.

A sideways glance at the studio clock, reminded me that our blues time together was fast running out, but I wasn’t leaving without playing a favourite of mine from West Virginia’s own Lady D. It came from her new album ‘Disturbing My Peace’ and titled . . . ‘Somebody’s Gotta Move’. That somebody was me, but not before I said a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show, and ever hopeful that we’ll meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 27 March 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 28 March 2021

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 caught on stage recently 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 23 March 2021

Take It To The Limit . . .

Listen here to this week’s edition of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic:

Well, Friday arrived and, for those who dared to be different, it brought the promise of a generous dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Those ‘in the know’ say it’s guaranteed to raise the spirits and excite the senses. So, I arrived, all fired up ready to help you forget the bland and predictable, with plenty of the ‘good stuff’ that you won’t hear on ‘ordinary radio’. To prove the point, I kicked off with Tom Atlas and a little mover called ‘Got This Feeling’ and followed fast is another ‘newie’ from Perfect Strangers . . . . and how perfect they were, we quickly found out!

Later, this week’s Tell It Like It Is, brought a our song with a story featuring Katie Kissoon, who was celebrating her birthday this past week and it brought back a reminder of a Neil Sedaka song she recorded with her brother Mac, back in the 70s. The song became a great floor filler and I confessed to still having my original copy the single somewhere in a dusty box. It was Mac & Katie Kassoon with “Love Will Keep Us Together”. . . . and it so happened Mr Sedaka had a birthday this week too.

Got This Feeling
Got This Feeling – Tom Atlas
Hope – Perfect Strangers
Shook – D. Saunders
A World Like That – Don Bryant
That’s The Way Love Is – Bobby Blue Bland
Tell It Like It Is
Love Will Keep Us Together – Mac & Katie Kassoon

Good Times
I Like What You Give – Jose Feliciano
Mama Won’t Fry No Chicken – Jimmie Bratcher (I’m Hungry – 2021)
Good Times – Edie Brickell

Mellow Moment
Take It To The Limit – Ruby Turner

This Little Girl
Before The Next Teardrop Falls – Al Green
Something On My Heart – Pat Smillie
New York Dream – The Doobie Brothers
This Little Girl – Gary US Bonds

In pursuit of more good times, we headed for our Mellow Moment with an invitation to those who are so minded . . . to kick back and let the music soothe you, and smooth you and make you relax. To do that this week, we had something from the wonderful Ruby Turner . . . who was keeping love alive in lockdown with her take on ‘Take It To The Limit’.

Then, far too soon, it was time to add my last ingredient for this week’s Sonic Tonic . . . this time it came from the great Gary US Bonds who many will remember had plenty of hits in the 50s and 60s and is still going strong today . . . he was back with ‘This Little Girl’. But, before that, there was time to say a big thanks for your good company on the show this week and hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 19 March 2021

Long Time Coming . . .

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

Well , there was a big bluesy welcome to one and all, as I kicked off our blues-time together. I arrived beaming a big smile and brandishing an armful of the best blues around. I wasn’t sure there would be time for all I’d brought, but I’ was intent on doing my best. We started off in fine style with Rob Perry and a favourite Freddie King number ‘Tore Down’ , which is a track on his latest album ‘Pushing Up Daisies’, which happened to be my album of the week . . . so more from Rob later in the show. But, before that, there was a cheery welcome back for Mindi Abair, who was back with a new album titled ‘The Best Of Mindi Abair’ and not surprisingly it features her excellent take on ‘Seven Day Fool’.

The seasoned ‘bluesers’ out there in blues-land will have quickly recognised The Paul Butterfield Blues Band with ‘All These Blues’ from their 1966 album East West. There was a distinct sense of deja vu with the news that the album is getting reissued this month on vinyl. So, if there’s a gap in your collection . . . you know what to do! One of Paul Butterfield’s contemporaries on the 60s blues scene was Charlie Musselwhite, who is still going strong, as a member of The New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers. Alongside him in the band are some familiar faces of the blues elite . . . Jimbo Mathus, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Jim, Luther and Cody Dickinson . . . and raucous, and, raw, it certainly is, as I demonstrated with an early favourite from their upcoming new album . . . the magnificent . . . ‘Blues For Yesterday’.

