If Only We Could . . .

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

Well, there was a big cheery welcome to one and all and, with great predictability, it confirmed I was back with that something special to raise the spirits, excite the senses and make your ears smile. In the best traditions of PR, I assure you that it was only available here because, this was Dr Roberts Sonic Tonic, jammed packed with the ‘good stuff’ that you won’t hear on ‘ordinary radio’. So, big smiles all round and to get us in the mood, we joined Rick James with a tasty treat called ‘Big Time’ . . . and if that sent a few pulses to your rhythm receptors, then there was more to come! So, if you felt like throwing a few funky moves, then, with great discretion, we averted our gaze . . . and asked Jr Walker to do the same.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story, inspired by the birthday this week of Sam Cooke. He began singing as a child and went on to join gospel group The Soul Stirrers, before moving onto a solo career and becoming an even more influential singer, composer and record producer. He had a string of hits, like “You Send Me”, “Wonderful World”, “Chain Gang”, and “Twistin’ the Night Away”. Along the way, he wrote and recorded a song that was later re-written by Otis Redding and Arthur Conley as ‘Sweet Soul Music’ . . . . but I pulled out Sam’s original . . . ‘Yeah Man’.

Get With It
Big Time – Rick James
Riding High On Love – Jr Walker & The Allstars
Get With It – James Martin
Heaven Knows Why – The Stone Foundation (w Sheree Dubois, Laville)
If Only We Could – Clarence Spady

Tell It Like It Is
Yeah Man – Sam Cooke

Got No Money
Sunshine Baby – Jonathan Phillips Gorse (w Matthew Moore)
Ain’t Got No Money – The Lucky 13’s
Defenceless – 29 Palms
She Isn’t You – Emma Wilson

Mellow Moment
Under The Boadwalk – The California Honeydrops

So Good To Me
I Can Take You To Heaven – Bobby Blue Bland
You’ve Got Me – Paddy Milner
So Good To Me – Keb Mo
End Of The Road – Jerry Lee Lewis
I Gotta New Love – Freddie ‘Fingers’ Lee

There was a song in our Sonic Tonic that you might well have heard before. It was called ‘Defenceless’ and it’s certainly been played here before by the wonderful Emma Wilson, who I happened to meet after a Saturday night gig this past week and great company she was too. In the after show chatter, I reminded her of her version of that song and she was more than generous in pointing me to the original by her brother Simon and his band 29 Palms . . . so, with such a recommendation, that went in the mix too. Now, I couldn’t mention Emma Wilson without playing something from her sparkly new album ‘Wish Her Well’ and it was an early favourite of mine . . . a song called ‘She Isn’t You’. That brought us nicely to our Mellow Moment where this week’s choice came with a gentle nudge from the illustrious Paul Armstrong. from The California Honeydrops with a little gem from their latest album . . . and it came with my permission to smooch.

Now, keyboard ace Paddy Milner gave yours truly a cheery one-man masterclass this week in what I call real rhythm and blues. Among his choices was something by Jerry Lee Lewis, who is song writer too, and whilst he wasn’t prolific, he certainly put his name to several very notable tunes, including this choice . . . ‘End Of The Road’. That brought us to the last contribution to this week’s Sonic Tonic, from Freddie Fingers Lee, who gained some notoriety for his wild antics on stage, which on one occasion included destroying a piano with a chainsaw. So, he played us out, but not before I said a very big thanks for your good company for this week’s show and the hope we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 28 January 2022

Better Days Are Coming . . . .

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

Well, there was only a few days to go until the end of ‘dry January’, so I suggested much loud, raucous cheering as a practice session, when The Blues Come Calling. I promised it would be a fitting welcome for a playlist packed with plenty of the best blues around with a few surprises, a seasoned favourite or two and plenty of new releases. For those who arrived on time, I kicked off with a track from the upcoming new album by Northern Irish blues guitarist Dom Martin. The album will be heading our way in April titled ‘A Savage Life’ and I brought a taster from it titled ’12 Gauge’. Then, to raise the spirits, Jim Kahr arrived with an inspired track from his latest album ‘Back To The Roots’. . . . the upbeat ‘Better Days Are Coming’ . . . and we can only hope they are.

