Let Go & Let Groove . . .

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

Well, with great predictability, I arrived with a big cheery welcome to one and all. If you had a busy week and were feeling in need of a strong pick-me-up, then I probably arrived just in time, with a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic to get you ready for the weekend. Its special recipe was full of the ‘good stuff’, to give you just the boost you need. Helping to make your ears smile and your pulses race, were Con Funk Shun, delivering your first shot of our weekly elixir and with more to come from Fat James Band . . .

This week’s Tell It Like It Is featured a song with a story inspired by the release this week in 1968 of a Motown single by Marvin Gaye. It went on to become his first US and UK No.1 hit. The song had been written back in 1966 by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and was first released the following year by Gladys Knight & the Pips. The song was “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”, which I confirmed was actually first recorded by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles in 1966. For whatever reasons, their version didn’t get released . . . but it did appear several years later on one of their albums . . . and I found that original version for this week’s Sonic Tonic.

Loving Might Do Us Good
You Are The One – Con Funk Shun
She Really Likes Me – Fat James Band
When You Lose Someone – The Dip
Friends, Lovers, Foes – Miss Emily
Loving Might Do Us Good – Stevie Nimmo

Tell It Like It Is
I Heard It Through the Grapevine – Smokey Robinson & the Miracles

Let Go & Let Groove
Stone Soul Picnic – Johnny Johnson & The Bandwagon
Let Go & Let Groove – Diane Durrett & Soul Suga
3/4 Time – Sam Lewis
You’ve Got Me – Earl Thomas & Paddy Milner

Mellow Moment
Love You In Colour – Jamie Reeves

Buckle Up
There Goes A Brooklyn Girl – Freedy Johnson
Vista Speed Cruiser – Lil Bee Dee & The Doo Rites
Buckle Up – The Kokomo Kings
Jukebox Full of Blues – The Kentucky Headhunters
The Boys Are Back In Town – The Bus Boys

When we reached that point in the show where we kick back for our Mellow Moment, I was already to try to soothe you, smooth, you and help you relax. This time around I brought a little something from Jamie Reeves that just might have encouraged you to smooch, if there happened to be someone special nearby . . . and the rest was up to you.

I was trading on your goodwill with a little indulgence . . . a track that I’ve played before here and it was still in danger of becoming an earworm each time I hear it. It was Freedy Johnson with his ‘Brooklyn Girl’ and he was followed by Lil Bee Dee & The Doo Rites and others to raise the temperature and pace and get you up to strut your stuff. Then, for those with plenty of energy to spare, I went dipping back into the archives for a track that proved a pretty popular choice for our Sonic Tonic in the past. It came from The Bus Boys, but before I let them loose, I have to reveal that this would have to be my last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic. So, there was a big thanks for your good company for 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 28 October 2022

Doing The Right Thing . . .

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

Well, there’s never any doubt about the bluesy welcome waiting when The Blues Come Calling and this week was no exception. There were plenty of ‘high end’ blues choices, with several inspired by names on my recent giglist, including boogie man, Henri Herbert, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, Oliver Darling and Mississippi MacDonald. Indeed, it was Mississippi MacDonald whose new album ‘Heavy State Lovin’ Blues’ featured as my album of the week . . . and with a good deal of enthusiasm too.

There were some past promises kept this week with the return of The Rusty Wright Band, Henri Herbert and Oliver Darling, plus another dip into the latest album from Buddy Guy, who is reported as planning his farewell tour, so his album ‘The Blues Don’t Lie’ will have a special place here.