All These Blues
Tore Down – Rob Berry (Pushing Up Daisies – 2021)
Seven Day Fool – Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers (The Best Of Mind Abair – 2021)
Done Got So Tired – Sugarmill Slim (Sugarmill Slim – 2021)
Somebody Gonna Loose, Somebody Gonna Win – Shawn Pittman (Stompin’ Solo – 2021)
All These Blues – The Paul Butterfield Blues Band (East West – 2021)
Blues For Yesterday – The New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers (New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers Vol.2 – 2021)
Pushing Up Daisies – Rob Berry (Pushing Up Daisies – 2021)

Pinetop’s Pick
Crossroads – Homesick James (Sue’s Rock’n’Blues: The UK Sue Label Story Volume 2 – 2004)

Blues For Us
Reminder – Kung Botes Kapell (Bote Medel – 2021)
Blues For Us – Rebecca Downes (Stripped Back – 2021)
Long Time Coming – The Cadillac Cats (Billtown Boogie – 2021)
Gimme All Your Lovin’ – Rob Berry (Pushing Up Daisies – 2021)
Around Midnight – JP Williams & Ekat (JP & Ekat – 2021)
Spice In My Life – Sammy Blue (A Blues Odessey – 2012)
Blues For Tony – Popa Chubby (Tinfoil Hat – 2021)

Well, we get around a bit with the blues and we went visiting Sweden this week, to catch up with four piece band, Kung Botes Kapell, who describe their music as a blues with, a pound of jazz, 6-hectares of swing, and a measure of spicy melancholy. To demonstrate, they were on the playlist with ‘Reminder’ from their latest album ‘Bote Medel’. Then, from Sweden, we were heading to Birmingham, to take a listen to latest release from Rebecca Downes and her appropriately titled new release, ‘Blues For Us’. As that faded away, our blues travels took us to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for a taste of five piece band, The Cadillac Cats. . . who have a reputation for delivering high energy, foot stomping blues at their live shows. . . and they gave us ‘Long Time Coming’, a track from their latest album ‘Billtown Boogie’.

I thought we really should mark the recent passing of bluesman Sammy Blue, who was described by Muddy Waters as ‘The Crown Prince of the Blues’ and who, at age 15, met Jimi Hendrix in Atlanta and got taught his very first Blues song, “Red House”. Sammy became a genuine messenger of the blues and we celebrated with Sammy and his number, ‘Spice Of My Life’. Then, it time for my last choice for this week’s show. It was a track called ‘Blues For Tony’ and it came from Popa Chubby’s latest album ‘Tinfoil Hat’. But, I had no intention of slipping out the studio door without saying a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and hoping that we’ll meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 18 March 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 20 March 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 21 March 2021

Around The Corner . . .

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

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’, which appears on their latest album. 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

Around The Corner
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’.

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 heir 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 are still known to exist of The Vals 45 ‘Compensation Cheque’, so the collectors get very interested! Then, we heard from The Coasters themselves with that 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 16 March 2021

Nice & Funkyfied . . .

Listen here to this week’s edition of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic:

Whatever the day brought you, I was there, just in time to tune up your Friday night with a generous dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. It’s a rare mix of excellent music, designed to raise the spirits and excite the senses. The recipe includes plenty of the ‘good stuff’ that you won’t hear on ‘ordinary radio’ and to get us started in fine style there was a new release from Pat Smillie . . . ‘Heart In A Headlock’.

Now, the name Clarence Clemons will be well known to many, because for nearly 40 years he was a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. But, he also cut several solo albums along the way and, while I was rummaging in the music library, I came across his 1983 album Rescue, which is where I found the superb track . . . ‘Savin’ Up’.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is brings a song with a story from 1973. It was this month back in 1973, that soul-man Marvin Gaye was in Los Angeles at the Hitsville studios to cut a song that would become his most successful single for Motown and one of his best known songs. The song was ‘Let’s Get It On’ and not only did it become a No 1 hit, selling over two-million copies within the first six weeks of its release. . . . but in 2005 a remixed version became a gold single with sales in excess of 500,000 copies. As if that wasn’t enough, it happens to be the very favourite song of the lovely Julie Armstrong, who is celebrating her birthday this week in the leafy environs of Armstrong Towers, where there’s every chance this track will get cranked right up!

