Come On In . . . .

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

Well, there was a big bluesy welcome to one and all, along with big smiles here, because after last week’s show there was a flurry of feedback with some lovely comments too. So, if you were one of those who pointed me to some extra treats, I’ll be following up for sure. Meanwhile, I was sure there were plenty of fans of Freddie King out there in listening land, who’d be mighty pleased at the new compilation release of his three albums for Shelter Records, each produced by Leon Russell and including an excellent version of ‘Tore Down’, which was my opening number this week. Then, it was time for my album of the week, which came from the Altered Five Blues Band. Their latest album is titled, ‘Testifyin’, and is full of gems and its album opener . . . ‘ Don’t Tell Me I Can’t’.

Now, it won’t have escaped the notice of listeners, that my regular guest Arfa Pinetop is a bit of a devotee of scratchy blues, and I was pretty sure he wouldn’t have been alone in enjoying the track I chose from the album titled ’30 Scratchy Backroad Blues’. It comes from Duran and features June Yamagishi delivering a spirited version of a song we know well from Robert Johnson . . . ‘Red Hot’.

Red Hot
Tore Down – Freddie King (Getting Ready/Texas Cannonball/Woman Across The River – 2024)
Don’t Tell Me I Can’t – Altered Five Blues Band (Testifyin’ – 2024)
They’re Red Hot – Duran (ft June Yamagishi) (30 Scratchy Backroad Blues – 2024)
I’d Rather Be Alone – Fred Chapellier (Live in Paris – 2024)
Wonderful Time – Struggle Buggy (Keep It Clean – 2024)

Pinetop’s Pick
Come On In – The Blues Band (Official Bootleg Album (Remastered) – 2021)

Road Goes On Forever
You Can’t Win (If It Ain’t Within) – Altered Five Blues Band (Testifyin’ – 2024)
Ice Cream Man – Nine Below Zero (DenMark – 2024)
My Freedom – Amann & The Wayward Sons (When The Day Goes Slow – 2024)
Road Goes On Forever – Sean Webster (Java – 2024)
Deep Blood Moon – Cole & Ward (Blues and Other Truths – 2024)
I Got The Scars To Prove It – Altered Five Blues Band (Testifyin’ – 2024)
Bo Dee’s Bounce – Rick Estrin & The Nightcats (Contemporary – 2024)

Mark Cole & Liam Ward each have some history in other bands, but they’ve come together as a duo for an album of rootsy, bluesy Americana. It’s titled ‘Blues & Other Truths’ which is where they bring us 12 tracks that highlight their song-writing and their talents as multi-instrumentalists. My choice was the album’s opener, a tongue-in-cheek werewolf song, called ‘Deep Blood Moon’.

A glance at the studio clock told me our blues time together was fast running out, so my last choice for this week came from the new album by Rick Estrin & The Nightcats. ‘Bo Dee’s Bounce’ had become my ‘go to’ track on their album. ‘Contemporary’ and it was my last choice, but before I let them loose, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and the hope that we’ll meet again, the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 27 March 2024
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 27 March 2024
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 30 March 2024
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 31 March 2024

‘Til Summer Comes Around . . . .

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

Well, there was a big cheery welcome to one and all. For those feeling out of salts or who’ve lost their mojo, I may have arrived just in time, because I was in my usual place with a big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic, with it’s patent formula to raise the spirits and excite the senses. Then, with a message for all concerned, The Kennedy Administration were on hand with ‘The Best Is Yet To Come’ and that was oh so true, especially if you had arrived after listening to ‘ordinary radio’. For those who happened to have tickets to see Beverley Knight in the West End stage production of ‘Sister Act’ there was something that you’ll recognise for sure!

This week’s Tell It Like It Is brought a song with a story about legendary soul-man, Wilson Pickett, who had a long and successful career with Atlantic Records, where he had a string of hits during the 60’s and 70’s. In the mid 70s he moved to RCA Records and had a few more hits, but chart successes became more elusive and he moved on to several other labels . . . one of those was Motown. He only cut one album for the Motown, called ‘American Soul Man’. It was released in 1987 and included a revisit to the first big hit of his career . . . . ‘In The Midnight Hour’.