Hard Times
Goin’ To Nola – The Rusty Wright Band (Hangin’ At The DeVille Lounge – 2022)
Howlin’ Wolf – Mississippi MacDonald (Heavy State Lovin’ Blues – 2022)
Boogie Woogie Stomp – Henri Herbert (Boogie Till I Die – 2022)
Hard Times – Christone Kingfish Ingram (Kingfish – 2019)
Anna Lee – Joe Flip (Home Sweet Home – 2022)
Trouble Doing the Right Thing – Mississippi MacDonald (Heavy State Lovin’ Blues – 2022)
Anne – Oliver Darling (Lee’s Blues – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
Dealin’ With The Devil – Brownie McGhee (Brownie McGhee Vol 1.1940-1941 – 2006)

We Got The Blues
Short Dressed Woman – Mud Morganfield (Portrait – 2022)
(I Ain’t Gonna) Lie No More – Mississippi MacDonald (Heavy State Lovin’ Blues – 2022)
Electric Lights – Tomislav Goluban (ft Malaya Blue) (20 Years On The Road – 2022)
We Got The Blues – Annika Chambers & Paul De Lauriers (Good Trouble – 2022)
Sweet Thing – Buddy Guy (The Blues Don’t Lie – 2022)
Every Day (Every Night) – PM Warson (Every Day (Every Night) – 2022)
Blues for Albert – Mississippi MacDonald (Heavy State Lovin’ Blues – 2022)

There was a warm welcome back for Tomislav Goluban with his new album, celebrating his ’20 Years On The Road’ and featuring some of the folks he’s met along the way, including my choice (at least for this week) wonderful British songstress, Malaya Blue. Annika Chambers & Paul De Lauriers have featured on the playlist here before and they were back with another choice from their latest album, ‘Good Trouble’, and the aptly titled ‘We Got The Blues’ . . . and so we have!

In case it’s not evident, I happen to think that Mississippi MacDonald’s new album ‘Heavy State Lovin’ Blues’ is a masterpiece, with more than enough to give your ears a permanent smile. It has impeccable production, plenty of excellent songs and those distinctive vocals and stinging guitar licks that we’ve come to expect from Mississippi MacDonald. So, with time running out, I managed to squeeze in his tribute to Albert Collins, ‘Blues For Albert’, as I extended my 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 October 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 29 October 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 30 October 2022

Rockin’ & Jumpin’. . .

Well, it may have been a week of high-jinx politically around here, but we much prefer the sort of unpredictable mayhem that usually follows the arrival of the trusty Cruise Mobile . . . . and this week the Cruise Mobile arrived with a rocking little number from Ray Collins’ Hot Club, which signalled we were off down the road again Cruising with The Commissioner. With much encouragement from Mr Merlot and The Cruisettes, we followed on with vocal group the Vibes, who later became The Jayhawks. With no one to stop us, our musical adventures continued with the wonderful Clarence Samuels and his 1959 release ‘We’re Goin’ To The Hop’, then some more rhythm and blues from The Titans with a song that they sang in the highly forgettable film ‘Bop Girl Goes Calypso’.

We featured a trio of songs by one well known songwriter, which were covered with a twist of style in each case by German band The Swinging Fireballs, Jesse Malin and, finally, the Dixie Hummingbirds. That got plenty of hands in the air and shouting of ‘Paul Simon’. . . and it was indeed Mr Simon who got featured with a song he recorded with his long time singing partner Art Garfunkel in their earlier incarnation. Back then they were known as singing duo Tom & Jerry and they had success with their 1957 45 release ‘Hey Schoolgirl’.

Goin’ To The Hop
Mine All Mine – Ray Collins’ Hot Club
Let The Old Folks Talk – The Vibes
We’re Goin’ To The Hop – Clarence Samuels
Rhythm & Blues – The Titans
Rockin’ & Jumpin’ – Honey Brown
Meet Me Halfway – Arbee Stidham

Cruising Connections
Take Me To The Mardi Gras – The Swinging Fireballs
Me & Julio Down By The School Yard – Jesse Malin
Love Me Like A Rock – The Dixie Hummingbirds
Hey Schoolgirl – Tom & Jerry
.
Girls & Guitars
I Don’t Hurt Anymore – Lisa Mann

Doo Wop Delights
Crazy Bout My Honey Dip – The Cap-Tans
Sweetheart Of Mine – The Valentines

