It’s Not Me, It’s You . . . .

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

Well, with the weekend definitely coming into view, it was time to get you tuned up and tuned in! So, just when you needed it, I was on hand with a big dose of Dr Roberts Sonic Tonic, full of the ‘good stuff’ to get you in the mood to let the good time roll. To kick things off into high gear Pato Banton & The Reggae Revolution came with some summer sounds and in case that didn’t get your rhythm receptors bouncing into the red zone, there was some intensive treatment with a ‘newie’ from Mighty Mike Schermer . . . ‘It’s Not Me It’s You’ . . . and maybe that’s true!

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is, brought a song with a story inspired by the birthday this week of American doo-wop singer Maurice Williams. While still at school, he formed a gospel group the Junior Harmonizers, but their real passion was rock and roll and doo-wop music, so they changed their name to the Royal Charms and had a few more changes, before finally settling on the Zodiacs. In the early summer of 1959, the band recorded several tracks, the last of which was a song that would go to be an American No.1 in 1960 and a UK No.14 in 1961. The song was ‘Stay’ and it’s been much covered since by acts like The Four Seasons, Jackson Browne, The Hollies and others. But at 1 minute and 34 seconds, this song remains the shortest No.1 hit ever.

It’s Not Me
Baby Come Back – Pato Banton & The Reggae Revolution
It’s Not Me, It’s You – Mighty Mike Schermer
New Orleans – Kenny Neal
Two Time My Lovin’ – Joanne Shaw Taylor

Tell It Like It Is
Stay – Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs

Get Real High
Dream Lover – Greyhound
Made Up My MInd – Bonnie Raitt
Sit In My Lap – NRBQ
Please Accept My Love – Mike Morgan & The Crawl
Get Real High – California Honeydrops

Mellow Moment
I Don’t Need to Know Your Name – Todd Sharpville

Love To Boogie
Put Your Hands On It – John Fohl
I’d Love To Boogie – Mickey Jupp
Livin’ It Down – Delbert McClinton
Nobody – The Nighthawks

Now, this week, I was indulging the fans of the Califonia Honeydrops, with a little gem to brighten their day . . . . their new release by the ‘drops’ . . . ‘Get Real High’. There were plenty of other ‘newies’ too, from Mighty Mike Schermer, Kenny Neal, Marcia Ball, Mike Morgan & The Crawl and our Mellow Moment from Todd Sharpville. Now, we’ve not heard from for a while, but he’s back with a new album, which is simply superb. So, I suggested, if there was someone special nearby, give them your best smile and if the mood takes you . . . smooch.

Now, I do encourage folks to boogie all they want here, because it keeps me in good company and along with Mickey Jupp, I slipped in a big favourite among the boogying classes by Delbert McClinton. But , sadly it brought us to the last entry for this week’s Sonic Tonic . . . . it was a touch of high octane New Orleans style boogying from the much celebrated Nighthawks. But, before that, there was a big thanks for your very good company and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. So, until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 29 April 2022

Too Old To Grow Up . . .

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

Well, as always, if you call by here, you get a big bluesy welcome . . . and while others had been doing whatever they’d been doing lately . . . I’d been listening to the new releases and rummaging in the blues library to find some of the best blues around. One of the joys of my rummaging was re-discovering a gem from Albie Donnelly’s Supercharge, it was a song that started out called ‘Love Bandit’, but we know it better now as ‘Gangster Of Love’. Then, there was another something we should be getting to know now . . . . the new album from Albert Cummings . . . it’s called TEN and it’s track, this is ‘Too Old To Grow Up’, is another reason to give it a serious listen.

With much breathless enthusiasm, I was more than ready to reveal the first of my choices from my album of the week. It’s the new release from Todd Sharpville and an exceptional album it is too. It’s called ‘Medication Time’ and brings 12 blues-fuelled tracks, which include 9 originals that reflect some of Todd’s recovery from some dire personal experiences. He was joined on ‘Brothers From Another Mother’ by the most excellent Larry McCray, who has been a special friend for Todd along the way.

