Got To Be Some Changes Made . . .

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

Well, if you arrived with more than your fill of the ‘everyday’, the ‘ordinary’ and the ‘boring’. . . . then you had the re-assurance of a cheery welcome and an enthusiastic invitation to step up for your weekly dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. I was on hand with an armful of the ‘good stuff’ to raise the spirits and excite the senses and it all kicked off with Shakatak ‘Walking On Starlight’. With only a small risk to overloading your capacity for the ‘good stuff’, we arranged a visit from The Hawkmen to test you for Funky Feet.

This week’s Tell It Like It Is, featured a song with a story inspired by the birthday of soulman, Bunny Sigler. He started out singing in churches, and in several local doo-wop groups, around Philadelphia. He first recorded for V-Tone Records in 1959 and later moved to Cameo-Parkway Records, where he had several national pop and R&B chart hits. In the 70s he was instrumental in creating the “Philly Sound” as well as having a successful career as a singer, he also wrote songs for acts including The O’Jays, The Whispers, Lou Rawls, Patti LaBelle and Carl Carlton. He had more chart success in the mid 70s, including his very soulful re-interpretation of one of Gamble & Huff hits for The O’Jay’s . . . ‘Love Train’.

Walkin’ On Starlight
Walkin’ On Starlight – Shakatak
Funky Feet – The Hawkmen
The Girl Doesn’t Love You – Nelson Blanchard
Digging Up Graves – Karen Lee Andrews
Fly – Downtown Mystic

Tell It Like It Is
Love Train – Bunny Sigler

Above My Head
If You Don’t Want My Love – Jalen Ngonda
If Not For You – Terrance Simmien with Shannon McNally & The Zydeco Experience
Got To Be Some Changes Made – The Staple Singers
Above My Head – Drayton Farley

Mellow Moment
That’s How Love Is Made – The War & Treaty

Why Me
I’ve Been Waiting For So Long – Jennifer Jordan & The Vintage Soul Era
Waiting On The Up – Andy Fairweather Low
Go West – Geraint Watkins
Why Me – Rock Nalle

With precision timing, we arrived our Mellow Moment, with its commitment to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax. This time around, our focus was another of those new releases that seemed just right for this week’s Sonic Tonic, from Nashville husband-and-wife duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, who appear as The War And Treaty. This was their latest release . . . a bluesy little ballad . . . . ‘That’s How Love Is Made’. It came with my customary suggestion that, if there was someone special nearby . . . this was your moment to smooch!

Then came Jennifer Jordan & The Vintage Soul Era, with ‘I’ve Been Waiting For So Long’ and I said if you enjoyed that one, you should feel free to throw me a smile, because I had been digging deep in the music library for that one . . . . and you may have detected a theme developing . . . about waiting around . . . so for the Lovely Dee, there was something new from Andy Fairweather Low . . . ‘Waiting On The Up’.

As our time ticked away, we were heading for Denmark to catch Rock Nalle and one of those questions that springs to mind rather readily in moments of great frustration . . . ‘Why Me’. Sadly, that became my last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic . . . but before that, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and even if the lottery numbers fall in your favour, I very much hoped we would meet again, same time, same place, next week for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 31 March 2023

All Or Nothing . . . .

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

Regular listeners could have easily predicted the big bluesy welcome to one and all and they may not have been surprised to hear that I arrived with an overflowing armful of the best blues around. I wasn’t sure I could fit in all into our blues time together, but I certainly tried. We started off, with a little subtle encouragement from Jonathon Earp, with The Big Wolf Band and an easy choice for me from their new live album . . . ‘Rolling With Thunder’. The keenly attentive will know that last week I played something from Midlands musician Gaz Morris and his excellent new album “Love Burns”! That album became my ‘album of the week’ for this week and it brought some powerful blues numbers, some delicate softer numbers and some very soulful vocals too. My first choice was . . . ‘Now The Lovin’ Has Gone’.

