People Been Talking . . . .

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

Well, I arrived with a big bluesy welcome to one and all and an armful of the best blues around, which included plenty of new releases, some seasoned favourites and maybe a surprise or two. To kick things off, there was Joanne Shaw Taylor with another track from her excellent ‘Blues Album’ and an Otis Rush number called ‘Keep On Lovin’ Me’. There was also another dip into the new album from Colin James ‘Open Road’, which was my album of the week last week. This was Colin’s 20th studio album which celebrates a few of the blues names that have influenced him along the way . . . and my choice was an Albert King song, which also turns up on Joanne Shaw Taylor’s new album, but this was Colin James with ‘Can’t You See What You’re Doing To Me’.

Mississippi bluesman Zac Harmon was here with his latest album ‘Long As I Got My Guitar’ and when someone like Zac say “This probably is the most memorable record of my career,” then you know why it was my album of the week. It brought some soulful bluesy tracks and my first choice was ‘Deal With The Devil’.

Deal With The Devil
Keep On Lovin’ Me – Joanne Shaw Taylor (The Blues Album – 2021)
Can’t You See What You’re Doing To Me – Colin James (Open Road – 2021)
Deal With The Devil – Zac Harmon (Long As I Got My Guitar – 2021)
Don’t Kid Yourself Baby – Al Basile (B’s Testimony – 2021)
Hammond’s Bop – The Sweet Georgia Boys (Jump For Joy – 2014)
Rage To Survive – Danny Bryant (Rage To Survive – 2021)
I Heard Sonny Boy Blow – John Mayall (Blues Alone – 2006)

Pinetop’s Pick
Walkin’ Blues – Jo Ann Kelly (Retrospect – 1990)

The Real Deal
Long As I Got My Guitar – Zac Harmon (Long As I Got My Guitar – 2021)
You’re The Real Deal – Tas Cru (Broke Down, Busted Up – 2021)
Stylin’ – Brigitte Purdy (Stylin’ – 2021)
Broken Hearted Blues – Carolyn Wonderland (Tempting Fate – 2021)
My Baby’s Gone – Kelvin Davies & Gary Jones (Arcadia – 2020)
People Been Talking – Zac Harmon (Long As I Got My Guitar – 2021)

Now, one of the joys of this past week was catching the Sweet Georgia Boys at London’s famous 100 Club. They were on fine form and got plenty of enthusiastic response from the crowd, particularly for Jim Hammond’s keyboard skills. So, I thought I’d share a little of that here with Jim doing ‘Hammond’s Bop’.

The ‘seasoned’ bluesers out there will understand why the news of John Mayall’s decision to stop touring will have been sad news for many. He’s been a significant influence on the British blues scene and beyond for over 60 years and I thought it timely to have him on the playlist this week. So, I pulled out a favourite track of mine from John’s ‘Blues Alone’ album and his own tribute to Sonny Boy Williamson.

All too soon, our blues time together was fast running out, but I was intent on playing out with the last of choices from Zac Harmon’s album of the week. This was ‘People Been Talking’ . . . but before that there was a big thanks for good company for this weeks 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 30 September 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 2 October 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 3 October 2021

Looka Looka Looka . . .

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

The past week has not been without its moments of drama and unpredictability, but with reassuring regularity the Cruise Mobile came rolling by with impeccable timing. The windows were down, the radio cranked up and, as was quickly evident, there was a cracking playlist to take us Cruising with The Commissioner.

Early in the playlist came Dr John reprising Junko Partner on his album ‘Celebrating Mac & His Music’ and we could not resist digging out another variant of the song, this time from Chuck Berry with that familiar melody on his ‘Man & The Donkey’. Our rummaging in the Cruising Library surprised everyone by coming up with another track by The Texas Topcats that we didn’t know was there . . . so we dedicated ‘Jump My Baby’ to our good pal Wendel Williams and the rest of the band.