Blues Called My Name
Gangster Of Love – Albie Donnelly’s Supercharge (Live & Loaded – 2016)
Too Old To Grow Up – Albert Cummings (TEN – 2022)
Brothers From Another Mother – Todd Sharpville ft Larry McCray (Medication Time – 2022)
Untrue Blues – Hubert Dorigatti (A Walk with Blind Boy – 2022)
Shaking Hands With The Devil – The Private Dicks Band (Small Town Blues – 2022)
The Blues Called My Name – Anthony Garcia (The Blues Called My Name – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
Got My Mojo Working – Mud Morganfield (Live at the Ribs n Blues Festival, Raalte, Holland – 2015)

A Thing Going On
Get Outta My Way – Todd Sharpville (Medication Time – 2022)
Love Me like A Man – Juli Finn w Jon Finn (Tribute – 2022)
Got A Thing Going On – Matt Pearce & The Mutiny (The Soul Food Store – 2022)
Betcha – Lew Jetton (Deja Hoodoo – 2022)
Money For Nothing – Todd Sharpville (Medication Time – 2022)
The Stumble – Levee Town (Tryin To Keep My Head Above Water – 2022)

Now, the regular listeners here will know I much enjoyed the album ‘Private Eye’ by Halifax band, The Private Dicks Band. So, news of a new album from them, was bound to generate good spirits and with good cause too, as I demonstrated with ‘Shaking Hands With The Devil’ which has become my ‘go to’ track on their ‘Small Town Blues’ album. Then, there was another happy return . . . . Anthony Geraci has been missing from the playlists here for some time, but that’s all changed with Anthony’s new album, ‘Blues Called My Name’. It has Anthony providing his superb piano and Hammond organ work behind some very notable names, including Sugar Ray Norcia, Monster Mike Welch, Walter Trout and others. So, for the keenly enthusiastic and the casually curious, I brought a taster of joys to come . . . Anthony, along with Sugar Ray Norcia on vocals and stinging guitar from Monster Mike Welch on the title track . . . ‘The Blues Called My Name’.

Sadly, our blues time together was soon fast running out, so it was time to gather up the music, tidy up the studio and start thinking about next week’s playlist, but for my last choice for this week’s show, I had a little instrumental from the latest release by Levee Town . . . their album’s titled ‘Tryin To Keep My Head Above Water’ and it’s one of those numbers that only the most proficient should attempt . . . Freddie King’s classic ‘The Stumble’. But, before that there was a big thanks from me for your good company this week 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 28 April 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 30 April 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 1 May 2022

Cookin’ In Style . . . .

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

Well, there was a very warm welcome to one and all and for those who were not looking our way at the time . . . be assured, they missed us giving you a cheery wave and a smile. It seemed just what was needed to entice the faithful to flush the mundane and tedious offerings of ‘ordinary radio’ out of the system, ready to go Cruising with The Commissioner. So, with a cry of ‘hi ho, here we go’ we set off on our vaguely supervised cruising adventure with Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers and their 45 ‘Goin’ Round In Circles’ and getting us up to full cruising speed next was a new release from Mighty Mike Schermer straight off his album ‘Just Gettin’ Good’.

This week’s Girls & Guitars feature focused on guitarist and singer Teal Collins. Her early introduction to music was through her disc jockey dad and she went on to record sessions for Grammy award winning producers, which achieved Gold and Platinum albums. Then, in 2002 Teal met up with Josh Zee in the San Francisco Bay Area and they decided to form a band called Mother Truckers. The Band recorded several albums and in 2005, they moved their music to Austin, Texas, where they got a residency at the legendary Continental Club. They went on to appear at the South By South West festival and, won the Austin Music Award as “Best Roots Rock Band Of The Year”. So, to show off their talents, we chose a track of theirs called “Streets of Atlanta” which, did indeed, featured the guitar and vocals of Teal Collins

Come Out Swingin’
Goin’ Round In Circles – Bobby Mitchell & The Toppers
Kimmy Gimmee – Mighty Mike Schermer (Just Gettin’ Good)
Air Travel – Chris Farlowe
Don’t Change Your Pretty Ways – Hank Ballard & The Midnighters
Come Out Swingin’ – Candye Kane
Three Cool Cats – Jump4Joy
Make It Be Me – The Flares
Portrait Of My Love – Baba Brooks

Girls & Guitars
Streets of Atlanta – Mother Truckers (ft Teal Collins)

Something Cool
Zip Boom – The Supremes
Cookin’ In Style – Percy Mayfield
How Come – Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums
Cajun Boy – The Royal Rhythmaires
Get Done – The Cats
Something Cool – The Academics
Memphis Tennessee – Rosco Gordon
Oo Wee Sugar – James Sugar Boy Crawford
Yama Yama Pretty Mama – Richard Berry

Our Cruising took many places for this week’s music gumbo, including Memphis, where Rosco Gordon started his early career, recording for the Memphis based Sun Records. We found his tribute to that city and before we got any complaints from certain members of the Cruising Crew, we were heading for the Crescent City to catch up with James Sugar Boy Crawford. Then, as we skilfully turned the Cruise Mobile for home, those familiar faces and places came into view as Ricard Berry brought us a big favourite from him . . . ‘Yama Yama Pretty Mama’.

