What Is Happy Baby . . . .

Well, the preparations for the festive season seem to get earlier each year and around here we’ve been trying to pace ourselves much better and all the more enjoyable as a result. Mr Merlot has been in charge of the festive decorations around Cruise Control and there seems to be something new each day or so. But, we still found time to polish up the Cruise Mobile and pull together a real mix of music for our playlist this week.

Our giglist this week was good fun and we set off on our cruise this week in the company of Buddy Miles, who has kept company with some very notable names through his career. Our choice was a track from his album Chapter 7 called ‘Hear No Evil’ and we followed that with Imelda May, who was letting loose in the company of Mike Sanchez and his band . . . and there’s more . . .

Cruising way out there
Hear No Evil – Buddy Miles
My Man – Imelda May
That Ain’t My Name – Big Boy Bloater
Doin’ The Blah Blah Blah – Charlie Wood
Elijah Rock – Jean Shy
Honey Child – Johnny Williams

Girls & Guitars
Why Are People Like That – Karen Almquist

Cruising where we please
Someone Must Have Lied – The Fun & Games Commission
She May Call You Up Tonight – The Strolling Scones
What Is Happy Baby – The Californians
For Your Love – The Four Tops
Frustrated Woman – Freedom
If I Could Only Be Sure – Sidney Barnes & Speedometer
Don’t Feel Sorry For Me – Jimmy Ruffin
She Walks Right In – Diz & The Doormen
Hippy Hippy Shake – Chan Romero
Good Golly Miss Molly – Little Richard

In our rooting around in the Cruising Library, we stumbled across a rather fine version of ‘Why Are People Like That’ which came from singer and guitarist Karen Almquist. We found it on her 1996 album ‘Tracking of Time’ and it was just what we wanted for our Girls & Guitars feature.

It was Little Richard’s birthday this past week, so our last tune came from him and something he recorded in October 1956 at Cosimo Matassa’s studio in New Orleans, ‘Good Golly Miss Molly’. Then it was all over . . . . leaving us to wave a cheery farewell to one and all, until next week, when once again we can go Cruising with The Commissioner. So, until then . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radion on 30 November 2021

Make My Day . . .

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

Well, there was a big cheery welcome to this week’s feast of listening and a selection very unlikely to be suggested by any algorithm. I came along with a cheery smile and an invitation to step a little lighter and smile a little wider with those sounds, cunningly disguised as a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. It was full of ‘the good stuff’, designed to raise the spirits and excite the senses. Getting us off to a great start, were Full Flava & Chantay Savage, who have started their practice early for their ‘Get Down Saturday Night’. We gave them more encouragement as we went back to 2017 to hear from Busty & The Bass with ‘Up Top’.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story inspired by the birthday this week of Steve Van Zandt. He’s best known the guitarist with South Side Johnny & The Asbury Jukes, then Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band and later still Little Steven and The Disciples of Soul. Along the way he’s been credited as a key contributor to the ‘Jersey Shore Sound’ and alongside that, he developed a career as an actor, including his starring role in the TV Series The Sopranos. But, around here, it’s his song-writing skills that get focused on, especially those for South Side Johnny & The Asbury Jukes which includes their signature song “I Don’t Want to Go Home” and in 2017 Steve recorded his own version of the song . . . which was my choice.

Up Top
Get Down Saturday Night – Full Flava & Chantay Savage
Up Top – Busty & The Bass
Miss Information – Sugaray Rayford
Baby Each Day – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers
Make My Day – Shirley Davis & The Silverbacks

Tell It Like It Is
I Don’t Want To Go Home – Little Steven

Take It All
Slow It Down – Ray Jaurique
This Is Where I LIve – William Bell
Take It All – Danielle Nicole

Mellow Moment
A Case Of You – Jo Harman

Well Alright
Use Somebody – Scot Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox
Red Stripe Boogie – The Red Stripe Band
Don’t Let The Green Grass Fool You – George Steven Kelly
Well Alright – Little Richard

Now, every week I bring you some exceptional tracks to pop into the Sonic Tonic and every once in a while, even an seasoned listener like me comes across a song that takes my breath away. That’s just what happened with Danielle Nicole with her great soulful ballad called ‘Take It All’. With a title like that I was sure to make no mention of the Inland Revenue. Then this week’s Mellow Moment brought the latest release from Jo Harman and just what was needed to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax.