The Best Is Yet To Come
The Best Is Yet To Come – The Kennedy Administration
Fabulous Baby – Beverley Knight
Fun Never Hurt No One – Deb Ryder
Devil’s Child – The Imagine If
My Girl – Dennis Legree & Jojo Effect

Tell It Like It Is
In The Midnight Hour – Wilson Pickett

Over & Over
What’Cha Gonna Do About It – The Small Faces
Sweet Funky Love – Billy Rigsby
Real Love – The Memphis All Stars
Over & Over – Bywater Call
Free Me – Joss Stone
Happiest Man Alive – Dan Burnett
·
Mellow Moment
‘Til Summer Comes Around – Sean Webster

Warning Sign
I Can’t Stand The Rain – Alannah Myles & Jeff Healey
Long Train Running – The Doobie Brothers
Ride Like The Wind – Soultrans
Warning Sign – Florence Black.

Gotcha Covered
Roxanne – Aswad
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic – Inner Circle & Ali Campbell
Every Breath You Take – The DiMaggio Brothers.

Hold On
The Tide Keeps Lifting Me – Pops Staples, Mavis Staples & Phil Upchurch
The Way You Love Me – Linda Valori
I’ll Get Over You – The Average White Band
Hold On – Kenny Sharp
Cry To Me – The Hindley Street Country Club
Take Me To The River – The Memphis Horns with Teenie Hodges and Etta James
Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll – Sam Morrison & Turn The Page
Hook Line & Sinker – Gavin Povey & The Fabulous Oke She Moke She Pops
Hot Rhythm, Blue Love – Carl Sonny Leyland

Regular listeners will have been expecting it and it arrive on cue. It was this week’s Gotcha Covered feature, which was inspired by hearing several songs recently by The Police. It got me wondering who else had recorded their songs and the result of my rummaging might have been as mush a surprise for you, as it was for me. Our trio of covers by others started with one you’ll know well . . . Roxanne . . . this time by Aswad. Then, there was Inner Circle & Ali Campbell with their take on ‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic’ and my third choice just might have been viewed as weird or whacky by some. So, I advised folks to brace themselves for a rockabilly version of ‘Every Breath You Take’ . . . courtesy of The DiMaggio Brothers.

For those who might be passing the big house in the leafy glades of Roundwood Park on an otherwise calm and relaxed evening and suddenly found the air filled with thundering piano boogie, I could have taken a well informed guess at the responsible party . . . and parties were definitely on the cards with our last two choices . . . Gavin Povey rocking out with ‘Hook Line & Sinker’ and Carl Sonny Leyland with a little ‘Hot Rhythm, Blue Love’. But before I let Carl Sonny Leyland loose, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 27 March 2024
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 1 April 2024

See You Friday . . . .

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

Well, even though we knew it was coming, it’s still simply amazing that Cruising with the Commissioner is celebrating it’s birthday today, as it heads into it’s 14th year with no endorsements on its licence and no witnesses to any alleged reckless driving. The trusty Cruise Mobile has travelled many miles, since we started our weekly Cruising, and we’ve played some exceptionally good music along the way. So, to celebrate Mr Merlot returned from the Cruise Control wine cellar with enough pink fizz to please The Cruisettes and anyone else who jumped aboard the Cruise Mobile for this special musical adventure. It all started as the trusty Cruise Mobile rolled by with the sound of British group The Ted Taylor Four giving out with their rocking instrumental, ‘Cats Eyes’. Then, after just enough time for the Cruising Crew to jump aboard, we head off down the road with Bobby Charles and a song that I played a cover of last week . . . but this was Bobby’s original of ‘I’ll Turn Square For You’.

This week, our Girls and Guitars feature, threw its spotlight on Los Angeles-based rockabilly singer and guitarist, Kim Lenz, who grew up in southern California listening to artists like Janis Martin, Wanda Jackson, Faron Young, and Johnny Horton. She took up the guitar during her teens and before she earned her University degree, she and a few musicians formed a band called Rocket, Rocket. In 1994, she settled in Dallas, and pulled together a band of her own, The Jaguars. To show off her talents, we pulled out her 2013 album ‘Follow Me’ and chose, ‘Tumble & Fall’.