Now, when I was listening to Paul Cowley’s new album ‘Stroll Out West’, I confessed that, much as I enjoyed all the bluesy numbers on it, there was one track that featured some candid observations on modern life, which ensured it got just a few more plays than the others . . . . that was ‘Nosey’ and it was well worth those extra listens!

Rolling With Thunder
Rolling With Thunder – The Big Wolf Band (Live & Howlin’ – 2023)
Now The Lovin’ Has Gone – Gaz Morris (Love Burns! – 2023)
Eyesight To The Blind – Aerosmith (Honkin’ On Bobo – 2004)
Rogue – Deb Callahan (Backbone – 2023)
Nosey – Paul Cowley (Stroll Out West – 2023)
Treat Your Lady Right – Nelson Blanchard (Neil Blanchard – 2023)

Pinetop’s Pick
Wine, Whiskey & Women – Dr Feelgood (On The Road Again – 1996)

All Or Nothing
Can’t Get Along With Nobody – Rip Lee Pryor (Sugar Daddy Blues – 2023)
All Or Nothing – Gaz Morris (Love Burns! – 2023)
Another Man’s Blues – The Blues Company (United Nations Of Blues – 2023)
So Low, Solo – Matt Andersen (The Big Bottle of Joy – 2023)
River Hip Mama – Charlie Musslewhite (Deluxe Edition – 2005)
Morning Sunshine – Gaz Morris (Love Burns! – 2023)
Could Have Been Alright – Mississippi MacDonald (Soul Fixers – 2017)

All the way from Carbondale, Illinois, we heard from Richard Prior this week . . . not the comedian . . . but the son of Snooky Prior, who has wisely adopted the stage name of Rip Lee Prior, so at least those internet searches get straight to him. Now, his blues family connection may have created a little curiosity, but he’s been out there earning his own credentials and proving himself as a seasoned singer, guitarist and harp player. His latest album ‘Sugar Daddy Blues’ is on release now and I played an early favourite of mine from it. . . ‘Can’t Get Along With Nobody’ . . . and who said double negatives were a ‘no no’.

All too soon, our blues time was nearly gone, but I was intent on squeezing in a favourite from Mississippi MacDonald, 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 30 March 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 1 April 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 2 April 2023

Too Much Stuff . . . .

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

Well, for those wondering if there is a light at the end of the tunnel, they will have been relieved to find, it was the trusty Cruise Mobile heading their way and ready to take them beyond the frontiers, across time zones and jumping genres. For those who had done this before, there was the comfort of knowing it’s what we call Cruising with The Commissioner. So, with much encouragement to leave behind the ‘everyday’, the ‘ordinary’ and the ‘boring’, the trusty Cruise Mobile was there to jump aboard and head off for the wild blue yonder. Indeed, we kicked off down the road with ‘Early Bird Special’ from Bernard Sellam & The Boyz From The Hood. Then, we checked that everyone was buckled up and sitting well back in their seats as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy arrived with with Mr Pinstripe.

We may have been a bit overdue for this week’s Girls & Guitars feature, but Mr Merlot couldn’t be seen anywhere. This may have been, because we’d found a half empty case of red wine in a dark corner of the Cruising Library, where Mr Merlot conducts his extended searches. But, this week he did find a European flavoured choice from Liverpool all girl band, The Liverbirds. They were one of the few female Merseybeat bands of the 60s and featured two singer/guitarists, Valerie Gell and Pamela Birch, along with bassist Mary McGlory and drummer Sylvia Saunders. During their time together, they released two albums and several singles, one of which got into the German charts, their cover of Bo Diddley’s ‘Diddley Daddy’, but our choice was something else . . . .
‘Why Would You Hang Around Me’.

