Sweet Delicious & Marvelous . . .

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

Well, I arrived with a big cheery welcome to one and all, hopeful that, if you were tired of doing everyday things everyday, then I could break the spell with a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. There was a reminder that there’s no queuing, no prescriptions and no need for an appointment, just arrived on time and ready as I raise the spirits and excite the senses. The wonderful Candi Staton turned up with the first flavour for this week’s mix and there was more in store with trip in the direction of California, starting out with the great Buddy Miles fronting the California Raisins on a song that could easily have been a Motown number. . . but wasn’t.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is feature, brought a song with a story from Georgie Fame. It was a song originally written by him as a jingle for a television advert, promoting National petrol. The song was ‘Get Away’ and it was recorded the day after it was written. The band’s regular guitarist didn’t have time to learn the distinctive guitar part, so Georgie played the guitar part himself and his band The Blue Flames, provided the “hustle-rhythm” and “catchy brass riff”. The advert proved to be a success and when the song was released as a single, it topped the UK Singles Chart and became Georgie’s second No.1.

Turned On For Good
Betcha I’m Gonna Get Ya – Candi Staton
Sweet Delicious & Marvelous – The California Raisins
Turned On For Good – The California Playboys
When It Was Wrong – The California Honeydrops
Rock Steady – Marc Broussard

Tell It Like It Is
Get Away – Georgie Fame

If You’re Ready
If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me) – Steve Archer
Ain’t Goin’ Down This Time – Tony Joe White
Fool Me Again – Janiva Magness

Mellow Moment
You Make It Easy – Jimmy Copley (w. Peter Cox, Bernie Marsden, Neil Murray, Dino Baptiste)

Blown Away
Blown Away – Jeff Lynne
Route 66 – Chet Lott
I Wish I Could Remember Loving You – Lloyd Jones & Teresa James
Baby, Let’s Go Down To Bordeaux – Theo Lawrence
That’s Enough Of That Stuff – Marcia Ball

Janiva Magness eased us into our Mellow Moment, which this week came from Jimmy Copley . . . and to excite the musicos out in listening land, Jimmy was joined on this one by Peter Cox, Neil Murray, and with Bernie Marsden on guitar and Dino Baptiste on keys. So, I gave due notice that, if there was someone special nearby, it was time to give them your best smile as I dimmed the lights for a smooch.

Now, it’s no great secret that the lovely Dee has a soft spot for Jeff Lynne and ELO, and frequently drops an encouraging word or two in his favour. But, clearly I’d misjudged her determination, because recently she engaged others to lend weight to her entreaties and they came around to add their votes too. Fortunately, I managed to get Mr Lynne on the playlist . . . so I considered that a job well done! Then, Marcia Ball came along to take us home with the final choice for the Sonic Tonic . . . ‘That’s Enough Of That Stuff’ seems to be an apt message. But before that, I was smiling and waving and ever hopeful that there was sufficient ‘good stuff’ in this week’s Sonic Tonic to entice you back again next week. So, until the next time we meet for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 30 July 2021

What We Did . . .

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

Well, I was back here with another armful of the best blues around for The Blues Come Calling and kicking off with a great Hound Dog Taylor number . . . ‘It’s Alright’ . . . from Boston’s, GA-20. Now, Mr Taylor is getting some good coverage just lately, with a compilation of his works and a couple of tribute albums. GA-20 were adding their contribution, with a track from their new album ‘Try It You Might Like It’ and if you did there are plenty more for you on that album. Then, there was a welcome back for Christone Kingfish Ingram whose new album ‘662’ is still bringing a smile to my ears here. This week I featured and that I haven’t played on the show before . . . ‘My Bad’.

Now, if the original ‘Layla’ album by Derek & The Dominos marks a special time for you, I suspect it has a greater significance for Susan Tedeschi, because she was born on the day it was released. Derek Trucks, it seems, was named after the album too, so it seems more than apt for the Tedeschi Trucks Band to record ‘Layla Revisited’ with some affection. It was my album of the week and included their impassioned takes on the bluesy favourites ‘Nobody Knows You When You’re Down & Out’, ‘Key To The Highway’ and ‘Have You Ever Loved A Woman’.

