I’m With You . . . .

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

Well, there was definitely plenty of good cheer and bonhomie as the Cruise Mobile arrived, purring gently and with plenty of friendly faces all smiling and waving. There was a seat saved especially for you and an invitation to jump aboard and for a voyage of adventure down some of the overgrown backroads of the music we love. Lined up ready to get us up and off in great style was Jimmy Oliver & The Rockers with their very collectable 1959 Port Records 45 ‘Slim Jim’. Then, with no need to test the Cruising time machine any further for our next choice, we were staying in 1959 to catch up with some fine rockabilly from Ronnie Summers . . . . and all very seasonal with ‘Salt & Pepper’.

Our Girls & Guitars feature this week turned its spotlight falls on guitarist and singer, Kathy Lynn Keppen, who hails from New York and formed Kathy Lynn & The Playboys back in 1963. The band became the resident house band at New York’s popular club, ‘The Peppermint Stick’ and had several hits on the Swan record label. Kathy worked under many names back then, and so did the group, including The LaSalles, The Antiques and The Buena Vistas. Last we heard, they had moved to Detroit and were performing there, possibly still doing our choice from their Swan recording . . . ‘I Got A Guy’.

What’s Going On
Slim Jim Pt 1 – Jimmy Oliver & The Rockers
Salt & Pepper – Ronnie Summers
Jello Sal – Benny Ingram
What I Learned About You – Jeanne Caine
Hawaiian Boogie – George Bedard & The Kingpins
Don’t Roll Those Bloodshot Eyes At Me – The Achievers
What’s Going On – The Cosimo Matassa Project

Girls & Guitars
I Got A Guy – Kathy Lynn & The Playboys

Moving On
At The End Of All The Roads – Andy Fairweather-Lowe
I’m Moving On – Van Morrison
Hide Nor Hair – Ray Charles
When I’m With You – Dale Storr

Doo Wop Stop
We Belong Together – Robert & Johnny

Too Late
Is It Too Late – Roy Hawkins
Pucker Paint – Huelyn Duvall
Kid In My Head – Jimmy Carpenter
Bring That Money Honey – Kingen

With no prompting from Mr Merlot, there was something for those out there in Cruising land who like those 50s and 60s vocal groups, because the trusty Cruise Mobile made its customary Doo Wop Stop. This time around, it featured New York duo Robert & Johnny with their 1958 hit ‘We Belong Together’ . . . and it was pretty popular back then, because it got covered by The Fleetwoods, Ritchie Valens, The Belmonts and others. But, we pulled out Robert & Johnny’s original of ‘We Belong Together’.

With a close eye on our Cruising time, the trusty Cruise Mobile headed for home via Sweden, because there was an invitation from Kingen to bop till you drop. Mr Merlot was on hand with a bucket of water to revive any who look like they’re flagging . . . and that didn’t include The Cruisettes who had been training for this! Then, it was all over . . . the trusty Cruise Mobile brought us all the way home again and we were on hand to take any bookings for our next cruising adventure. While you were musing on the wisdom of that . . . Mr Merlot and The Cruisettes were keen to say their cheery farewells and head off to the after-show party . . . leaving yours truly to say a big thanks for your good company on this week’s adventure and until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Road on 29 November 2022

Roll The Dice . . . .

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

Well, out there, it’s getting to look a lot like the festive season is getting into full swing and, in case that means even more things to do, I was here to keep the spirits high with a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. It’s packed with plenty of the ‘good stuff’, to make your ears smile and your pulses race, with a feast of listening no algorithm would ever suggest. So, you were invited to forget the ‘same old, same old’ of ‘ordinary radio’ and stop by for sounds selected with the human touch! So, with not a moment’s hesitation we were launching into the good stuff with a Mod soul classic from Jimmy McGriff, followed by a little something for the Lovely Dee, who is a long-time fan of Jackson Browne . . . . so I was hoping that this good will gesture would be reciprocated with some welcome refreshment!