Picture That
Early Bird Special – Bernard Sellam & The Boyz From The Hood
Mr Pinstripe – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Rock Doc – Louis Jordan
Can You Picture That – Dr Teeth & The Electric Mayhem
Do It – The Adventurers
Hollywood Blonde – Cold Blue Steel
Ska 67 – Andy Fairweather Low

Girls & Guitars
Why Would You Hang Around Me – The Liverbirds

Shake It Up
Shake It Up – Sandy Scott
Time & Time Again – Gary T & The Deuce Of Hearts
Too Much Stuff – The Cadillac Kings
Good Morning Little Schoolgirl – Don & Bob
Willie & The Hand Jive – Chris Andrews

Doo Wop Stop
Teardrops – Lee Andrews & The Hearts

Out Of My Mind
Greenback Dollar – Van Morrison
Charlene – The Jets
Out Of My Mind – The Velvet Candles

Now, songwriter Chris Andrews is probably best know for writing a lot of UK 60s pop hits including his number ‘Yesterday Man’. But, a few years back he went into the studio to record an album of those songs that had influenced him along the way and we chose one of those. It was a song which may never have been written by Johnny Otis except, he had seen reports that British audiences weren’t allowed to dance in theatres, so they’d developed the hand jive . . . and it caught on . . . for which we should be very grateful, because it was the inspiration for the song ‘Willie & The Hand Jive’. That brought us to our Doo Wop Stop, where we pull out an example of those 50s and 60s vocal groups that we love here. This week our focus was on Philadelphia 5 piece group, Lee Andrews & the Hearts, who started performing together in 1953 and had their three biggest hits in 1957 and 1958. Our choice was one of those . . . ‘Teardrops’.

As part of our health and safety requirements, we needed to ensure there was plenty room for some excited dancing moves by The Cruisettes when we heard from The Jets with ‘Charlene’ and followed (just in time) by The Velvet Candles. By then, the trusty Cruise Mobile had got us all the way home, safe and sound and just in time. So, with a big sigh, we parked up the Cruise Mobile for another week, ever hopeful that you’ll want to do it all again next week. In anticipation, we had already started planning our next playlist for when the Cruise Mobile rolled by, same time, same place, next week with a seat saved especially for you. Then, Mr Merlot, The Cruisettes and yours truly were all lined up with big smiles and plenty of hand waving, just before we all headed off for the after show party. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 28 March 2023

It’s A Trip . . . .

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

Well, whether you arrived by accident or design, there was a cheery welcome to one and all, as I prepared to share an armful of the ‘good stuff’. This week’s dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic came with an apology to the fans of Manuel & His Music of The Mountains, because I couldn’t squeeze in anything by their hero, but it did come with much encouragement to leave behind the ‘everyday’, the ‘ordinary’ and the ‘boring’. To kick things off, we heard from Button Up with ‘It’s A Trip’ and there was indeed a trip through lots of the ‘good stuff’ that you won’t hear on ‘ordinary radio’ . . . and helping to make your smile a little brighter and your mood a little lighter, along came Linda Imperial with what could have been our theme . . . ‘Just Right’.

This week’s Tell It Like It Is turned it attentions to another one of those 60’s Motown recordings that remained unreleased for many years. This time it was a Smokey Robinson composition, recorded by the lovely Brenda Holloway. It was consigned to the Motown archives, until it finally got released in 2010 on the Motown compilation “A Cellarful Of Motown! Volume 4”. I predicted that when you heard it, you wouldn’t be alone, in wondering how it got overlooked, when it seems to tick all the right boxes for success. To make the point, I played you Brenda Holloway’s ‘My Baby Moves Me’.

Just Right
It’s A Trip – Button Up
Just Right – Linda Imperial
Come What May – Charlotta Kerbs & The Strays
99 Ways – Andy Fairweather Lowe
The Entertainer – Baby Bash, Cota & The Vibes

Tell It Like It Is
My Baby Moves Me – Brenda Holloway

Live The Love
Let Her Go – Thornbird
Thought You Were My Girl – Deb Callahan
Good Boy Jack – Alibi Music
I Like To Live The Love – Marc Broussard

Mellow Moment
He’s The Boy – Aretha Franklin

Fabulous
Old Friends – Danny Liston
Domino – Paul Cox
Hollywood Blonde – Cold Blue Steel
Fabulous – Jimmy Page

Well, with perfect timing, we arrived just where we needed to be for our Mellow Moment. This is where I aim to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax, and this week, my mellow choice was inspired by the birthday of Aretha Franklin. So I thought this would be just the opportunity to hear something laid back from Aretha . . . and we did! So, I said if there was someone special nearby, this might be your moment to smooch to Aretha Franklin with ‘He’s The Boy’.