We get around a bit on our cruising adventures and this week we headed back to the Hawaiian islands, in the company of Johnny Madara, who co-wrote hits like ‘1-2-3’ for Len Barry, and ‘You Don’t Own Me’ for Lesley Gore. But, we set off on our adventure with a little 45 from The Pastels titled ‘Let’s Go To The Rock & Roll Ball’ . . .
.
Let’s Go
Let’s Go To The Rock & Roll Ball – The Pastels
Oh Baby – Jimmy Preston & The Prestonians
Come Back Baby – King Perry
Bashful & Blue – Floyd Turnham & His Orchestra
Junko Partner – Dr John & George Porter Jr & Zigaboo Modeliste
Man & The Donkey – Chuck Berry
Jump My Baby – The Texas Topcats

Girls & Guitars
Google Me Baby – Debbie Davies

Lay It On
The Yea Yea Song – The Royaltones
Looka-Looka-Looka – Johnny Mabara
Billy The Kid – The Raves
Just Goofed – The Teen Queens
Lay It On – Eddie Cooley & The Dimples
Priscilla – The Four Jones Boys
Are You Satisfied – Toni Arden
Doodle Doo – The Gaylarks
Can’t Stop Movin’ – Johnny Chef
Tell Me Who – Mike Sanchez & His Band
Do Lord – Big Maybelle

We demonstrated our musical magpies tendencies on this cruise with a little gem by The Gaylarks, ‘borrowed’ from our good pal Jamie Dell’Apa . . . and we ‘borrowed’ again from Neil Pellegrin, who pointed us to The Raves.

Our Girls & Guitars feature took us to Los Angeles, where blues guitarist and singer, Debbie Davies was born and we celebrated her career with a laid back little offering of hers for those who wrestle with social media and its consequences . . . ‘Google Me Baby’.

But, while we were having fun, the end of the show crept up on us and we found ourselves heading for home with Big Maybelle and her powerhouse version of ‘Do Lord’. Then, we were parking up the Cruise Mobile for another week and hoping we can look forward to some more of your good company next week, when you can rely on us to be calling by in the trusty Cruise Mobile . . . same time, same place . . . with a seat saved especially for you. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 29 September 2021

Betcha I’ll Getcha . . .

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

Well the cheeriest of welcomes to one and all . . . and if you were planning an escape from doing everyday things everyday, then I may have arrived just in time, because I was here with a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic to raise the spirits and excite the senses. With that in mind, starting us up this week were Toots & The Maytals, whose take on ‘Start Me Up’ provided a loose connection with Bill Wyman, who turned up next with a well chosen word or two about my sonic tonic. . . you can’t get enough of that stuff!

This week’s Tell It Like It Is took us back to this week in 1964, when Carole King & Gerry Goffin had a song of theirs at No.1 in the UK charts. The song was “I’m into Something Good” by Herman’s Hermits and it got them to into the US charts at number 13 later that year. It was a big boost for songwriters, Carole King & Gerry Goffin, who were having a hard time competing with the British Invasion, because most of the British groups wrote their own material. But, this song did well for them, because it had first been recorded in America by Cookies member Earl-Jean. Her version had already reached No. 38 on the US Billboard chart, so for the music connoisseurs, I played that 1964 original by Earl-Jean

Start Me Up
Start Me Up – Toots & The Maytals
Stuff (Can’t Get Enough) – Bill Wyman
Put Your Hands On It – John Fohl
Precious Time – Paul Carrack
Shoulda Woulda Coulda – Dee Ellington

Tell It Like It Is
I’m Into Something Good – Earl-Jean (The Cookies)

It’s Too Late
It’s Too Late – Angie Stone
Betcha I’ll Getcha – Lacky Doley
Happier Blue – Dave Sutherland

Mellow Moment
I Don’t Know What You’ve Got – Joanne Shaw Taylor ( feat. Mike Ferris)

Shiny Grey Corvette
Ain’t No Child No More – Li’l Band O’ Gold
Shiny Grey Corvette – Jersey Swamp Cats
Rag Mop – Wee Willie Harris

Now, my giglist was given a boost this past week with a live show by local singer/songwriter Dave Sutherland. I caught Dave doing a great show, just down the road from here and when I went digging in his back catalogue, I couldn’t find his 2002 album ‘American Refrigerator’ anywhere. “It’s as rare as hen’s teeth”, Dave told me later, but he did find me a copy. So, a big thanks to Dave and with a theatrical flourish I added a choice from him to the Sonic Tonic . . . ‘Happier Blue’.

