I’ll Wait . . . .

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

Well, there have been plenty of distractions this week to deflect our attentions from the precision of the preparations for this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner, but none sufficient to quell our enthusiasm or our ‘just in time’ management. Now, you might be under the impression that we aim for some sort of themed co-ordination in the collection of music for our Cruising playlists, but the reality is that it’s usually a pretty haphazard approach. This week proved to be inspired by a whole series of unrelated influences, that came together like a collection of post it notes . . . . of course Mr Merlot is not surprised at all.
Our opener to this week’s show came from the excellent Louis Jordan with ‘The Slop. Then, with some squeals from the wheels we headed off down the road with Lucky Carmichael with his 1962 PAM record label ‘Hey Girl’. While looking for something else in the Cruising Library, up popped a 1955 Spark record by ‘Mister Ruffin’, better known as “Riff” Ruffin and a one time guitarist in Elmore James band. So, that went into the playlist too.

This week’s Girls and Guitars feature focused it’s spotlight on Princeton born, Rory Block, who honed her craft in the company of some very notable players in and around the clubs and coffee houses of California. She’s released numerous acclaimed albums and we chose a track from her album, dedicated to Mississippi John Hurt with its fine example of Rory’s great vocals and nice guitar work on the classic . . . ‘Stagolee’.

Bring It On Back
The Slop – Louis Jordan
Hey Girl – Lucky Carmichael
Bring It On Back – Mister Ruffin
Oh Baby – Dee’s Honeytones
I’ll Wait – The Starjays
Paint It Black (Tutto Nero) – Caterina Caselli
Will Call – The Big Heat
One More Kiss – Mike Sanchez & His Band
Blue & Lonesome – Jimmie Lee with Jay Franks & His Rockets of Rhythm

Girls & Guitars
Stagolee – Rory BlockRory Block – Avalon

I Had A Thrill
Bad Boy – Robin Luke
Susie Darlin’ – Robin Luke
Part Of A Fool – Robin Luke

Doo Wop Stop
I Had A Thrill – The Cherokees
Baby Droptop – The Fabulous Pearls

What Does It Take
What Does It Take – Chuck Carbo
Hum Baby – Little Jerry Williams
No Particular Place To Go – Chuck Berry

In the past, we have mentioned the influence of ace guitarist, Big Jim Sullivan, and our good pal Amigo, has provided some fascinating feedback, including a Welsh connection and an obscure Hawaiian connection. It seems Big Jim Sullivan did indeed play on many Tom Jones recordings and for 5 years in the early 70s, Big Jim performed on stage with Tom Jones at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The Hawaiian connection came from a cover of Marty Wilde’s UK hit ‘Bad Boy’, which featured Jim Sullivan’s guitar work and got covered, with some success, by Hawaiian star Robin Luke.

We managed to fit in a couple of choices for our Doo Wop Stop, featuring, firstly, Philadelphia group The Cherokees, along with The Fabulous Pearls, who recorded ‘Baby Droptop’ for Dootone records back in 1959, but for some reason it didn’t get released back then and we’d love to know why . . . . so if you know, do tell! Then, we found time running out on us, so while Little Jerry Williams was singing ‘Hum Baby’, we turned the Cruise Mobile for home and we got all the way home in the company of Chuck Berry and his quintessential cruising song, ‘No Particular Place To Go’. Then, we parked up the Cruise mobile ready for our next musical adventure. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 27 October 2023

It’s Hard But It’s Fair . . . .

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

You would have been mighty surprised if there hadn’t been a big bluesy welcome to one and all . . . . and it came with a big ‘thank you’ for the kind feedback, which this week, included the much esteemed Mike Vernon. Now, you seem to have much enjoyed the first radio plays here over the past weeks and the recent albums of the week, but I was looking forward now, because I had plenty more new releases, including a great opener from Chris O’Leary with a taster of his upcoming new Alligator album ‘The Hard Line’. This was Chris with ‘Lost My Mind’ and listen out for the reference to Willie Mabon in there!