Standing In The Rain
It’s Alright – GA-20 (Try It . . . You Might Like It – 2021)
My Bad – Christone Kingfish Ingram (662 – 2021)
Nobody Knows You When You’re Down & Out – Tedeschi Trucks Band (Layla Revisited – 2021)
Born Under A Bad Sign – Chris Daniels, Hazel Miller & Dana Marsh (What We Did – 2021)
I Beg Your Pardon – Sonny Green (Found, One Soul Singer – 2020)
Fine Lovely Lover – Oscar LaDell & Chris Armour (Right Kinda Wrong – 2021)
Standing In The Rain – Mick Pini (Back track – 2021)

Pinetop’s Pick
Little Bit Worried – Todd Sharpville (Touch Of Your Love – 1993)

Down South
Key To The Highway – Tedeschi Trucks Band (Layla Revisited – 2021)
Don’t Burn Down The Bridge – Johnny Ray Jones (Way Down South – 2021)
Getting Over You – Tobacco Road Blues Band (Papa Legba – 2021)
Have You Ever Loved A Woman – Tedeschi Trucks Band (Layla Revisited – 2021)

Well, that was a gem from the 3rd album from Austrian-based ‘Tobacco Road Blues Band’ . . . it’s titled ‘Papa Legba’, who it turns out is a mythical figure and a deity of crossroads. The whole album boasts a international bunch of contributers, and they were there on that one . . . ‘Getting Over You’.

Mick Pini was back again this week with ‘Standing In The Rain’ and appropriately followed by someone who’s done his own share of standing in the rain at many blues festival . . . my regular guest Arfa Pinetop. For this week’s Pinetop’s Pick, he shared a little background on bluesman Todd Sharpville and a track from Todd’s album ‘Touch Of Your Love’.

Ever mindful of time, I returned for a choice from my album of the week ‘Layla Revisited’. This had the Tedeschi Trucks Band giving out with their powerful version of the Freddie King favourite that got a work out by Derek & The Dominos . . . ‘Have You Ever Loved A Woman’. But, before that there was a cheery wave and smile from yours truly and the hope that we’ll meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 29 July 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 31 July 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 1 August 2021

Come On Let’s Go . . . .

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

Well, this week the weather may have been unpredictable around the Grand Duchy, but with our customary precision, we rolled by in the trusty Cruise Mobile at the appointed time and place to offer the warmest of welcomes to one and all. There was an enthusiastic invitation to jump aboard for another musical adventure that we continue to call . . . Cruising with The Commissioner. Then, barely waiting for you to sit back in the seat saved especially for you, we launched into ‘All Night Diner’ by Santo & Johnny and followed fast with The Cadillacs, and their 1957 take on a Chuck Willis song ‘Sugar Sugar’ . . . . with not an Archie to be seen anywhere.

Certain members of the Cruising Crew may have spotted Mike Robinson’s 1960 Vibro 45 ‘Lula’ as something that’s frequently on the setlist of UK R&B band leader, Mike Sanchez and his band. So, it was a good excuse to play another favorite by Mike ‘Babes & Buicks’. Another UK name who’s been promoting the 50s R&B sounds that we like here is Diz Watson and back in 1983 when Dr John was on a UK tour, he recorded a live album in London with some UK musicians . . . and surprise, surprise, those musicians were the much esteemed Diz & The Doormen. That album is a bit of a collectors item, but it finally arrived in the Cruising Library and we shared a track on this week’s Cruising playlist.

Now, there were a few ‘thank you’s’ this week, including Neil Pellegrin for suggesting a rarely heard number by Bobby Charles called ‘Mr Moon’. Our good pals Larry Grogan and Wendel Williams both got a shout out for helping with some background on singer and dancer, Round Robin and the American TV show where he appeared, ‘The Lloyd Thaxton Show’. For those with unrestrained rhythmic tendencies, we invited them to have their dance step chart laid out on the floor to join Round Robin and ‘Do The Slauson’.