Then, we turned down the lights and attempted to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax with this week’s Mellow Moment. It came with an invitation to kick back in a comfy chair with a glass of your favourite beverage and listen Joanne Shaw Taylor and soulful ballad from her latest album. It came with the acknowledgement, that if there’s someone special nearby, you had my permission to smooch.

The last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic came from 50s UK rocker Wee Willie Harris. He has a London event coming up soon, so for those who can’t get there, I found a track from Willie, on fine form, with an old R&B favourite. Then, it was time to say a big thanks for your good company here and the hope that we’ll share another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic sometime soon. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 24 September 2021

The Cat’s Away . . . .

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

Well, there was a big bluesy welcome to one and all and I arrived with an armful of the best blues around, which meant, plenty of new releases, some seasoned favourites and maybe a surprise or two. One of the surprises was the opener . . . a long-time favourite here of Peter Green and Fleetwood Mac . . . ‘Stop Messin’ Around’ . . . and there was another cover of that song playing off of Joanne Taylor’s new album, ‘The Blues Album’. It was quickly followed by this week’s, album of the week from Colin James, ‘Open Road’. It’s Colin’s 20th studio album and features a mix of originals and a few covers. The keenest of bluesers out there will have spotted Colin putting his signature to an Otis Rush number . . . my first choice . . . “It Takes Time”.

Now, one of the joys of this past week was catching a superb show by Dave Sutherland live on stage down the road from here. There was plenty of good spirited banter with the enthusiastic audience and Dave had them cheering and clapping a long, long time after the last note of the session faded away. So, it was a good excuse to include something from Dave on the playlist and it was an easy choice, one that’s become a particular favourite of mine . . . ‘Roads & Rails’.

It Takes Time
Stop Messin’ Around – Joanne Shaw Taylor (The Blues Album – 2021)
It Takes Time – Colin James (Open Road – 2021)
When The Cat’s Away – Sue Foley (Pinky’s Blues – 2021)
I Guess I Must Say – TBelly (I Never Want To See Me Again – 2021)
Cray Cray – Chris ‘Badnews’ Barnes (Bad News Rising – 2021)
There’s A Fire – Colin James (Open Road – 2021)
Road & Rails – Dave Sutherland (On The Waiting List – 2008)

Pinetop’s Pick
Things I Used To Do – Chuck Berry (The Chess Box – 1988)

Memory Of You
I Ought To Be Your Monkey – Al Basile (B’s Testimony – 2021)
Can’t Be Love – Miss Lady Blues (Mo’ Better Blues – 2021)
Be My Strength – Tas Cru (Broke Down & Busted Up – 2021)
Memory Of You – Willie Kent (Blues & Trouble – 2004)
How Long Can This Keep Going On – Billy Cross (The Prettiest Train – 2021)
Won’t You Please – Luca Kiella (Ready For You – 2021)
It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry – Colin James (Open Road – 2021)

This week, we paid more than one visit to Chicago and on one we heard from bluesman Willie Kent. He’s long gone now, but I did get to see him on stage in the Windy City back when he was leading his own band. So, noticing that it would have been his birthday this week, I thought he deserved a respectful tip of the hat from yours truly . . . and he got it with an example of Willie in high spirits with the appropriately titled . . .’Memory Of You’.

Another visit to Chicago came with Luca Kiella’s new album ‘Ready For You’, which is not essentially a blues album, but Luca’s high energy keyboards and vocals bring some distinctly bluesy moments. Being based in Chicago, he’s soaked up plenty of its musical influences and, in my humble opinion, one of his new album’s finest tracks is ‘Won’t You Please’ . . . so I shared it on the playlist.

To round off the playlist this week, Colin James was back with another choice from this week’s ‘album of the week’. This was one of Colin’s covers of other people’s songs and this time it was a well known number from Bob Dylan. But, before that, there was a big thanks from me 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 23 September 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 25 September 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 26 September 2021

It’s A Groovy Idea . . . .