If you were in anyway curious about my ‘album of the week’ for this week, I was quick to tell you that it was the new release from Florida’s slide guitar master, Eric Sardinas . . . titled ‘Midnight Junction’. It is . . . in my opinion . . . a real cracker, as you you soon got to hear with my first choice from it . . . ‘Long Shot’.

Long Shot
Lost My Mind – Chris O’Leary (The Hard Line – 2023)
Long Shot – Eric Sardinas (Midnight Junction – 2023)
Walkin’ Home – Sue Foley (Live In Austin Vol.1 – 2023)
Goin’ Home & Gettin’ Right – Giles Robson & The Checked Shirts (Goin’ Home & Gettin’ Right – 2023)
I Feel So Good – Henri Herbert (Blues PIano Grooves – 2023)
She’s Boogy’in – Doug McLeod (On Black & Tan Vol,2 – 2015)
Lock & Key – Eric Sardinas (Midnight Junction – 2023)

Pinetop’s Pick
In The Pines – Leadbelly (Folkways: The Original Vision – 2005)

Believin’ I’ll Be Leavin’
Believin’ I’ll Be Leavin’ – Stacy Gene Rigsby (Believin’ I’ll Be Leavin’ – 2023)
It’s Hard But It’s Fair – Bobby Parker (Bent Out Of Shape – 1993)
Deeper Than The Deep South – Clayton Doley (Optimistic – 2023)
White Lightning – Eric Sardinas (Midnight Junction – 2023)
If You Love Me Like You Say – The Shane Pacey Trio (Who Made You King? – 2023)
Help Me – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (Mojo – 2023)

I slipped into the playlist, a song you might have recognised, because Joe Bonamassa has covered it on his latest album, but this was the original. It was a self-penned song from Bobby Parker, who may be best known for his big hit ‘Watch Your Step’. This one was titled ‘It’s Hard But It’s Fair’ and if you ever run into the much celebrated Mike Vernon, just ask him about his experience recording this song with Bobby.

Now, many will know that back in the day Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers recorded a live album at “The Clubhouse” in Los Angeles. It was issued in 2010 with the title ‘Mojo’ and it’s about to be re-issued to celebrate Tom’s birthday with an ‘Extra Mojo’ option that features two unreleased bonus tracks . . . and I played out this week with one of those. This was the band’s take on Sonny Boy Williamson’s ‘Help Me’ . . . 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 Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 25 October 2023
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 25 October 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 28 October 2023
Broadcast on Blues Radio UK on 29 October 2023

Thrive . . . .

Listen here to this weeks dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic:

Well, there were big smiles here, because it was ‘Slap Your Annoying Coworker Day’ and I may have been relishing the opportunity, there was no need to fret, because I still arrived, as usual, with your weekly dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Its ingredients were carefully calibrated to include a heady mix of the ‘good stuff’ that you won’t hear on ‘ordinary radio’ and for those who may have missed out, we offered an ‘out of hours’ clinic to help raise the spirits and excite the senses.

Well, this week’s Tell It Like It Is featured a song with a story that started out in 1963 being written by hit writers Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich. It was originally recorded in 1963, by American vocal group The Exciters. The song was “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” and it got to No. 78 on the American charts. The Exciters caused a real buzz among the Brits . . . Dusty Springfield heard them while she was visiting New York and was so impressed, they inspired her to start her solo career. British group Manfred Mann also decided to record a cover of the song, which spent two weeks on the UK and US charts in 1964. The Exciters were one of the opening acts for the Beatles during their first North American tour in 1964, where they became the first black musicians to play many Southern states’ venues, because the Beatles said they wouldn’t perform, unless The Exciters performed too.