Can’t Stop Moving
When The Chips Are Down – Rocky Sharp & The Replays
I Miss Ya Girl – Chas & Dave with Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry
I Told You Not To Tell Them – Marie Knight
House Near The Railroad Track – Tommy Brown
Can’t Stop Moving – Johnny Chef

This week our Girls & Guitars feature focused on Lisa Mann, who was born in West Virginia, and later moved to California, where at age eleven she bought her first guitar and learnt to play listening to bands like Deep Purple, Cream and Led Zeppelin. She began her professional music career at the age of 19 and, to date, has produced five albums. We chose something from her album, ‘Hard Times, Bad Decisions’ . . . . her take on ‘I Don’t Hurt Anymore’.

Among our Doo Wop Delights, was a number by Washington DC group The Cap-Tans . . . their 1950 Dot Records 45 called ‘Crazy Bout My Honey Dip’ and they were followed by New York vocal group, The Valentines, with their 1956 Rama 45, ‘Sweetheart of Mine’ which for some reason remained unreleased at the time and we are left to wonder why.

As Tommy Brown gave us a new version of a song he cut for Regent records back in 1951 . . . ‘House Near The Railroad Track’ . . . some familiar faces and places may have been seen coming into view, as the trusty Cruise Mobile started heading for home. Then, getting us all the way back where we started was Johnny Chef with his 1962 Fire 45, ‘Can’t Stop Moving’. We arrived back safe and sound and just in time to park up the trusty Cruise Mobile and give it a quick polish, so it’s all ready for the next time we all go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 25 October 2022

Surrender To The Rhythm . . .

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

Well, for those busy getting ready for the weekend, I arrived just in time to get them tuned up ready, armed with a big cheery smile and a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. It was all intended to give you just the boost folks needed to get in the mood for the weekend. To kick things off, there was The Stone Foundation, along with Paul Weller, delivering the first shot and there was a speedy follow up from Scary Pockets with another something to get your ears smiling and your pulses racing.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is feature, brought a song with a story inspired by David Bowie’s seventh album ‘Pin Ups’. It was released this week in 1973 and was a collection of covers of some of David’s favourite songs by British bands. He said he saw many of these at London’s Marquee club, including Pink Floyd, The Pretty Things, The Who, The Yardbirds, The Kinks and others. The album became a No. 1 in the UK charts and stayed in the charts for 21 weeks and entering again in 1983 and again in 1990. David also had chart success with a single from the album . . . his cover of The Merseybeats’ cover of a song originally performed by American band, The McCoys . . . and I played that song . . . ‘Sorrow’.

Soul Searching
Deeper Love – The Stone Foundation ft Paul Weller
Put Your Records On – Scary Pockets ft Louise Cato
Soul Searching – Ruthie Foster
Nightshift – Bruce Springsteen
Nobody’s Fool – Joanne Shaw Taylor

Tell It Like It Is
Sorrow – David Bowie

This Time
This Time – Miko Marks & The Resonators
Angel Eyes – The Charities

Mellow Moment
If You Ever Get Lonely – Johnny Rawls

Big Talk
Baby It’s You – Beryl Marsden
Least A Brother Can Do – Cass Clayton
Man Of The Universe – The Teskey Brothers
Big Talk – Jackson Sloan
Surrender To The Rhythm – Brinsley Schwarz

Now, you could have been forgiven for assuming that the little gem from Californian funk and soul based band, The Charities, was a strong contender for this week’s Mellow Moment. Indeed, it nearly was, until that is, I caught up with Johnny Rawls new album ‘Goin’ To New Orleans’ which has an even more mellow number . . . ‘If You Ever Get Lonely’. So, to set the mood, I recommended you turn down the lights and clear a small space ready to smooch with someone special.