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

Well, the Grand Duchy has seen appropriately unpredictable weather for these unpredictable time, as we went about our preparations for this week’s vaguely supervised musical adventure. But, in an attempt to retain some comforting consistency, we continue to call it . . . Cruising with The Commissioner. As we jumped aboard the trusty Cruise Mobile, there was a reminder to play something by The Righteous Brothers, because it was Bill Medley’s birthday this week. Now, although the Righteous Brothers had big hits with ‘blue eyed soul’ number, they started out singing R&B songs and we included their first hit on our playlist, a release on the Moonglow label in 1963 called ‘Little Latin Lupe Lu’.

We were grateful to Jamie Dell’Apa, way down in New Orleans, for suggesting a great piece of ‘real’ R&B by Willie Headen and also giving us a nudge to play some calypso. So, we found a quirky celebration of a past American super-hero, played by Caribbean calypso king, Granville Williams & His Orchestra. While we were rummaging in the Cruising Library we came across a little 45 by The Ideals and a rather fine version of The Everly’s hit Cathy’s Clown, which we first heard being played by our good pal Max Quirk. But, we kicked off down the road with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Big Time Operator and it all rolled on nicely from there . . . .

Look What I Got
Big Time Operator – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Twentieth Century Boy – The Big Six
Fun On A Saturday Night – Willie Headen
Too Much – Bernard Hardison
Twist & Shout – The Majors
Cathy’s Clown – The Ideals
Mellow Way You Treat Your Man – Ollie & The Nightingales
Little Latin Lupe Lu – The Righteous Brothers

Girls & Guitars
Feels Like Home – Joanne Shaw Taylor

I Got A Feeling
I Got A Feeling – Barbara Randolph
It’s A Groovy Idea – Barbara Aklin
Look What I Got – Gerri Thomas
Popeye – The Granville Williams Orchestra
The Brighter Song – Laura Nyro
Down In Mexico – Ella Mae Morse
St Loo – The Night Riders
Ice – The Penguins
Ella Mae – 44 Shakedown
Trickle Trickle – The Videos
The Chicken & The Hawk – Daddy’s Rebels

Our Girls & Guitars feature this week focused on Birmingham singer/guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor and those with excellent powers of recall, will remember that we’ve sampled her talents here before. This time, we went back to find her re-working of one of her early songs, ‘Feels Like Home’, this time with a fairly jazzy accompaniment from the BBC Big Band.

Despite all the traveling on our cruise, we were still in good spirits as we passed the familiar faces and places on our way home. But, we went home in great style with Daddy’s Rebels and ‘The Chicken & the Hawk’ . . . then, it was all over. Just time to polish up the Cruise Mobile and to thank everyone for their very good company on our cruise. Of course, we’re ever hopeful that if you enjoyed our playlist, then we’ll meet again, same time same place next week, when we call by in the Cruise Mobile with a seat saved especially for you, just so we can go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio 21 September 2021

Good and Ready . . . .

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

Well, on the appointed day and at the appointed time, there was a cheery welcome from me to all those seeking sanctuary from the algorithms and corporate playlists of ‘ordinary radio’. As ever, I arrived with an invitation to feast your ears here, especially if you were looking for something different. I brought a remedy designed to raise the spirits and excite the senses . . . namely, Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic and there was plenty for everyone. So, to set the mood right, it all kicked off with Billy Preston’s ‘Will It Go Round In Circles’ and there are many who still remember when music did nothing else!

There were a few favourites in the playlist, as well as new releases from Paul Carrack, Miss Lady Blues, Lil’ Band O’ Gold, Marcia Ball, and The Kokomo Kings. This week’s Tell It Like It Is featured a song with a story about BB King, whose birthday it was this week. The song was written by The Crusaders drummer, Stix Hooper, with lyrics by Will Jennings . . . and talking about the song, Mr Jennings says he was in California in 1977, and had just started thinking about a conversation, where B.B. had been talking about his adventures on the road, and all the romantic difficulties that are involved in being on the road. The song became ‘Never Make Your Move Too Soon’ and it’s since been recorded by Bonnie Raitt with Charles Brown and Ruth Brown, B.B. sang it with Roger Daltrey on BB’s 80th Anniversary album, and Toni Tennille (of Captain & Tennille) cut a version too . . . . but I chose the version by B.B. King himself .