Look It Here
Heart In A Headlock – Pat Smillie
Look It Here – Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Savin’ Up – Clarence Clemons & The Red Bank Rockers (1983)
You Make Me Wanna Dance – Robert Finley
Sexual Healing – Jimmy Riley

Tell It Like It Is
Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye

Nice & Funkyfied
Mercy Mercy Me – Robert Palmer
Nice & Funkyfied – Skage
Song For A Sucker Like You – Ben Sidran

Mellow Moment
Fire & Rain – The California Honeydrops

I Don’t Like Mondays
I Don’t Like Mondays – The Attention Seekers
Tulane – The Steve Gibbons Band
Time To Boogie – Jamie Oldaker & Ray Benson
Deep In The Heart Of Texas – Dave Edmunds

Well, we headed for our Mellow Moment with an invitation to those so minded . . . to relax and let the music soothe you, and smooth you and make you relax. . . . and to do that this week, we had the welcome return of The California Honeydrops with their latest single release. It’s a very fine take on James Taylor’s classic ‘Fire & Rain’. Now, I was ready to acknowledge that I may not be the biggest fan of The Boomtown Rats, but I came across a version of their most famous song with a whole different feel. The group was The Attention Seekers and you just might agree with me that their version brings out some qualities in the song that we may not have appreciated before.

Now, last week I courted controversy when I said there were many great songs by Chuck Berry that attracted much better covers by others. It certainly stirred a few comments, but I was holding fast to my beliefs on this one . . . and by way of further example I invited a listen to what Steve Gibbons does with Chuck’s number ‘Tulane’. Then, Jamie Oldaker & Ray Benson turned up with some excellent Western style boogie designed to get your rhythm receptors jumping into the red zone and while we could, we were keeping the good times alive with the much esteemed, Dave Edmunds, who . . . and it so happens that Mr Edmunds was here this week with a song, written by keyboard ace, Geraint Watkins, who provided the piano behind Dave Edmunds on ‘Deep In The Heart Of Texas’. Then, it was time to give you a cheery wave and thanks for your good company for this week’s show. As ever, there is the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then, . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 12 March 2021

Doing Alright Again . . .

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

Well, I arrived with a big bluesy welcome and an armful of the best blues around, which all kicked off with the title track of Little Joe Blue’s 1989 album ‘I’m Doing Alright Again’. I pulled it out of the blues library recently, because I’m a long time fan of soul-man Leon Haywood and I realised recently that he’d written a few songs for bluesman Little Joe Blue, including ‘I’m Doing Alright Again’. Then, bringing us right up to date, we joined John Paul Keith with one of the numbers on his new album ‘Rhythm Of The City’. There are some real juicy gems on this album, and while it isn’t all blues, I enjoyed bringing you the very bluesy ‘If I Had The Money’.

This week, my album of the week, was the new release from The JuJubes. The album’s titled ‘Where Are We Now’, which may have a little topicality, but hopefully it doesn’t that doesn’t extend to the title of my first choice from the album . . . ‘You’re Gonna Be Sorry’. Then, I did something that I don’t do too often, but I felt fully justified in recommending that you keep a watch for the upcoming album by Robert Finley. It’s title ‘Sharecropper’s Son’ and it’s due out in May. The songs provide a reflective look at Robert’s Louisiana upbringing and include a simply superb track, which has become a real earworm for me . . . . ‘Souled Out On You’.

Sugar Babe
I’m Doing Alright Again – Little Joe Blue (I’m Doing Alright Again – 1989)
If I Had Money – John Paul Keith (Rhythm Of The City – 2021)
Walk A Good Line – Grandaddy Short Leg (Firewater Sessions Vol 2 – 2021)
You’re Gonna Be Sorry – The Jujubes (Where Are We Now – 2021)
Leaving Trunk – Sugarmill Slim (Sunday Sermons – 2021)
Souled Out On You – Robert Finley (Sharecropper’s Son – 2021)
Sugar Babe – Dave Sutherland (Sugar Babe – 2021)

Pinetop’s Pick
Bearcat Crawl – Chris Barber & Ottilie Patterson (Live At The Royal Festival Hall – 1956)

Shake It
Don’t Be Messin’ With My Bread – Eddie ‘Guitar’ Burns (I Love To Jump The Boogie – 2021)
It Hurts Me Too – The Jujubes (Where Are We Now – 2021)
Shake It – Tennessee Champagne (Tennessee Champagne – 2021)
Teasin’ Me – Luca Giondano (Let’s Talk About It – 2021)
Everytime I Get To Drinkin’ – Sunnyland Slim (Rockin’ Rollin’ Tumblin’ and Slippin’ – 2021)
Chauffeur Blues – The Jujubes (Where Are We Now – 2021)
Hideaway – Jeff Healey (See The Light – 1988)

Now, if you’ve been a long-time listener here, you’ll have heard local music-man Dave Sutherland here before. Like many other artists, he’s popped up on the web in recent times with some ‘at home’ performances . . . and one has become a real favourite here. . . . ‘Sugar Babe’. Then my regular guest, Arfa Pinetop, turned up with a memory of the late Chris Barber and his wife Ottilie Patterson. His choice from them was ‘Bearcat Crawl’.

