Monday 28 November 2011

STAR BLUES on 27th November 2011 at 22:00

With both Bill Wyman and the Blues Band playing locally in short order this week, it was always going to be  a tough ask to fit enough music into 118 minutes of live radio. Neither set out to be compared with the innovative originals.- those guys really know their stuff and celebrate the classic era of blues.

We didn't forget it would have been Jim Hendrix' birthday, we left it to our resident rock god to do the honours for us. Our birthday book was open at the pages for John Mayall, Robert Nighthawk and Brownie McGhee instead. Mayall is still active and his steadfastness has put a backbone into British blues; we went to the Crusade album with Mick Taylor last night (this project is often overshadowed by the pair of albums it followed). Brownie McGhee's career was inextricably linked with Sonny Terry even if their on-off friendship was rarely on. He was a tidy player with a warm inviting vocal style which contrasted with the raw country blues stylings of harp maestro Terry.

Robert Lee McCollum recorded as Robert Nighthawk and was a contemporary of Robert Johnson - Nighthawk survived the war and is a glimpse of how Johnson could have made the transition to electric blues. Nighthawk was influential to Elmore James, BB King and many others - he married one of Ike Turner's girlfriends and almost immediately recorded "Sweet Black Angel" a hit for Chess in 1948. It has a magnificent guitar line and is a model for blues as a celebration. His birthday was our 1001 Blues.

The two gospel tunes had Paul Jones and Rev. Blind Gary Davis and it don't get much better than Otis Spann or Leroy Carr on piano. With a further range of blues that included BigWalter Horton and Big Lucky Carter and Big Al Downing you'd think we were exclusively sizeist. Lee Shot Williams died last week and Jimmy Nelson died earlier in the month and the songs we used to mark their passings showed how much they're missed already. Can't believe Jimmy Norman didn't record more often.

The search for the Listener Blues Artist 2011 was officially launched yesterday - last year it was Robert Plant, its all up to you. The restriction is that it must be someone we've played on the show this year. Email, phone, Facebook or old fashioned letter will get your vote in, look forward to hearing from you.

All being well the whole shebang will be back on Sunday at 10pm (GMT), I'll be there if you will. Until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you



I Guess I Showed Her Robert Cray 2 Strong Persuader Robert Cray MERCURY
Down In The Bottom Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings 1 The Best Of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings REPERTOIRE
Natural Man J. B. Lenoir 9 J. B. Lenoir J. B. Lenoir ROOTS
I Got A Woman On The Mountain Top Big Lucky Carter 3 Lucky 13 Big Lucky Carter WESTSIDE
L And N Blues Memphis Willie B. 2 Hard Working Man Blues Memphis Willie B. ORIGINAL BLUES CLASSICS
Roughest Place In Town Johnny Fuller 21 Let Me Tell You About The Blues: West Coast Various Artists Fantastic Voyage
(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean Ruth Brown 2 The Best Of Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour Various Artists CHROME
Sweet Black Angel Robert Nighthawk 16 Chess Blues Various Artists CHESS
Need My Baby Walter Horton 17 Chicago Blues Harmonicas Various Artists FLYRIGHT
Need Your Love So Bad James Brown 3 Messing With The Blues James Brown POLYDOR
Here Comes The Night - Jimmy N Jimmy Norman 18 Jimmy Norman; Lee Shot Williams; Johnny Fuller and more Various Atists Gary-Blue
Ya Ya Howlin' Wilf & The Vee-Jays 3 Cry Wilf! Howlin' Wilf & The Vee-Jays BIG BEAT
Hadacol Boogie Jerry Lee LewisBuddy Guy 19 Last Man Standing Jerry Lee Lewis ARTISTS FIRST
Never Make A Move Too Soon B. B. King 4 King Of The Blues B. B. King MCA
The Years Go Passing By Larry Davis 22 Slow 'N' Moody, Black & Bluesy Various Artists Kent
Yes, I'm Loving You Big Al Downing 3 Uk Sue Label Story, Vol. 2: Sue's Rock 'N' Blues Various Artists ACE
Had You Told It Like It Was Albert King 5 King New Breed R'n'b Various Artists Kent (U.K.)
Oh Pretty Woman John Mayall's Blues BreakersMick Taylor 1 Crusade John Mayall DECCA
Back in Trouble Again Lee Shot Williams 1 Jimmy Norman; Lee Shot Williams; Johnny Fuller and more Various Atists Gary-Blue
Resting On Jesus Blues Band, The 12 Stepping Out Blues Band, The HYPERTENSION
Lord Stand By Me Rev. Blind Gary Davis 6 Gospel - The Ultimate Collection Various Artists RED Box
Can't Help Myself Sonny TerryBrownie McGhee 11 The Duo Sonny TerryBrownie McGhee BLUES ENCORE
Half Ain't Been Told Otis Spann 8 My Home Is In The Delta Otis Spann ORBIS BLUES COLLECTION
Naptown Blues Leroy Carr 7 Naptown Blues Leroy Carr ORBIS BLUES COLLECTION
Hypin' Woman Blues T-Bone Walker 12 The Complete Capitol/Black And White Recordings T-Bone Walker Capitol
Mandolin Rock Johnny YoungJohnny Young 14 Mandolin Blues Various Artists Shout
Created: 28/11/2011 08:34:49