Babes & Buicks
All Night Diner – Santo & Johnny
Sugar Sugar – The Cadillacs
Lula – Mike Robinson
Babes & Buicks – Mike Sanchez & His Band
Right Place, Wrong Time – Dr John
Come On Let’s Go – Chuck Dallis
Bulmoose – Bobby Darin
Mr Moon – Bobby Charles
Do The Slauson – Round Robin

Girls & Guitars
Bourbon Street – Bex Marshall

Gee
Jockey Full Of Bourbon – Carlos & The Bandidos
Swinging Hula Girl – The Blue Hawaiians
Hillbilly Blues – Clear Waters
I’ll Never Stand In Your Way – The Four Tophatters
Gee – The Pixies Three
My Girl Ivy – Jimmy Witherspoon & The Quintones
Yama Yama Pretty Mama – Richard Berry

Our Girls & Guitars feature this week focused on Bex Marshall, who grew up in Devon, UK. She says that as a child she was given plenty of encouragement to sing and at 11 years old she got a very pleasant surprise when one of her uncles gave her a 1963 Gibson Hummingbird. To demonstrate how she put it to good use, we went back to her 2012 album ‘House of Mercy’, which is where we found our choice ‘Bourbon Street’.

Our Doo Wop Delights included the 1956 Cadence 45 ‘I’ll Never Stand In Your Way’ by The Four Tophatters, which had been a 1953 hit for Joni James. The Tophatters version sounds like their lead vocalist may have heard Elvis’s earlier demo track of the song. We followed that with Pennsylvania girl group, The Pixies Three with their 1964  version of the Crows earlier hit ‘Gee’.

A couple more shout outs came later in the show in the direction of Jamie Dell’Apa and Matt The Cat. Jamie pointed us to a great number with a hint of Chuck Berry called ‘Hill Billy Blues’. It was recorded back in the 50s for Chicago’s Atomic H records and credited to Clear Waters & His Band, which turned out to be Eddie ‘The Chief’ Clearwater. Thanks also went to Matt The Cat & his Juke In the Back Show for reminding us of a rocking gem by Jimmy Witherspoon, his 1956 Atco recording with vocal group the Quintones, ‘My Girl Ivy’. Then we finished with a flourish, as Richard Berry took us all the way home with a big favorite here ‘Yama Yama Pretty Mama’. Then, we parked up the Cruise Mobile, gave it quick polish, gave everyone a cheery wave and hoped we would all meet again soon. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember. . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 27 July 2021

Traveling with the blues . . .

Listen here to this special show featuring Arfa Pinetop . . . traveling with the blues:

Well, a big bluesy welcome to a rather special show. During the past 5 years my regular guest Arfa Pinetop has been paying his weekly visits to The Blues Come Calling with a long list of bluesy choices for his Pinetop’s Picks. For this show, he’s brought together his memories of a trip to Memphis and beyond. Take a listen . . . .

Hillbilly Willie Blues – Alvin Youngblood Hart
You’ve Got My Nose Open – James Cotton
Mo’s Jam – Mojo Buford
We All Gotta Go Sometime – Joe Hill Louis
That’s Alright Mama – Arthur Big Boy Crudup
Avenue Stomp – Big Walter Horton & Carey Bell
Down At The Bottom – Howlin’ Wolf
Old Black Mattie – R.L. Burnside
Little Queen Of Spades – Eric Clapton
Deep Ellum Blues – Jerry Lee Lewis
We’re Gonna Make It – Little Milton
Gonna Put Her Down – Frank Frost
Help Me – Sonny Boy Williamson
Blueberry Hill – Fats Domino

Well, a big bluesy thank you to Arfa Pinetop for all the music and the stories on this rather special show . . . . . and you’ll hear more from Arfa on his weekly visits to The Blues Come Calling with his Pinetop’s Picks. But, until the next time The Blues Come Calling . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 25 July 2021

Takin’ It To The Streets . . . .