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

Soul Days
All About My Girl – Jimmy McGriff
Somebody’s Baby – Jackson Browne
Soul Days – Bruce Springsteen & Sam Moore
Old Tricks – Dave Keller
How Do You Stop – James Brown

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

Go Crazy
Down In New Orleans – Joe Sample (ft The Creole Joe Band & C.J. Chenier)
Back By The River – Jimmy Carpenter
Time To Go Crazy – Tom Seals

Mellow Moment
I Saw The Light – Mari Wilson

Roll The Dice
I Don’t Know Why – Sugarpie & The Candymen
Roll The Dice – Slim Chance
Baby I Don’t Care No More – Mason Ruffner

Reassuringly, our Mellow Moment returned to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax. With a little predictability, I mentioned that, if there was someone special nearby, this might be the opportune moment to cast your best smile their way and suggest it’s time to smooch. To help in this, along came Mari Wilson with a Todd Rundgren song . . . ‘I Saw The Light’ . . . and the rest was up to you. Then, I brought back a little something I found from rummaging among the new releases. It was the new single from Sugarpie & The Candymen . . . ‘I Don’t Know Why’ . . . and there was more . . .

Proving that I do listen to what you say, there was a welcome return by UK band Slim Chance, who I know you spotted in last week’s Sonic Tonic, because they got plenty of positive feedback. So, they were back again with a number called ‘Roll The Dice’ and, while that one was playing, I was collecting up all the music here, tidying up the studio and getting ready to head on out, because a glance at the clock showed me that it was time for the last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic. This had us picking up the pace with Texas singer/songwriter and guitarist, Mason Ruffner, with a number to get those pulses racing to your rhythm receptors. But, before I let him loose . . . it was time for a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 24 November 2022

Big Talk & Trouble . . . .

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

Well, with no surprise for regular listeners, there was a big bluesy welcome to another selection of some of the best blues around. There was much more than we had time for, in the end, but I kicked off enthusiastically with Son Jack Jr, who is back on blues scene here and if you can catch him on stage, you might just hear him doing the number that he recorded with Michael Wilde, called ‘Miss Maybelle’. Then, for those who favour some Texas swagger and a little East Coast attitude, there was a request to stand by for the new release from The Wicked Lo-Down. This was ‘Lena’ . . . and I was guessing it just might inspire a little head nodding and foot tapping.

The new album from Rebecca and Megan Lovell, as Larkin Poe, has been much heralded and long awaited, but they are back with my album of the week ‘Blood Harmony’. Now, now they can do slow and soulful when they want to, but there’s plenty of powered up numbers too here and the sisters are out on tour now promoting their album now, so catch them if you can,

Southern Comfort
Miss Maybelle – Son Jack Jr & Michael Wilde (Walk The Talk – 2010)
Lena – The Wicked Lo-Down (We Hot -2022)
Southern Comfort – Larkin Poe (Blood Harmony – 2022)
Rambling Man – Trevor Babajack Steger (Not Far To Go – 2022)
Wise – Yates McKendree (Buchanan Lane – 2022)
Get Stoopid – Ky Michael (Ky Michael – 2022)
Can’t Trust Your Neighbour – Seth Rosenbloom (As The Crow Flies – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
I Can’t Sleep – Montana Taylor (I Can’t Sleep – 2021)

Kick The Blues
Kick The Blues – Larkin Poe (Blood Harmony – 2022)
Big Talk And Muddy – Riverboat (Big Talk And Muddy – 2022)
Trouble – Miko Marks & The Resurrectors (Feel Like Going Home – 2022)
The Question – Henrik Freischlader (Recorded by Martin Meinschafer II – 2022)
Bolt Cutter & The Family Name – Larkin Poe (Blood Harmony – 2022)
War Cry – Anna Davies & The Sinnermen (Silver Lining – 2022)

Now, the seasoned bluesers were sure to recognise a song on this week’s playlist. It was written by David Porter and Isaac Hayes and it’s been recorded by big names, like Johnnie Taylor, Freddie King, Esther Phillips and more. So, you can add Boston bluesman, Seth Rosenbloom, to that list now, because his excellent take on ‘Can’t Trust Your Neighbour’ is a track from his upcoming album ‘As The Crow Flies’.