See You Friday
Cats Eyes – The Ted Taylor Four
I’ll Turn Square For You – Bobby Charles
Hey Pretty Baby – Rochell & The Candels
Rock & Roll Romance – Lenny LaCour
I Found Love – Bella Brown & The Jealous Lovers
Rocco’s Boogie Woogie – Maurice Rocco
See You Friday – Don Lang & His Frantic Five

Girls & Guitars
Tumble & Fall’ – Kim Lenz

Hip Hip Hooray
Black Cadillac – Marti Brom
Sweeter Than Sweetness – Solomon Burke
Go On Fool – Roland Stone
Take Care Of Yourself – Wardell Querzerque (Dr John)
How Long – Professor Longhair
Hip Hip Hooray – Eddie Bo
Oh Why – Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry
Reet Petite – Jackie Wilson

There were some great pieces of New Orleans music in our playlist, including a Smiley Lewis favourite , first released by Smiley back in 1957 and covered by Roland Stone in 1992 . . . ‘Go On Fool’, followed by another piece from the Crescent City which came with much encouragement from the esteemed Wendell Williams, who got us digging back into the catalogue of Wardell Querzerque, which is where we found a song written by Doctor John and it certainly sounds like Dr John on vocals on ‘Take Good Care of Yourself’. It’s pretty certain that Roland Stone, Wardell Querzerque and Dr John would all have approved of the next choice from Professor Longhair with a track from his latest compilation of live tracks, simply called NOLA and it got Mr Merlot and yours truly to swing and sway the Commissioners way!

We closed this special show with the track that started the very first Cruising with The Commissioner, all those years ago . . . Mr Excitement himself, Jackie Wilson with a rocking classic ‘Reet Petite’. Then, with the Cruise Mobile parked up safely and Mr Merlot unpacking the pink fizz, it was time to head off the the after show party. So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 22 March 2024

Borrowed Time . . . .

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

Well, there was the customary big bluesy welcome to one and all to open this week’s show and there were big smiles here, because last week’s show stirred up plenty of positive feedback and this week was also a bumper week for great blues. So, with not even a nano second of hesitation, I launched off with a superb opener from the upcoming new album by Little Feat. It was recorded in Memphis, at Sam Phillip’s Studio and aptly titled ‘Sam’s Place’, and it’s dedicated to the blues, with my opener . . . that Willie Dixon penned gem ‘You’ll Be Mine’.

You might have been mighty surprised to hear that there was something from Slash on the playlist, but he’s announced the release of his first ever blues album. It’s titled ‘Orgy of the Damned’ and features 11 blues classics. The album has an all-star line-up, with guests including Gary Clark Jr., Billy F Gibbons, Paul Rodgers, Beth Hart, Brian Johnson and more. There was a taster of things to come with a Howlin’ Wolf classic . . . ‘Killing Floor’ . . . with Slash on guitar, AC/DC’s Brian Johnson on vocals and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler on harmonica.

One Last Boogie
You’ll Be Mine – Little Feat (Sam’s Place – 2024)
Killing Floor – Slash (ft Brian Johnson & Steven Tyler) (Orgy of the Damned – 2024)
Heading South – Mississippi MacDonald (Call Me Mississippi – 2024)
Borrowed Time – Tom Killner (Borrowed Time – 2024)
One Last Boogie – Canned Heat (Finyl Vinyl – 2024)
Oh Babe It Ain’t No Lie – Sue Foley (One Guitar Woman – 2024)

Pinetop’s Pick
When The Levee Breaks – Dave Kelly (Live in Germany 1986-1989 – 2016)