Now, there were undoubtedly some out there in listening land whose giglist this week will have included Beryl Marsden on stage in the heart of London. If so, they will have caught her delivering a version of a song that had been a hit for The Shirelles . . . ‘Baby It’s You’ . . . which had the audience as rather willing backing vocalists and it was an easy choice for our Sonic Tonic. At the same gig, there was a swinging piece of ‘real’ rhythm and blues from Jackson Sloan, which got plenty of pulses racing for the friendly faces . . . and if you were one of those . . . you’ll know the song was ‘Big Talk’.

For those with plenty of energy to spare, my last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic sent us swinging out in great style. It came from a band you might have seen a lot, if you were around on the pub rock scene of the 70s. They were named after their guitarist Brinsley Schwarz and featured Nick Lowe on bass and vocals. But, before I 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 21 October 2022

Boogie Till I Die . . . .

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

Well, there was a big bluesy welcome to one and all and I wasted no time in kicking off with a sample of some of the best blues around from Florida bluesman Rusty Wright. He brought a taste of his latest album ‘Hangin’ At The DeVille Lounge’ with some real’ tongue in cheek’ lyrics among the songs and some swinging boogie, like on my choice . . . ‘No Turning Back’. Then, I was following with the first taster from my album of the week. It came from 22 year old, Cincinnati based blues singer and pianist Ben Levin. It’s titled ‘Take Your Time’ and my choices started with the title track featuring Johnny Burgin.

Now, those who have seen Oliver Darling on stage many times, will know he’s played with some notable names and in a range of different styles. So, it’s been a real joy to see his new solo album getting well deserved recognition. It’s called ‘Lee’s Blues’ and this week I chose his track . . . ‘Honey Bee’. This was followed by some excellent boogie piano from French-born and UK-raised, Henri Herbert. He’s currently a resident of Austin TX and heading to London for some sell out gigs. Whether or not you’ve got a ticket, I played the title track of his latest album ‘Boogie Till I Die’.

No Turning Back
No Turning Back – The Rusty Wright Band (Hangin’ At The DeVille Lounge – 2022)
Take Your Time – Ben Levin (ft Johnny Burgin) (Take Your Time – 2022)
Message Of Love – Jesse Howe (ft Chris Muzik (Message Of Love – 2022)
Honey Bee – Oliver Darling (Lee’s Blues – 2022)
Nobody’s Fault But Mine – Robert Hill & Joanne Lediger (Revelation – 2022)
Boogie Till I Die – Henri Herbert (Boogie Till I Die – 2022)
Home Sweet Home – Joe Flip (Home Sweet Home – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
Devil’s Gonna Get You – Bessie Smith (Complete Recordings Vol 4 – 1993)

Little By Little
Longer Hours, Shorter Pay – Ben Levin (feat. Lil’ Ed) (Take Your Time – 2022)
Piece By Piece – Voodoo Room (Tension City Blues – 2020)
Reckonin’ Blues – Guy Verlinde & The Artisans of Solace (Live at Minard – 2022)
I’ve Been Drinking Muddy Water – Ben Levin (ft Lil Jimmy Reed) (Take Your Time – 2022)
I’ve Been Searchin’ – O.V. Wright (Memphis Unlimited – 1973)
Little By Little – Katie Bradley (The Anchor Baby Sessions – 2014)
Then There’s You – Joanne Shaw Taylor (Nobody’s Fool – 2022)

Well, the seasoned bluesers may well have recognised O.V. Wright on the playlist this week with a number he recorded back in 1973 for his ‘Memphis Unlimited’ album. It’s a song that you’re likely to hear again soon, delivered by Mississippi MacDonald on his upcoming new album, which is just another reason it should be something worth waiting for. If you’re an avid gigster, there’s every chance that sooner or later you’ll catch up with Katie Bradley and Dave Ferra somewhere out on the blues circuit. If they’re appearing anywhere near you, I recommend a visit and it just so happens they’re on my giglist this week and I’m rather hoping this number might pop up on their setlist . . . ‘Little By Little’.