This week, my album of the week came from Sugar Roots, who hail from Oregon and have a new album on release called ‘Savage’s Life’. It brings some rich Southern Roadhouse rhythms and some mighty gritty rocking blues . . . and as sample, my first choice from it was ‘Sweet Lovin’ Daddy’.

New Orleans’ own Snooks Eaglin was celebrating his birthday this past week and I thought we should mark the occasion with a little something from him. So, after a good deal of rummaging in the blues library, I returned clutching a number called ‘Is It True’. It was a song he recorded for Imperial records, but I’m not sure when, because it remained unreleased until 1995.

Is It True
12 Gauge – Dom Martin (A Savage Life – 2022)
Better Days Are Coming – Jim Kahr (Back To The Roots – 2022)
Sweet Lovin’ Daddy – The Sugar Roots (Savage’s Life – 2022)
Good Year For The Blues – Scott Ellison (There’s Something About The Night – 2022)
Is It True – Snooks Eaglin (Anthology – The Deluxe Collection – 2021)
Good To Be (Home Again) – Keb Mo (Good To Be – 2022)
Don’t Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down – The Blues Band (So Long – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
Strange Things Happening Everyday – Sister Rosetta Tharpe (Sister Rosetta Tharpe 1942-1944 – 1995)

Work It Out
Bring Your Loving Home – Little Mouse & The Hungry Cats (Voodoo Works – 2022)
Goin’ Nowhere Fast – The Sugar Roots (Savage’s Life – 2022)
Save The Best For Last – Popa Chubby (Emotional Gangster – 2022)
Making My Name – Brett Littlefair (Footstompin’ – 2022)
Work It Out – Professor Louie & The Crowmatix (Strike Up The Band – 2022)
This Life We Live – Misty Blues (One Louder – 2022)
1 4 5 Boogie – The Sugar Roots (Savage’s Life – 2022)

There was another boost for our international blues credentials this week with Little Mouse and the Hungry Cats . . . a French band who have spent the past three years establishing a reputation for delivering powerhouse performances with Claire ‘The Mouse’ out front their first album ‘Voodoo Works’ . . . as she was on my choice . . . ‘Bring Your Loving Home’.

I brought news of treats in store soon, in the form of the new album from Popa Chubby, “Emotional Gangster”. It’s 11 tracks are rumoured to come with a focus on happier times, with Popa Chubby letting loose on some classic blues, as well as original compositions like my preview choice . . . a little swing shuffle titled ‘Save The Best For Last’. Then, there was some rootsy flavours from Brett Littlefair’s latest album, ‘Footstompin’, a big welcome back to Professor Louie & The Crowmatix, with their latest album ‘Strike Up The Band’ and something from the new album from Misty Blues ‘One Louder’.

All too soon, our blues time together was fast running out, so I played out with some impressive high powered blues boogie from my album of the week, courtesy of The Sugar Roots. There was just time for 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 27 January 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 29 January 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 30 January 2022

Better watch out . . . .

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

Well, the environs of the Grand Duchy have had a few welcome visits from the sun this past week, but there’s been a real chill the rest of the time. So, it was definitely time to raise our spirits and our general well-being and we came well prepared. When Tuesday rolled around so did the trusty Cruise Mobile, offering the prospect of very cheery greetings to one and all, along with the promise of a rather fine playlist full of some of the best in rock, soul and ‘real’ rhythm and blues. The Cruise Mobile was purring gently, when we hit the road with The Checkers and their 1953 King recording of ‘You Never Had It So Good’ . . . . and this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner just got better and better!

Our choices this week had a few suggestions from members of the Cruising Crew, which just proves that we do listen to your feedback and the birthday of Barbara Lynn encouraged a choice from her too for our Girls & Guitars feature. Her songs have been much covered over the years, including our choice . . . a song that got covered by The Rolling Stones and a fine piece of upbeat R&B . . . ‘Oh Baby (We Got A Good Thing Going)’.