It’s A Disco Night
Rising Cost Of Love – Elkie Brookes
It’s A Disco Night – The Isley Brothers
789-0133 – Dave Keller
Stay With Me Tonight – Clayton Doley
Man In The Mirror – Scary Pockets (ft Rozzi)

Tell It Like It Is
Do Wah Diddy Diddy – The Exciters

Thrive
Tomorrow Robins Will Sing – Robi Kahakalau
Lucky Moon – Ray Bonneville
You Can’t Love Me – Kenny Wayne Shepherd
Thrive – Claire Davis

Mellow Moment
Mudslide Slim & The Blue Horizon – James Taylor

Shine
Let The Candle Light Shine – Frankie Miller
A Million Stars – Kokomo Kings
21st Century Boogie – Paddy Milner

When it was time for our Mellow Moment, I was all ready to try to soothe you, smooth you and try to get you to relax. All I could tell you about this week’s choice was that this song never fails to conjure magical moments and put me in a calm and relaxed mood . . . and maybe it’ll do the same for you . . . this was James Taylor with ‘Mudslide Slim & The Blue Horizon’. So, for the smoochers . . . this was their moment.

All too soon, the clock on the wall was saying we were running out of time on this week’s Sonic Tonic, but I was not going without an opportunity to boogie. So, I recommended clearing the floor, putting the breakables away and loosen up ready, because Paddy Milner was about to launch into his ’21st Century Boogie’. If you survived that without serious injury, I was hoping you’d be back here again, same time, same place next week for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 23 October 2023

Penny Loafers & Bobby Sox . . .

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

Well, the Cruising Crew were on time and looking mighty fine too, as they jumped aboard the trusty Cruise Mobile, for what would be our 600th Cruising adventure. So, there were plenty of high spirits and plenty of friendly faces, but with great forethought, we’ve saved a seat especially for you. Keen to get on our way, there was a recommendation to sit back and buckle up, as we launched down those long forgotten and overgrown backroads of the music we love. Getting us in the mood were the Four Upsetters with ‘Midnight Soiree’ . . . and since you can’t have a daytime soiree . . . midnight seems just about right . . . . and for the devout rock n rollers Fats Domino was on hand to show he’s always ‘just right’ for our high speed meanderings to who knows where, with you know who

This time around our Girls & Guitars spotlight fell on Belgian singer and guitarist Ghalia Volt. She started out playing on the busking circuit around her native Brussels, but decided to head off to try her luck in New Orleans, where she made her first ripples as the livewire frontwoman of local heroes Mama’s Boys. She’s since forged a successful solo career and released four albums, with her latest ‘Shout Sister Shout’ being where we found this gem. . . . ‘Po’ Boy John’.

Look Good To Me
Midnight Soiree – The Four Upsetters
Little Mary – Fats Domino
Sure Look Good To Me – Otis Riley
Ridin’ Hood – The Coasters
Who You Gonna Kiss – Speedo & The Pearls (Josie 1959)
Lookin’ For A Love – The Olympics
You’re No Good – Barbara West

Girls & Guitars
Po’ Boy John – Ghalia Volt

Not Tonight
Not Tonight Josephine – Beth McKee
The Angels Will Tell You – Wade Flemons
45 RPM – The Mark 4
Can’t This Be Mine – Freddie Hall & His Aces

Doo Wop Stop
Oh Starlight – The Quinns

Love Broke Loose
Penny Loafers & Bobby Sox – The Southlanders
Yes I’m Gonna Love You – Sonny Anderson
Franny Franny – Nino & The Ebbtides
All Love Broke Loose – Wink Martindale
Shirley Jean – Gene Burkes
The Chicken & The Hawk – Daddy’s Rebels

This week’s Doo Wop Stop brought us a 45 from Brooklyn-based five piece vocal group The Quinns. They got together back in 1954 on the grounds of the Brownsville Community Center and started out as The Quintones, but found they weren’t the only group using that name, so they changed to The Quinns. They seem to have had only recorded two singles and we played their 1957 release on Cyclone Records, a self penned number from group leader Freddy Brown, ‘Oh Starlight’, but at the session, the pianist was given the wrong key, and this number ended up being recorded too high.