Let Life Flow
Will It Go Round In Circles – Billy Preston
Good And Ready – Paul Carrack
Let Life Flow – Phillip Frankhauser
Loving You – Miss Lady Blues
Hold On Tight – Lil’ Band O’ Gold

Tell It Like It Is
Never Make Your Move Too Soon – B.B. King

Gonna Be Sweeter
You’ve Made Me So Very Happy – Blood Sweat & Tears
Walking In Memphis – Jack’s Waterfall
I’m Gonna Be Sweeter – Clay Hammond

Mellow Moment
‘Til Summer Comes Around – Sean Webster

Are We There Yet
Are We There Yet Momma – Marcia Ball
Boogie Woogie Man Under My Bed – L’il Bee Dee & The Doo-Rites
A Drive-By Love Affair – The Kokomo Kings
I’m The Boogie Man – Good Time Charlie

This week’s Mellow Moment came from someone who was on my giglist recently. This was the excellent Sean Webster, who never disappoints with his live shows and his most recent album has a fine ballad, which is sure to help your mood, whether you’re relaxing with a favourite refreshment or smooching with someone special . . . this was ‘Til Summer Comes Around’.

There was a distinct change of pace and style with the arrival of the ever impressive Marcia Ball with a little track recorded live at Austin City Limits and sounding just what should be going into this week’s Sonic Tonic . . . . and it did! Then, I invited a kindly thought for Betsy Dawn-Williams who was nervous, if not in a state of high anxiety. The cause was her suspicion that there was something under her bed . . . and it turned out to be the boogie woogie man. If that wasn’t enough to get your rhythm receptors pulsing well, along came The Kokomo Kings with a taster from their latest album, called ‘Drive By Love Affair’. By then, the sands of time were fast running out here, so the last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic was delivered in fine rocking style by Good Time Charlie, who, for all I know, may have been that boogie man under that bed . . . but before we got distracted by that thought . . . I was saying a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and, if the spirits are with us, perhaps we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio 0n 17 September 2021

Boogie Real Low . . . .

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

Well, with well-honed punctuality, I arrived with a big bluesy welcome to one and all and, as ever, I came clutching an armful of the best blues around. To prove the point, I kicked off proceedings with a choice from my album of the week, courtesy of Sue Foley, whose new album ‘Pinky’s Blues’ has Sue delivering many shades of blues, including my first choice . . . her self penned number ‘Dallas Man’ where she credits to all the great guitar players from Dallas and around those parts. Then, from Dallas we travelled to Connecticut to catch local band The F & Blues Band, who were on the playlist here last week and they were back with another track from their album called ‘Side Hustle’ . . . this time it was ‘Lyin’ To Myself’.

Now, as my giglist has started to fill up nicely, I’ve been looking forward to sharing a few choices from the folks I catch on stage. One of the recent friendly faces I’ve much enjoyed was Tim Penn, who delivers some great rocking Louisiana style numbers from his piano stool and occasionally up on his feet clutching his trusty accordion . . . but he can get pretty bluesy too, as he demonstrates with a track from the Tim Penn & The Strange Sins album ‘Down In The Deep’. This was a rather fine version of that Otis Rush classic ‘So Many Roads’.

Tip On In
Dallas Man – Sue Foley (Pinky’s Blues – 2021)
Lyin’ To Myself – The F & Blues Band (Side Hustle – 2021)
Tip On In – The Fabulous Thunderbirds (The Jimmie Vaughan Story – 2021)
So Many Roads – Tim Penn & The Strange Sins (Down In The Deep – 2009)
Hurricane Girl – Sue Foley (Pinky’s Blues – 2021)
Surrender To The Groove – Guy Verlinde (Standing In the Light Of A Brand New Day – 2021)

Pinetop’s Pick
Texas Girl – Monster Mike Welch (These Blues Are Mine – 1996)