Light It Up
Devils Gate – Tom Killner (Borrowed Time – 2024)
Whiskey Drinkin’ Woman – Hubert Dorigatti (The Nashville Sessions – 2024)
When The Day Goes Slow – Amann & The Wayward Sons (When The Day Goes Slow – 2024)
Long Grey Mare – Rocky Athas & John Mayall (Livin’ My Best Life – 2024)
Devil In The Dark – The Hello Darlins (The Alders & The Ashes – 2024)
Darker Side Of You – The BIg Wolf Band (Rebel’s Journey – 2024)
Light It Up – Tom Killner (Borrowed Time – 2024)

Now, one of the joys this week was catching up with a little band that I hope we hear more from . . . these were a Canadian collective called The Hello Darlins. They are fronted by singer Candace Lacina and keyboardist Mike Little and it was their second album release, ‘The Alders & The Ashes’ that got included in this week’s playlist. It’s a double with 17 tracks, all written by the duo and although they are not a blues band, their blues credentials come through on the track, ‘Devil in the Dark’, and with more than a hint of gospel in the vocals.

Sadly, all too soon, the studio clock tells me our blues time together is fast running out, so for my last choice there was another track from my album of the week, courtesy of Tom Killner. This was ‘Light It Up’ . . . but before I let him loose, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and the hope that we’ll meet again, the next time The Blues Come Calling. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 20 March 2024
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 20 March 2024
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 23 March 2024
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 24 March 2024

Do You Believe In Magic . . .

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

Well, there was a big cheery welcome to one and all, as usual, and some re-assurance for some that, despite the many crazy things happening out there. I might have been just in time to restore the twinkle to your eyes, the smile to your ears and the wiggle to your toes with this week’s big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. I had mixed in plenty of the ‘good stuff’ to make everyone’s day a little brighten and your mood a little lighter. Getting in early were Carlos Santana and Michelle Branch, with a bright and breezy vibe that got us well and truly in the right spirit.

This week’s Tell It Like It Is was inspired by some feedback about my calypso choice on last week’s show. So, I got tipped to a song, written by Keith Richards and included on the Stones album ‘Bridges of Babylon’. The song was inspired by Keith renting a room for the night in an old brothel in Jamaica, where two residents revealed that they were ready to say anything to their clients, because “you don’t have to mean it.” Whatever followed that encounter, it got Keith to produce this calypso flavoured number, which he recorded without Mick Jagger. . . . but it still sounds good to me . . . ‘You Don’t Have to Mean It’.

Follow You
I’m Feeling You – Santana & Michelle Branch
Follow You Down – The Gin Blossoms
End Of The Line – The Traveling Wilburys
Skull & Crossbones – Greg Coulson
Can’t Handle Me – Casii Stephen

Tell It Like It Is
You Don’t Have to Mean It – The Rolling Stones

Keep On Doing My Thing
Step On By – Sweet Pea Atkinson
Keep On Doing My Thing – Johnny Rawls
Ain’t That A Man – Sugaray Rayford
Sweeter Than Sweetness – Solomon Burke
Dive – Olivia Dean
Kiddio – Nine Below Zero

Mellow Moment
Smooching – Mark Knopfler

Take Care Of Yourself
Someone Like You – Joanne Shaw Taylor
Everything Yvette – A Way Home
Like The Words To A Song – Roy Williams
Take Care Of Yourself – Wardell Querzerque (Dr John)

Gotcha Covered
Do You Believe In Magic – Aly & AJ
Summer In The City – Joe Cocker
You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice – The Grass Roots

I Wanna Dance
For Old Time’s Sake – Claire Anne Taylor
Weight Of The World – Texas Hill
I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Tragedy
Sea That Meets The Sky – The Hello Darlins & JD Edwards
Down To The Bone – Malaya Blue
They Say The Girl’s Crazy – Lew Kirten & The Invitations
Pay The Preacher – Heavy Drunk
Tore Up From The Floor Up – Ron Sunshine

This week, my Gotcha Covered feature was inspired by the birthday this past week of American singer, songwriter and founder of the rock band the Lovin’ Spoonful, John Sebastian. With some trepidation, I went delving in among the long list of covers of his works and, after a good deal of time, came back with my choice of three. First was a spirited cover of the Lovin’ Spoonful number ‘Do You Believe In Magic’ by Aly & AJ. Then, rather hoping that it would be no surprise, it was Joe Cocker up next with his superb cover of that John Sebastian penned number, that was a hit for the Lovin Spoonful back in 1966 . . . ‘Summer In The City’. To round off there was another John Sebastian song from some Lovin Spoonful contemporaries of theirs . . . American folk/rock band . . . The Grass Roots . . . it was their gentle take on ‘You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice’.

