Listen here to this week’s dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic:
As ever, there was a big cheery welcome to one and all to this week’s Sonic Tonic and if the weather and the events of the week had become just too unpredictable, there was an invitation to stick around for your big dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic . . . which is just what you need to raise the spirits and excite the senses. I promised to fill your ears with plenty of the good stuff . . . like my opener from Johnny Burgos . . . ‘This Vibe’.
This week’s Tell It Like It Is , focused on soul songstress Eula Cooper, who cut her first single at the age of 14 and went on to become the most prolific artist on Jesse Jones’ fabled Atlanta Note and Tragar record labels. As well as her solo releases, Eula was part of a short-lived group with two of her school friends called Cherry Blend. They recorded one single together . . . but it didn’t do much, so the girls went their separate ways. Then, Eula’s first single on the Note label became a well known Northern Soul favourite, which got re-released by the label later . . . and doubtless became one of her regular setlist numbers, when she started touring again in the 80’s. The song was “Standing By Love” and she must have delighted her many UK fans when she came to the UK to perform it live for well-remembered Northern Soul Weekenders.
This Vibe
This Vibe – Johnny Burgos
Human Decency – Sugaray Rayford
If This Is Love – Elles Bailey
Down For The Third Time – Citrus Sun
The Gift – Billy Price
Tell It Like It Is
Standing By Love – Eula Cooper
Nothing Better
Flowers – The Imagine If
Ain’t Nothing Better Than Loving My Baby – The Memphis All Stars
Take Me To The River – Etta James, Teenie Hodges & The Memphis Horns
This Is Where I Live – William Bell
Walk Away – Terrance Howard & Hi Rhythm Section
(Girl I’m Coming Home To) Something Good – David Hudson
Mellow Moment
After A While – Wee Willie Walker
Feelin’ Good
Soul Serenade – Willie Mitchell
Hey Now – Judd Harris
Feelin’ Good Today – Chris Bergson Band
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Teddy Swims
Gotcha Covered
You Must Believe Me – Eric Clapton
It’s Alright – Steve Winwood
Move On Up – Con Funk Shun
Power To The People – Curtis Mayfield
Walk On – Glen Clark
Fire It Up
Something’s Better Than Nothing – Eliza Neals
Whispers Getting Louder – Jackie Wilson
Fire It Up – The Eskimo Brothers
Boogie Back To Texas – Asleep At The Wheel
Anytime – Liam Grundy
For Richer, For Poorer – The Cadillac Kings
Do You Know What I Mean – Darrell Higham
Our Gotcha Covered feature was inspired by the birthday this week of singer, songwriter and guitarist Curtis Mayfield, who wrote and performed some classic songs through several decades and in several styles. His music reached across the world and certainly got well received in the UK, as Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood showed with their covers of a couple of his songs. I couldn’t leave out one of Curtis’ best known numbers, which got a revisit by California band Con Funk Shun . . . and it’s not the first time I’ve played their version of ‘Move On Up’ on the radio, which must tell you something.
This week, the party people were out in force for what just might be the last time we’ll get to see Texas band Asleep At The Wheel here in the UK. So, there was plenty of good will and a pretty wild reception for the band, for which the devotees, doubtless, brought along a long list of songs they wanted to hear on the night, including this one . . . . ‘Boogie Back To Texas’. One of those friendly faces at this gig was Tim Penn of The Cadillac Kings, who were also slipping into the Sonic Tonic with a reflection on life’s ups and downs . . . ‘For Richer, For Poorer’. Then, to put the final flavour into the Sonic Tonic was Darrel Higham with some great rockabilly, which gave me just enough time to put the picture of the station manager back on the wall, tidy up the studio and get ready to head on down the road. Before that, there was a big thanks for stopping by this week and the hope that I’ll have the pleasure of your good company again soon, for another dose of Doctor Roberts Sonic Tonic. Until then . . . remember . . . have fun!
Broadcast by Maritime Radio 96.5fm on 5 June 2024
Broadcast by Reflections Radio on 10 June 2024
Just Cruising 