Steppin’ In
Put A Lid On It – Diane Durrett & Soul Suga (Put A Lid On It – 2021)
Let Me Down Easy – Joanne Shaw Taylor (The Blues Album – 2021)
Stay Home Blues – Tas Cru (Broke Down & Busted – 2021)
Steppin’ In – Little Milton (Z Zelebration – 1994)
What Might Have Been – Gaelle Buswel (Your Journey – 2021)
Boogie Real Low – Sue Foley (Pinky’s Blues – 2021)
Just Give Me Chance – Silas Hogan (Trouble – Best of The Excello Masters – 1995)
Baby Please Don’t Go – Thorbjorn Risager and the Black Tornado (The Best of Thorbjorn Risager and the Black Tornado – 2021)

Now, my regular guest, Arfa Pinetop, was in self-confessional mood this week, acknowledging his preference for more ‘seasoned blues and artists’. But, he was sufficiently enthused by Monster Mike Welch to bring us something from Mike’s album ‘These Blues Are Mine’ . . . ‘Texas Girl’.

Little Milton got a couple of mentions on this week’s show, firstly, as the originator of a track now covered by Joanne Shaw Taylor and, secondly, as the result of some rummaging in the blues library this week, where I came across a little gem from him. This was his tribute to ZZ Hill with Little Milton’s take on Steppin’ In’.

Now, the keepers of the blues diaries will tell you that this week back in 1911, it was the birthday of bluesman Silas Hogan. He was born in Westover, Louisiana and had a string of recording issued by Excello Records. So, to mark the occasion, I pulled out one of those . . . titled ‘Give Me A Chance’. . . which brought me my last choice for this week’s show. It was another track from last week’s album of the week, the new ‘best of’ compilation from Thorbjorn Risager and the Black Tornado. But, before that there was 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 16 September 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 18 September 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 19 September 2021

Closer To The Bone . . . .

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

Well, with impeccable timing the trusty Cruise Mobile rolled by with the windows down, the radio turned right up and a seat saved especially for you. So, all you had to do was jump aboard and buckle up as we set off on this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner. We arrived to the sound of Chuck Wiggins & His Mellowtones with ‘Chuck’s Wig’, followed fast with a little Champion 45 from Larry Birdsong, ‘Every Night Of the Week’. We stayed in the US for a sample of what Screamin’ Jay Hawkins sounded like back in 1966, before the Cruise Mobile took us to Holland to meet Mrs R&B and The Soulshakers with plenty of those essential rhythms!

This week, our Cruising Connections provided a trio of tracks where the common link was a well known song that each of our three artists have recorded at some time or other. First up was the great Louis Jordan with ‘Fat Sam From Birmingham’, followed by a song from The Everly Brothers that is probably better known by The Spencer Davis Group, ‘Somebody Help Me’. Then, there was another clue, our mystery song, which was also recorded by Doug Sahm, although this time around he was giving us a Lloyd Price favourite, ‘The Chicken & the Bop’. For those waving their hands in the air and shouting . . . ‘Little Richard’ . . . there were extra points . . . because all three of those artists recorded the song we know well by Mr Penniman, ‘Keep A Knockin’ . . . and we happily played it again!

Tell Me The Truth
Chuck’s Wig – Chuck Wiggins & His Mellowtones
Every Night Of the Week – Larry Birdsong
I’m So Glad – Screaming Jay Hawkins
Closer To The Bone – Mrs R&B and The Soulshakers
Tell Me The Truth – The Uppertones
Hide Nor Hair – Herbert Hunter

Cruising Connections
Fat Sam From Birmingham – Louis Jordan
Somebody Help Me – Everly Brothers
The Chicken & the Bop – Doug Sahm
Keep A Knockin’ – Little Richard
.
Girls & Guitars
If You Love Me Like You Say – Vanesa Harbek Blues Band

Doo Wop Delights
A Love For Only You – The Stereos
Never Let You Go – The Five Discs

While I Can
While I Can – Roomful of Blues
Little Girl Don’t You Understand – Bobby Freeman
Mighty Mighty Man – Bobby Darin & The Rinky Dinks
Mickey Mouse Boarding House – Virginia Brown & The Shameless
Who’s That Under My Bed – Rich McQueen & The Rhythm Rockers
.
For this week’s Girls & Guitars feature, we shone our spotlight on Argentinian singer and guitarist, Vanesa Harbek. She hails from Buenos Aires and has since made Berlin her home. She says she fell in love with the blues at the age of 12 listening to Eric Clapton’s ‘Slowhand’ album. It inspired her to check out some of the great blues artists and in recent years, she’s been leading her own band and touring across South America and Europe. For a taste of her style, we pulled out her version of Albert Collins ‘If You Love Me Like You Say’.