All too soon, it was time to start tidying up the studio, so that everything was in order for the next presenter (who can get a bit picky if everything isn’t in its proper place) and while I did that, we braced ourselves to get ‘Tore Up From The Floor Up’ with Ron Sunshine. But, before that, there was a big thanks for your good company this week and the hope that we’ll meet again soon for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 20 March 2024
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 25 March 2024

Never Ever Worry . . . .

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

Well, the Cruising Crew were out in force at the appointed hour and all ready to catch the trusty Cruise Mobile, as it rolled to a stop. Everyone’s jumped aboard, but we remembered to save a seat especially for you. . . . just so we could all go Cruising with The Commissioner. The discerning listeners will have noticed that the Cruise Mobile arrived with its radio cranked up and playing a 1961 Gregmark 45 called ‘Swampin’ by The S&H Scamps. Then, with some squeals from the wheels, we were heading off down the road in the rocking company of Imelda May.

Now, some may have missed it, but there were some well practiced indicators from Mr Merlot to suggest that it was time for our Girls & Guitars feature. . . . and he was right! So, this week, there was a little indulgence for a good friend among the Cruising Crew, Doug The Jitterbug, who made it known that he’s a big fan of 17 year old Irish singer Muireann Bradley. Her first album, ‘I Kept These Old Blues’ has caused a good deal of excitement among the deep dyed bluesers out there and we had a taste of why, with Muireann’s take on ‘Candyman’.

Do The Bop
Swampin’ – S & H Scamps
Your Sister Can’t Dance – Imelda May
Do The Bop – Arthur Lee Maye & The Crowns
Blibberin’ Blabberin’ Blues – Gino Parks
I’ll Even Turn Square For You – The Ballroom Kings
No Mo Do Yakamo – Canned Heat
Wham Bam Thank You Mam – Dutch Mason

Girls & Guitars
Candyman – Muireann Bradley

Making My Own Rules
Making My Own Rules – Carlos Jean
It All Comes Down To Love – Tom Rush
Red Hots & Chilli Mac – The Moroccos
Out Of My Mind – Sean Webster

Doo Wop Stop
The Things I Love – The Fidelity’s

Never Ever Worry
Never Ever Worry – The Great Honourable Lord Pretender
Night Train – Rod Stewart & Jools Holland
Blackjack – Carmen Ghia & The Hotrods

This week’s Doo Wop Stop featured New York, five piece vocal group, The Fidelity’s. They released a string of singles through the late 50s and early 60s, but one that they’re best remembered for is their 1958 ‘Baton Records’ recording along with the Teacho Wiltshire Orchestra . . . . ‘The Things I Love’.

Some may have detected the Cruise Mobile taking a change of direction during Rod Stewart and Jools Holland’s take on ‘Night Train’ and it wasn’t without some prompting from Mr Merlot who was pointing rather excitedly at his watch, which is a sure sign that we should be heading for home. So, we did just that in the company of UK’s own, Sheffield based band Carmen Ghia & The Hotrods, who have a reputation for some high powered rockabilly and that was sure to attract the Cruisettes . . . and it did!

But, all too soon, we were back where we started and all safe and sound. Despite our gallant attempts to reduce the height of the ‘pending tray’, it was still at risk of being cited as a ‘dangerous structure’. . . . but we’ll try again next week, when the Cruise Mobile calls by, same time, same place, . . . to take you Cruising with The Commissioner. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 15 March 2024

Coming Home To The Blues . . .