All too soon, we came to that point in the show where I had to keep an eye on the clock, because we were fast running out of our blues time together, but not before we got to hear from Wales based blues band, Anna Davies & The Sinnermen. My choice was a favourite of mine from their new EP, ‘Silver Lining’ and I was sure we would be hearing more from them, but this time around it was ‘War Cry’, but before we heard that, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and until the next time The Blues Come Calling . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 17 November 2022
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 19 November 2022
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 20 November 2022

Git To Gittin’ . . . .

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

Well, there had been a flurry of activity here at Cruise Control this week, as we wrestled with our social diary and found just enough time to get the trusty Cruise Mobile revving on all cylinders ready for this week’s Cruising adventure. With a strong sense of tradition, we still call it Cruising with The Commissioner . . . and we turned the temperature gauge up, so that we could wish the very warmest of welcomes to one and all. We started off the show with Johnny Mack and his Top Cat release ‘Sugar Bee’ and the rest became a blur as the Cruise Mobile headed off down the road at speed.

For this week’s Girls and Guitars feature, we put the spotlight on Norwegian singer/songwriter and rock guitarist Rita Engedalen. She’s recently released her 5th album, titled ‘Sun Will Come’ and it includes an outright rocker called, ‘North Mississippi Blues’ which was our choice and featuring Rita’s band providing plenty of powered up support.

Pretty Soon
Sugar Bee – Johnny Mack
Pretty Soon – Young Jessie
Cry Like A Man – Johnny Jenkins
Pennies From Heaven – The Vintage Explosion
What’s The Secret Of Your Success – The Keytones
Trying To Live My Life Without You – Angela Strehli

Girls & Guitars
North Mississippi Blues – Rita Engedalen

Got Enough
Quit Work – Ray Collin’s Hot Club
Git To Gittin’ – Pee Wee Crayton
Love Ain’t That Smart – Diane Burnett
I’ve Got Enough – James Fry
I Believe In You – Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers

Doo Wop Stop
My Baby Loves Me – The Five Discs

Let’s Go
You’re Just My Kind · Jay B. Lloyd
Let’s Go Let’s Go Let’s Go – Hank Ballard & The Midnighters
Little Mama Don’t Leave Me – Charlie White
Lonely Heart – Carl Perkins
Big Jamboree – The Big Jamboree

With impeccable timing, we arrived in good time for our Doo Wop Stop, where we pull out an often rare example of that vocal genre for your delight. This week it comes from Brooklyn, New York, vocal group, The Five Discs, whose first demo recording came in 1957, and they had regional hits in the northeast from 1958 through 1962, including our choice . . . recorded for the Calo record label in 1961 . . . these were The Five Discs with ‘My Baby Loves Me’.

This past week included the birthday of Hank Ballard and it drew some great stories from Diz Watson and Johanny Jackson, each of whom saw him live on stage, along with names like the Neville Brothers, Al Green, Johnny Otis and the great Etta James , , , so I thought we should pull out something appropriate and this is it . . . ‘Let’s Go, Let’s Go, Let’s Go’. There was another someone who got a few mentions this past week, this was Carl Perkins, who I remember seeing on a UK tour in the 60s, accompanied by UK band The Nashville Teens and while Carl was here, he went into the recording studio with the Nashville Teens to cut this little gem . . . ‘Lonely Heart’.

Then, with the sands of time nearly run out on this week’s Cruising adventure, we haven’t quite finished trying to tantalise your musical taste buds. So, taking us all the way home was The Big Jamboree with a safety warning that this could provoke some extremely dangerous dancing from the Cruisettes and maybe others too! But, there was time for a big thanks for your good company this week and the hope that we’ll meet again soon to go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 22 November 2022

Try Me Tonight . . .