Before our time together ran out, there was one more treat to add to the Sonic Tonic and it was a song written by Sam Cooke especially for Little Richard, but before that there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 26 November 2021

The Blues Is Here To Stay . . .

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

Well, there was a big bluesy welcome to one and all and the prediction that, if you like the blues, then you’re in good company when The Blues Come Calling. There was a whole bunch of the best blues around, so a good reason to stick around. Kicking off the show this week was Joe Louis Walker with ‘Regal Blues’ from his latest album ‘Eclectic Electric’ and, given it’s tip of the hat to BB King, it seemed rather apt that he was supported on that one by The BB King Blues Band. Also celebrating that rich era of the blues, Bernie Marsden’s new album ‘Chess’ brings some memories of the blues legends that appeared on that famous Chicago label. It was my album of the week and my first choice was Bernie’s take on Sonny Boy Williamson’s ‘Fattening Frogs For Snakes’, with some very nice harp work from Alan Glen.

Over the years, the annual Blues Caravan tour has proved to be a superb showcase for so many great talents and the 2022 caravan is heading our way soon with Ghalia Volt, Katie Henry and Eddie 9V! There was a chance to hear them all together on this week’s playlist with their current release ‘Hop A Ride’.

Hop A Ride
Regal Blues – Joe Louis Walker with The BB King Blues Band (Electic Electric – 2021)
Hop A Ride – Ghalia Volt, Katie Henry and Eddie 9V! (Hop A Ride – 2021)
Son Of a Preacher – Charles Tiner (N’Treble -2021)
Mac’s Boogie – Dr John (Dr John Plays Mac Rebennack – 2002)
Just A Playboy – Jason Ricci & Joe Krown (City Country City – 2021)

Pinetop’s Pick
I’m Ready – Paul Rodgers (Now & Live – 2005)

Tail Shaker
Who’s Been Talking – Bernie Marsden (Chess – 2021)
Tail Shaker – The Tanya Piche Band (Good Company – 2020)
Waiting For The Fog To Lift – Lilly Martin (Waiting For The Fog To Lift – 2021)
Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me – Mississippi John Hurt (Last Sessions – 1991)
Just Your Fool – Bernie Marsden (Chess – 2021)
Rock Me Baby – Eric Clapton (Live) (The Lady In The Balcony: Lockdown Sessions – 2021)
The Blues Is Here To Stay – Eddie Boyd & Fleetwood Mac (7936 South Rhodes – 1968)

There were plenty of home grown talent on this week’s playlist with Paul Rodgers, Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac, Tanya Piche, Bernie Marsden and another local lad with a new album . . . Eric Clapton, whose lockdown sessions . . . delightfully titled ‘The Lady In The Balcony’. . . has a collection of acoustic songs (not all blues), including one of the most recorded blues songs of all time. It was first recorded in 1951 by Lil’ Son Jackson who called it “Rockin’ and Rollin’, but we know it better as ‘Rock Me Baby’.

well sadly that brings me to my last choice for this week’s show . . . and

The keepers of the blues diaries would have been quick to tell you that this week included the birthday of bluesman Eddie Boyd. So, to celebrate, I grabbed my copy of that 1968 album he cut with Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac . . . ‘7936 South Rhodes’. It was my last choice of the week, but before I collected up the records and CDs, tidied up the studio and thought about heading for the door, 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 25 November 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 27 November 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 28 November 2021

Jump The Joint . . .

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

Well, around the Grand Duchy, it’s difficult not to recognise that we’re on the count down to the festive season and the invitations to contribute to the economic revival are seemingly endless. But, you’ll know this for yourself, already. We  have taken the hint and pulled out the festive decorations from deep storage to adorn Cruise Control, while The Cruisettes have been busy selecting their favourite festive outfits. But, it didn’t keep them from stopping by for a shake and shimmy once we embarked on this week’s Cruising with the Commissioner.