Our Doo Wop Delights kicked off with something from Ohio vocal group, The Stereos who started out as The Buckeyes in 1955 and released two singles on the Cincinnati label Deluxe Records. But, by 1959 they had changed their name to the Stereos and recorded our choice, ‘A Love For Only You’ for the New Jersey label Gibralter. Then, in a more up tempo mood, we heard from Brooklyn doo-wop group,The Five Discs who first formed in 1954 as the Lovebirds, and after changing their name in 1958, they went on to have several regional hits in America’s northeast, including their 1962 Cheer 45 ‘Never Let You Go’.

During some rummaging in the Cruising Library, we found an excellent Roomful of Blues original, ‘While I Can’ and along the way we also turned up one of Bobby Freeman’s lesser known releases on the Josie label, ‘Little Girl Don’t You Understand’. In his day, Bobby Darin had plenty of hits, but we found a little 1958 Atco release that didn’t even brush the charts back then, but ‘Mighty Mighty Man’ sounded pretty good to us. Then it was time give a respectful nod to our good pals, Neil Pellegrin and Jamie Dell’Apa for pointing us to the last two choices on our playlist . . . a Big Boy Myles song, ‘Mickey Mouse Boarding House’, which we played by a band called Virginia Brown & The Shameless . . . and, finally, Rich McQueen & The Rhythm Rockers with their 1952 gem, ‘Who’s That Under My Bed’. While those were playing, to the surprise of many, the trusty Cruise Mobile got us back where we started safe and sound and on time. So, until next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio
on 14 September 2021

I Like What You Give . . .

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

Well, on the appointed day, at the appointed hour, there was a big warm welcome to one and all to another multi-flavoured edition of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. As the regulars will know, this is a special service providing intensive care for those who are suffering from over exposure to ‘ordinary radio’. So, for those who come along, there’s a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic, with its money back guarantee, to raise the spirits and excite the senses. Quick as a flash, I started the mix with a taster of the ‘good stuff’ from The Souljazz Orchestra, getting ‘Sky High’ . . . and if that got folks up on the floor, there was Paul Carrack to keep them there with something from his new album ‘One On One’.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a rather well known song, with a story of its own. This week in 1973, Marvin Gaye was at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Let’s Get It On’. It was his second No.1 and what would become a modern soul classic. But, it was written originally, by Marvin Gaye with a religious theme. The lyrics then got changed to have a more political theme, but the final version of the song that got released, in fact featured a third set of lyrics. When it was released, it became the biggest selling Motown release in the US at the time, selling over two-million copies within the first six weeks of following its release . . . and the song was ‘Let’s Get It On’.

So Soon
Sky High – The Souljazz Orchestra
Set Me Free – Paul Carrack
So Soon – The Knickerbocker Allstars
Stuck In The Middle With You – Scary Pockets
This Is The Night – Alias Ron Kavana

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

Missing You
Missing You – The McNaMarr Project
I Like What You Give – Jose Feliciano
Walk Of Life – Shirley Adamson & The United Rhythms of Brazil

Mellow Moment
Anything You Say – Mickey Jupp

Cadillac Shake
Real Man – Mr Sipp
I’ve Got To Get To You – Dion, Boz Scaggs and others
Allons Rock & Roll – The Pine Leaf Boys
Cadillac Shake – The Cadillac Kings

Now, I knew very well that I was risking a few frowns from the fans of Dire Straits, when I put Shirley Adamson & The United Rhythms of Brazil in the mix with their reggae version of ‘Walk Of Life’. But, I was making no apologies, because I happen to really like that reggae treatment . . . so it came with a respectful nod from me in the direction of Shirley and the crew.