Monday 21 November 2011

STAR BLUES on 20th November 2011 at 22:00

Our birthday book was full last night with mentions for Mike Vernon, Duane Allman, Travis Haddix and three giants of the keys: Dr. John, Lloyd Glenn and Eddie Boyd. Producer Mike Vernon wove his magic for Jay Owens, TS McPhee and Eddie Boyd in three very different hues.

The Kent label has just issued a three disc survey of the goings on at the FAME studios and we did include that overdue performance by Aretha Franklin as well as a speaker scorching rendition of Hey Jude by Wilson Pickett. Guitar duties were handled by Duane Allman and in the latter case probably the only man capable of going toe to toe with the Wicked Pickett at that time.

At the other end of the guitar spectrum we had Johnny Moore, elegant and economical, with his wife on vocals: a gloriously polished performance of a song recorded for Modern but not issued at the time. The same fate befell Lloyd Glenn for his only session as band-leader for Chess in 1960 - and that was with Lowell Fulson on guitar!

Sharon Jones won't qualify as a blues artist anytime soon but her retro approach to soul will always find favour with a blues crowd. She will be a massive star and we are pleased to be playing her stuff from the outset. Same goes for  the wonder-trio of Homemade Jamz band with a combined age not yet 40. Hobo Man is a self penned number and is a confident piece played and produced like it should be.

I'm game for some more next Sunday at 10pm - thanks for your kind invitation last night - until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you

Cherry Red Wine Luther Allison 5 25th Anniversary Collection Various Artists Alligator
Come On To My House Jay Owens 1 The Blues Soul Of Jay Owens INDIGO
Upside Your Head Omar Kent Dykes 2 Big Town Playboy Omar Kent Dykes Ruf
Longer & Stronger - Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings 8 The World of Daptone Records Free Sampler Various Artists - Daptone Records Daptone
I Feel So Good Paul Geremia 18 Love Murder And Mosquitoes Paul Geremia RED HOUSE
Hey Jude Wilson Pickett W. Duane Allman 2 Fame Studio Story Various Artists KENT
It Ain't Fair Aretha Franklin 2 Duane Allman: An Anthology, Vol. 2 Duane Allman POLYDOR
Right Place, Wrong Time Dr. John 1 The Very Best Of Dr. John Dr. John RHINO
Just A Little Bit Rosco Gordon 13 The Story Of Vee-Jay Various Artists METRO
Jelly Roll Stroll Jelly Roll Kings 11 Rockin' The Juke Joint Down Jelly Roll Kings Earwig Music
C C And O Blues Pink Anderson 18 20th Century Blues Various Artists CATFISH
You're Gonna Wish I Had Stayed Roy Gaines 10 Bluesman For Life Roy Gaines JSP
T. V. Mama Taj Mahal 7 Maestro Taj Mahal Kan-du Records
We're Gonna Boogie Chick Willis W. Travis Haddix 9 Let The Blues Speak For Itself Chick WillisTravis Haddix Benevolent Blues
Real Fine Daddy Willie Headen 11 Blame It On The Blues Again Willie Headen ACE
The Shakedown Lloyd Glenn 4 Chess Blues Various Artists CHESS
Third Degree Eddie Boyd 11 The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions Eddie Boyd BLUE HORIZON
Someone To Love Me T. S. McPhee 9 Blue Horizon Story Vol. 1 Various Artists CBS
Oh, The Candyman Lauren Sheehan 8 Rose City Ramble Lauren Sheehan INDEPENDENT
Two-Time Fool Fabulous Thunderbirds, The 3 Painted On Fabulous Thunderbirds, The TONE COOL
Just A Closer Walk With Thee Aubrey Ghent & Friends 1 15 Down Home Gospel Classics Various Artists Arhoolie Records
Lonesome Stranger Johnny Moore's Three Blazers - Vocal By Mari Jones 21 Be Cool Johnny Moore's Three Blazers ACE
Gotta Go (Upside Your Head)- Buddy And Ella Johnson 8 Bob Dylan's Theme Time Radio Hour - Best Of The Second Series Various Artists CHROME DREAMS
Hobo Man Homemade Jamz Blues Band, The 8 I Got Blues For You Homemade Jamz Blues Band, The Northernblues
Created: 21/11/2011 13:48:43