Never Had It So Good
You Never Had It So Good – The Checkers
Snake Eyes – Alvin Tyler
Yeah Man – Sam Cooke
Apron Strings – Billy ‘The Kid’ Emerson
Right String Baby, But The Wrong Yo-Yo – Carl Perkins
Who Do You Love – Jo Ann & Troy
Better Watch Out – Gwen Owens
Seven Day Lover – James Fountain
Nature Boy – The Shields

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

I Can’t Hold On
I’m Your Puppet – Jimmy London
Tremble – Malcolm Dodds & The Tune Drops
I Gotta New Love – Freddie ‘Fingers’ Lee
Don’t Throw Your Love Away – Len Barry
Poor Unfortunate Me – J.J. Barnes
I Can’t Hold On – Lorraine Chandler
Wild Country Wine – Roy Young

All too soon, the sands of time were running out for this week’s cruise, so with deft control of the Cruise Mobile, the Cruising Crew hardly noticed us turning for home. British rocker, Roy Young, brought us all the way home with his ‘tour de force’ . . . ‘Wild Country Wine’. Then, with well practiced co-ordination, we parked up the Cruise Mobile, gave it a quick polish and left it ready for the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then, there was a cheery wave from Mr Merlot, The Cruisettes and your truly and a reminder to . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 25 January 2022

Strange Things Happening Everyday . . .

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

Well, as ever, there was a big cheery welcome to one and all as I returned with another special elixir, proven to raise the spirits, excite the senses and make your ears smile. You can’t get it at your local pharmacy, you can’t get it on the NHS . . . it’s only available here because it’s Dr Roberts Sonic Tonic with it’s tried and tested recipe jammed with the ‘good stuff’. So, big smiles all round and to get us in the mood, we joined Herbie Hancock with some high energy jazzy soul on ‘Lite Me Up’ . . . and if that tempted you to throw a few funky moves, there was another test for your rhythm receptors, courtesy of . . . . Marlena Shaw and ‘I Thank You’.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story, prompted by the birthday this week of singer, Robert Palmer. He found early success as a member of British band, Vinegar Joe, along with Elkie Brooks. He went on to become a solo artist, with a string of 15 albums from 1974 to 2003. As well as writing his own songs, he was adept at revisiting others songs, often giving them his own unique style and feel. In 1991 he cut a cover of a famous Otis Blackwell song, that brought a reggae-tinged version, sporting some sweet slide-guitar and Robert’s distinctive voice. It has never appeared on one of his albums, but my choice was ‘All Shook Up’.

Lite Me Up
Lite Me Up – Herbie Hancock
I Thank You – Marlena Shaw
Never Want To Be Kissed – William Bell & The North Mississippi Allstars
Something Got A Hold On Me – The Kinky Coo Coos
The Game – Elles Bailey

Tell It Like It Is
All Shook Up – Robert Palmer

Feel Like I Do
Feel Like I Do – Eric Lindell
Mother Earth – Fred Chapeliier
Tell Her No – Ronnie Spector
3am – Tabitha’s Secret

Mellow Moment
Heavenly Music – Paul Cox

When I See Ya
Stayin’ Alive – Electro Deluxe
Switchboard Susan – Nick Lowe
Strange Things Are Happening Everyday – Sleepy LaBeef
When I See Ya – TT Grace

Among the new releases were a few that richly deserved to be in our Sonic Tonic, including an unexpected collaboration of soul-man William Bell and rootsy bluesmen The North Mississippi Allstars . . . ‘Never Want To Be Kissed’. The wonderful Elles Bailey was there too with her funky new release, ‘The Game’, and a new release from French ace guitarist Fred Chapellier, who provides the vocals too on his salute to ‘Mother Earth’.

Now, last week I said, if you were very good you might hear some more from the upcoming album by soul-man Paul Cox and, in the absence of your name being mentioned in parliament, in the courts, or in the media, I kept my promise. So, for this week’s Mellow Moment I brought you another little taster from Paul’s album titled ‘Soul Intentions’. . . . . this was ‘Heavenly Music’.

Sleepy LaBeef is someone I remember seeing on stage just down the road from here a good few moons ago now, but the words of my choice from him are still rather fitting . . . ‘Strange Things Are Happening Everyday’, which brought us to that point where we were almost out of time. But, I managed to squeeze in one more track and it came from Swedish band TT Grace. The song was titled ‘When I See Ya’ . . . and I was hoping to see you again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. But until then, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and until the next time . . . . member . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 21 January 2022

Bring On The Blues . . . .

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 I arrived with more of the best blues around to make your bluesy ears smile. For me, this week brought many joys and one of them was finding a misplaced 2003 album by Eugene Hideaway Bridges. I remember it getting plenty of plays when it was first released and it got some more this week, especially the title track ‘Jump The Joint’, which opened the show. Then, we had a visit from singer and guitarist Frenchie Moe, who’s a familiar face around New Orleans and her latest album, Way Down in Hustleville, has a mix of blues, R&B, soul and funk, including my choice, a little gem with the unlikely claim ‘Too Much Fun’.