Soon enough, the clock on the wall signalled it was time for our Mellow Moment, where I bring a choice designed to soothe you, smooth you and make you relax. So, for those who might be musing on the events of the week, I extended an invitation to lean back with a glass of your favourite bevvy, or cast your best smile to that someone special nearby . . . and if you were so minded, to smooch to Mickey Jupp with ‘Anything You Say’.

I added a little spicy Cajun flavouring to the mix with The Pine Leaf Boys who got recommended by Yvonne Eriksson. It brought us to the last choice for this week’s sonic tonic. This came from the Cadillac Kings, who were on our giglist this past week and ensuring that everyone enjoyed some great party vibes in the sunshine. But, before I let them loose . . . . there was a big thanks for your good company this week 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 10 September 2021

I Got Burned . . . .

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

Well, I arrived with a big bluesy welcome to one and all and an armful of the best blues around. There were new releases, some seasoned favourites and maybe a surprise or two. One of the surprises might have been Jim Ashworth and Bryab Freeze, who brought us a little Texas flavoured blues as Dr. Wu’ & Friends with ‘Higher Ground’. There was a little catching up too with last week’s album of the week now from Tommy Castro, plus the welcome return of Tony Holiday, Teresa James, Captain Morgan and Martin McNeill.

If your blues collection doesn’t include plenty of tracks by Thorbjorn Risager, then those nice people at Ruf Records have put together a two volume compilation that they inventively call ‘The Best Of Thorbjorn Risager and The Black Tornado’. It boasts 33 tracks that bring together a fair sample of the band’s range and styles. I happen to think that there are quite a few others that deserve a place in a ‘best of’ collection, but I’m not complaining . . . which is why its my album of the week.

All You Ever Bring Me Is The Blues
Higher Ground – Dr Wu & Friends (This Ain’t Our First Radio – 2021)
I Got Burned – Tommy Castro (A Bluesman Came To Call – 2021)
I Used To Love You – Thorbjorn Risager & The Black Tornado (Best of Thorbjorn Risager & The Black Tornado – 2021)
Bad Bad Girl – Tony Holiday (ft Johnny Burgin) (Porch Sessions Volume 2 – 2021)
Been Wrong Before – The F & Blues Band (Side Hustle – 2021)
All You Ever Bring Me Is The Blues – Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps (Rose Coloured Glasses – 2021)
You Better Believe Me – Gisele Jackson & The Shu Shu’s (Soul Live – 2021)

Pinetop’s Pick
Little Children Blues – Leadbelly (Leadbelly Sings Folk Songs – 1989)

Have It Your Way
You Can Have It Your Way – Thorbjorn Risager and The Black Tornado (Best of Thorbjorn Risager and The Black Tornado – 2021)
Detroit, Michigan – Captain Morgan Express (No Weirdos Please – 2021)
I’m Your Man – Guy Verlinde (Standing In the Light Of A Brand New Day – 2021)
Feels Like Rain – Martin McNeill (Sweet Soul Slide – 2021)
When The Blues Come Calling – Bill Filipiak (Medicine I Need – 2021)
If You Wanna Leave – Thorbjorn Risager and The Black Tornado (Best of Thorbjorn Risager and The Black Tornado – 2021)
Rock Me Baby – Tito Jackson (ft George Benson, Claudette King, Michael Lee) (Under Your Spell – 2021)

With the title . . . ‘When The Blues Come Calling’ . . . it was an obvious choice for this show . . . and another choice from the new album by Bill Filipiak, which he put together through all the restrictions of the pandemic and Bill’s not alone in citing the resultant music as the ‘Medicine I Need’ . . . and don’t we all.

Now, be assured, anyone who’s a friend and admirer of BB King is very welcome here . . . and that welcome extends to Tito Jackson, who pays tribute to BB on his latest album ‘Under Your Spell’. On it, he offers his cover of ‘Rock Me Baby’, where he’s joined by BB’s daughter Claudette King, George Benson, and Michael Lee . . . and funky, good stuff it is too. . . . although it did have to be my last choice for this week. So, before that there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 9 September 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 11 September 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 12 September 2021