An old favourite from Gene Burkes attracted the uninhibited attentions of The Cruisettes, during which you may have been sufficiently distracted to not notice that the Cruise Mobile took a subtle turn for home during and taking us all the way home were Daddy’s Rebels with a song you’ll know well . . . ‘The Chicken & The Hawk’. Once we home were home safe and sound (which may have been a surprise to many) we parked up the Cruise Mobile, gave it a quick polish so its all ready for our next adventure. There were extra cheery waves from Mr Merlot The Cruisettes and yours truly, as we headed off to celebrate our 600th Cruising adventure with a special after show party. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 20 October 2023

Waiting Just For You . . . .

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

Well. I brought a big bluesy welcome to one and all, along with a big smile and an armful of the best blues around. It all kicked off this week with a favourite from Ghalia Volt’s latest album ‘Shout Sister Shout’ and there’s plenty more good stuff there, besides my choice . . . ‘She’s Holdin’ You Back’ . . . so I’ll be coming back to that one. The keenly attentive listeners out there in blues land will know that many weeks back I brought you the first radio play of Mississippi MacDonald’s mighty impressive new single ‘Everybody Knows About My Good Thing’, and although some folks may think of this as a ZZ Hill number, I decided to play you the original by Little Johnny Taylor.

Now, I guessed I was not alone in having waited just a little impatiently for the new album by Mike Vernon and his new Spanish band Cat Squirrel, but it was well worth the wait and this week it was my ‘album of the week’. Then, there was a first play for an (as yet) unreleased number from Canadian band Bywater Call. They were on my giglist this past week just down the road from here at the excellent Bournefest and delivering a powerhouse performance too. Their unreleased number was ‘After All’ and it is a soulful bluesy track that I predicted would brighten your day . . . but just remember where you heard it first!

After All
She’s Holdin’ You Back – Ghalia Volt (Shout Sister Shout – 2023)
Everybody Knows About My Good Thing – Little Johnny Taylor (Everybody Knows About My Good Thing – 2006)
All She Wants Is Me – Cat Squirrel Blues (Blues What Am -2023)
After All – Bywater Call (Beyond The Doorway – 2023)
Black Magic – Joanne Shaw Taylor (Black Magic – 2023)
I Can’t Be Satisfied – Enzo Plagliuca (Why I Sing The Blues – 2023)
Let The Boogie Rip – Cat Squirrel Blues (Blues What Am -2023)

Pinetop’s Pick
Baby Please Don’t Go – Big Joe Wiliams (Baby Please Don’t Go – 2021)

Just Gotta Know
Macho Blues – Benny G & The Jukes (Peace – 2023)
Can I Walk You Home – Bo Diddley (A Man Among Men – 1996)
I’m Waiting Just For You – Ben & Stella (Waiting Just For You – 2023)
Just Gotta Know – Jess Hayes (On My Own – 2021)
Sugaree Sugaree – Cat Squirrel Blues (Blues What Am -2023)
Angel of Mercy – Maxi Freeman (Maxi Freeman In The House Of Blues – 2023)

Now, if you too were at Bournefest this past week, then you’re sure to remember the stunning performance by the Jess Hayes and Frankie Connolly Band. They got thunderous applause for their mighty impressive set and they’re about to relaunch the band with a new name, which they haven’t yet decided. When they get around to recording an album together, I’m betting there’ll be plenty of pre-release orders . . . but for now I invited you to sample some Jess Hayes excellent vocals on her track . . . ‘Just Gotta Know’.

With time running out fast, I squeezed in another choice from Mike Vernon’s new Spanish band Cat Squirrel, with a number called ‘Sugaree Sugaree’ straight from their album ‘Blues What Am’ and my ‘album of the week’. Then, from Spain we were heading for Stockholm in Sweden to catch up with Maxie Freeman for something from his latest album, descriptively titled ‘Maxi Freeman In The House Of Blues’. This was his track ‘Angel of Mercy’ . . . 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 Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 18 October 2023
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 18 October 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 21 October 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 22 October 2023

Do It Again . . . .