There was a big cheer from here this week for a great live gig that featured Paul Cox. It was a pretty bluesy affair, but it was a reminder of a favourite from among Paul’s more soulful numbers and it went out to the Lovely Dee, who’s a big fan of Paul’s . . . this was his take on Van Morrison’s ‘Domino’. Then, we were picking up the pace even more with a new release from Cold Blue Steel and I left them to tell the story of that ‘Hollywood Blonde’.

Now, my last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic may have come as a surprise, because if I had told you that it came from Jimmy Page, you might reasonably have expected some heavy guitar riffing from Led Zepplin, or the like. But, on this occasion it was Jimmy indulging his love of those 50s style hit and one, in particular. It was a hit back in the day for Charlie Gracie . . .but before that, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and the hope that even if the lottery numbers fell in your favour, we would meet again, same time, same place, next week, for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 24 March 2023

Roll It Over . . .

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

Well, I arrived with the customary big bluesy welcome to one and all, with the assurance that, if the events of week had brought you more of the ‘same old, same old’, then it was time to rest up and relax, while I brought you a selection of the best blues around. I set off on my quest with something from the latest album by UK band, The Road House Blues Band. They’ve got a new album out now titled ‘Long Time Coming’ and I chose a number that had become an early favourite of mine . . . Roll It Over’.

Then, it was time for the first choice from my album of the week. It came from bluesman Arthur Adams, who started his music career back in 1957 and has played with and written songs for some of the big names of the blues, including B.B. King, Quincy Jones, Bonnie Raitt, Albert King, Buddy Guy and many others. So, in the 6th decade of his career, he’s been back into the studio to craft his latest album called ‘Kick Up Some Dust’ and my first choice from it was the title track.

Hold The Line
Roll It Over – The Road House Blues Band (Long Time Coming – 2023)
Kick Up The Dust – Arthur Adams (Kick Up Some Dust – 2023)
What I’m Working With – Deb Callahan (Backbone – 2023)
Morning Sunshine – Gaz Morris (Love Burns – 2023)
I Can’t Stop Lovin’ – The Mystix (I Can’t Stop Lovin’ – 2023)
Hold The Line – Eric Bibb (Ridin’ – 2023)
Done Got Over You – Arthur Adams (Kick Up Some Dust – 2023)

Pinetop’s Pick
Mad Blues – Johnny Winter (Nothing But The Blues -1977)

Let It Slide
Egg Foo Yong – Dr Wu & Friends (Resolver – 2023)
Among The Insanity – Skylar Rogers (Among The Insanity – 2023)
Broken & Blue – Ally Venable (with Joe Bonamassa)(Real Gone – 2023)
Let It Slide – Matt Andersen (The Big Bottle of Joy – 2023)
It Makes Me Mad – Arthur Adams (Kick Up Some Dust – 2023)
Walkin’ With Mr Smith – Doug MacLeod (Raw Blues 1 – 2023)

Now, this week gave me the real pleasure of welcoming back Canadian blues guitarist and singer-songwriter Matt Andersen, who was returning in great style with a new album titled ‘The Big Bottle of Joy’ and, as expected, there are some excellent tracks here, including one with lyrics that caught my ear . . . ‘Let It Slide’.

As our blues time together was getting mighty short, I decided to play out with a most excellent piece of acoustic guitar work, from Doug MacLeod and his latest album release ‘Raw Blues 1’. With a title like that, there was a hope that it might signal that there was more to come. So, joys in store, especially if they’re like my choice . . . . this is Doug ‘Walking With Mr Smith’. 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 23 March 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 25 March 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 26 March 2023

Midnight Rambler . . . .