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

Well, as ever, there was a cheery welcome to one and all and for those who had been wrestling with the news of the week, I suspected you may have needed something powerful to lift the spirits and excite the senses. So, with mighty impressive forward planning or just amazing coincidence, I arrived just in time with a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. It came with an invitation to cast away the cares of the day and join me for plenty of that good stuff that you won’t hear on ordinary radio . . . like The Friends of Distinction, who got us off to a great start, doing a little Grazing In The Grass. Then, with barely a pause for breath, along came Bruce Springsteen with an old soul favourite of Jackie Shane’s, straight off of his latest album ‘Only The Strong Survive’.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story about a Motown classic that nearly didn’t get released. This was a Holland Dozier Holland song originally recorded in 1964 by Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, but it got rejected by Motown’s quality control as sounding to much like The Supremes. By good fortune, it was finally released in 1967 and became a worldwide hit. The song was ‘Jimmy Mack’ . . . . and while it was playing I suggested chair dancing (or more) was certainly permitted for this one.

It’s A Pleasure
Grazing In The Grass – The Friends Of Distinction
Any Other Way – Bruce Springsteen
I’m In Love With You – Bobby Patterson
Kiss Me Like You Miss Me – Dave Keller
It’s A Pleasure – Frank Bey
This Time – Miko Marks & The Resurrectors

Tell It Like It Is
Jimmy Mack – Martha & The Vandellas

Giving It All I Got
Giving It All I Got – Lynn White
Tupelo Honey – Bayou Roux
Why Don’t You Try Me Tonight – Nine Below Zero

Mellow Moment
Missing You Everyday – Billy Ocean

Keeping It All Alive
Tell The Truth & Shame The Devil – Malford Milligan & The Southern Aces
Let’s Go Home – Slim Chance
Keeping It All Alive – Lights Out By Nine
The Mighty Jerry Lee – Eddie Nilsson

Now, when Maurice & Mac first recorded the song, ‘Why Don’t You Try Me Tonight’, back in the 60s, they did it as a up-tempo soul number. But I happen to like the laid-back versions of the song that came afterwards, especially the one by Nine Below Zero. Now, it so happened that Nine Below Zero were on the giglist here this week and so I slipped it into the Sonic Tonic for the Lovely Dee, who was swaying gently to that one. That brought us rather nicely to our Mellow Moment, which is where I try to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax. I recommended that, if there was someone special nearby, this might be the opportune moment to cast your best smile their way and suggest it’s time to smooch. For this, I called up Billy Ocean . . . and said the rest was up to you.

Then, for those with their dancing shoes on and plenty of energy to spare, there was a band that always ensures a good night out. This was Slim Chance, who have a few gigs coming up soon. In the meantime, they were on hand with a number titled, ‘Let’s Go Home’. But I was hoping you wouldn’t go just yet, because I had a couple more choices, to give your rhythm receptors a comprehensive check-up. For those out there in listening land who like a little boogie, I saved one for last . . . and it come from Eddie Nilsson, who is clearly one the legion of fan of the Ferriday Fireball, Jerry Lee Lewis. But before I let him loose, it was time for a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 18 November 2022

Let Me Go . . . .

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

Well, however busy the week had been, there was still a big bluesy welcome to one and all and a request to indulge me as I played you a few of my choices from some of the best blues around. It started off with a favourite of mine from the latest album by British bluesman Keith Thompson and his band. The album’s titled ‘Catch The Fire’ and it’s the latest of the 14 albums Keith has released to date. Then, we were crossing the Atlantic for my album of the week and catching up with Angela Strehli for her first new album in over 17 years. It’s titled ‘Ace Of Blues’ and it features Angela’s tributes to some of those big blues characters who influenced her through her long career singing and playing the blues. The first choice was her tip of the hat to Howlin Wolf and it got followed later with respectful nods in the direction of Muddy Waters and Jimmy Reed.

While breezing through the recent releases, I also came across an album called ‘Mama Danced’ by Canadian songstress LJ Mounteney. It has a real mix of genres and includes an excellent bluesy ballad, called ‘Basement Suite Blues’, which I slipped into the playlist, because I happen to like it a lot. Then, we were heading back to Sweden for some more of that blues from Annika Andersson & The Boiling Blues Band. It was another taste of what you’ll find on Annika’s new album, titled ‘Playing in a rock’n roll band’ and my choice was her invitation to do a little ‘Sweating In My Kitchen’.