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

Well, there was a big cheery welcome to one and all . . . . and especially if you were in earnest search of the good times. If so, I recommended you linger longer here, because, I was here with a refreshing dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Its ingredients are carefully calibrated to include a heady mix of the ‘good stuff’ that you won’t hear on ‘ordinary radio’ . . . and to get us in the mood, I started our intensive care programme with some welcome Celebration from Osibisa, followed with a Sonic Tonic booster from Papik & Danny Losito with a song I was sure you’d know well . . . . ‘Do It Again’.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is featured a song with a story that became another international hit for song-writing team Burt Bacharach and Hal David. In the summer of 1964, British impresario Eve Taylor heard the song on a US visit scouting for material for her recent discovery Sandie Shaw. The song was “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me” which had been recorded by Lou Johnson. His version was already heading up the Billboard Hot 100, when Sandie Shaw recorded the song and it was rush-released in UK with a first performance on the TV show, Ready Steady Go! A week after its release, Sandi Shaw’s version reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart where it stayed for several weeks. The song has been covered many times since, but it was originally recorded as a demo by Dionne Warwick back in 1963 and it was her version that went into the Sonic Tonic.

Celebration
Celebration – Osibisa
Do It Again – Papik & Danny Losito
Woman Of The Rain – Mighty Mo Rodgers
Watching You Leave – Emma Wilson
Sticky Situation – Jocelyn & The Sweet Compression

Tell It Like It Is
(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me – Dionne Warwick

Gotta Do It
If I Ever Break Free – Chris Rea
Ain’t Gotta Do It – Torsten Goods
Jealous – Jamie Reeves

Mellow Moment
What Part Of My Love – Will Downing

Anytime
Hooray For Me (& To Hell With You) – Al Basile
Dixie Chicken – Little Feat
Anytime – Liam Grundy
Gumbo Man – Bayou Roux
High Time (You Quit Your Lowdown Ways) – The Balham Alligators

This week I couldn’t resist including a number by Little Feat. It was a song that got played on a riotous night out recently and it was accompanied by some generous backing vocals by persons who have paid good money to keep their identities secret, but they know who they are and I might mention here, there are a few subscriptions still outstanding . . . ! Now, it’s entirely possible that Liam Grundy was not aware that it was his live gig in town this past week that initiated that riotous behaviour, but to give you a taste of what inspired that bon homme, I featured Liam adding a rocking little something to perk up the Sonic Tonic.

Just when it was all going so well, the clock on the wall said we were running out of time on this week’s Sonic Tonic. But, I was very keen to slip in a last little gem from the much esteemed Balham Alligators. It came from a live recording and was titled ‘High Time (You Quit Your Lowdown Ways)’ . . . . and whether you do, or not please ensure you’re back here again, same time, same place next week for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 16 October 2023

Share A Little Love . . . .

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

Well, the social diary seems to have been jammed with events this week, leaving only a little time to rummage in the Cruising library for those lost and forgotten gems that we enjoy together. But, we did it (just in time) and didn’t come away empty handed, as you’ll hear on this week’s Cruising with The Commissioner.

The wonderful June Bateman was in there with her husband Noble Watts and his band with an Everlast 45 from 1965, ‘Possum Belly Overalls’, which happens to be a particular favourite of our good pal DJ Wheeliebag. There was another good pal of the show who got in touch this past week. I speak of Amigo, who was reminding me that the track I played recently by Curtis Byrd was written by Curtis along with Joe Melson, Ray Rush and Roy Orbison. Amigo says he’s pretty sure it was the Joe Ray Singers with Curtis on that number and they also featured on another single on the same label by David Box, ‘I’ve Had My Moments’, which was also written by Joe Melson, Ray Rush, and Roy Orbison . . . so don’t say we don’t listen to what you say!