The week has been jammed with encounters with lots of friendly faces and it has felt really good. It also included discovering new members of the Cruising Crew, including the good folks at Totally Fuelled, many of whom gave us a good number of suggestions for our playlist.

While we out on the town, we caught up with a couple of long awaited acts on our giglist and we kicked off our musical adventure with ‘Jump The Joint’ from Eugene Hideaway Bridges and later we featured Micky Moody, who was another we saw on stage . . . and very good he was too.

We heard from our good pal Johnny 99 this week and he happens to share an enthusiasm for Eddie & The Hot Rods with the very genial Bob, who spent several days this week helping to refurbish Cruise Control. So we thought we’d include their classic ‘Do Anything You Wanna Do’ . . . . and lots more . . . . .

Cruising for the border 
Jump The Joint – Eugene Hideaway Bridges
Do Anything You Wanna Do – Eddie & The Hot Rods
If I Could Only Be Sure – Button Up
Pictures Of Matchstick Men – Status Quo
Under My Thumb – Del Shannon
Paint It Black – Chris Farlowe
Gimme Shelter – Paul Brady & The Forrest Rangers

Girls & Guitars
Going Back To Texas – Becky Barksdale

Go Away With Me 
Stop The Wedding – Zoot Money & The Big Roll Band
It Takes Two – Otis Redding & Carla Thomas
I Found Out – Sam & Dave
Everyday I Have To Cry Some – Steve Alaimo
Rock & Roll Fever – Willie Egans
Go Away With Me – Hollis Dixon & The Keynotes
Put On My Shoes – Mary Ann Fisher
She Loves To Rock – Cornell Gunter & The Flairs

This week’s Girls & Guitars feature had its spotlight falling on American blues singer and guitarist Becky Barksdale. She hails from Port Arthur, Texas, and started playing guitar at the age of twelve, and by the age of sixteen, she was gigging and gaining a reputation for her vocal style, which some say has traces of Bessie Smith and Janis Joplin, while her guitar playing brings some hints of Texas bluesman, Freddie King. We chose a self penned song from her first album in 1999, ‘Real Live’ and ‘Going Back To Texas’.

But, all too soon, our time ran out and we still had plenty of great music in the pending tray. So, we reluctantly turned for home and travelled back in style with Cornell Gunter & The Flairs and ‘She Loves To Rock’ and whoever she is . . . . we were with her! We arrived back safe and sound and parked up the trusty Cruise Control for another week. So, ‘til the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 23 November 2021

You Can’t Go Back . . .

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

Well, it all started this week with a message I fully endorse . . . ‘You Ought To Be Having Fun’ . . . and to add to the fun moments, I came along with a cheery smile and an invitation to sample a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. To prove that it’s full of ‘the good stuff’ to raise the spirits and excite the senses . . . the Tower of Power were on hand to kick things off and followed fast by The Soul Brothers Six, who inspired some rummaging in the dusty boxes of 45s in the music library for their classic ‘Some Kind Of Wonderful’.

Now, this week’s giglist included a visit to the new show in town about the amazing Faye Tredwell, who managed the Drifters for so many years and brought them to the UK in the 70s for more chart successes. It was one of those UK hits that slipped into the Sonic Tonic. Meanwhile, this week’s Tell It Like It Is, brought a song with a story that linked Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Ray Charles. The song was ‘Shake’ written and recorded by Sam Cooke at his last studio session in 1964. It went on to become a Top 10 hit for Sam in America in 1965 and was famously covered by Otis Redding later that year. But, one of the other covers that’s well worth a listen comes from Ray Charles. He never released it on record, but performed it live during the 70s and I found an example of what you might have heard if you caught him doing it on stage with The Raelettes.