As our blues time together started running out, I was determined to bring you the latest taster from Joanne Shaw Taylor’s new album ‘Nobody’s Fool’. The album’s due on release at the end of the month and to be followed by a UK tour. The track was ‘Then There’s You’ and I couldn’t leave you this week without playing it. So, until the next time The Blues Come Calling . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 20 October 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 22 October 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 23 October 2022

Put Some Rhythm In My Blues . . .

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

Well, as the sun went down and the tide went out, there were no surprises that you could hear the trusty Cruise Mobile heading your way. It was coming with its radio cranked up and the Cruising Crew making plenty of noise as we arrived to collect you to go Cruising with The Commissioner. We arrived to the sound of Daddy’s Rebels with a little Red Prysock number, ‘Plaid Laces’, and quick as you like, we recommended you jump aboard and hold tight as we whisked you off down the road to ‘who knows where’ in the company of Dimples Jackson and an Octave 45 called ‘Ring-A-Ling’.

Just in time for our Girls & Guitars feature arrived with a big welcome back to Australian Blues guitarist and singer, Fiona Boyes. She’s been a frequent guest on our Cruising playlists and always a joy and this week’s choice was nothing less. It was a song that pops up on her 2020 album ‘ Blues In My Heart’ and there are a few wry lines in the lyrics of this almost auto biographical number . . . ‘She Could Play That Thing’.

Brighter Day
Plaid Laces – Daddy’s Rebels
Ring-A-Ling – Dimples Jackson
Put Some Rhythm In My Blues – Blue Blot
Brown Eyed Handsome Man – Cajun Roosters
No One – The Uppertones
Brighter Day – LA Big Daddy’s
Movin’ On – The Uptown Savages

Girls & Guitars
She Could Play That Thing – Fiona Boyes (Blues In My Heart – 2020)

Curious
Curious – Malaya Blue
Miss Bombila Brown – Diz Watson
Piece Of My Pride – The Mighty Soul Drivers
Life Like Art – Billy Truitt

Doo Wop Stop
Confidential – Bubber Johnson
Pa-Pa-Ya Baby – The Jumping Jacks

Telling Me Lies
Hoodlum Joe – Lee Dorsey
Telling Me Lies – Fats Domino
That’s My Baby – Artie Wilson
Bulmoose – Bobby Darin

Now, it was ‘double bubble’ for our Doo Wop Stop and Mr Merlot was looking most satisfied with himself, because he had been rummaging in the Cruising Library this week for more of those 50s vocal groups. He returned with an empty wine bottle and glass, but also a couple of gems, the first of which came from North Carolina singer and piano man, Bubber Johnson. This was his 1956 King 45, titled ‘Confidential’. . . . which also got issued in the UK by Parlophone Records. Then, there were those The Jumping Jacks with one of two 45s they recorded in 1954 for the small New York label Bruce records . . . ‘Pa-Pa-Ya Baby’.

Well, when they heard Artie Wilson, the Cruisettes were all over that one and many will have been grateful they were at a safe distance. As our Cruising time was running out, there was another little gem that might not have been too familiar, but it was Bobby Darin who covered our tracks as we headed for home. With practiced ease, we parked up the Cruise Mobile for another week and gave it a quick polish so it was suitably smart for our next Cruising adventure. Then Mr Merlot, The Cruisettes and yours truly are all lined to wave you a fond farewell. So, until the next we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 18 October 2022

Something Better . . .

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

Well, with no surprise at all . . . at the appointed hour on the appointed day there was a big cheery welcome to one and all, as we set about getting ready for the weekend. I came clutching this week’s big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic to give you just the boost you need for the weekend. With not a nanosecond of hesitation, I was getting you in the mood for the weekend with Thomas Atlas and your first shot of our musical elixr. There was more too from The California Honeydrops and others . . . all designed to make your ears smile and the pulses heading for your rhythm receptors.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is featured a song with a story about a Detroit vocal group who started out in the mid 50s calling themselves The Four Aims. When they got signed to Chess Records 1956, they changed their name to the Four Tops. But they had little success with their record releases on Chess or other labels, until Berry Gordy spotted them performing in 1963 and convinced them to join Motown Records. It all came together for them this week in 1966, when they started a two week run at No.1 on the singles chart this week ‘Reach Out, I’ll Be There’. Amazingly, it was the same four members of The Four Aims who became The Four Tops that remained together for over four decades, performing from 1953 until 1997 without a change in personnel. So, for those curious about what they sounded like in their early days, I found their Chess recording from 1956 . . . ‘Kiss Me Baby’.