Now, Jasmine Records got a big cheer from here for a couple welcome compilations of the work of Eddie ‘Guitar’ Burns and Sunnyland Slim. Eddie’s new compilation is called ‘I Love To Jump The Boogie’ and it includes my choice . . . .’Don’t Be Messin’ With My Bread’. Then, I focused on the collection of vintage blues from Sunnyland Slim, titled ‘Rockin’ Rollin’ Tumblin’ and Slippin’. It provides a snapshot of the six short years of his career and its the first time there’s been a multi label collection of material from his career. Among the gems was a favourite of mine . . . .’Everytime I Get To Drinkin’.

All too soon, our blues time together was fast running out, so I started collecting up the music, tidying up the studio and getting ready to give a cherry wave, with the promise that if you come back, same time same place next week . . . I’ll be here with another armful of the best blues around. So, until the next time The Blues Come Calling . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 11 March 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 13 March 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 14 March 2021

Where are you . . . .

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

Well a big cheery welcome to one and all and with breath-taking predictability, we arrived in the trusty Cruise Mobile just in time to take you Cruising with The Commissioner. We arrived with the radio cranked up for ‘The Gumbo Hustle’, but we didn’t linger long, before heading off in the company of H-Bomb Ferguson. Then, we heard from Chuck Willis, ‘The King of The Stroll’ and from one Chuck to another, Chuck Berry, and George Benson’s take on ‘Nadine’. There was another surprise too, with a tribute to Fats Domino from none other than Elton John and his take on ‘I’m Ready’, then Chris Ruest arrived on our playlist with some gentle prompting from Yvonne Erikkson over in Sweden, for which we were very grateful indeed.

For this week’s Cruising Connections, we were searching for a song that links each of three artists . . . starting off with a great favourite from Leon Russell, followed by Aretha Franklin with a Don Covay song and finally something from Scotland’s great rocker, Alex Harvey. The link was a song they all covered the Rolling Stones hit and we found a version of THAT song by the wonderful Thelma Houston.

I’m Ready
The Gumbo Hustle – Gumbo
No-Sakie-Sack – H-Bomb Ferguson
What’s Your Name – Chuck Willis
Nadine – George Benson
I’m Ready – Elton John
I Quit – Chris Ruest

Cruising Connections
Delta Lady – Leon Russell
See Saw – Aretha Franklin
Giddy Up A Ding Dong – The Sensational Alex Harvey Band
Jumpin’ Jack Flash – Thelma Houston

Girls & Guitars
For What It’s Worth – Jenn Cleary

Doo Wop Delights
Where Are You – Cora Woods & Group
Fools Will Be Fools – The Monotones

We Need Love
We Need Love – Ray Scott & His Combo
Zaki Sue – Melvin Smith
No Buts & No Maybes – Diz & the Doormen
I Wanna Know – Larry Williams

This week’s Girls & Guitars feature, focused on singer and guitarist Jenn Cleary, who  hails from Boulder, Colorado, where she’s built a reputation on the local music scene with a mix of styles that range from acoustic rock, some blues, a little zydeco, and a spot of soulful pop. Last year she released her third album, ‘Blues Full of Heart’, which includes our choice from her . . . . ‘For What It’s Worth’.

Now, we opened this week’s Doo Wop Delights with slightly puzzled look, because despite some considerable research into our first choice, we couldn’t identify the un-named vocal group behind San Antonio songstress Cora Woods. They recorded a Federal 45 in 1955, ‘Where Are You’ which is just credited to Cora Woods & Group. Then came New Jersey group, The Monotones, whose first ever release, ‘The Book Of Love’, got them into the charts in 1958 and they recorded five other singles, including our choice, their 1959 Argo release ‘Fools Will Be Fools’.

For good measure, The Ray Scott Combo came with their 1960 Tri-Ess 45 ‘We Need Love’ . . . and then Melvin Smith turned up with rocking rhythms and an oriental twist. on their 1957 single . . . Zaki Sue. Diz and The Doormen turned up next and kept the Cruisettes busy during while we turned the Cruise Mobile for home and taking us all the way back where we started was the flamboyant Larry Williams. All that was left to do then, was to park up the Cruise Mobile, ready for the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 9 March 2021