All too soon, it was time to say goodbye, at least for this week, as we completed our road trip and parked up the Cruise Mobile ready to give it a quick polish, ready for next time. So, just look out for us . . . . same time same place next week, when we’ll be here, if you’ll be there, and we’ll be by with a seat saved especially for you. Until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 26 April 2022

Know What I Mean . . .

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

There was a big cheery welcome to one and all, especially for those in search of a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic, because I brought a special cocktail of the ‘good stuff’ just for them. It was an elixir that could be shaken or stirred and, if the mood took them, stick a little umbrella in it. But, however it was served, it was sure to raise the spirits and excite the senses. . . and doing just that to start us off were Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, who were nearly on my giglist this week but for a bit of diary mismanagement.

Meanwhile, this week’s Tell It Like It Is feature brought a song with a story about Alfred Jesse Smith. He was an accomplished piano player and in the late 50s sang as a member of the Dootones, The Quotations and Little Freddy & the Rockets, before changing his name to Brenton Wood and setting out on a solo career. He cut a few singles for different labels in the early 60s, but in 1967, he signed a deal with Double Shot Records, where the record label wanted his first recording to be a song called ‘Casting My Spell on You“. Brenton didn’t like the song very much, so he rewrote it and added the hook ‘oogum boogum’ . . . a phrase much like ‘abracadabra’ . . . and ‘The Oogum Boogum Song’ became his first hit.

Walk This Way
Got To Get You Into My Life – Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers
Walk This Way – The Tiny Little Big Band
Something ‘Bout You Baby I Like – Rita Coolidge & Glen Campbell
Everything Is Tuesday – Chairmen Of The Board
You Really Got Me – Sly & The Family Stone
Lola – Madness

Tell It Like It Is
The Oogum Boogum Song – Brenton Wood

Living In Paradise
I’m In A Midnight Mood – Johnnie Taylor
Living In Paradise – Jesse Colin Young
Do You Believe In Magic – Keith Barbour

Mellow Moment
Looking For The Heart Of Saturday Night – Gwyneth Herbert

Groovin’
Groovin’ – The Flying Pickets
Congo Square – Copenhagen Blues Band
You Know What I Mean – Mickey Jupp
Boogie Back To Texas – Johnny Nicholas
Hillbilly Rock n Roll – Voodoo Swing

Now, I may cause a little dissention in some quarters, but I have ventured the opinion that Tom Waits may not always be the best performer of his own songs. It was that thought that inspired this week’s choice for our Mellow Moment. So, in my attempt to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax, I pulled out a rather excellent version of a great Tom Waits song by Gwyneth Herbert . . . ‘Looking For The Heart Of Saturday Night’. Then, there was a change of mood, with a little something that deserved to get turned up loud for a little enthusiastic boogying down courtesy of Mickey Jupp and Johnny Nicholas.

A sideways glance at the studio clock brought the unwelcome news that it was time for the last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic . . . this was the welcome first appearance for a band called Voodoo Swing with a real foot tapper and head nodder titled ‘Hillbilly Rock n Roll’. But, before they were let them loose, there was a big thanks for your good company and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 22 April 2022

Got You Covered . . . .

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

Well, in an uncertain world, it may be that a big bluesy welcome to another edition of The Blues Come Calling, was just what was needed to reassure you that you’re in the right place at the right time . . . and you were . . . especially for some of the best blues around and if you happened to be somewhere in the ‘Garden of England’, you were on the stomping ground for local band The Bad Pennies, who opened the show in fine style with a track from their album ‘Turned Up Again’ . . . ‘Please Baby’.

Among the new releases, I was very pleased to see that Albert Cummins new album had been released. It’s titled TEN, and it features 13 tracks, recorded in Nashville at Peter Frampton’s Phenix Studios and with some real gems, including ‘Got You Covered’.