Cruising for the border
Cookin’ With Mr Lee – Pete Thomas
The Twitch – Danny White
Possum Belly Overalls – June Bateman with Noble Watts & His Band
I’ve Had My Moments – David Box
Lonelyology (For Your Love) – Lee Dorsey
For Your Love – Larry Williams and Johnny Guitar Watson
Share A Little Love With Me (Somebody) – The Monitors
Sweeter Than The Day Before – The Valentinos
I Ain’t Coming Back – The Orlons

Girls & Guitars
Tell Mamala – Gaye Adegbalola

Cruising just for fun
Don’t Fear The Reaper – The Blue Oyster Cult
Living In The Past- Jeff Dix & Amelia
Everyday I Have To Cry Some – Lattimore Brown
Sailing Shoes – Little Feet
Ain’t That True Love – Oscar Toney Jr
Tell Me What You Gonna Do – The Bo Street Runners
I’m Tired – Kid Anderson
Everybody Needs Love – Bobby Hanna
Mean It Baby – Carl Hall

Our Girls & Guitars feature this week, focused on Virginian singer and guitarist, Gaye Adegbalola, who started out as a teacher, but found she couldn’t get by on a teacher’s income, so she began moonlighting in local clubs and became a founding member of Saffire – The Uppity Blues Women. She went on to a solo career and she’s back with a new solo offering called ‘Tell Mamala’.

Now, if you’ve been a long-time member of the Cruising Crew, you’ll know I have a soft spot for the songs of Arthur Alexander and this week I chose one that’s had plenty of covers, including a hit version for Steve Alaimo. But, my choice was a very soulful take on one of Arthur’s songs by Louisiana’s own Lattimore Brown . . . ‘Everyday I Have To Cry Some’. Meanwhile, somewhere out there in Cruising land are David Isaacs and Wendel Williams who happen to be big fans of Little Feet . . . and they’re not alone, so there was a little treat for us all with ‘Sailing Shoes’.

All too soon, it was time to turn the trusty Cruise Mobile for home and, with luck on our side, we arrived back safe and sound, with time to give everyone a cheery wave and a big smile, before we headed off to the after show party. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner, this is the Commissioner saying . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Refelctions Radio on 13 October 2023

Do What You Do . . . .

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

Well, this week’s show kicked off with a big bluesy welcome to one and all and if you were one of those who got in touch after last week’s show, then there was a thank you for the kind words. There were certainly kind words too about that opening track, which came from the latest album by The Liam Ward Band. The album’s called ‘Shine’ and all the proceeds from it are going to The Stroke Association in memory of Liam’s Dad who passed recently. It also happened to be my album of the week, which started the show with ‘I Got Lucky’ . . . and with more to follow. Then, we were heading to Flint in Michigan to catch up with Eddie Blues Barney and some swinging blues straight off of his latest album ‘Playground’.

Chris Yakopcic was back with another track from his new album ‘Live At The Hidden Gem’. featuring songs recorded on one special evening in Dayton Ohio. This week’s choice was ‘When It All Goes Wrong At Once’. I pointed out this was not a competition to cite the worse moments you’ve had, but it did lead on to a reflection on those individuals who are ‘me me me’ types, pushing themselves forward and forever seeking attention. So, when I was listening to Al Basile’s new album, ‘B’s Time’ a particular track brought a big smile, because it conjured an image of a particular individual I know, whose communications controls seem to be permanently set to ‘transmission’.