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

As ever, there was a big warm welcome to one and all and a challenge . . . if you’re tired of doing everyday things everyday, and raring to find something different . . . then I may have arrived just in time with a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. So, for those wanting to raise the spirits and excite the senses, there was a plentiful supply, as signalled with the first choice from ‘The Friends of Distinction’. I was guessing that perhaps you were a friend of distinction already, so I invited you to test your rhythm receptors and join the Brand New Heavies to ‘Dance It Out’.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is feature brought a song with a story that harked back to the so-called British Invasion of the 60s. There were many British bands who had success in the American charts back then. Many covered American songs that had been forgotten or overlooked, when they were released by the original artists. This week’s choice was a good example. American group The Orlons had a string of successes with the Cameo Parkway label and in November 1963, they released a song that only got them to No. 55 on the Billboard charts. But, across the Atlantic the song sounded good to The Searchers and it became a No 1 hit for them in the UK and got them to No 16 on the Billboard charts. The song was ‘Don’t Throw Your Love Away’ and I pulled out the original by The Orlons.

Dance It Out
Grazing In The Grass – Friends Of Distinction
Dance It Out – The Brand New Heavies
You Make Me Feel Good – Paul Carrack
State Of The Art – Jesse Malin
Run Joe – The Neville Brothers

Tell It Like It Is
Don’t Throw Your Love Away – The Orlons

Soon Enough
What Is It We’re Not Talking A Bout – Wee Willie Walker
Takin’ It To The Streets – Chris Daniels (w Hazel Miller & Dana Marsh (What We Did – 2021)
Soon Enough For Me – Mickey Jupp
Losing Time For Love – Brigette Purdy
Lazy Summer Day – Tape Five

Mellow Moment
Sincerely – Elise LeGrow

Already Gone
You’re Already Gone – Christone Kingfish Ingram
Maybellene – Tobacco Road Blues Band
Queen Of Hearts – Juice Newton

Now, when we arrived at our Mellow Moment this week, it was in the hands of Canadian songstress, Elise LeGrow. She brought a favourite doo wop song of mine and I can think of one or two regular listeners who will readily recognise the song, ‘Sincerely’. For those who share their inclinations, I gave notice that they should be all ready to caste their best smile to that someone special nearby and, for those so minded, I gave my permission to smooch.

That mood may have lingered with the most excellent Christone Kingfish Ingram who arrived with an oh so smooth number from his upcoming new album ‘662’. It was titled ‘You’re Almost Gone’ and so were we, because there was little time left to add more of the ‘good stuff’ to this week’s Sonic Tonic. But, the Tobacco Road Blues Band were present and eager to bring you something new and intended to get your rhythm receptors jumping in the red zone. Then, we were at that point where I had to add my last flavour to this week’s Sonic tonic. It came from the ever-rocking Juice Newton, who was ready to take us home with a song that did well for Dave Edmunds. But, before that, there was a big thanks for your good company this time round and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Dr Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 23 July 2021

On Top Of The World . . . .

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

Well, I arrived with a big bluesy welcome to one and all, while juggling another armful of the best blues around. I was very pleased to say that there was plenty around too, including a great opener for the show from The Red Devils. They were playing at Los Angeles club ‘King King’ back in 1992 and we had a taster of them live on one of their Monday night gigs.

Among the new releases, I got particularly enthused about the new album from Wee Willie Walker. I’ve been eager to see released and it proved to be every bit as good as I had hoped. Not surprisingly, it became my album of the week and an opportunity to feature the now late, Wee Willie Walker along with the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra and his album titled ‘Not In My Lifetime’. The title is a sadly apt, because Willie passed away within only a few days of completing the album . . . but superb stuff it is and if you love some real soulful blues and bluesy soul, then do check out the whole album.

If you happened to be one of the fortunate few who got to see Dino Baptiste and Dana Gilespie doing a little London session recently . . . I suspect you’ll be confirming what a great night was and it reminded me of a superb piece of boogie piano from Dino along with Julien Braunetaud. It’s something they recorded together in Mustique some years back, and it’s well worth another listen . . . ‘Royale Street Boogie’.