I Live The Life I Love
Don’t Come Running to Me – Keith Thompson Band (Catch The Fire – 2022)
Howlin’ For My Baby – Angela Strehli (Ace Of Blues – 2022)
Ruby Lee – Yates McKendree (Buchanan Lane – 2022)
Basement Suite Blues – LJ Mounteney (Mama Danced – 2022)
Sweating In My Kitchen – Annika Andersson & the Boiling Blues Band (Annika Andersson & the Boiling Blues Band – 2022)
Let Me Go – Eric Demmer (So Fine – 2022)
I Live The Life I Love – Angela Strehli (Ace Of Blues – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
Dust My Broom – Hound Dog Taylor (Beware of The Dog – 1976)

Lie No More
Don’t Burn Down The Bridge – Will Jacobs (Goldfish Blues – 2022)
12000 Miles From Home – Gwyn Ashton (Mojosoul – 2022)
Leaving – A&E and The Big C (A&E and The Big C -2022)
(I Ain’t Gonna) Lie No More – Mississippi MacDonald (Heavy State Lovin’ Blues – 2022)
Take Out Some Insurance – Angela Strehli (Ace Of Blues – 2022)
Wings – Isobel Thatcher (Wings – 2022)

Now, there’s no doubting that being locked down in Adelaide, Australia, gave Gwyn Ashton plenty of time to use recording an impressive 110 brand new songs. Some of these turn up on his new album ‘Mojosoul’ and feature him singing, playing guitar and doing all the foot percussion! There are plenty of Gwyn’s storytelling in the lyrics of these songs, as you can hear on with my selection . . . ‘12000 Miles From Home’.

Now back in the late 60s Bill Thorndycraft was the vocalist with the celebrated blues band Killing Floor. So, it was a warm welcome back to him to share the spotlight now with Geb Ring. Their new band is called A&E and the Big C . . and their self-titled debut album is not short of lyrics with cutting social and political commentary. The album is well worth a listen and my choice from it was the track . . . ‘Leaving’.

Just as our blues time together was fast running out, I couldn’t resist bringing you a listen to this new single by Londoner, Isobel Thatcher. It’s on release now and it’s a bit of a family affair . . . featuring Isobel on guitar and performing all the vocals, her brother on multiple saxophones and her father on bass, with help from family friends on lead guitar and drums. So, I played out with Isobel’s self-penned song called ‘Wings’, But before that, there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and, until the next time The Blues Come Calling . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 17 November 2022
Broadcast by Blues Radio on 19 November 2022
Broadcast by Blues Radio on 20 November 2022

I Want To Rock . . .

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

Well, it’s difficult to ignore the countdown to the festive season, because it’s it seems to be evident in all the stores, on TV and other media . . . . but not here! So, for everyone seeking sanctuary from all that, we rolled by in the Cruise Mobile, with the radio turned up, plenty of friendly faces and a seat saved especially for you. All you needed to do was jump aboard and go Cruising with The Commissioner!

To get us off to a great start, we had the company of Little Booker (a.k.a James Booker) with some fine organ work on his 1961 gem, ‘Teenage Rock’ and he turned up again playing piano on Shirley & Lee’s 1962 single ‘I’m Old Enough’ and again behind Freddie King on his instrumental ‘Sweet Thing’. As an encore, he was back on Earl King’s 1961 45 ‘Nervous Breakdown’, but then it was time to enjoy Dr John’s version that Bobby Darin’s classic ‘Splish Splash’.

A big thanks for some fascinating feedback on recent shows, particularly our little featurette on Johnny Guitar Watson. Our good pal Amigo solved the mystery of why Johnny’s 50s number ‘Late Freight Twist’ hadn’t been released at the time. Seems it was, but titled ‘Let’s Go Smitty’ with label credits to Floyd Dixon featuring Johnny ‘Guitar’ Watson. Chris Farlowe also turned up, doing a great cover of Johnny’s, ‘Gangster of Love’. For the fans of Northern Soul, we found Dean Parrish’s version of ‘It’ll Never Be Over For Me’ and a Motown cover by Welsh singer Tawny Reed.