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

Every now and then, a piece of well cultivated wisdom come to mind . . . and this is one of those . . . slip away while they’re not looking . . . and don’t let them know where you’re going . . . just jump aboard the Cruise Mobile and let’s head off for a musical adventure down those overgrown backroads of the music we love. Even after all these years, we still call it Cruising with The Commissioner and when the Cruise Mobile comes rolling by, you’ll still find we’ve saved a seat especially for you. So, waste no time, jump aboard, hold tight and don’t look back . . . because kicking us off down the road this week, in great rocking style, was sax man King Curtis with ‘Blowing Off Steam’ and there was another great sax man, UK sax man Martin Winning, whose own version of ‘Midnight Rambler’ gave us much encouragement to head into the Cruising Library to find the original by Stan The Man Taylor . . . and we did!

I found Mr Merlot looking at his watch and giving me a rather exaggerated nod, which seemed to be the sign that it was time for this week’s, Girls & Guitars feature. This week the spotlight fell on Irish songstress and guitarist Grainne Duffy. She grew up in Monaghan, Ireland and as a schoolgirl sang in her local choir and also in a family band with her sisters. She started listening to artists like Aretha Franklin, The Pretenders, The Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac, who became pretty influential through the blues playing of Peter Green. In 2007 she embarked on a solo career and has since released 4 albums, including her 2011 album ‘Test Of Time’, which is where we found this one . . . ‘Let Me In’.

Roll On
Blowin’ Off Steam – King Curtis
Midnight Rambler – Stan The Man Taylor
Driving To Mexico – Cold Blue Steel
Roll On – Linus Zander
Crush On You – Hadden Sayers
Up Up & Away – The Daybreakers
How Come – Mario Cobo & Help Me Devil

Girls & Guitars
Let Me In – Grainne Duffy

Dancing In The Moonlight
Dancing In The Moonlight – Dr Teeth & The Electric Mayhem
Hey Nola – The Maple Blues Band
Cleaning Up The Town – The Bus Boys
The Crying Game – Ian & The Zodiacs

Doo Wop Stop
Sh-Boom – The Chords

Everybody Dance
Do Yo’ Wanna Dance – David Lindley & El Rayo-X
Sho’Nuff Miss Brown – Bob Mackey & The King Alex Band
Everybody Dance – Willie White
It Don’t Take But A Few Minutes – The Refreshments

When it was time for our Doo Wop Stop, we were throwing the spotlight on South Bronx R&B vocal group The Chords, who were in New York in March 1954 to record their song “Sh-Boom”. When Jerry Wexler, at Atlantic Records, first heard the song he wasn’t impressed. So, for the A side of their single, he got them to record a cover of a song which was then doing rather well for Patti Page. The song was titled “Cross Over The Bridge,” but, when it was released Los Angeles radio DJ ‘Huggy Boy’ flipped the single over and began playing “Sh-Boom”, it started to get airplay across the country and hit #2 on the R&B chart and #5 on the Pop chart becoming one of those early rock n’ roll classics.

For the Cruising Crew, the question ‘Do Yo’ Wanna Dance’ answers itself, but this week it came with a big shout out to Doug The Jitterbug over there in Vallejo, California for pointing us to the now late David Lindley’s version of that old favourite. It attracted the energetic attentions of The Cruisettes, whose dangerous dancing became subject to a detailed review by health and safety inspectors. Meanwhile, our last choice was the opportunity to repeat a view that, although Chuck Berry’s catalogue is fairly dripping with rock ‘n’ roll gems, many of his recordings didn’t get the production that could have lifted them to become true classics. His version of ‘It Don’t Take A Few Minutes’ sounds like a skiffle number, but thanks to Swedish group, The Refreshments, we can appreciate what that song could have sounded like . . . and we did! By then, the trusty Cruise Mobile had got us home safe and sound and just in time to be parked up for another week, and with Mr Merlot, The Cruisettes and yours truly giving big smiles and plenty of hand waving. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 21 March 2023

One Night Of The Week . . .