Monday 14 November 2011

STAR BLUES on 13th November 2011 ar 22:00


 These songs featured on STAR BLUES last night: with Hugh Laurie in the "House", the Dominoes lasting half our distance and Tim Hain playing the role of Willy Wonka.








You Don't Know What Love Is Fenton Robinson
You Don't Know My Mind Hugh Laurie
Mystery Train Little Junoir Parker & His Blue Flames
Hypnotized Eddy 'The Chief' Clearwater
Hustle Is Really On Taj Mahal
D.J. Play My Blues Buddy Guy
Louise Howlin' Wolf
Crossroads Cream
Death By Chocolate Tim Hain
Sugar Sweet Muddy Waters
Hideaway Jeff Healey Band, The
The Hunter Albert King
Good Rockin' Tonight Wynonie Harris
24 Hours A Day Earl Gaines
Sixty Minute Man Dominoes, The
Chica Boo Lloyd Glenn
Snatch And Grab It Julie Lee & Her Boyfriends
Your Cash Ain't Nothin' But Trash Big John & The Buzzards
Aged & Mellow Little Esther
Just Can't Stay Willie Nix
The Sun Is Shining Jimmy Reed
Ain't No Blues In Town Sonny Rhodes
Beer Drinking Woman Memphis Slim
Standing On The Highway Isaac Freeman


Monday 7 November 2011

STAR BLUES on 6th November 2011 at 22:00

They did try to warn me, I didn't listen. The political correctness police got wind of Bullmoose Jackson being on last night's STAR BLUES. They in turn triggered a stern warning from those jolly nice efficient chaps that do Health and Safety for us. Their concern was about the overnight team and how they would cope with the expected flood of complaint calls, texts and emails.Not enough First aiders to minister to those of a nervous disposition apparently.

As it turned out I think I got away with it and none of the H&S clipboards exploded because Mr. Jackson's observation that "Big Fat Mama's Are Back in Style" shocked no-one in our audience who all knew they've never been out of favour.  Other sizes and shapes are available and just as stylish.

We had a unique opportunity  to squeeze our large frame of music into a size zero show with an unexpectedly generous amount of needle time too. Good job we had a clutch of new projects from Catfish Keith, Hans Theesink, Drink Small, Mighty Mo Rodgers and Fiona Boyes - with a retrospective of Barbara Lynn's 60's singles, another rarity from Jo Ann Kelly and a reissue with bonus tracks of Etta James; 'Losers Weepers'. There was time to play A and B sides from Barbara and Etta, with Ms. James making it as far as 'You Me and 1001 Blues'. Her candid autobiography 'Rage to Survive' tells how these LA sessions should have led to a renewed period of success for her and how her good fortune actually pushed her further to addiction.