Sweet Thing
Teenage Rock – Little Booker (James Booker)
I’m Old Enough – Shirley & Lee
Sweet Thing – Freddie King
Nervous Breakdown – Earl King
Splish Splash – Dr John
Let’s Go Smitty – Floyd Dixon & Johnny Guitar Watson
It’ll Never Be Over For Me – Dean Parrish
Needle In A Haystack – Tawny Reed
Gangster Of Love – Chris Farlowe

Girls & Guitars
I Love To Love You – Candye Kane & Laura Chavez

Something Hit Me
I Want To Rock – Little Miss Sharecropper (LaVern Baker)
Tweedle Dee – Georgia Gibbs
Bad Man Of Missouri – Jimmy Ricks & The Suburbans
Tell Me How Long – The Flamingos
Something Hit Me – The Falcons & Little Bee
Teardrops Will Fall – John Mellencamp
Outside The Law – Los Pacaminos

Our Girls and Guitars feature this week turned our spotlight on Californian guitarist, Laura Chavez, who’s early influences came from Texas and Chicago blues players, but stretched further afield to include the UK’s Jimmy Page and Mick Taylor. Laura began playing guitar on stage when she was 18 and after 8 years with her first band she joined Candye Kane’s band and more recently Casey Hensley. As a sample, we picked ‘I Love To Love You’ which she recorded with Candye Kane in 2011 for her Sister Vagabond album.

Full marks if you heard Little Miss Sharecropper, and spotted the voice of LaVern Baker there, because it was indeed Miss Baker, with something she recorded in for National records in1951, long before she joined Atlantic Records and recorded her 1955 hit “Tweedle Dee”. But, she was beaten to the No 1 position by a white girl, named Georgia Gibbs, who recorded a note-for-note cover of the song, which we played. But, we also featured Jimmy Ricks (who recorded a duet or two with Lavern Baker) with his group The Suburbans on his 1957 Baton 45 ‘Bad Man of Missouri’.

This week, we started our Doo Wop Delights with a little 1959 gem from The Flamingos, ‘Tell Me How Long’, followed by The Falcons, providing some backing for someone called Little Bee on ‘Something Hit Me’ a recording made sometime in the early 60s but not released at the time and I have no idea about the identity of Little Bee and even Uncie Marv Goldberg isn’t sure . . . . so there’s one for the archivists. Then, we relived a recent night of Tex Mex music with John Mellencamp’s ‘Teardrops Will Fall’ and Los Pacaminos bringing this week’s cruise to an end with ‘Outside The Law’.

So, with a little polishing of the Cruise Mobile and some cheery waving, we headed off with Mr Merlot & The Cruisettes to the after show party, very much hoping you’ll come back, same time same place next week when once again we can go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 15 November 2022

Can I Change My Mind . . .

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

Well, I arrived with the customary big cheery welcome to one and all . . . and for those looking for a pick-me-up to get you ready for the weekend there was a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic specially formulated to raise the spirits and excite the senses. It all kicked off with Bruce Springsteen getting the pulses racing with a Tyrone Davis song, ‘Turn Back The Hands Of Time’. Then, with some well-timed feedback, I was back with another choice from Tom Seals. Last week you seemed to enjoy his contribution, so I went rummaging in his catalogue for something else to make your ears smile . . . and this was it . . . . ‘How Will I Know’.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is featured a song that was written in 1969 by John Fogerty about the hectic lifestyle touring with his band, Creedence Clearwater Revival. They were touring constantly back then and playing many of the major festivals, including Woodstock. He said, back then, there was a rush of excitement in going from place to place, but their baggage was constantly getting lost and a lot of time was spent on the road and waiting around in the heat during those famous festivals.
The song in question was ‘Travelin’ Band’ and it became a single release for Creedence Clearwater Revival, lifted from their 1970 album ‘Cosmo’s Factory’. It was a chart success in America and the UK and has been covered many times since by some notable names . . . but the earliest cover was by Elton John, who was earning pocket money back then as Reg Dwight, recording covers of current hits for U.K. budget labels. . . . and I played his cover of that song.