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

It all started with a big cheery welcome to one and all . . . and the easy confirmation that, if the events of the week had tested your patience, stretched your good will, or sapped your bon homie, you were definitely in the right place here to get tuned up for the weekend. I was on hand with a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic full of the ‘good stuf’, to make your ears smile. To prove the point, The Pasadenas were doing that with my opening choice . . . Ridin’ The Train’. If trains featured in your weekend adventures, there was someone else with a story about trains . . . this was Van Morrison with an updated old skiffle favourite that’s straight off his latest album . . . ‘Freight Train’.

This week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story inspired by this week’s sad news about ‘blue eyed’ soulman Bobby Caldwell. He was born in New York but grew up in Miami, where he played in many bands and in many different musical genres. He got to be guitarist in Little Richard’s touring band, but wanted to carve out a solo career. He finally got a solo record contract with Miami’s TK Records, but the label thought his debut album lacked a “hit” single. So, Bobby went back to the studio and two days later to recorded what would become his signature song. The song became a top ten hit and sold over a million copies. It’s been much covered since, but my choice was Bobby Caldwell’s original of ‘What You Won’t Do For Love’.

Ridin’ The Train
Ridin’ The Train – The Pasadenas
Freight Train – Van Morrison
Parlor – Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
The Water – Skylar Rogers

Tell It Like It Is
What You Won’t Do For Love – Bobby Caldwell

We Can Have It All
One Night Of The Week – Bobby Harden & The Soulful Saints
We Can Have It All – Tony Momrelle
You’re So Fine – The Sextones
Still Love You – Shanice Green

Mellow Moment
A Change Has Come – Danny Liston

Roll On
People You Love – Eric Bibb
Roll On – Linus Zander
I Don’t Do That No More – Curtis Salgado
Glory Bound – Gavin Povey

With perfect timing, we arrived at our Mellow Moment and this week, it came from Danny Liston. His latest album ‘Everybody’ has been getting plenty of plays around here and my recent choices from it have been particularly well received out there in listening land. So, he was back, to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax . . . with a suggestion from me that, if there was someone special nearby, this might be your moment to smooch to ‘A Change Has Come’. Then, with a glance at the clock, it was time to pick up the pace with another dip into the new releases, which is where I found Linus Zander and his new single ‘Roll On’ . . . . which is just what we did!

There was time for one of those songs that popped up while I was rummaging in the music library this week. It came from Curtis Salgado with ‘I Don’t Do That No More’ and I was pretty sure I knew who was out there dancing to that one . . . . and they weren’t alone. But, if you had energy left, you needed it, because Gavin Povey was here to raise the spirits even higher, with my last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic. Although, before that, there was a big thanks from me for your good company this week and the assurance that, even if the lottery numbers fell in your favour, I very much hoped we would meet again, same time, same place next week for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 17 March 2023

Blues Is My Best Friend . . .

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

Well, if the week didn’t bring all the joys you hoped, there was the customary big bluesy welcome to one and all to this week’s edition of The Blues Come Calling. It came with an invitation to kick back and relax, while I brought you nothing but the best of the blues. To set us off well, I opened up with the latest release from Ana Popovic who’s on tour in the UK and well worth catching on stage. Then, we heard from Dr. Wu’, who may be well known around Texas, but I’m not sure the same is true here. All that might change with their latest album ‘Resolver’. They count some big names among their friends and this album includes a few of those and some real bluesy numbers like my choice . . . this was Dr Wu & Friends with . . . . ‘It Ain’t All About Me’.

Well, the keen eared bluesers will have recognised the voice of Eric Bibb on my first track from his latest Stoney Plains album ‘Ridin’. It was my album of the week and it brings a few more of Eric’s thoughts on current events and his own life experiences, including a piece of history about Tulsa Town, which was once known as the oil capital of the world with it’s own culture and history.

