By coincidence or just serendipity the last week has been good for the blues in the media with two whole evenings dedicated to British Blues on a satellite TV channel - just three weeks after STAR BLUES did a special show on the subject. Evidence that the powers in charge have their dials set or web-site streaming tuned our way on a Sunday night? Many items of my playlist were put there to compliment what was going on - one highlight was the documentary on Bobby Bland, not for nothing known as "The Voice". You owe it to your grandchildren to bring them up listening to Bobby Bland, in support of that advice I included Bobby's first recording done for Duke in 1952 "No Blow No show". Another highlight from the series of shows came from Freddie King with "Woke Up This Morning" who had last been seen in white jump suit and rainbow shirt with collars so wide he'd have lifted a 747 if the wind changed.
Talking of mornings, I had chance to mention Ely Eels and the Mighty Mark Peters - Chuck Berry's "Brown-Eyed Handsome Man" seemed to be what was required. Though in the interests of following the Ofcom regulations on honesty, taste and decency I had to point out that the webcam does not lie. The traffic and travel service he and Amy provide each weekday morning is however invaluable, not the least of which when trying to negotiate Bank Holiday Weekend roads.
Mark Lamarr has discovered a little known statute that for every Chuck Berry track, there must be one from Bo Diddley, I had no hesitation in complying with the legislation with the original version of "Who Do You Love" - I played George Thorogood's version last week and this upcoming Sunday I'll have a pair of tickets to give away for George's show at the Cambridge Corn Exchange.
The week ended on a high note with Bob Dylan at No. 1 in the album charts and another track played from his excellent album I suspect a few blues purists will have run for the hills at that and from the timeless blues riff that started the show from Led Zeppelin. I hope they made it back for the rest of the show with classic performances by Champion Jack Dupree, Fenton Robinson, Mississippi John Hurt, Fred McDowell, Little Esther and Sister Wynona Carr in the second hour of the show. I doubt there is another live blues show that covers as many styles of blues in two hours. I'm already putting together two more for you next Sunday at ten on FM and on-line at www.star107.co.uk, I'll be pleased to share your company. Until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you
Gary Blue
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