Keeping It All Alive
Turn Back The Hands Of Time – Bruce Springsteen
How Will I Know – Tom Seals Band
Can I Change My Mind – Moody Scott
Get Out Of Town – Eric Demmer
Mystical & Paranoid – Dylan Chambers (with G Love & Special Sauce)

Tell It Like It Is
Travelin’ Band – Elton John

I Like It Hot
I Like It Hot – LJ Mounteney
This Will Be Our Year – The Teskey Brothers
Mr Right – Grady Champion
Nineteen Twenty Four – Dave Sutherland

Mellow Moment
Soon As You Come Home – Shelby Lynne & Sunset Sound

Fire It Up
Half Boy Half Man – Emilio Walter
Fire It Up – The Eskimo Brothers
Mr Hi-Fly – Jo Buddy & Diz Watson
I Should Be Loving This – Mickey Jupp

Now, recent events have started me wondering if I need to give a little more encouragement to those out there in listening land, to make full use of our Mellow Moment. So, for those in the company of someone special, I suggested turning down the lights, perhaps lighting a candle or two, pouring a couple of glasses of wine and clearing a small space on the floor ready to smooch. To help you along a little further, I brought along Shelby Lynne & Sunset Sound with a real smoocher . . . ‘Soon As You Come Home’.

Now, our Sonic Tonic ingredients come from far and wide and this week our recipe got a dash of Swedish pianist and singer, Emilio Walter. At age 16, Emilio has already gained an enviable reputation as a boogie woogie player and he turned up with a Nick Lowe song that should most certainly have activated your rhythm receptors. Then, there was a band who popped up on my giglist this past week. These were The Eskimo Brothers who were on their first UK tour from Nashville and got the crowd cheering and stomping right from the start. If you weren’t there, I played their ‘Fire It Up’ to show what you missed.

For those with their dancing shoes on and plenty of energy to spare, we played out with something to demonstrate that I do listen to the feedback from folks out there in listening land. This time I was responding to a few heavy hints dropped by in favour of Mickey Jupp. But, before I let him loose, there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s show and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 11 November 2022

One Day At A Time . . . .

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

Well, there was the customary a big bluesy welcome to one and all to set us off for some of the best blues around. First up was Lil Red & The Rooster, who were there strutting their stuff and enticing some head nodding and foot tapping with their excellent . . . ‘Step It Up’. Then, there was the first choice from my album of the week, which came from well-seasoned bluesman Eric Demmer, whose vocals and sax playing have been heard on a long list of celebrated albums by other folks. But, he’s stepped out front with his debut album ‘So Fine’ and Eric’s humour in some of the songs made me smile, especially the line in this one . . . ‘I’m a Guitar Player’…I just don’t play guitar.

Now, you may know her as an actress, but Shakura S’Aida has a parallel life as a blues singer and her latest album ‘Hold On To Love’ happens to be her first in 10 years, but take it from me, it was well worth the wait . . . especially for her number ‘Taste Like Honey’. For many, there will have been a few long-lasting memories if they caught Henri Herbert on one of his recent sell-out UK gigs and if you were one of those, you’re sure to remember his number . . . ‘Must Have Been The Devil’.

Step It Up
Step It Up – Lil Red & The Rooster (Keep On! – 2022)
I’m A Guitar Player – Eric Demmer (So Fine – 2022)
You Can’t Lose With A Winning Hand – The Lucky Losers (Standin’ Pat – 2022)
Papa Ain’t Salty – Kevin McKendree (Buchanan Lane – 2022)
Taste Like Honey – Shakura S’Aida (Hold On To Love – 2022)
Must Have Been The Devil – Henri Herbert (Blues Till I Die – 2022)
One Day At A Time – Will Jacobs (Goldfish Blues – 2022)

Pinetop’s Pick
I’m A Woman – Koko Taylor (The Earthshaker – 1978)

Start It All Again
Have You Ever Loved A Woman – Eric Demmer (So Fine – 2022)
Old Faithful – Annika Andersson & The Boiling Blues Band (Playin; In A Rock N Roll Band – 2022)
Baltimore – Steven Charles Cecil (Teens Know Best (Story And Clark,Vol2) – 2022)
Start It All Again – Eric Demmer (So Fine – 2022)
Rattle My Cage (Live) – Rebecca Downes (The Space Between Us – 2022)

Now, it seems Steven Charles Cecil is a pretty busy fella. He splits his time between working with Houston band Albert Storo and the Soul Hustlers, Baltimore band TT Tucker and the Bum Rush Band and even gets to New York to perform with Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers. Amidst all this, he’s just released his latest album ‘Teens Know Best’, which includes his sombre tale, simply called ‘Baltimore’.