One Small Favour
Strong Taste – Ana Popovic (Power – 2023)
It Ain’t All About Me – Dr Wu & Friends (Resolver – 2023)
Tulsa Town – Eric Bibb (Ridin – 2023)
One Small Favour – 12 Bar Dudes (Shake Off The Blues – 2023)
Both Sides Of The Tale – Skylar Rogers (Among The Insanity – 2023)
Blues Is My Best Friend – Ally Venable (Real Gone – 2023)
I Got My Own – Eric Bibb (Ridin – 2023)

Pinetop’s Pick
Bladie Mae – Johnny Winter (Nothing But The Blues -1977)

Deep Down South
Show Me Your Love – Peter Storm & The Blues Society (Second – 2023)
I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water – Marc Broussard (S.O.S. 4 – Blues For The Soul – 2023)
Deep Down South – Trainyard Blues Band (Last Call To Memphis – 2023)
Love Letter To The Blues – Connor Selby (Connor Selby Deluxe Edition – 2023)
Ridin’ – Eric Bibb (Ridin – 2023)
We Met On A Train – TBelly (We Met On A Train – 2023)

This week were heading to Sydney in Australia to catch the 12 Bar Dudes. They’ve just released their first EP “Shake Off The Blues” and good stuff it is too. They’ve been doing well in Australia and are now aiming to share their music with a wider audience. I chose a number that conjures the atmosphere of a long ago, after hours smokey club . . . ‘One Small Favour’.

All too soon, a casual glance at the clock showed our blues time together was fast running out, but before it did I was intent on playing you another something from my album of the week from Eric Bibb . . . and TBelly’s ‘We Met On A Train’ . . . which I did . . . and it all came with a big thank you 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 16 March 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 18 March 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 19 March 2023

Rootin’ & Tootin’ . . . .

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

Well, as ever, we didn’t care how you got here, but we were mighty glad you did and we had the trusty Cruise Mobile purring gently and ready to whisk you off for another vaguely supervised musical adventure down the overgrown backroads of the music we love. Kicking us off down the road in great rocking style was Gene Taylor and ‘Flying With Whitey’ and following fast was a ‘hard to find’ number from Walter “Sandman” Howard, who only got one shot at cutting a record back in 1951, but he made sure it would count, with his ‘Willow Tree Blues’.

Now, there was a rare moment this week, when Mr Merlot was standing looking at his watch and giving an unfamiliar thumbs up sign, because we seemed to be right on time for this week’s, Girls & Guitars feature. This week the spotlight fell on Liz Mandeville, who grew up in Wisconsin, but later gravitated to Chicago, where she established her reputation with her band The Blue Points. So, to show off her talents, we went rummaging in her catalogue and came back with something from her 2014 album, ‘Heart ‘o’ Chicago’.. . . . this was . . . . ‘Don’t Doubt My Love’.

Flying With Whitey
Flying With Whitey – Gene Taylor
Willow Tree Blues – Walter Howard
My Dog Is Better Than You – Big Harp George
Candy Store – Eliza Neals
Slight Case Of Love – The Five Fleets
Still Got The Blues – Chuck Berry

Girls & Guitars
Don’t Doubt My Love – Liz Mandeville (with Charlie Love)

Don’t Knock
Don’t Knock – The Pastels
Carnival Time – Delfeyao Marsalis & The Uptown Jazz Orchestra
Why Do You Do Me Like You Do – Jo’ Buddy’s Trio Riot
Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood – Don & The Dreamers

Doo Wop Stop
Please Say You Want Me – The Schoolboys

Big Bounce
Yours Truly – Snooks Eaglin
Big Bounce – Shirley Caddell & The Aristocrats
Rootin’ & Tootin’ – Smiley Lewis
Crazy With You – Jeanette & Decky
When She Walks – Bob & Earl
Cause You’re Mine – The G-Clefs

Well, we were right on time for our DooWop Stop which this time around threw its spotlight on R&B vocal group The Schoolboys who hailed from New York City and were a six piece group who were formed at Harlem’s Cooper Junior High School in 1954. The Schoolboys were an R&B Doo Wop singing group that got spotted by New York disc jockey Tommy ‘Dr Jive’ Smalls and he helped the group to get signed to OKeh Records which is where they cut a number in 1957 titled ‘Please Say You Want Me’ and that was our choice.