I Got It
Got This Feeling – Thomas Atlas
Tumblin’ – The California Honeydrops
I Got It – Johnny Rawls
Something Better – The Billy Walton Band
Tightrope – JT Lauritsen & The Buckshot Hunters

Tell It Like It Is
Kiss Me Baby – The Four Tops

Cast a Light
Blind Leading The Blind – Mississippi MacDonald & Veneese Thomas
Giving It Up For Your Love – ZZ Hill
Ice Cream & Cigarettes – The Boneshakers
Cast a Light – Aynsley Lister )

Mellow Moment
Jealous Kind of Fellow – Joe Barr (ft Breezy Rodio)

Come Alive
Dreams Come Alive – Keith Frank & The Soileau Zydeco Band
On The Second Line – Gavin Povey & The Fabulous Oke She Moke She Pops
Nobody – Geraint Watkins & The Dominators

Now, the regulars out there in listening land will have detected the tell-tale signs that we were about to drift into our Mellow Moment, where I try to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax. On this occasion, I went dipping back into the latest album by Joe Barr which is full of excellent tracks . . . but I suggested, if there was someone special nearby, his very soulful ballad ‘Jealous Kind of Fellow’, might just encourage you to smooch.

Then, it was time to get some pulses exciting you to a few dance moves and for the reluctant, Keith Frank & The Soileau Zydeco Band were along doing their very best to bring you even more smiles and good spirits with ‘Dreams Come Alive’. But, somewhere out there in listening land I was pretty sure our Ambassador to London’s North-West Territories would be out front for plenty of frantic footwork to Gavin Povey’s ‘On The Second Line’ and if you flashed a smile his way, he might just show you a few of his moves. Then, with all the seats removed and the breakables put away safely, Geraint Watkins & The Dominators were let loose with the last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic. But before we went swinging out in great style . . . 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 11 October 2022

Don’t Think I’m That Crazy Anymore . . .

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

Well, with assured predictability, there was a big bluesy welcome to one and all and especially those with their ears tuned to the best blues around. I arrived with an hour of the best of them, kicking off with ‘Blues Me’ from much loved UK band Dr Feelgood who have an upcoming new album called ‘Damn Right’, with that and 10 other self-penned songs and not a cover version in sight. Then, for those that like their blues with some raw, down-home boogie, I recommended a listen to the new album by Shawn Pittman, who hails from Dallas and delivers some blues dynamite on his new album ‘Hard Road’. It has plenty of no-frills tracks on offer, like my choice . . .’Backslidin’.

It was a joy to have the wonderful Malaya Blue back with her new album, ‘Blue Credentials’, and getting plenty of positive press. I added my tip of the hat with the bluesy, ‘Messin’ Around’. Then there was a warm welcome back to Rory Block, with my album of the week. This was Rory with her new album ‘Ain’t Nobody Worried’, where she uses the album to revisit songs by legendary female artists who have inspired her during her career. They are not all blues artists, but Rory gives all the songs a real bluesy feel, like on my first choice . . . a song you may know by Koko Taylor . . . ‘Cried Like A Baby’.