Having Fun
You Ought To Be Having Fun – Tower Of Power
Some Kind Of Wonderful – The Soul Brothers Six
You’re More Than A Number In My Little Red Book – The Drifters
Way I Do – The Scott Weis Band
Running Out Of Time – B B & The Blues Shacks

Tell It Like It Is
Shake – Ray Charles & The Raelettes

Precious Moments
You Can’t Go Back – Dr John
My Wife Can’t Cook – Lonnie Russ
Dancing Girl – Dion (feat. Mark Knopfler)
3/4 Time – Sam Lewis
Precious Moments – Rod Stewart

Mellow Moment
No Man’s Land – Beverley Knight

A Million Stars
Love You in Colour – Jamie Reeves
Young A Long Time – Mickey Jupp
A Million Stars – The Kokomo Kings
Back In The USA – Bernie Marsden

Our Mellow Moment, brought it’s usual invite to kick back, while I attempted to sooth you smooth you and help you relax. This week’s choice came with a tip of the hat to the ever-ebullient, Paul Armstrong, for suggesting something by the excellent Beverley Knight. I caught her on stage this week and making life noticeably better, so I had no hesitation in giving my permission to smooch with someone special nearby to ‘No Man’s Land’.

There was a generous contribution to our Sonic Tonic by the excellent Mickey Jupp with a song that got suggested recently, when I let slip it was my birthday . . . ‘Young A Long Time’. Then, all too soon, it was time to think about the last flavour for this week’s mix and I was anticipating it would send plenty of pulses to your rhythm receptors, because it was a new release from Bernie Marsden, giving a respectful nod in the direction of Chuck Berry. But, before that, there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 19 November 2021

One Way Ride . . . .

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

Well, there was the usual big bluesy welcome to one and all and no disappointments for those who came along for a selection of the best blues around. With few formalities, I kicked off with a long-time favourite from Roomful of Blues . . . ‘Up Jumped The Devil’, which soon got us to my album of the week. It came from Northern Arizona’s own Swamp Poets, whose latest album ‘Hoodoo Du Voodoo’ has been a real delight to my bluesy ears. So, I chose three tracks from their album, which include some good rocking numbers, but my first choice was in a lighter mood with ‘Styrofoam’.

There was a real treat this week for the fans of Govt Mule. I know there are plenty out there, so you can be sure their new album, ‘Heavy Load Blues’ will be well received. It features some originals, plus covers of songs by Elmore James, Junior Wells, Tom Waits, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Ann Peebles and Howlin’ Wolf. . . . all recorded live in the studio straight to tape. For a taster of what you’ll find there, I pulled out ‘Wake Up Dead’, but among the other tracks was a cover of this choice was a song I know well from that classic album ‘Hoodoo Man Blues’ and its sent me scurrying into the blues library to find Buddy Guy and Junior Wells doing ‘Snatch It Back’.

Snatch It Back
Up Jumped The Devil – Roomful Of Blues (The Alligator Records Years – 2013)
If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll – Dion (feat. Eric Clapton) (Stomping Ground – 2021)
Bad Woman – Hanna PK (Blues All Over My Shoes – 2021)
Styrofoam – The Swamp Poets (Hoodoo Du Voodoo – 2021)
Wake Up Dead – Govt Mule (Heavy Load Blues – 2021)
Snatch It Back – Junior Wells & Buddy Guy (Hoodoo Man Blues – 1991)
One Way Ride – The 2:19 (Revelator – 2021)
Easy Living – Dave Ferra (Live in Lockdown – 2021)

Pinetop’s Pick
Baby Please Don’t Go – James Hunter (35 Years of The Jumpin’ Hot Club – 2021)

Another Blues Song
Broke Down Car – The Swamp Poets (Hoodoo Du Voodoo – 2021)
Pay Day – Hans Theessink & Big Daddy Wilson (Pay Day – 2021)
Another Blues Song – Ray Jaurique & The Uptown Brothers (Soul Remedy – 2021
Steamroller Blues – Farmersroad Bluesband Feat, Klara Schwabe (We Play The Blues For You – 2021)
Liar Liar – The Swamp Poets (Hoodoo Du Voodoo – 2021)
Body Talk – B. B. & The Blues Shacks (Breaking Point – 2021)
Downhill Shuffle – Dave Hunt (Whiskey & Demons – 2015)

Now, I noticed that local troubadour, Dave Ferra, has a gig on . He’ll be at my favourite local music haunt, The Riverside Rhythm Club down the road in Gillingham and I’m rather hoping his setlist will include a number written and recorded by John Fohl and given a great version by Dave . . . ‘Easy Living (Down In New Orleans)’.