Now, I suspect a few kindred spirits will have heavy hearts at the news of the disbanding of The Blues Band. They’ve been with us for many years and I’ve lost count of the number of times they’ve delivered great shows to your truly. So, I’m trying to view their upcoming final tour and album as a very worthy celebration of their many years furthering the legacy of the blues. So no surprise that their final album, aptly titled ‘So Long’ was my album of the week, with my first choice from it, their take on Skip James 1931 recording . . . ‘Hard Times Killing Floor Blues’.

Too Much Fun
Jump The Joint – Eugene Hideaway Bridges (Jump The Joint – 2003)
Too Much Fun – Frenchie Moe (Way Down in Hustleville – 2021)
Hard Times Killing Floor Blues – The Blues Band (So Long – 2022)
Red Hot Mama – Mississippi MacDonald & Cottonmouth KIngs (Devil’s Chain – 2014)
Every Time You Cry – Chris Ford (Blues On The Edge – 2022)
Lovin’ Oven – Peter Veteska & Blues Train (So Far So Good – 2022)
Bring On The Blues – The Blues Band (So Long – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
Nine Below Zero – Mojo Buford (Champagne & Reefer – 1999)

Stuff To Do
Stuff To Do – Big Lou Johnson (Big Man – 2022)
Slow Blues Grinder – Val Starr & The Blues Rocket (Healing Kind Of Blues – 2022)
Mississippi Midnight – Big Joe Shelton (Black Prairie Blues – 2022)
Fine Line – Sweet Baby James & Rob Eyers (Fine Line – 2022)
Come On Give Me Some Blues – The Blues Band (So Long – 2022)

Now, if you’ve been tempted to put in nominations for the various upcoming blues awards, then I very much hope that Mississippi MacDonald was in your thoughts. He’s been working so hard these past months to get live gigs back on the map and he turned up on this week’s playlist with a great acoustic number . . . ‘Red Hot Mama’.

Among the new releases was an album that was originally recorded 20 years ago, but never released! This came from Sweet Baby James & Rob Eyers, who spent 6 months producing the album, only to have it rejected by the record label. But, since then, the guys have been busy gigging and building a following. So, on the 20th anniversary of their original launch, they’ve finally released the album and take it from me . . . it’s a real joy . . . and for the avoidance of doubt, take a listen to the title track ‘Fine Line’.

All too soon, our blues time together was running out, but there was just time for my last choice from my album of the week. So, I played out with another choice from the farewell album release by The Blues Band, ‘So Long’ and the aptly titled ‘Come On Give Me Some Blues’. 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 20 January 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 22 January 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 23 January 2022

Flippin’ & A-Floppin’ . . . .

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

Well, this week has been lively, with plenty of social distractions and even some bright sunny days to tempt us to venture out in the Cruise Mobile. Meanwhile, our cheery postman has been busy delivering a few gem from our wish list (some of which, we’d long forgotten). So, we were well prepared for this week’s musical adventure beyong the blue horizon.

As Tuesday night arrived, we rolled out the Cruise Mobile and got up to cruising speed with Pee Wee Kingsley & Sugar Pie De Santo, with their Music City 45, ‘Flippin’ & Floppin’’ . . . . and there was more classic ‘real’ R&B from The Spiders, The Five Royales and our own Cliff Bennett and The Rebel Rousers The Northern soulies were well catered for this week too . . . as you can hear . . . .

Cruising beyond the blue horizon
Flippin’ & A-Floppin’ – Pee Wee & Sugar Pie
21 – The Spiders
Witchcraft – Hi Fi & The Roadburners
I Like It Like That – The Five Royales
Sweet & Lovely – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers
What Would I Do – The Superiors
I Really Love You – The Tomangoes
I’m Not Strong Enough – The Four Perfections

Girls & Guitars
Have You Ever Seen The Rain – Joan Jett

Cruising with the crew
Run Joe – Stranger Cole & The Baba Brooks Band
Warming Up The Band – Heads, Hands & Feet
Mr Moonlight – Dr Feelgood & The Interns
Deep In The Heart Of Texas – Geraint Watkins & The Dominators
Livin’ Lovin’ Wreck – Jimmy Page
Empty Heart – Thee Midnighters
I Want That – Bobby Hendricks
For This I Thank You – Gino Parks
Request Of A Fool – The Downbeats

We took another step to further expanding our Girls & Guitars list, which this week featured Joan Jett. She became a founding member of girl group The Runaways and went on to pursue a solo career and we chose a track from her 1990 album ‘The Hit List’ . . . . and her cover of the Credence Clearwater Revival hit ‘Have Your Ever Seen The Rain’.