Cut That Out
Cut That Out – The Red Devils (Live at King King – 1992)
Holler If You Hear Me – Altered Five Blues Band (Holler If You Hear Me – 2021)
You Don’t Have Me – Mike Zito (Resurrection – 2021)
Heartbreak – Wee Willie Walker with the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra (Not In My Lifetime – 2021)
Living On The Highway – Bernie Marsden (Kings – 2021)
Royale Street Boogie – Dino Baptiste (Best Of Mustique Blues – 2011)
Louise – Sean Chambers (That’s What I’m Talking About – 2021)

Pinetop’s Pick
Sittin’ On Top Of The World – Big Joe Williams w. Bob Dylan (Three Kings And A Queen – 1962)

Have A Good Time
Down Home Blues – Chris Daniels (Takin’ It To The Streets – 2021)
‘Til You’ve Walked In My Shoes – Wee Willie Walker with the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra (Not In My Lifetime – 2021)
Have A Good Time Tonight – Johnny Tucker (ft Kid Ramos & The Allstars) (75 And Alive – 2021)
Suffering With The Blues – Wee Willie Walker with the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra (Not In My Lifetime – 2021)
Wrong Side Of The Blues – Blind Lemon Pledge (A Satchel Full Of Blues – 2021)
If That Ain’t The Reason – Little Milton (Tin Pan Alley – 1993)
Swanee River Boogie – Cara Bruns (Piano Lady – 2021)

Well, with a rather theatrical nod from my regular guest Arfa Pinetop, I guessed it was time for Pinetop’s Pick, which this week, brought a little something recorded in New York on 2nd March 1962 for an album called “Three Kings And A Queen”, . . . and featuring g Joe Williams with a surprise guest . . . . Bob Dylan. It one of Bob’s earliest recordings, adding some harp and vocals to Big Joe’s take on ‘Sittin’ On Top Of The World’.

Now, having already indulged the lovers of piano boogie earlier in the show, I was not done! I had another treat lined up from Cara Bruns with a track I found on her latest 7-track album, ‘Piano Lady’. It was her take on Albert Ammons classic ‘Swanee River Boogie’ , but before I let her loose, there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 22 July 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 24 July 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 25 July 2021

Have Mercy . . . .

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

If you heard the low rumble of the Cruise Mobile in the distance, then you might have guessed it was heading in your direction and bringing with it another chance to go Cruising with The Commissioner. This week we set off on our musical adventure with some familiar faces in the form of The New Champs with ‘Sax Boogie’ and followed with a real rocking piece of R&B from Ivory Jackson, ‘I’m A Country Boy’. Soon after, Irma Thomas turned up with a very appropriately titled 1964 Richard Berry song, ‘Moments To Remember’ . . . and you may think there are more moments in current events that are better forgotten.

Perhaps, we should get our acknowledgments up front now, because there have been some helpful pointers along the way, including Matt The Cat with his Juke In The Back show featuring the original 50s New York vocal group The Diamonds, who only ever released 3 singles on the Atlantic label during 1952 and ’53 and then faded from the music scene by 1955. We played their 1952 single ‘Call Baby Call’. We also gave a respectful nod towards Neil Pelligrin for pointing us to a 1962 Minit 45 from a son of the Crescent City, Ernie K Doe.

Our rummaging in the Cruising Library this week turned up a couple covers by significant pianists. The first was an unlikely cover of one of the many 50s hits by Buddy Holly & The Crickets, from rocker Esquerita, famed for his frantic vocals and wild piano playing. The second came from James Booker with his take on Fats Domino’s ‘All By Myself’. If you’ve had a little over exposure to Mr Domino’s version, then like me, you may have found Mr Booker’s version a refreshing alternative.