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

Well, there was nothing less than the customary big bluesy welcome to one and all . . . . and the promise that, if you’d been waiting for things to get better, then at least for the next hour they might, because there was plenty of the best blues coming your way, plus a few tasty treats to give you a boost. Getting us started was Mike Zito with a favourite of mine from his latest album ‘Life Is Hard’ . . . ‘No One To Talk To’. Then, the very welcome return of Bex Marshall. It’s been ten years since Bex Marshall’s last album release, but her new one ‘Fortuna’ is with us now and full of her edgy spirit and some impressive self-penned songs. To show off her excellent slide guitar work, I chose . . . ‘Jungle’.

Now, those who know me well, will not have been surprised that a new album from Sean Webster was going to get an excited reception here . . . and it happened to be my album of the week. It’s titled Java and alongside Sean, it also features Netherlands bluesman Erwin Java. They deliver some great bluesy moments together and my first choice was titled ‘Take Your Time’ . . . with more promised for later.

Take Your Time
No One To Talk To – Mike Zito (Life Is Hard – 2024)
Jungle – Bex Marshall (Fortuna – 2024)
Take Your Time – Sean Webster (Java – 2024)
Moonshine Boogie – Ridgerunner (Hoodoo – 2024)
Born & Living With The Blues – Nine Below Zero (Denmark – 2024)
No Good Reason – Mojo Mafia (Rescue Me – 2024)

Pinetop’s Pick
Noah Lewis Blues – Paul Jones and The Blues Band (Paul Jones – The Blues – 2022)

Heading South
Coming Home To The Blues – Sean Webster (Java – 2024)
What’s The Matter Blues – Michael Roach (Innocent Child – 2000)
Do Ladies Get The Blues – Dion, Christine Ohlman & Debbie Davies (Girl Friends – 2024)
Nobody’s Fault But Mine – Katie Henry (Get Goin’ – 2024)
I Quit – Tom Rush (Gardens Old, Flowers New – 2024)
Crossroads – Ry Cooder (Crossroads – 1986)

Now, there are plenty of notable names alongside Dion Di Mucci on his latest album ‘Girl Friends’, but if I might be a bit picky, I’m not sure some of the songs match up the the talent here. One that does, has Dion, Christine Ohlman & Debbie Davies there doing ‘Do Ladies Get The Blues’ and it was my choice for this week’s playlist. There was a dip back too, into the new album from Tom Rush, ‘Gardens Old, Flowers New’, with a favourite of mine from it . . . ‘I Quit’.

Now, it so happened that this week included the birthday of Ry Cooder and I couldn’t let it pass without a celebration here. There can only be one choice from Ry for a blues show like this . . . so I suggested everyone got into the amen corner, ready to get loose with Ry’s ‘tour de force’ on a Robert Johnson’s classic ‘Crossroads’ . . . but before that, there was a big thanks for your good company here 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 13 March 2024
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 13March 2024
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 16 March 2024
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 17 March 2024

Ain’t Nothing Better . . . .

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

Well, whatever was happening in your world, if you needed something to restore the twinkle to your eyes, the smile to your ears and the wiggle to your toes, then I arrived just in time with this week’s big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Getting in early were The Friends of Distinction with their invitation to all the groovers out there to dig a little Grazing In The Grass . . . and we did!

Now this week’s Tell It Like Is brought a song with a story that was inspired by something played by local folk duo The Kimberleys at a recent concert. They played a number in 5/4 time, and very good it was too. It reminded me of something by the folk rock group Pentangle. The group consisted of Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Danny Thompson, Terry Cox and Jacqui McShee, who gathered together in the late 60s to form Pentangle. In 1969 they recorded, what would prove to be a classic album. It was titled ‘Basket of Light’ and included a number called ‘Light Flight’. It got released as a single and reached no. 43 on the UK Singles Chart. Then, with some new lyrics, it became the theme music for BBC1’s first colour drama series ‘Take Three Girls’. But, I played the original and invited everyone to join me in counting those 5 beats to the bar.