Now, this time around, my album of the week came from Hubert Dorigatti and if you have a love of acoustic blues and the music of Blind Boy Fuller, in particular, then this is a real treat. This is Hubert paying tribute to one of his music heroes, with a dozen of his songs, lovingly recreated on his new album . . . ‘A Walk With Blind Boy’.

Anything You Want
Please Baby – The Bad Pennies (Turned Up Again – 2016)
Got You Covered – Albert Cummins (TEN – 2022)
If Only … – Travelin’ Blue Kings (Bending The Rules – 2022)
Meat Shakin’ Mama – Hubert Dorigatti (A Walk With Blind Boy – 2022)
Anything You Want – Robert Cray (That’s What I Heard – 2022)
Loan Me A Dime – Rosedale Junction ft Kristin Lawler (The Last Rodeo – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
Please Tell Me Baby – Cedric Burnside (Benton County Relic – 2018)

Let Me Lay It On You
Piccolo Rag – Hubert Dorigatti (A Walk With Blind Boy – 2022)
Blow Wind Blow – Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters (Mercy Me – 2022)
Knock Me Down – Bill Filipiak (Knock Me Down – 2022)
Devil’s Chain – Mississippi MacDonald featuring Kerri Watt (Devil’s Chain – 2022)
Mama Let Me Lay It On You – Hubert Dorigatti (A Walk With Blind Boy – 2022)
Great Minds Drink Alike – The Altered Five Blues Band (Great Minds Drink Alike – 2022)

There are only a few artists who can conjure sheer delight for me with their playing and Bill Filipiak is most surely one of those. His latest single release ‘Knock Me Down’ shows he hasn’t lost his touch. Indeed, neither has Mississippi MacDonald, whose his new release has all the familiar hallmarks of those Southern soulful blues, together with guitar licks that (for me) have plenty of respectful echoes of Albert King. This is another Mississippi MacDonald self-penned song and guesting on this one is Glasgow-based Americana artist Kerri Watt. This is ‘Devil’s Chain’ . . . a title attributed to a comment by June Carter to Johnny Cash that every dollar he earned was another link in the Devil’s chain.

All too soon, our blues time together was fast running out, so when it was time for the last choice for this week, I turned to the new release from The Altered Five Blues Band. They are celebrating their 20th Anniversary and doing it with a re-working of their song “Great Minds Drink Alike”, which, on this occasion features the brass section from The Mavericks. But, before that there was a big thanks from me for your good company this week 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 21 April 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 23 April 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 24 April 2022

I’ve Been Taken For A Ride . . .

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

The sun came to entice us out this past week and, with very little encouragement, we were ready and willing venture out and enjoy the good weather. With that reliability that you’ve come to expect, when the appointed time arrived, there was a big cheery welcome to one and all and, for those who heard the sound of the trusty Cruise Mobile rolling down the road towards them, the Cruise Mobile came purring gently as it waited for the faithful to jump aboard for our vaguely supervised musical adventure. Then, waiting not a moment longer we were off . . . Cruising with The Commissioner . . . . and getting us heading in the right direction was Carlos Guitarlos with a great little mover called ‘Shake With My Baby’. . . . and following fast came Mike Pedecin with an old favourite we haven’t heard for a while . . . ‘Shake A Hand’.

For our Girls & Guitars feature, our spotlight fell on . . . . not one but two girls with guitars . . . . these were sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell who are known on stage as Larkin Poe. They have shifted from their early music career in blue grass music to a more bluesy and rock oriented style. Along the way, they’ve established a reputation for some inventive covers of well-known songs and it was one of those that we featured with their take on Bo Diddley’s ‘Who Do You Love’.

Cruising in the sunshine
Shake With My Baby – Carlos Guitarlos
Shake A Hand – Mike Pedecin
Get Out Of Denver – Dave Edmunds
Baby Come Back – Pato Banton & The Reggae Revolution
Hold Your Horses – Travellin’ Blue Kings
Let’s Rock – JD McPherson
Southside Of The Street – The Zombies

Girls & Guitars
Who Do You Love – Larkin Poe

Cruising with friendly faces
Trapped By This Thing Called Love – Denise LaSalle
What’s The Matter Baby – Timi Yuro
I’ve Been Taken For A Ride – The Saints
I Don’t Care No More – The Cats
Oo-Wah – Mel Williams & The Montclairs
Move It Over Baby – Mel Jackson
Incense – The Anglos
Polly Molly – The Five Masks
Hard To Be – The Vaughan Brothers
Love Is My Business – Cliff Gleaves