Moments To Remember
Sax Boogie – The New Champs
I’m A Country Boy – Ivory Jackson
Wake Up Baby – King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys
Juke Box Boogie Woogie Chick – Snookum Russell
Get Out Of Here – Ernie K Doe
Moments To Remember – Irma Thomas
Mr Low Love – Terry Thomas

Girls & Guitars
Back In Business – Beverly ‘Guitar’ Watkins

Hooked
Call Baby Call – The Diamonds
Maybe Baby – Esquerita
All By Myself – James Booker
One & One Is Two – The Weeklings
No Money Down – Jules Blattner
One Day Next Year – The Heartbeats
Crazy Crazy Party – The Cues
Hooked – Eilen Jewell
Come On Home – Eddie Lang
Have Mercy Miss Percy – Long Tall Marvin

This week, the spotlight of our Girls & Guitars feature focused on Beverly ‘Guitar’ Watkins, who hails from Atlanta in Georgia and was playing in various local bands in high school. Soon after, she was recruited into Piano Red’s Houserockers and toured across America. But, to show off her talents, we pulled out one of her own 1998 albums and this is rather fine title track of the album ‘Back In Business’.

This week, we found one of those lost songs of the Fab Four, penned by Paul McCartney and given away, ‘One & One Is Two’. It got recorded by American band The Weeklings and may have gone down well with our Ambassador to The Islands, Susan Bowman, who’s a bit of a Fab Four fan. Our ‘Doo Wop Stop’ started with The Heartbeats, followed by The Cues and a number destined to please our good pal Pete Hall who’s a bit of a fan of The Cues.

While we listened to a 1956 RPM 45 from Eddie Lang, we had to turn the Cruise Mobile for home and getting us all the way home was Marvin Philips (one half of the successful 50s singing duo Marvin & Johnny) under the name Long Tall Marvin with his 1956 Modern release, ‘Have Mercy Miss Percy’. Many may have doubted it, but we got back safe and sound, in time to park up the Cruise Mobile in its usual place, all ready for the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. So, until then . . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 20 July 2021

Show Me A Sign . . . .

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

Well, there was a big cheery welcome to one and all and a polite request to form an orderly queue for this week’s special dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic with no pushing or shoving . . . because there was enough for everyone. For those thoroughly bored with ‘ordinary radio’, there was a further request, to relax, because we only put the ‘good stuff’ in the Sonic Tonic . . . and to prove it . . . we kicked of with The Diplomats of Solid Sound to give you a first taste! There was more to come too, with local lad, Connor Selby, heading our way, clutching his brand new album. It included another tasty treat . . . this time, a little gem called ‘Show Me A Sign’.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is featured a song with a story that focuses in on 29 July 1969. This was the first day of the Harlem Cultural Festival in Mount Morris Park, New York. It was one of the free concerts every Sunday afternoon from June to August, with a long list of headlining acts that attracted huge crowds. It was regarded by many as Harlem’s own Woodstock festival and although it was filmed at the time, none of the networks showed any interest in broadcasting it. So, the tapes were put in a basement and forgotten . . . . until they were re-discovered recently and put together as the film ‘Summer of Soul’. It’s on release now and among the many artists that day was the only group that appeared both here AND at Woodstock It was Sly & The Family Stone and our playlist included one of the songs they performed on stage at the Harlem Cultural Festival that day back in ’69 . . . ‘Everyday People’.

Already Gone
Already Gone – Diplomats Of Solid Sound
Show Me A Sign – Connor Selby
Goody Day – Danielia Cotton
That Sinking Feeling – Danny Toeman
If You Want Me To Keep Loving You – Sonny Green

Tell It Like It Is
Everyday People – Sly & The Family Stone

Holy Cow
How Do I Let A Good Man Down – Robin McKelle
Hard Knocks – Joe Cocker
You’re In New Orleans – Kara Grainger & Anders Osborne
Holy Cow – Kermit Ruffins

Mellow Moment
I Won’t Let You Down – Curtis Harding

Take You There
Take You There – Tierra
I’ve Got The Right To Cry – Rosie Flores & The Talismen
Tight Pants – Johnny Nicholas
Almost Grown – Mike Sanchez & His Band

Among the new releases in this week’s Sonic Tonic, were Rosie Flores & The Talismen, Curtis Harding, Robin McKelle, Connor Selby and Danielia Cotton. Fortunately, I didn’t miss that critical moment to change mood and style, when it was time for our Mellow Moment. This week it was in the hands of the highly recommended Curtis Harding, with the re-assuring message . . . ‘I Won’t Let You Down’ . . . and regular listeners knew that this was where I invite folks to caste their best smile to that someone special nearby and, if so minded, I gave my permission to smooch!