Got Lucky
I Got Lucky – The Liam Ward Band (Shine – 2023)
I’m Satisfied – Eddie Blues Barney (Playground – 2023)
When It All Goes Wrong At Once – Chris Yakopcic (Live At The Hidden Gem – 2023)
Hooray For Me (& To Hell With You) – Al Basile (B’s Time – 2023)
They Call Me Jo’ Buddy – Jo Buddy (Grits & Rattles – 2006)
Done Somebody Wrong – Stefan Hillsheim (When I’m Gone – 2023)
Do What You Do – Liam Ward (Shine – 2023)

Pinetop’s Pick
Little Red Rooster – Howlin’ Wolf (Howlin Wolf – 1962)

Extra Boom
Driving Wheel – Marc Broussard & Joe Bonamassa (S.O.S. 4 -Blues For Your Soul – 2023)
Who – Bob Margolin (Thanks – 2023)
Doin’ The Best I Can – Mick Clarke (The Blues, Man, Rides Again! – 2023)
Southern Girls – Greg Fortune (As Blue Az UR – 2023)
Pack Your Sense Of Humour – Liam Ward (Shine – 2023)
Grits Ain’t Groceries – The Lucky Strokes (The Lucky Strokes – 2023)
Extra Boom – Tomislav Goluban (Crazy Hill Live – 2023)

Now, there was a big smile here this week, because not only did I get to play something from my long time pal Mick Clarke, from his latest album ‘The Blues Man Rides Again’, but it was also a song written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman that was sung by Elvis Presley in his film ‘GI Blues’. On this occasion, Mick gave it a down home bluesy treatment and it works very well.

All too soon, it was time for the last choice for this week’s playlist. It came from Tomislav Goluban who got a warm welcome back with his new album ‘Crazy Hill Live’. It has 11 songs that give full vent to his talents as a harpman and vocalist . . . and as Giles Robson says “every harpman has to have a train-song in their repertoire” and there’s one of those on Tomislav’s album . . . titled ‘Extra Boom’. But, before we got to hear that, it was time to say thanks for your good company on this week’s show and hope that we’ll meet again the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 11 October 2023
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 11 October 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 14 October 2023
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 15 October 2023

Make A Little Heaven . . . .

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

There was the customary big cheery welcome to one and all . . . . and if you had been worrying about the events of the week then, there was good news . . . all you had to do was clear your thoughts, lean back and know that you were in the very best place for your weekly dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. I was here to administer that rare elixir and help to raise the spirits and excite the senses. Getting us in the mood was T.K. Soul with ‘Tailride Soultrain Line’ . . . . and if that tempted you to a little swinging and swaying, I suggested you kept that thought, because I was about to be reckless yet again. I was anticipating many Simply Red fans getting in touch once they got to hear this one from The Hindley Street Country Club . . . ‘Money’s Too Tight To Mention’.

Now, this week’s Tell It Like It Is featured a song with a story about a gathering of great talents in Chicago to record, what would become an international hit. It was September of 1966 when The Funk Brothers and Motown singing group, The Andantes would pack up their equipment and themselves to drive from Detroit to Chicago to join Jackie Wilson who was waiting for them to cut his new song. The song was co-written by Barbara Acklin and David Scott . . . and would become a much covered song afterwards, including Irma Thomas, The Isley Brothers and others, but for Jackie Wilson, it would become the title track of his next album and one of his best-remembered single hits. This was . . . . ‘Whispers (Gettin’ Louder)’.

A Little Heaven
Tailride Soultrain Line – T.K.Soul
Money’s Too Tight To Mention – Hindley Street Country Club
Memphis Calling – Mighty Mo Rodgers
Make A Little Heaven – Al Basil
With A Little Faith – John Haydock

Tell It Like It Is
Whispers (Gettin’ Louder) – Jackie Wilson

Do It Anyway
Bye Bye Baby – The California Honeydrops
Southern Girls – Greg Fortune
Rained All Night – Tab Robinson
I’ll Do It Anyway – Torsten Goods & Ida Sand

Mellow Moment
Bloom – Landon Keller

Play It Loud
Hard Knocks – Marc Broussard
Play It Loud – Liam Grundy
What’ve You Got To Lose – The Balham Alligators

When it was its time for our Mellow Moment, I was ready and waiting to soothe you, smooth you and help you relax. I had plenty of choices this week, but I settled on a new release by Landon Keller and in case you were in any doubt, for the smoochers . . .this was your moment!