As the sands of time were running out on our cruise, we cued up the first and last Motown appearance for a group called the Downbeats, with a fine piece of up-tempo R&B called ‘Request Of A Fool’, which brought us home safe and sound for another week.

As we parked up the Cruise Mobile. Mr Merlot and The Cruisettes skipped off to the after show party, leaving us hoping that you enjoyed our cruising playlist this week,  . . . .  and if you did, then we’ll be happy to call by for you, 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 18 January 2022

Extra Extra . . . .

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

Well, I started with a big cheery welcome to one and all and came suitably clutching an elixir with the power to raise the spirits, excite the senses and make your ears smile. You can’t get it at your local pharmacy, you can’t get it on the NHS . . . it’s only available here because it’s Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic with it’s tried and tested recipe, full of the ‘good stuff’. So, big smiles all round and to get us in the mood, we joined Priscila Mendes, spicing up a song you’ll know well by someone else . . . ‘Easy Lover’.

To tempt you to throw a few funky moves and give your rhythm receptors a workout Ben E King was along and with a title like ‘Extra Extra’, he brought temptation that I tried to resist, but I failed. It was a reminder of another little 60s soul hit with a similar theme and, like me, the ‘seasoned soulies’ would have been thinking of Edwin Starr’s ‘Headline News’.

This week’s Tell It Like It Is feature brought a song with a story inspired by the birthday this week of New Orleans singer/songwriter Allen Toussaint. He became a very successful song writer and record producer, and later became a performer himself. One of his many successful songs was written in 1974 and first recorded by the much admired UK singer Frankie Miller. Some months later, the song got covered by Betty Wright and it became an international hit. The song was ‘Shoo Rah Shoo Rah’ and it’s been much covered since, but Allen Toussaint’s version of his own song didn’t surface until several years after the song was a hit. So, for those who hadn’t heard Allen’s own version . . . we put that right.

Extra Extra
Easy Lover – Priscila Mendes
Extra Extra – Ben E King
All People Go Mad – Paul Cox & The Scene
Little Bit Of Love – J.A. Sorne
Headline News – Edwin Starr

Tell It Like It Is
Shoo-Rah Shoo-Rah – Allen Toussaint

Think About This
Mardi Gras In New Orleans – Big Sam’s Funky Nation
Think About This – Sister Lucille
Heartaches Was All You Got – Sven Zetterberg, Knock Out Greg & Blue Weather

Mellow Moment
All Night Long – Eve St Jones

Modern Music
Modern Music – Bluesaholics
Let’s Talk It Over – Willie & The Poor Boys
Corrina Corrina – Jerry Lee Lewis
Johnny B Goode – Edgar Winter, Joe Walsh & David Grissom

This week’s Mellow Moment came from a name that’s popped up before here. This was Eve St Jones with a smooth and soulful version of a song you’ll know well by Lionel Ritchie. It comes from her new album ‘French Cafe’ and before it got added to the Sonic Tonic, I reassured anyone who had someone special nearby, that they were fully covered by our smooch policy, if they were so inclined.

Now, there’s a Mickey Jupp song that’s been in the Sonic Tonic before, and it got well received. So, when I came across another version by the Bluesoholics, it was an easy choice to join the rest of this week’s ‘good stuff’. Then, I raised the tempo and the volume with a little gem from Willie & The Poor Boys, followed by some rocking rhythms from the Ferriday Fireball, Jerry Lee Lewis. It left only a little time to squeeze in a track from an all-star tribute album to Johnny Winter, where the great and the good revisit a few of the numbers from Johnny’s setlists. My choice features Edgar Winter, Joe Walsh and David Grissom on mister Berry’s signature song, 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 14 January 2022

Bluesman on a swivel chair . . .