Now, there was a reminder this week of catching Rosie Flores on her UK tour a while back, where a great time was had by all. So, there was a big smile for yours truly when I saw she’d got out a new single. It inspired the hope that there’s more to follow soon, but while we wait and wonder, we put Rosie and The Talismen into the Sonic Tonic with this one . . . . ‘I’ve Got The Right To Cry’. Then, the sands of time were running out fast for this week’s show. So, I pulled out some rocking sounds by Johnny Nicholas and the ever-rocking Mike Sanchez to take us home . . . but not before I gave a big thanks for your good company and 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 16 July 2021

Get A Life . . . .

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

Well, I arrived with a big bluesy welcome for one and all and another armful of the best blues around. I was very pleased to say there was plenty around, including this week’s great opener from The Billy Walton Band and a track from their new release ‘Live From The Barn’. There was plenty more to keep the bluesers smiling too, including a little bluesy gem from ‘seasoned’ soul man Herbert Hunter, who sometimes recorded as Leroy Jones, but it was never anything but good stuff. So, I pulled out Herbert Hunter’s, ‘Oh Baby’.

Now, among the new releases was a superb single from the remarkable Joanne Shaw Taylor. It was full of the passion and style that we’ve come to expect from her on that Little Milton favourite ‘ If That Ain’t The Reason’. It’s a track that’s on her upcoming new album, produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, and if there’s more like that heading this way . . . I’ll be mighty glad . . . and I was already feeling pretty glad about this week’s album of the week, because it broaght a preview of the much anticipated new album from Christone Kingfish Ingram . . . and a real cracker it is too . . . take a listen!

Hell Or Highwater
Hell Or Highwater – Billy Walton Band (Live From The Barn – 2021)
Oh Baby – Herbert Hunter (Northern Soul Legend – 2011)
If That Ain’t The Reason – Joanne Shaw Taylor (If That Ain’t The Reason – 2021)
Woman Across The River – Bernie Marsden (Kings – 2021)
Dreaming of You – Mike Zito (Resurrection – 2021)
ABC – Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method (50 – 2021)
For The Last Time – Melissa Etheridge (One Way Out – 2021)
Wild Women Don’t Get the Blues – Dani Wilde (Wild Women Don’t Get the Blues – 2021)

Pinetop’s Pick
Elevator Boogie – Mabel Scott (R&B Series Classics: Mabel Scott 1938-50 – 2018)

Up & Down World
Get A Life – Glen Alexander & Shadowland (Knockin On A Door – 2021)
I’ll Make Love to You – Mike Zito (Resurrection – 2021)
Jumping Blues – Mick Pini (Backtrack – 2021)
I Can Hear The Train A-Comin’ – Ritchie Dave Porter and Debra Susan (I Can Hear The Train a Comin’ – 2021)
Up & Down World – Rodd Bland & Members Only (Live On Beale Street – 2021)
Don’t Bring Me Down – Mike Zito (Resurrection – 2021)
D/FW – Daniel De Vita (Lost in Translation – 2020)

There were plenty of new releases to choose from and I didn’t have time for them all, but I did manage to include ‘newies, from Mike Zito, Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method, Melissa Etheridge, Mike Pini, Ritchie Dave Porter and Debra Susan, plus Glen Alexander & Shadowland. My regular guest Arfa Pinetop was back with a ‘seasoned’ piece of blues boogie from Mabel Scott. This was her single ‘Elevator Boogie’, which was first recorded by Bill Johnson & His Musical Notes in 1947 and successfully covered by Mabel in 1948.