Nothing Better
Grazing In The Grass – The Friends of Distinction
Ain’t Nothing Better – The Memphis All Stars
Gimme A Little Sign – Pepe Marquez & Mariah Avila
You Are My Hero – Chris Norman
Catch You On The Other Side – The Immediate Family

Tell It Like It Is
Light Flight – Pentangle

Slow Dancing
Out Of My Mind – Sean Webster
Sing Me A Song – Chris Norman
Time Waits For No One – Jean Carn
Slow Dancing – The Soul John Black

Mellow Moment
Lost In The Fifties Tonight – Ronnie Milsap

Slow Grind
Who’s That Lady – Lucus Arruda
Please Come Back Home – Solomon Burke
Slow Grind – Larry Griffiths Project
I Wanna Be With You – Winfield Parker
Doin’ The Blah Blah Blah – Charlie Wood
The Worst In Me – Rob Thomas

Gotcha Covered
Moondance – Georgie Fame
Brown Eyed Girl – Tonic Sol-Fa
Jackie Wilson Said – Dexy’s Midnight Runners

Gather Round
Illusions – Jalen Ngonda
Night Train – Rod Stewart & Jools Holland
Find Your Way – Campbell & Johnson
Walk Of Shame – Tony Hadley
Good Ol’ Loving – Marlon Pichel
Everything Yvette – The Way Home
Gather Round – Lee Rocker
House of Blue Light – Simon Crashley & The Roadmasters
No.1 (First Class Lover – Wolfman
Rockin’ Kind Of Love – The Buckeroos

When it was time for our Gotcha Covered feature, there was a selection of songs made famous by Van Morrison, but in the customary fashion, we were hearing those songs again through the covers of others . . . starting with Georgie Fame’s take on ‘Moondance’. Then, there was a very special version of Van’s classic ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ from vocal group, Tonic Sol-Fa, which revived an affection for those old time doo wop groups. I rounded off this selection with Dexy’s Midnight Runners and a great favourite from the Van Morrison songbook . . . . ‘Jackie Wilson Said’.

I was hoping there were plenty of smiling ears and wiggling toes while Wolfman was playing and hopefully, even more as we aimed to finish with a flourish. So, as finishing time crept up on us . . . . there was the very evident sound of some finger drumming and clock watching by the next presenter. The Buckeroos arrived just in time with the last choice for this week’s Sonic Tonic comes from . . . but before I let them loose . . . there was a big thanks for your good company here and until we meet again for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic . . . remember . . . .have fun!

Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 13 March 2024
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 18 March 2024

Chilli with Honey . . . .

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

Well, we’ve been enjoying some good weather in the Grand Duchy just lately, although it seems to linger a little less than we’d like. Nevertheless, it’s been a good week for catching up with friends and outstanding tasks. So, we were in good spirits when the appointed hour arrived to go Cruising with The Commissioner. There was rockabilly, doo wop, rhythm & blues and one or two gems from the vinyl vault, but everything kicked off with Lord Thunder and it rolled on from there . . . .

Although our gallant attempts to reduce the height of the ‘pending tray’ have been pursued with occasional dedication, our cheery postman has made his own contributions to the problem with some great compilation albums and the odd 45. So, despite the risk of the pending tray being cited as a ‘dangerous structure’. . . . we continue our well-intended labours!

Silk, Satin & Lace
Thunder – Lord Thunder
Silk, Satin & Lace – Ray Scott
Mirror Mirror On The Wall – Ernest Tucker
Glory of Love – Don Bryant
Fat Gal – Mickey Murray
Fever – Marie Queenie Lyons
Don’t Threaten Me (With A Good Time ) – Bob Malone
Trying to Get To You – Ian Gillan

Girls & Guitars
When You Walk In The Room – Jackie De Shannon

Our Day Will Come
Dum Dum – Brenda Lee
Hot Dog – Dale Hawkins
For What It’s Worth – The Voices Of East Harlem
Our Day Will Come – The Heptones

Doo Wop Stop
Brenda – The Cupids

Around The Corner
Chilli With Honey – Danny Bell & The Bell Hops
Let’s Pony Again – The Vibrations
Right Around The Corner – The 5 Royales
Farmer John – The Searchers
Unchain My Heart – Carlos & The Bandidos

This week the focus of our Girls & Guitars feature was on Kentucky’s own, Jackie De Shannon. She’s become a successful singer/songwriter and guitarist, having started singing country songs on a local radio show by the time she was six years old. By 11, she was hosting her own show on the station, and went on to record a few regional singles until a couple of her songs caught the ear of the much esteemed Eddie Cochran. He introduced her to his girlfriend, singer and songwriter Sharon Sheeley and they ended up writing hit songs together. But, it was a self penned song she recorded in 1963 that we chose to play . . . . the much covered original of ‘When You Walk In The Room’.