Now, Bob & Earl are probably best known for their big hit ‘Harlem Shuffle’ but they made their name early in their career with real up-tempo R&B numbers like the one we chose . . . ‘When She Walks’ . . . and many folks may associate The G Clefs with their tuneful ballads, especially their much covered ‘I Understand’, but the group could really rock out as well and they did it for us with a number titled ‘Cause You’re Mine’. At the end of that, you might have been amazed to find that the trusty Cruise Mobile had got us home safe and sound and just in time. So, with a big sigh, we’ve parked up the Cruise Mobile for another week, ever hopeful that you’ll have had such fun on this week’s adventure that you’ll want to do it again next week. In anticipation, Mr Merlot, The Cruisettes and yours truly were all lined up with big smiles and plenty of hand waving, just before we headed off for the after show party. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 14 March 2023

Choosing Up On You . . .

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

You’d expect nothing less, so there was a big cheery welcome to one and all and the thought that, if the events of the week had tested your patience, stretched your good will, or sapped your bon homie, a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic could fix that. By way of early proof, the Gary Toms Empire were on hand with the first choice of the ‘good stuff’, with their take on a Beatles song. To make your ears smile even more, The Isley Brothers were waiting to get you tuned up for a disco night.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story that started with Detroit record label Ric-Tic Records. It was a contemporary of Berry Gordy’s Motown labels and featured many soul artists whose success was seen as an early competition for Motown. The label had hits with Freddie Gorman, Edwin Starr, and J. J. Barnes, but it was the success of the group The Fantastic Four that inspired Berry Gordy to pay $1 million for the Ric-Tic label and its artists. In March 1967, Ric Tic Records released ‘Ain’t Love Wonderful’ by The Fantastic Four and as you listen to it . . . you can understand why Berry Gordy was so worried about the competition.

Drive My Car
Drive My Car – Gary Toms Empire
It’s A Disco Night – The Isley Brothers
What Will You Leave Behind – Bella Brown & The Jealous Lovers
Choosing Up On You – The Dramatics
You Got It – Tony Momrelle

Tell It Like It Is
Ain’t Love Wonderful – The Fantastic Four

Record Player
Record Player – Teddy Thompson
This Loving Light Of Mine – Van Morrison
She’s A Woman – Big Harp George
Permanent Midnight – Big Shoes

Mellow Moment
Let’s Make Lovin’ Great Again – William Bell

Bring It On Home
Bring It On Home – The Damnations
Kissin’ In Between The 45s – Tom Seals
She Walks Right In – Diz & The Doormen
The Question Whatcha Gonna Do – Mike Sanchez & His Band

With perfect timing, we arrived at right on time for our Mellow Moment. This week, it came with a big smile in the direction of Yvonne Eriksson, who suggested this choice. So, to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax, there was the latest single release by William Bell . . . ‘Let’s Make Lovin’ Great Again’ . . . and if there was someone special nearby, I suggested this might be your moment to smooch.

There was a little personal indulgence when I featured someone who was on my giglist this past week and in excellent company too. This was Diz Watson and he turned up with an old New Orleans favourite ‘She Walks Right In’. Then, much as I’d have liked to pour a few more tasty treats into the Sonic Tonic mix, the clock on the wall said I should be winding things up. So, to raise the spirits even higher, my last choice comes from Mike Sanchez . . . but before I let him loose, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and the hope that, even if the lottery numbers fall in your favour, we’ll still meet again same time, same place, next week for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Miskin Radio on 10 March 2023