Our Cruising playlist brought us 4 minutes and 43 seconds of Jimmie Vaughan and his brother Stevie Ray Vaughan, together on ‘Hard To Be’, which is the first song on their album ‘Family Style’. Sadly, it ended up being the only record that ever made together and while attentions were elsewhere we carefully turned the trusty Cruise Mobile. Little by little, those familiar faces and places started coming into view now, so to demonstrate just how well we treat you when you’re Cruising with The Commissioner, before we ran out of time, we took one minute and 47 seconds for some great rocking from Cliff Gleaves.

Then it was all over and, much to the surprise of many, we were home safe and sound from our Cruising adventure. We were just in time to park up the Cruise Mobile and give it a quick polish, so it was ready for our next outing. In the hope that there were plenty of tracks to surprise and delight you, we were rather hoping we could entice you back again next week, when we’ll call by, same time, same place, with a seat saved especially for you, just so we can all go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . whatever else you do . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 19 April 2022

Something Better . . . .

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

Well, at the appointed time on the appointed day, there was a big cheery welcome to one and all . . . . which is just what you expect! Then, with every consideration for your welfare, I brought a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic full of it’s active ingredient to get you up to full funky fitness for the weekend. First choice was Alias Ron Kavana providing an early test for your rhythm receptors and, if you happened to catch Van Morrison on his recent UK dates, you might have wished his setlist had included my next choice, but it didn’t . . . so for you, me and the Lovely Dee, that missing ingredient was in the Sonic Tonic to raise the spirits and excite the senses . . . . ‘Jackie Wilson Said’.

This week’s Tell It Like It Is feature brought a story about a song written by Sam Cooke. The song was that great R&B ballad ‘Soothe Me’, which is probably best known now for the 1966 version by soul duo Sam & Dave, who had great success with it. But Sam Cooke wrote the song in 1961 for a different soul duo. They were The Sims Twins, who recorded for Sam’s SAR record label and got to record the song even before Sam did. Their version got them into the top 40 R&B charts in 1961 . . . and was a welcome entry into this week’s Sonic Tonic.

This Is The Night
This Is The Night – Alias Ron Kavana
Jackie Wilson Said – Van Morrison
Something Better – Billy Walton Band
Let The Candle Light Shine – Frankie Miller
Ticket To My Heart – The Wilson Brothers
The Sky Is Falling – Daryl Hall & John Oates

Tell It Like It Is
Soothe Me – The Sims Twins

Super Duper
Super Duper Love – Echo
Satisfy Me – Anderson East
Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
Can’t Make Me Change – Robert Cray

Mellow Moment
Forget Yourself – Natalia M King

Shake That Thing
Not Tonight Josephine – Beth McKee
Shake That Thing – Jumpin’ Up
My Man – Imelda May with Mike Sanchez & His Band

One of the many joys of the week was catching Billy Walton and his band back on stage here in the UK after a two year absence. They were on my giglist and, once they got started, it was just like they’d never been away. So, I couldn’t let the moment pass without playing something from Billy and Co, the aptly titled . . . . ‘Something Better’.

Now, this week’s giglist also included a London date by the amazing Imelda May, who I remember best for R&B numbers, like my last choice for our Sonic Tonic. This was Imelda May, along with Mike Sanchez & His Band and a little number called ‘My Man’. But, before that, there was a big thanks for your very good company and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. So, until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 15 April 2022

Live Your Life . . . .

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 was back with another armful of the best blues around. But, I acknowledged that there may be more than I could squeeze into this week’s show . . . and so it proved to be. But, I set off with good intentions and kicked off with one of the 30 tracks on a new compilation of recordings by guitarist Earl Hooker. It’s titled ‘Ride Hooker Ride and it has many of his earliest recordings between 1953-62, including several of remained unreleased for many years. My choice for this week’s playlist was ‘Move On Down The Line’, which was followed fast by the first choice from my album of the week. With no great surprise, it was one of the excellent tracks on Edgar Winter’s tribute album to his brother Johnny Winter. The album, ‘Brother Johnny’ has Edgar, along with plenty of guests to celebrate some Johnny Winter’s best known numbers and my first choice had Edgar joined by BIlly Gibbons and Derek Trucks on the old favourite . . .’I’m Yours And I’m Hers’.