Our Doo Wop Stop brought the only hit for the Brooklyn vocal group, The Cupids. This 45 hit the pop charts in 1963 at No. 45 on Cash Box and No. 49, on Billboard. The group enjoyed this ‘hit with “Brenda”, but their career came to a sudden halt with the death of Lenny Colton, their lead singer. So sad . . . .

It was all going well, until Mr Merlot started fussing about our time keeping and eventually, we had to play our last track . . . . which happened to come from a 2008 album called Bandido A Go Go by Carlos & The Bandidos. Then it was all over, except to park up the trusty Cruise Mobile, giving it a quick polish, so it is ready for next week’s adventure when we plan to call by again, same time, same place with a seat saved especially for you . So, until the next time we go Cruising with The Commissioner . . . remember . . . . have fun!

Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 8 March 2024

Everything’s Gonna Be Alright . . .

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

As well as a big bluesy welcome to one and all, there was a special treat this week, because alongside my selection of the best blues around, I was joined by ace harp-master Giles Robson as a guest presenter. After kicking off with ‘newies’ from Rick Vito, Sean Webster and Katie Henry, I prepared to slip out of the presenters chair to let Giles bring his blues choices, to chat about, his influences and to mention some of the music memories that still make him smile. It proved to be a real bluesy journey of discovery with some great stories and one or two surprises along the way. I for one could have listened even longer to Giles and his stories, so maybe there’ll be a next time, but I couldn’t let him go without hearing something from Giles himself. So, I pulled out a favourite of mine . . . ‘Boogie at The Showplace’.

To fit everything in, there was no album of the week or Pinetop’s Pick this week, but I promised they’d be back next week in their usual spots.

Get Goin’
It’s Two AM – Rick Vito (Cadillac Man – 2024)
Fire On My Wheels – Sean Webster (Java – 2024)
Clear Vision – Katie Henry (Get Goin’ – 2024)

Giles Robson Sittin’ In
Boogyin’ and Bluesin’ – Memphis Slim (w Michel Denis on drums) (American Folk Blues Festival – 1972)
Why Are You Crying? – Sonny Boy Williamson II (Keep it To Yourself – 1990)
Blues in Hoss Flat. – Count Basie (Chairman Of The Board – 2003)
Everything’s Gonna Be Alright – Little Walter (The Essential Little Walter 1993)
Don’t Go No Further – Muddy Waters (The Chess 50th Anniversary Collection – 1997)
Precious Stone – JB Hutto (Stomping At Mother Blues – 2004) Delmark

Boogie at The Showplace
Boogie at The Showplace – Giles Robson (Don’t Give Up On The Blues – 2019)
Too Many Irons In The Fire – The Immediate Family (Skin In The Game – 2024)
I’d Rather Be Alone – Fred Chapellier (I’d Rather Be Alone – 2024)
24 Hour Blues – Joe Bonamassa (Live at The Hollywood Bowl – 2024)

Well, after last week, the star studded band, ‘The Immediate Family’, were back again with another gem from their new album, ‘Skin In The Game’ . . . ‘Too Many Irons In The Fire’ and long time listeners to this show will know I have an affection for French bluesman Fred Chapellier, who has produced some excellent albums in the past and his latest is no exception . . . . it was recorded live . . . . and I chose ‘I’d Rather Be Alone’. Then there was another live number, this time from Joe Bonamassa. His latest album ‘Live at The Hollywood Bowl’, was recorded live album with a full orchestra, where amongst others, he revisits his number, ’24 Hour Blues’. But just before we heard that, there was a big thanks for joining me 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 6 March 2024
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 6 March 2024
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 9 March 2024
Broadcast by Blues Radio UK on 10 March 2024