Hans Theesink's been asked to score a new German film based on the 1911 British play 'Everyman'. This thought provoking disc isn't easy listening and it mixes in much more than blues to a tale of judgement and redemption. He starts the album with a version of Tom Waits' 'Down in the Hole' prerviouslyheard in several different versions as theme to "The Wire". His sublime voice understates the message but hits the mark. Our gospel spot looks ahead to Remembrance Day this Friday and notes how hard it is to buy a poppy - even if we don't believe I think its important we shouldn't forget and to show that our thoughts and prayers are with our young men and women we've sent to difficult and dangerous places to do difficult and dangerous things. Robert Ward's 'Comfort Table' put it better than me.

Hans does a version of Memphis Slim's 'Mother Earth' so I put the original into the show as the piano feature. Slim's 'Nobody Loves Me' became 'Everyday I have The Blues' for B B King in November 1964 for his Live at the Regal classic album. he closed our show. Until we can get together again take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you. 


Eighteen Year Old Girl
J. B. Hutto & The New Hawks
12
Box Of Blues
Various Artists
Rounder
Time And Time Again
Long John Hunter
1
Swinging From The Rafters
Long John Hunter
Alligator
Why You Hurt Me So Bad
Vance Kelly
9
Jimmy Dawkins Presents: The Leric Story
Various Artists
DELMARK
St. Louis Blues
Isley Brothers, The
2
Shout! The Definitive Edition
Isley Brothers, The
Hoodoo Records
Walkin' With Mr Lee
Lee Allen & His Band
12
The Very Best Of Burlesque
Various Artists
Not Now Music
Cadillac Man
Jesters, The
12
It Came From Memphis
Various Artists
MANTERA
Cadillac Jack Says 'Bring The Fishtail Back'
Mighty Mo Rodgers
1
Cadillac Jack
Mighty Mo Rodgers
TIN DRUM MUSIC
Losers Weepers
Etta James
15
The Best Of Etta James
Etta James
SPECTRUM
Weepers
Etta James
6
Losers Weepers With Bonus Trucks
Etta James
Kent
On A Monday
Catfish Keith
1
Put On A Buzz
Catfish Keith
FISH TAIL
Walkin' The Dog
Jo Ann Kelly
19
Key To The Highway
Jo Ann Kelly
Sanctuary Records Group Ltd
I Cant Turn Back
Jackson Sloan
1
3 For The Floor
Jackson Sloan
SHELLAC
Big Fat Mamas Are Back In Style
Bull Moose Jackson & His Buffalo Bearcats
21
The Very Best Of Burlesque
Various Artists
Not Now Music
Time For My Lovin' To Be Done
Eddie Kirkland
6
Battle Of Hastings Street
Various Artists
ACE
Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out
Bessie Smith
6
Roots Of Rock
Various Artists
ACROBAT
Way Down In The Hole
Hans Theessink
1
Jedermann Remixed - The Soundtrack
Hans Theessink
BLUE GROOVE
The Comfort Table
Robert Ward
15
Fear No Evil
Robert Ward
SILVERTONE
Jesus Gave Me Water
Soul Stirrers, The
9
The Sound Of The City - Chicago
Various Artists
Emi Records Ltd
Greenback
Drink Small
9
Hallelujah Boogaloo
Drink Small
MUSIC MAKER
Gonna Leave This Town
Professor Longhair
7
House Party New Orleans Style (Lost Sessions 1971-72)
Professor Longhair
Rounder Records
Dr Jive Jives
Buddy Johnson And His Orchestra
9
The Very Best Of Burlesque
Various Artists
Not Now Music
Satellite Baby
Roosevelt Sykes
15
The Very Best Of Burlesque
Various Artists
Not Now Music
Mother Earth
Memphis Slim
25
Theme Time Radio Hour
Various Artists
ACE
High Time
Fiona Boyes
5
Blues For Hard Times
Fiona Boyes
Vizztone
Watch The One (That Brings The Bad News)
Barbara Lynn
5
A Good Woman
Barbara Lynn
Kent
6. Club A Go-Go
Barbara Lynn
6
A Good Woman
Barbara Lynn
Kent
Keep Holdin' On Baby
Sandy Mack
4
Leaflets Vol 2
Various Artists
BLUES LEAF
You Were A Long Time Coming
Nappy Brown
2
Long Time Coming
Nappy Brown
BLIND PIG RECORDS
Everyday I Have The Blues
B. B. King
1
Blues Tunes
Various Artists
HIT