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 the hope that I find you in good spirits and ready for some more of the best blues around. This week brought a real joy for me, because the new year blues releases have started appearing and with plenty more lining up in future weeks. But, I kicked off this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling with a rocking piece of blues from the new album by EG Kight. The album’s titled, ‘It’s Hot in Here’ and this was one of many treats on there . . . this was ‘Pass The Plate’. There were plenty of other ‘newies’ too to give your ears a treat, including the new release from Peter Veteska & Blues Train. It’s Peter’s sixth album and all recorded in the early months of last year. With a wry smile, it’s titled ‘So Far So Good’ and it happened to be my album of the week . . . with my first choice . . . ‘I Miss You So’.

In my rummaging this past week, I came across an episode of the Canadian TV show ‘In Session’, which featured Johnny Winter & Dr. John playing together in the studio back in 1984. It seems to have been a very relaxed session with each suggesting numbers as they go. I recommend finding the video if you can because it’s where you’ll find their great collaboration on the old favourite, ‘You Lie Too Much’, with Dr John up front on vocals.

Shake It Don’t Break It
Pass The Plate – EG Kight (It’s Hot In Here – 2022)
I Miss You So – Peter Veteska & Blues Train (So Far So Good – 2022)
Shake It Don’t Break It – Grant Dermody and Frank Fotusky (Diggin’ In John’s Backyard – 2022)
Back On The Road – Sean Taylor (The Beat Goes On – 2022)
Fool’s Got Rhythm – Patti Shaffner & The Regional Blues Band (Fool’s Got Rhythm – 2021)
You Lie Too Much – Johnny Winter & Dr John (In Session – 1984)
Young Bold Woman – Peter Veteska & Blues Train (So Far So Good – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
Diggin’ My Potatoes – James Cotton (High Compression – 1984)

Blues Business
Bluesman In A Swivel Chair – Chris Ford (Blues On The Edge – 2022)
Blues Business – Vargas Blues Band (Back In Memphis – 2021)
You Gotta Move – Robertas Semeniukas & Aleksandr Belkin (Amber Blues – 2021)
Don’t Let It Be You – The Blues Band (So Long – 2022)
Baby Please – Peter Veteska & Blues Train (So Far So Good – 2022)
Lightnin’ Strike – Big Llou (Big Man – 2022)

There’s a band on my giglist later this year and, sadly, this will be their final tour. This is The Blues Band, who are disbanding after 43 years of performing and recording. To give us a fond farewell, they’ve put together their last album aptly titled ‘So Long’ and featuring Paul Jones, Tom McGuinness, Dave Kelly plus some special guests like boogie pianist Bob Hall, Zoot Money, Albert Lee and Steve Simpson. As a taster of what to expect, I gave you a preview of a number . . . ‘Don’t Let It Be You’ . . . and there’ll be more for sure in future weeks.

So, to round off this week’s choices, I played out with a great number from Big Lou. This was ‘Lightning Strike’ from Big Lou’s ‘Big Man’ album, but before that there was a big thanks for keeping me 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 13 January 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 15 January 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 16 January 2022

Hard Work . . .

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

Well, a certain chill descended on the Grand Duchy this week, but it came with some cheery sunshine to entice the unwary to venture out ill-prepared. We stayed in the Cruising Library for a fortified rummage, which proved to be most rewarding, as you’ll discover on this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner.

This week has seen its fair share of birthdays and anniversaries, including 50 years since The Who released their first single ‘I Can’t Explain’, with Jimmy Page on guitar and the Ivy League on backing vocals. We also remembered the birthday of singer/songwriter Allen Toussaint with one of his lost recordings from 1975, ‘Shoo Rah Shoo Rah’, and then there was Maggie Bell, also celebrating a birthday, so we pulled out her version of the JJ Cale’s ‘After Midnight’. Smoove & Turrell were there at the start of our musical adventure with something that raised a quizzical eyebrow for Mr Merlot . . . ‘Hard Word’ . . .