There was so much ‘good stuff’ to fit into the show that I was watching time, but keen to play something from the new album ‘Breaking Point’ by B. B. & The Blues Shacks. They’ve been familiar names on the playlists here and were marking their return with a track titled ‘Body Talk’. Sadly that brought me to my last choice for this week’s show and it came from Dave Hunt, who’s been doing well with his current album ‘Behind The Moon’, but this was Dave back in 2015 with a great instrumental called ‘Downhill Shuffle’. But, before that, there was a big thanks for your good company on the 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 18 November 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 20 November 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 21 November 2021

Are you ready . . . .

Well, we’ve been resisting the temptations fairly well around the Grand Duchy, but the evident ‘forward creep’ of the festive season’s preparations seem to have caught up with us! So, you’re in good company, if the everyday demands of life are starting to be extended by ‘seasonal’ tasks! But, rest assured, we’ve opened our Cruising Counselling Service to help you wrestle with your priorities, resolve your conflicting demands and bring you a healthy dose of that soothing elixir called Cruising with The Commissioner. Perhaps we should be marketing this as an Xmas gift, because it comes with carefully blended sounds, discerningly selected company and all expertly designed to restore your optimum balance and full capacity to ‘boogie on down’.

Here in the Grand Duchy, it looks like getting a deal more lively in the weeks to come. But we soon forgot that as the Cruise Mobile rolled by and to get our musical adventure off to a good start there was a cheery greeting and some ‘Gumbo Ya Ya’ from Andrew Mazzone, followed by a rather rare ’Soul Stomp’ from Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames.

Cruising where we please
Gumbo Ya Ya – Andrew Mazzone
Soul Stomp – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
Black Talk – Charles Earland
Sally Had A Party – Flavor
In Your Spare Time – Cindy Scott
Stop Hurting Me Baby – Purpl Mundi
What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted – Chris Farlowe

Girls & Guitars
Are You Ready – Dani Wilde

Cruising way out there
Take Care Of Business – Nina Simone
It’s My Own Business – The Balham Alligators
You Can Call Me Al – Pamela Maynard
Love Me Like A Rock – The Dixie Hummingbirds
Shake – Ray Charles & The Raelettes
Down In The Valley – Timi Yuro
Cold Cold Cold – Dr John
I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate – Eddie Angel & The Hi Risers
(Just) Call My Name – Joe Simon
Butterball – The Penguins

This week’s Girls & Guitars focus happened to fall on singer and guitarist, Dani Wilde. She‘s appeared on Ruf Records Blues Caravan, and has shared a stage with some very notable names. She hails from Brighton, and says she spent half of her childhood sitting in front of her Dad’s record playing, listening to everything from Etta James to Lyle Lovitt. She’s released three of her own albums to date and we chose a number titled ’Are You Ready’ from her album with Samantha Fish and Cassie Taylor, appropriately called ’Girls With Guitars’.

As time was running out on our cruise, we decided to finish with a flourish and headed for home with The Penguins and their 1958 recording ‘Butterball’. So, having travelled far and wide on our cruise this week, we’ve arrived back home safe and sound and with plenty more music in the pending tray for next week. So, we fully intend to call by in the Cruise Mobile, same time same place next week, with a seat saved especially for you . . . . . just so we can go Cruising with The Commissioner and until then . . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 16 November 2021

Some Kind Of Wonderful . . .

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

Well, you arrived just in time to catch a cheery smile from yours truly and an invitation to sample a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. It’s full of ‘the good stuff’ that’s guaranteed to raise the spirits and excite the senses. Getting us off to a great start was the wonderful Beverley Knight with a song I heard somewhere else this week and I didn’t want it to pass by without getting added to the Sonic Tonic mix. Then, without lingering longer, I added a little Mod favourite from Mac Kassoon and fully expecting it to to encourage some fancy footwork.