Now, one or two out there in blues land have been encouraging me to play a little more acoustic blues, so I was very pleased to hear Hubert Dorigatti’s new album ‘A Walk With Blind Boy’ which is a simply superb album dedicated to the music of Blind Boy Fuller, including a lovely piece of ragtime . . . ‘Get Your Ya Yas Out’ and I asked if anyone remembers an album with that title !!!

Kickin’ Up Dust
Move On Down The Line – Earl Hooker (Ride Hooker Ride – 2022)
I’m Yours And I’m Hers – Edgar Winter with Billy Gibbons (Brother Johnny – 2022)
Leftovers – Kayla Medlen (Your Move – 2022)
Who’s Texting You – Lew Jetton (Deja Hoodoo – 2022)
Get Your Ya Yas Out – Hubert Dorigatti (A Walk With Blind Boy – 2022)
Now Might Be The Time To Go – Django Blackheart (Blues, Roots & Other Fruits – 2022)
Kickin’ Up Dust – Dom Cours & Company (Dom Cours & Co. Live At DUP Studio – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
Feel So Good – Lurrie Bell (Blues In My Soul – 2013)

Ain’t Comin’ Back
When You Got A Good Friend – Edgar Winter with Doyle Bramhall ll (Brother Johnny – 2022)
Ain’t Comin’ Back – Mojo Mafia (Judgement Day – 2022)
Moonshine And Liquor – Dottie Kelly (Dancing Shoes – 2022)
Whiskey & Wonder – Angel Forrest & Brandon Isaac (Angel’s Eleven, Vol. II – 2022)
Drown In My Own Tears – Edgar Winter (Brother Johnny – 2022)
Live Your Life – Travellin’ Blue Kings (Bending The Rules – 2022)
Runaway (Blues Train) – David Lumsden (Rooted In The Blues – 2022)

As our blues time together was running out fast, I managed to squeeze in a real treat from Belgian band the Travellin’ Blue Kings, who’ve got a new album heading our way shortly and we had a taster of just what to expect. This was ‘Live Your Life’ and it comes from their ‘Bending The Rules’ album that’s certain to return to the playlist in future weeks. Then, we were heading home with David Lumsden and his ‘Runaway Blues Train’, but not before giving a big thanks for your good company this week 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 14 April 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 16 April 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 17 April 2022

So Why . . . .

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

With no great surprise . . . . there were cheery greetings to one and all and the warmest of welcomes to another of our vaguely supervised musical adventures. The Cruise Mobile was ready to whisk you off, but we couldn’t tell you where we were going, because we didn’t know ourselves. But, we did promise to get you back where you started . . . which what we always do when we go Cruising with The Commissioner. So, to get things heading in the right direction, we kicked off our Cruising adventure with Mike Zito taking us down through Louisiana on Route 90 . . . and barely pausing for breath we were heading for France next for a little gem from Frenchman Nico Duportal & His Rhythm Dudes and a revelation about Skippy!

This week’s Girls & Guitars took the opportunity to shine its spotlight on singer, composer and guitarist Sarah Harmer. She hails from Ontario and joined her first band, The Saddletramps, at the age of 17. She then went on to form her own band with several other Ontario musicians and settled on the name Weeping Tile. She’s since gone on to forge a solo career, but we took a track from her time with Weeping Tile called ‘Anyone’.

Oh Baby
Route 90 – Mike Zito
Skippy Is A Sissy – Nico Duportal & His Rhythm Dudes
Oh Baby – Jimmy Preston
Tear For Tear – Gene Chandler
For Love – Rosie & The Originals
I Love My Baby – Bobby Page & the Riff Raffs

Girls & Guitars
Anyone – Weeping Tile

Dance With Your Baby
It Hurts Me So Bad – Lattimore Brown
Put Yourself In My Place – Ann Peebles
Baby Boy’s In Love – Jimmy Holliday
The Shape You Left Me In – Gene Simmons
Don’t Do It – Cornell Blakely
Bashful & Blue – Floyd Turnham Orchestra
So Why – The Bopchords
Shirley – Mike Sanchez & His Band
She’s The Most – Dick Brave & The Backbeats
Baby Doll – Freddie Fingers Lee
Dance With Your Baby – Carlos Guitarlos

Inevitably, there came a point in Cruising chaos, when we needed to start turning for home and, in many ways it was a timely deflection to be joined by British rock and roller, Freddie ‘Fingers’ Lee. His repertoire ranges from rock and roll, to rockabilly and with a a little country music thrown in too. Aside from his music, Freddie may be remembered more for his wild antics on stage, which sometimes included destroying a piano with an axe or chainsaw. So, you were warned . . .