Now if you were out and about in London’s fair city this past week, you just might have found yourself at one of the tour dates by Marc Broussard and if you did, you were in good company too . . . but there was a small disappointment for yours truly and the lovely Dee because his number, ‘Hard Knocks’, wasn’t on his setlist, but it was in this week’s Sonic Tonic . . . so we’re happy now! Liam Grundy was also in town recently and he happens to have a new single on release. It’s very good too . . . so there was no hesitation in sharing it with you. It’s called ‘Play It Loud’ . . . and no sooner the word than the deed. But, all too soon, the clock on the wall was saying we were running out of time, so I was very keen to slip in a little gem that I discovered with a little help from my friends. It came from the much celebrated Balham Alligators, whose good standing seems to have barely changed, even after they disbanded. We played out with their live recording titled ‘What’ve You Got To Lose’ . . . . and there was a reminder to be back here again, same time, same place next week for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 9 October 2023

Don’t Say Goodnight . . . .

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

Well, you couldn’t say you didn’t hear the trusty Cruise Mobile coming down the road, because it had the windows down and the radio cranked right up, ready to take you Cruising with The Commissioner. So, as it rolled by, you were recommended to jump aboard as we headed off on another unpredictable adventure down those long forgotten and overgrown backroads of the music we love. Getting us reaching for our dancing shoes, were Los Mambo Jambo Arkestra and they were followed fast by The Motor City Rockers with their take on that Esquerita favourite . . . ‘Rockin’ The Joint’. This came with a cautionary word from Roy Lee Johnson about the social consequences of messing with the condiments of the season, especially that powerful black pepper!

This week our Girls & Guitars feature, turned its spotlight on Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Joyann Parker. She’s a classically trained pianist, who realised a love of blues and soul, after she performed Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” at a talent contest in 2014 and the band there invited her to join them. She has her own band now, where she plays guitar, and has three albums to her credit. Our choice came from her third album ‘Roots’ and a little something that has a taste of the Crescent City . . . . ‘Ain’t Got Time to Cry’.

Rockin The Joint
El Grande Ciclon – Los Mambo Jambo Arkestra
Rockin The Joint – Motor City Rockers
Black Pepper – Roy Lee Johnson
Cape May Diamond – Barrence Whitfield & The Savages
Boom Boom Baby – Billy ‘Crash’ Craddock
Hangout – Lloyd Arnold and his Rockin’ Drifters
Lover Please – Billy Swan

Girls & Guitars
Ain’t Got Time to Cry – Joyann Parker

Go To The Mardi Gras
Go To The Mardi Gras – Twice As Good
Ain’t No Child – Lil’ Band O’ Gold
Love Me Do – Rudy Rotta
One Track Love – 44 Shakedown

Doo Wop Stop
Don’t Say Goodnight – The Bobbettes

Tick Tock
Friday Night, Go Go – The Hi-Lites
Find A Little Boogie – Gas House Gorillas
Shake – Stephen Sanchez
Hole In My Heart – Esquerita
I Was Gone – Eddy Clearwater
Tick Tock – The Medallions

Well, we were back again with another Doo Wop Stop, where we celebrate those vocals groups of the 50s and 60s. Looking back, it’s true that there’ve been plenty of fellas in our choices here, but this week it’s the turn of the girls and, in particular, a New York girl group who were first known as The Harlem Queens, but they changed their name when they joined Atlantic Records and became The Bobbettes. Our choice from their repertoire was their 1959 Atlantic single . . . ‘Don’t Say Goodnight’.

With a little help from Eddy Clearwater, we arrived back safe and sound at Cruise Control and with a few minutes to spare, so we filled them with something from The Medallions, aptly titled ‘Tick Tock’. But, before we let them loose, there was a big thanks for your good company on this week’s Cruising adventure and the hope that you’ll be back again, same time, same place, next week for another trip to ‘who knows where’ with ‘you know who’. . . or, as we still call it Cruising with The Commissioner. So, until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 6 October 2023