Cruising down around the bend
Hard Work – Smoove & Turrell
Pretty Red Balloons – Rosetta Hightower
Fever – Arthur Brown with Jimmy Carl Black
Bang Bang – The Jimmy Castor Bunch
I Can’t Explain – The Who

Girls & Guitars
One Dime Blues – Etta Baker

Cruising where we don’t care
Something’s Gotta Hold On Me – The Kinky Coo Coos
Just One Look – The Shanes
Walk Don’t Run – The Ventures
After Midnight – Maggie Bell
Shoo Rah Shoo Rah – Allen Toussaint
You’re Such A Sweet Thing – The Marvellos
If You Gotta Make A Fool Somebody – Eddie Floyd
Left Right & Centre – Lord Large
6345789 -The Elgins
Meet Me Down At Soulville – Little Joe Cook & The Thrillers
One Day Love – Tommy Dodson
I Ain’t Giving Up Nothing – The Hi Liters

Our Girls & Guitars choice this week featured some scratchy blues from Etta Baker who played in the Piedmont Blues style, as demonstrated by her signature piece, and our choice, “One Dime Blues”. There was also a song written by a then 15 year old Paul Weller and given a revival by Lord Large with vocals there from Dean Parrish . . . . ‘Left Right & Centre’. Then, with barely a pause for breath, we were heading for Music City to meet Motown group The Elgins, who were paying tribute to Wilson Pickett with their version of the song that probably featured as a computer password for many seasoned soulies . . . . ‘6345689’. Before we knew it, we were heading for home along with The Hi Liters and their 1956 Celeste 45 ‘I Ain’t Giving Up Nothing’, but we’ll be back again next week to go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . ‘til then . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 11 January 2022

Take Me Higher . . .

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

Well, I was back with a big cheery welcome to one and all and the first dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic for 2022. If ever there was a year when we needed to raise the spirits and excite the senses, this was it, so I was keen to bring you plenty of the good stuff to get you in the groove. The first of the ingredients for this week’s Sonic Tonic came from Pierce Dipner and a real ear catcher from his latest album ‘Goin’ Back’ and, as you would expect, there was plenty more of the ‘good stuff’ lined up, including little gems from the Doobie Brothers and more.

This week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story inspired by the birthday this week of American singer Doris Troy. She became a much sought after session singer, recording on many numbers with Dionne Warwick, and also sang on Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’, The Rolling Stones’ ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’, Carly Simon’s ‘You’re So Vain’, George Harrison’s ‘My Sweet Lord’ and more. She had solo successes in the 60s with hits like ‘Just One Look’ and ‘Whatcha Gonna Do About It’ and got signed to The Beatles Apple label, producing a self-titled album. That album included studio guests, like George Harrison, Stephen Stills, Klaus Voormann, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Peter Frampton, Leon Russell, Eric Clapton and members of the Delaney & Bonnie Friends band. The opening track of the album became Doris’s single, produced by George Harrison . . . ‘Ain’t That Cute’.

Take Me Higher
No Half Steppin – Pierce Dipner
New York Dream – Doobie Brothers
Savin’ Up – Clarence Clemons & The Red Bank Rockers
Take Me Higher – Robin Thicke

Tell It Like It Is
Ain’t That Cute – Doris Troy

She Likes It
Silence – Eric Krasno
She Likes It – Georgia Randall
One Word (Peace) – The Subdudes
Foolish Try – Kelly’s Lot

Mellow Moment
If I Didn’t Care – Timi Yuro

Jump For Joy
Somebody’s Baby – Jackson Browne
Hoodoo Voodoo Man – Jump4Joy
Red ’69 Oldsmobile – Howard Livingstone & Mile Marker 24
Go Train Go – Gavin Povey & The Fabulous Oke She Moke She Pops

In case you hadn’t heard it yet, the Sonic Tonic included a song from the soundtrack of the new film ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’. The song happens to come from a band that are no strangers to the playlists here . . . Kelly’s Lot . . . with the song ‘Foolish Try’. Then, as Kelly’s Lot got us in the mood for our Mellow Moment, I was asking if you happen to have watched the TV series ‘The Tourist’. If you had, you would have come across the song ‘If I Didn’t Care’ several times. It appears in several snatches through the series and it’s a song made famous by The Ink Spots back in 1939. When I heard it, I remembered a soulful version by the exceptional Timi Yuro. So, I suggested dimming the lights, clearing the floor and if there was someone special nearby, you had my permission to smooch.

Having tried to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax, I changed the mood and recommended putting all the breakables in a safe place, as I was about to stress test your rhythm receptors with a selection of ‘hot stuff’ to spice up the Sonic Tonic. Then it was all over, with nothing left to do except offer a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 7 January2022