Well, our blues-time together was fast running out, when I spotted the studio clock and realised it was nearly time to say our farewells, but I was all set to play out this week with a funky little instrumental from Argentinian guitarist Daniel De Vita. This was a track from his recent album ‘Lost In Translation’, called ‘D/FW’. Before that, there was a big thanks for your good company for this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 15 July 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 17 July 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 18 July 2021

Enough For Everybody . . .

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

Well, this past week has seen much excitement among the sports fans around the Grand Duchy, but such thoughts faded from our semi-consciousness, as the familiar sound of the Cruise Mobile was heard in the distance. Sure enough, it came rolling down the road, just in time for the faithful to jump aboard, grab the seat saved and set off on another musical adventure to who knows where. Uncertain destinations may be on offer in other quarters, but none match the joys of Cruising with The Commissioner.

This week there was a good deal of rummaging in the Cruising Library and Mr Merlot was particularly pleased, because after many sleepless hours in the Cruising Library, he came back with a big smile and a copy of Johnny Otis’s ‘Big Time Scoop’. There was also Merrill E Moore’s version of ‘Rock Island Line’, which positively rocks down the track and a lost gem by Jerry Raines, his cover of Dixieland Rock, which stayed in the vaults of Drew-Blan Records until it was discovered years later by an enthusiast looking for more of Jerry’s stuff . . . . and we’re glad he did!

Along the way, we pulled out a classic Lightning Slim song, given a great rocking treatment by Lee McBee & The Passions . . . and wouldn’t you like to be one of the Passions . . . . we can think of at least one person who would . . . and it isn’t Mr Merlot! Jimmy McCracklin appeared as the producer of Betty Bibbs’ ‘Enough For Everybody’ . . . . which just might be a theme for our Cruising adventures. But before all that, we kicked off this week’s vaguely supervised musical journey with a rocking instrumental ‘The Toast’ from the New Champs . . .

I Got It
The Toast – The New Champs
I Got It – Diz & the Doormen
Ain’t That Lovin’ You – Eddie Riff
Rock Island Line – Merrill E Moore
Rooster Blues – Lee McBee & The Passions
Enough For Everybody – Betty Bibbs
Tremble – Malcolm Dodds

Girls & Guitars
Two Horns and Two Wings – Michelle Malone

Nothing But Fine 
Mississippi Number One – Eden Brent
Dixieland Rock – Jerry Raines
They Said It Couldn’t Be Done – Alvin Robinson
Big Time Scoop – Johnny Otis
Mr Moonlight – Dr Feelgood & The Interns
I Ain’t Guilty – The Crawford Brothers
You Ain’t Nothing But Fine – Rockin’ Sidney
Poppa Stoppa – Pee Wee Crayton
Dig Everybody, Dig That Boogie – Roy Hall
Good Golly Miss Molly – The Valiants

This week’s Girls & Guitars feature focused on American singer/songwriter and guitarist Michelle Malone. She’s been in the music business for over 20 years and released a string of albums, to date, and our choice was ‘Two Horns and Two Wings’ from her 2003 album ‘Stompin’ Ground’.

Now, fans of the fab four will know well the song ‘Mister Moonlight’ and we thought it was about time to dig out the original by Dr Feelgood & The Interns . . . . which became something of a cult favorite among many British R&B bands, including those lads from Liverpool.

We said a Big thanks to Matt The Cat for reminding us of the Crawford Brothers with their 1957 Aladdin 45 ‘I Ain’t Guilty’. We also gave a nod in the direction of our good pal Arfa Pinetop for suggesting Rockin’ Sidney’s original version of ‘You Ain’t Nothing But Fine’.  Another ‘notable’ in our playlist was a 1951 Modern records release by Pee Wee Crayton, dedicated to New Orleans radio presenter Clarence Haman, known as ‘Poppa Stoppa’, which just happened to be the title of the song. Then, before we knew it, the Cruise Mobile was heading for home with some frantic accompaniment from The Valiants. So, once the Cruise Mobile was parked up, we gave everyone a cheery wave, ever hopeful that we’ll meet again the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 13 July 2021