Blues Me
Blues Me – Dr Feelgood (Damn Right – 2022)
Backslidin’ – Shawn Pittman (Hard Road – 2022)
Messin’ Around – Malaya Blue (Blue Credentials – 2022)
Cried Like A Baby – Rory Block (Ain’t Nobody Worried – 2022)
Don’t Think I’m That Crazy Anymore – Oliver Darling (Lee’s Blues – 2022)
Strike Gold – Larkin Poe (Blood Harmony – 2022)
Preacher’s Blues – Robert Hill & Joanne Lediger (Revelation – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
Devil’s Got My Woman – Skip James (I’d Rather Be The Devil – 1931)

Snake Eyes
Proud Man’s Blues – LA Big Daddy’s (Rock Your Blues Away – 2021)
I’d Rather Go Blind – Rory Block (Ain’t Nobody Worried.- 2022)
Big Legged Woman – Alexandre Da Mata & The Black Dogs (When The Blues Takes Over – 2022)
Freight Train – Rory Block (Ain’t Nobody Worried.- 2022)
Snake Eyes – Rochelle & The Sidewinders (3rd Time’s A Charm – 2022)
Cry For Me Baby – The Wentus Blues Band (From The Barrel – 2022)

It was a charm to find Rory Block revisiting Elizabeth Cotton’s ‘Freight Train’, a choice I couldn’t resist. It was followed by a change of style and pace with something you’ll find on the new album from Rochelle & The Sidewinders. The album’s called ‘3rd Time’s A Charm’ and that was ‘Snake Eyes’, which caught me snatching a quick look at the studio clock and confirming that my next choice would have to be my last for this week. It was The Wentus Blues Band with something to fill your blues boots from their new album ‘From The Barrel’. This was the track that caught my ear early . . . ‘Cry For Me Baby’. 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 the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 13 October 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 15 October 2022
Broadcast by Blues at Rock Radio on 16 October 2022

Hot Rod Special . . .

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

Well, the trusty Cruise Mobile rolled to a stop and was purring gently, ready for the Cruising Crew to jump aboard, as we prepared to whisk them off for another musical adventure to ‘who knows where’ with ‘you know who’ . . . or as you know it better . . . Cruising with the Commissioner. It was New Orleans sax man Lee Allen kicking us off down the road with the appropriately titled ‘Hot Rod Special’ and for those who wanted a spicy delicacy from the Crescent City, there was L. Anderson & The Tornadoes to tempt you with ‘Neckbones & Hot Sauce’.

Our Girls & Guitars feature turned its spotlight on celebrated singer/songwriter and guitarist, Rory Block. It was something from her new album where she salutes many of the women who have influenced her during her career. It may have come as a pleasant surprise that Gladys Knight was one of those . . . and our choice was Rory’s bluesy take on the Motown favourite . . . ‘Midnight Train To Georgia’.

You’re For Me
Hot Rod Special – Lee Allen
Neckbones & Hot Sauce – L. Anderson & The Tornadoes
Blues & Boogie – Dave Keyes
You’re For Me – The Five Keys
Great Balls Of Fire – Georgia Gibbs
The Kokomo – The Valtairs
Baby You Got What It Takes – Vernon & Jewel

Girls & Guitars
Midnight Train To Georgia – Rory Block

Rambling Soul
Rambling Soul – Melissa Carper
There’s a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He’s Elvis – The Tex Pistols
Truth Come Home – Billy Truitt

Doo Wop Stop
Set My Heart At Ease – Dee Dee Sharp

Much Later
I’ll Put My Voodoo On You – Jo Carley and The Old Dry Skulls
I’m Ready – Linus Zander
Wow Wow – Dee’s Honeytones
Much Later – The Big Heat
Don’t Freeze On Me – Bill King’s Saturday Night Fish Fry

This week’s Doo Wop Stop had us searching for more of the best examples of that particular vocal genre and this time around it was not a vocal group, but a fine piece of doo wop from Philadelphia songstress Dee Dee Sharp. She began her recording career as a backing vocalist in 1961 and later stepped out front to have a few memorable hits, but among her recordings was a little gem titled . . . ‘Set My Heart At Ease’.