Then, taking us all the way home there was Carlos Guitarlos with a number that got Mr Merlot and The Cruisettes fully occupied practicing their dangerous dancing. They barely noticed the familiar faces and places coming into view, while Carlos was whipping up a storm with ‘Dance With Your Baby’. We played that one with a respectful tip of the hat to ‘Doug The Jitterbug’ who played it on his show recently . . . but when it ended, to the surprise of many, we found ourselves home safe and sound from our cruising adventure and just in time to park up the Cruise Mobile and give it a quick polish, so it’s ready for our next outing. In the hope that there were plenty of tracks to surprise and delight you this week, we were rather hoping that we could entice you back again next week, when we’ll call by, same time, same place, with a seat saved especially for you, just so we can all go Cruising with The Commissioner. In the meantime . . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 12 April 2022

You Should Be Dancing . . . .

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

Well, we started with a big cheery welcome to one and all and, in case the events of week had left you feeling low, I gave a re-assurance that you were definitely in the right place and I was on hand to raise the spirits and excite the senses. I brought a big smile and an even bigger dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic, with the reminder that you can’t get it from your GP, you can’t get it from your Pharmacy, because it’s only available at my sonic surgery. The regular visitors will know its special formula . . . full of the good stuff that you won’t hear on ordinary radio . . . . and as a token of my good intent, I opened this week’s consultation with Ujima and a great soul dancer ‘I’m Not Ready’ . . . and whether or not you’re a great soul dancer I was pretty insistent that it was time to get up and dance.

this week’s Tell It Like It Is comes with a shout out to Joy Watts, who knew it was Leon Russell’s birthday this past week . . . . so I couldn’t let the moment pass without a respectful nod in Mr Russell’s direction and a song with a story. The song is ‘Delta Lady’ and it was written by Leon about Rita Coolidge who he met at the sessions for Joe Cocker’s second album. Joe recorded this song with both Leon and Rita on the session and they both went on to join Joe on his Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. On tour Joe would introduce Rita on stage as “our own Delta Lady” and that song went on to be a big hit for Joe Cocker but to celebrate, his birthday, here’s Leon Russell with his own version of that classic . . .
Delta Lady

Get Up & Dance
I’m Not Ready – Ujima
Get Up & Dance – Albie Donnelly’s Supercharge
You Should Be Dancing – The Groove Messengers
Up County Down – Van Morrison
Save Me – Dana Fuchs

Tell It Like It Is
Delta Lady – Leon Russell

The Things You Do
The Way You Do The Things You Do – Rita Coolidge
Love Starts With Me – McNaMarr Project
I Wrote A Simple Song – Ian Moss

Mellow Moment
Rock Me Tonight (For Old Time Sake) – Freddie Jackson

Your Mama Don’t Dance
Walk Away Renee – Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
Your Mama Don’t Dance – Mark Broussard & Nite Train
Candy Cane Twist – The Kingbees
Wake Me Up – Bluebirds
Can’t Get My Ass In Gear – Rick Lee’s Natural Born Swingers

This week, our Mellow Moment, brought me another opportunity to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax, in the face of the challenges of the week. Aiding and abetting me this week was Freddie Jackson with a piece of smooth soul that should have been all the excuse you needed to give your best smile to that someone special nearby, and be ready to smooch. In anticipation, I turned down the lights.

Now, amidst the good spirit, along came the Bluebirds with a number that I suspected doesn’t get too many requests from the insomniacs, this was ‘Wake Me Up’ and as their music faded away, I found myself reaching for my pristine white linen hankie, to dab my eyes and console me in my sadness. The source of my sadness was discovering that it was time for the last choice for our Sonic Tonic . It came from Rick Lee’s Natural Born Swingers with a cautionary tale about the consequences of too much wine and too much beer. If this sounded like an unwelcome clinical study, then you probably weren’t alone . . . . but before we got into the deep analysis, 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 8 April 2022