As the sands of time were fast running out, there was just time to squeeze in a little something from Rebecca Downes’ excellent new album ‘The Space Between Us’. I couldn’t leave this week without playing her high-energy live number . . . ‘Rattle My Cage’. But, before that, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and until the next time The Blues Come Calling . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 10 November 2022
Broadcast by Blues Radio on 12 November 2022
Broadcast by Blues Radio on 13 November 2022

Everybody Clap Your Hands . . .

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

Well, if you were still looking for that button marked ‘good times’, then you might not have been alone, but we arrived (just in time) with our patented alternative, because we were on hand to offer an opportunity to jump aboard the trusty Cruise Mobile and let it take you far away with a soundtrack to savour. If you were suitably braced for a few smiles, a few surprises and plenty of great music, we were quick to get you in the mood, with Little Richard’s band, The Upsetters and their special menu offering of ‘Hot Peppers’. Then, keeping us bright and bouncy along came Robin Hood Brians with Lew Douglas & His Orchestra with something they recorded for Fraternity Records in 1958 . . . ‘Dis A Itty Bit’ . . . and if that didn’t get your pulses racing, we were ready to break out the Cruising resuscitation kit.

Well, this week our Girls & Guitars feature, threw its spotlight on Wolverhampton singer and guitarist Rebecca Downes, who says she grew up listening to artists that her parents liked . . . such as Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James. She’s been writing and performing her own material since she was 13. The power of her voice was spotted early and she’s since gone on to forge a successful career, leading her own band. She’s released 5 albums to date and our choice was a track from her latest release ‘The Space Between Us’ . . . this was ‘Rattle My Cage’.

Hot Peppers
Hot Peppers – The Upsetters
Dis A Itty Bit – Robin Hood Brians with Lew Douglas & His Orchestra
Everybody Do The Chicken – The Five Jets
Morning Light – Royal Crown Revue
Qualified – Yates McKendree
When You Get Back – The Tom Seals Band

Girls & Guitars
Rattle My Cage – Rebecca Downes

Jumpin’ For Joy
Jumpin’ For Joy – Jimmy Hall
She’s So Fine – Eric Demmer
Everybody Come Clap Your Hands – Moody and the Deltas

Doo Wop Stop
Don’t Do It – The Penguins

Tore Up
You’re Driving Me Crazy – Professor Longhair
They All Asked About You – Robert Parker
Hey Sugar – Roy Tann
I’m Tore Up – Ike Turner
Teenage Letter – Jerry Lee Lewis

Ii you were one of those who had been waiting on our Doo Wop Stop, then your moment arrived with something from Los Angeles vocal group, The Penguins. They were around during the 50s and early 60s and are probably best remembered for their hit, “Earth Angel”. It was one of the first rhythm and blues hits to cross over to the pop charts. But, along the way they also cut another number which was our choice this week . . . this was their 1955 Mercury single ‘Don’t Do It’.

We couldn’t miss the birthday this week, of R&B pioneer Ike Turner. He may have had his troubles along the way, but there’s no disputing his influence on the development of early R&B, soul and rock and roll. So, we lined up a favourite from Ike Turner which he cut in Cincinnati, on 12 March 1956 with Billy Gayles on vocals . . . ‘I’m Tore Up’. As we turned the Cruise Mobile for home, we were remembering ‘The Ferriday Fireball’, Jerry Lee Lewis, with his rocking version of Big Joe Turner’s number ‘Teenage Letter’. By good fortunate, we arrived back where we started and safe and sound too. So, after giving the Cruise Mobile a quick polish, ready for our next Cruising adventure, we were lined up with a cheery wave and a smile and the hope that we’ll meet again, the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 8 November 2022