Well, our international influences were all too evident this week with Sweden’s own Linus Zander, who had his stage-debut at the age of 14 when he started performing in different bands, playing piano, guitar, drums and bass, completely self-taught. With his own band, he won in the rockabilly category in The Swedish Country Music Championship but he never forgets his roots in those rock and roll sounds of the 50s, as he demonstrated with his take on Fats Domino’s number . . . ‘I’m Ready’. Then, we were moving on to the Netherlands to hear from Dee’s Honeytones and something from their album ‘Hot Damn’. As if that the associated dangerous dancing had not already caused our insurers much angst, along came New York, eight-piece Rhythm & Blues band, The Big Heat. They brought a tune you may know better by Jackie Brenston and Ike Turner . . . ‘Much Later’.

Now, some may have marvelled that we had arrived back just where we started and in some semblance of order too. Indeed, we got all the way home with a healthy dose of rocking rhythms from Bill King’s Saturday Night Fish Fry . . . and we celebrated our safe and sound return, with Mr Merlot, The Cruisettes and yours truly all lined up to wave you a cheery farewell, as we headed off to the after-show party. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 11 October 2022

Give Myself A Good Talking To . . .

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

Well, there was the customary big cheery welcome to one and all, along with a suggestion that if you stood on tip-toe and looked towards the horizon you might just see the weekend heading this way. So, to get you tuned up ready, I brought a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic, which had The Billy Walton Band as your first shot. They sounding as fired up as they were this week when I caught them on stage and for those ready to throw down a few funky moves, there was the wonderfully named Mingo Fishtrap to give you good cause.

Now, our Tell It Like It Is feature brought us a song with a story that the devout Northern Soulies will know well. Back in 1965 American soul singer Frank Wilson recorded a song for the Motown subsidiary label ‘Soul’. Only 250 demo 45s of the song were pressed, but Motown’s Berry Gordy’s lukewarm reception of the vocals, resulted in it not being released and all the demos being destroyed. . . . all except at least two. They became most collectable items among Northern Soul fans, with one fetching nearly £26k in 2009. Those copies of Frank Wilson’s original have since remained popular and have been re-issued many times since. The song is ‘Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)’ and it has just been covered by Bruce Springsteen. So, especially for the lovely Dee, I added this one to our Sonic Tonic.

Let Go
Let Go – The Billy Walton Band
Baby Money – Mingo Fishtrap
Eso Beso – Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames
Grow Too Old – Geraint Watkins & The Dominators
Ace Of Spades – Angela Strehli

Tell It Like It Is
Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) – Bruce Springsteen

Not Fighting Anymore
Not Fighting Anymore – Dave Keyes
Piece Of My Pride – The Mighty Soul Drivers
Give Myself A Good Talking To – Dr John
Rambling Soul – Melissa Carper
I’ll Put My Voodoo On You – Jo Carley and The Old Dry Skulls

Mellow Moment
Make Me Say It Again – The Isley Brothers & Beyonce

Let’s Talk It Over
Little Bit Of Love – Rebecca Downes
Waymore Blues – Billy Truitt
Let’s Talk It Over – Willie & The Poor Boys

Now, the regulars out there in listening land will know that our Mellow Moment is where I try to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax. On this occasion, I went dipping into the new album by The Isley Brothers which has some excellent tracks too. My choice was a very soulful ballad with a guest appearance by Beyonce ‘Make Me Say It Again’. So, if there was someone special nearby, I suggested this might be the time to smooch.

If you’ve not heard of Billy Truitt before, then I was happy to make the introductions. He’s been a member of The Vegas Strip Kings, a blues-based Americana sound band, which featured some first-class players, with Billy on keyboards and accordion and he’s got an album of his own among the new releases, called ‘Abstract truth’ which includes this one . . . ‘Waymore Blues’. Then, just as we were swinging out with Billy Truitt, my eye caught sight of the studio clock which was telling me, our time together was fast running out. So, with a heavy heart I came to my last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic. We were still swinging out in great style . . . this time with Willie & The Poor Boys. But, before that, 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 7 October 2022