This week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story inspired by the birthday this week of the great singer, songwriter and pianist, Mose Allison. He started out as a jazz pianist and later started recording his own songs, many of which had social themes and often biting comments. Along the way, his songs have been covered by names like The Who, John Mayall, Elvis Costello, Georgie Fame, Van Morrison, Leon Russell, Bonnie Raitt and many others. But, I pulled out a favourite of mine from Mose, which was released by him in June 1962, as an acerbic response to many of the clientele he encountered at his gigs, who talked without listening!

Come As You Are
Come As You Are – Beverley Knight
1000 Ways Of Loving You – Mac Kassoon
Satisfy Me – Anderson East
I’m So Happy – Prince Phillip Mitchell
Rockin’ Pneumonia & Boogie Woogie Flu – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
My Wife Can’t Cook – Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings

Tell It Like It Is
Your Mind Is on Vacation – Mose Allison

Where It’s At
Nothing But A Thing – Dave Isaacs
Some Kind Of Wonderful – Rod Stewart
It Should’ve Been Me – Zoot Money & His Big Roll Band
That’s Where It’s At – The California Honeydrops

Mellow Moment
Help Me To Change – The Durham County Poets

C’est La Vie
Pour Another Bourbon Honey – The Kingbees
Are We There Yet Momma – Marcia Ball
The Girl Can’t Help It – Billy Bremner
C’est La Vie – Bob Seger

The regular listeners will know, to listen out for our Mellow Moment, where I invite you to kick back while I attempt to sooth you smooth you and help you relax. This week I was aided and abetted in this worthy task byThe Durham County Poets, with a song titled ‘Help Me To Change’ . . . and, on that subject, I said no more, except that, if there was a someone special nearby you had my permission to smooch.

The Kingbees turned up to give a hint of Bourbon to this week’s Sonic Tonic, but rest assured it was poured responsibly and by yours truly, so you know all was well. Then, for those who like some nice Louisiana piano and a song with a familiar story, along came Marcia Ball, followed by some fine rock and roll from Billy Bremner and Bob Seger.

Sadly, Bob Seger brought us the last flavour for this week’s sonic tonic and I was anticipating that it proved a fitting finale, with plenty of pulses being sent to your rhythm receptors. But, before I started collecting up the music, tidying up the studio and getting ready to head for the door, there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show 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 12 November 2021

It’s Gonna Be Alright . . .

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

Well, there was the customary big bluesy welcome to one and all and with only a polite word or two, we were off with another hour of the best blues around. It kicked off this week with Few Miles On, who turn out to be a trio of seasoned musicians from Detroit, Chicago and East Texas with a shared love for the blues. They were here with ‘Spinning Around’, a track from their fourth album, ‘The Memphis Push’ and featuring a big dose of their Southern Blues Groove. Then, with a theatrical sweep of the arm, I presented the first choice from my album of the week. It’s the fourth volume in the excellent series ‘Songs of Isolation’ and bringing us another NHS charity compilation with tracks from some great British Blues artists, including Ron Sayer Jnr., who was my first choice with ‘The Happiest Man Alive’ . . . and maybe he is!

During the past week, I had a lively exchange with my regular guest Arfa Pinetop and it was all about The Dharma Blues Band. The original band featured Dave Brock (guitar), Mike King (piano), and Luke Francis (harp), but it wasn’t until 1969 that they recorded their first album. Before that, they did record a couple of tracks that have turned up on various blues compilation albums and I pulled out one . . . ‘Roll ‘Em Pete’.

Blues Done Left Me
Spinning Around – Few Miles On (The Memphis Push – 2021)
The Happiest Man Alive – Ron Sayer Jr (Songs Of Isolation Vol 4 – 2021)
Blues Done Left Me – Slim Butler (Bone Deep – 2021)
Roll ‘Em Pete – The Dharma Blues Band – (Blues Anytime Vol.2 – 1968)
You Tried To Ruin Me – Kyle Jester (After All This – 2021)
Need Your Love So Bad – Little Willie John (Anthology – Deluxe Collection – 2020)
It’s Gonna Be Alright – Surreal Lockdown Experience (ft. Oli Brown & Ash Wilson) (Songs of Isolation Vol 4 – 2021)

Pinetop’s Pick
Statesboro Blues – Dave Kelly (Live In Germany 1986-89 – 2016)

Take A Ride
Take A Ride – Katie Bradley (Soho Heart – 2020)
Set Sail – The North Mississippi Allstars (Set Sail – 2021)
Blues Is My Business – Eddie Davis (Blues Is My Business – 2021)
Before My Time – Debra Power (Before My Time – 2021)
If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day – Blue Touch (40 Miles – 2019)
Hideaway Blues – Tim Staffell (Songs of Isolation Vol 4 – 2021)
Buzzin’ – Paul Orta (Till Your Mainline Comes – 2021)

Now, getting out and about to sample some live music has been a real joy for many and a special joy for those artists who released albums just before the lock down and didn’t get to promote them live. One of those was Katie Bradley, who is looking forward to launching her latest album ‘Soho Heart’ live on stage. So, I thought I’d highlight a favourite of mine from Katie’s album . . . ‘Take A Ride’. One of the bands on my giglist this week was the mighty impressive Blue Touch, who were providing an excellent tribute to the music of Robert Johnson. To share the joy, I offered a taster with their take on ‘If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day’.

If you happen to be a subscriber to ‘Blues & Rhythm’ magazine, you’ll already have a copy of the sampler ‘Till Your Mainline Comes’, which includes some superb tracks and among them as a few by blues harp wiz Paul Orta. So, I played out this week with one of Paul’s numbers . . . ‘Buzzin’. But, 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 11 November 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 13 November 2021
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 14th November 2021

Somebody Stole My Thunder . . .

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

Well, the fireworks have faded away into the night and around the Grand Duchy, the evenings have become still and chill. But, that’s no inhibition to our Cruising adventures, because at the appointed hour, the trusty Cruise Mobile came rolling by with the radio cranked up, some familiar friendly faces waving in your direction and a seat saved especially for you. So, waiting only for you to jump aboard, we were heading off down the road with no particular place to go.

Despite all the recent distractions, interesting music was not far from our ears. We discovered a rather fine number on a 1966 Columbia 45 called ‘Better Than Here’. It came from UK band, The Roger James Four’, originals of which have been changing hands for around £170. We also dug out the original recording of ‘Bette Davis Eyes’ by Jackie De Shannon and the original of ‘Twist & Shout’ . . . although back then, it was titled ‘Shake It Up Baby’. But, well before that, we kicked off our musical adventure with Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm and ‘Much Later’ . . . followed fast by Willie Egan and his 1955 Mambo 45, ‘What A Shame’ . . . .

Cruising with the crew . . . .
Much Later – Ike Turner
What A Shame – Willie Egan
Last Night – Jimmy ‘Babyface’ Lewis
Pneumonia – Joe Tex
Somebody Stole My Thunder – Trummor & Orgel with Magnus Carlson
Better Than Here – The Roger James Four
Bettye Davis Eyes – Jackie De Shannon

Girls & Guitars
Second Time Around – Nell Bryden

Cruising where we please . . . . . .
Frenchman Street Blues – Jon Cleary
Twist & Shout – The Top Notes
Big Time Operator – Charlie Rich
Dark End Of the Street – Ken Boothe
Just A Little Too Much – Mac Curtis
Baby You’ve Got It – Clyde McPhatter
He Will Break Your Heart – Jerry Butler & The Impressions
1000 Ways Of Loving You – Mac Kassoon
Go – The Refreshments
See You Later Alligator – Mick Clarke
Devil With A Blue Dress On/Good Golly Miss Molly – Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels

This week’s Girls & Guitars feature focused on New York singer and guitarist, Nell Bryden. She was classically trained as a cello player and dreamed of becoming an opera singer before hearing Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin for the first time. She learnt to play guitar and in 2009, used her own money to record an album called, What Does it Take, and it includes our choice of track, ‘Second Time Around’.

Swedish band, The Refreshments, returned to our Cruising playlist to send those pulses racing to your extremities and Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels brought us a fittingly frenetic finale. If we didn’t fit in all that we wanted, we knew there was always next week to look forward to, when we plan to swing by again in the Cruise. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner, remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 9 November 2021