According to their bass player Gary Fletcher, the Blues Band don't trouble the press and the press don't trouble the Blues Band; and if interviews or comments are required Dave Kelly or Tom McGuinness will oblige. So a rare opportunity to talk to the front man Paul Jones was our Christmas Day treat. I took some recording gizmos to the Maddermarket in Norwich and we sat down for a chat while the Blues Band set up for that night's gig.
We started by talking about the new album "Few Short Lines" and - as the project was intended to mark their 30th anniversary - the choice of guests: Linda Lewis and Southside Johnny having a chance to stretch out on some new songs and some less obvious cover versions. Paul is much more than their singer, he's a working musician that hosts Britain's flagship weekly blues radio show for BBC Radio2, something he's done for twenty five years. That's a heck of a feat for an unfashionable genre of music and it shows that Britain still has a very passionate love for blues. Over the years the show has had some fine sessions and Paul talked about some of his favourites: Eric Bibb, Robert Cray and Ruthie Foster At the start of 2011 he was given international recognition with a "Keeping The Blues Alive" award, as well as winning "Blues Broadcaster of the Year" and the Harmonica player trophy for a second time.
The year has had some sadness with a number of significant blues players passing over: Pinetop Perkins, Honeyboy Edwards, Willie Big-Eyes Smith, Big Jackson Johnson, Eddie Kirkland and sadly too many more. Paul remembered the Legends tour from a few years ago and also talked about the talent coming through, his discovery of Giles Robson and his admiration of Joe Bonamassa, he admitted to listening to Stephen Dale Pettit in the car!
He and Brian Jones played together before Brian set off for London to form the Rolling Stones, Paul stayed behind as "Paul Peterson" singing pop covers in a dance band all the while learning invaluable lessons in stagecraft and musicianship from the trained jazz players in the same outfit. After that he went to join Manfred Mann and briefly put together a "Supergroup" for an album on Elektra that included Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Steve Winwood (Ginger Baker turned him down!!!). When punk rejuvenated the live music scene with an anyone can make a record attitude, Paul spoke to some old mates about some sporadic gigs using an anonymous name "the Blues Band" with a limited edition album to sell at gigs. They had to bootleg their own album when they ran into cash flow hurdles, the disc was a triumph and their gigs sold out.
Paul was candid about the influence his father had and how he juggles everything to fit in playing in four different groups as well as doing sessions, leading the British Harmonica League and an award winning weekly radio show. Early in 2012 the Blues Band back catalogue will be spruced up and reissued with as many rarities as he can find, and the Manfreds will celebrate 50 years since formation. You can expect something special.It was a pleasure to chew the fat with Paul, it was all over too quickly.
From everyone here at STAR BLUES, wishing you a safe, happy and healthy Christmas and New Year, Until our next live STAR BLUES on 8th January take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you
Monday, 26 December 2011
Monday, 19 December 2011
STAR BLUES on 18th December 2011 at 22:00
2011 was an eventful year for blues with the Robert Johnson Centenary in May and the passing on of so many influential blues artists - we marked as many as we could during our Awards night show. Now in a third year we recognise an artist and album of the year as well as a label and a reissue label. For a second time you've picked an artist too.
The choices weren't easy and you'll have you own; here's how it worked out last night on STAR BLUES with a few words on each.
ALBUM: "Let the Blues Speak for Itself" by Chick Willis (Benevolent Records)
There is a down-home relaxed feeling to the album, especially on the cuts he does with Travis Haddix. Songs are front and centre not instrumental dexterity, the project shows Chick in a fresh light given his reputation as the Stoop Down Man.
ARTIST: Willie Big-Eyes Smith
Almost a joint prize with Pinetop Perkins I have to say. They both won a Grammy together on their "Joined At The Hip" album but the revelation for many was the return to his first instrument - the harp - by Smith. He defined the rules for blues drummers everywhere and it must have given him immense pride to have his son Kenny in the traps on that album. Big grin on the cover photo and a gentle gentleman universally loved by everyone.
LABEL: Delmark
By far and away the label every artist wants to be discovered by at the moment with a real set of quality albums put out by folks doing their first or second projects: Sharon Lewis, Quintus McCormick, Toronzo Cannon and so on. Add to that a top notch reissue programme that includes things like Junior Wells' "Hoodoo Man Blues" with bonus unissued cuts. Hearty congrats to a worthy winner showing that our music has a solid future.
REISSUE LABEL: Ace
For the 3rd year running the compilers have come up trumps time and time again with sumptuous packaging stuffed with photos and memorabilia. The 3 disc set on Fame Studios is but a recent example as is the first anthology of an under-appreciated player: Barbara Lynn. Ace also put out a tasty issue of Lazy Lester and the list goes on. The reissue market is as ever crowded with folks looking at recordings over fifty years old but Ace soldiers on focusing on the music and going that bit further to ensure artists and families get their dues.
LISTENER ARTIST: Seasick Steve
Huge reactions at the festivals this Summer - including guesting John Paul Jones - made him a favourite with you in 2011. Its amazing to think of a down-to-earth guy with a homemade three string guitar drawing crowds in the tens of thousands and playing them raw blues. No argument from me when Steve topped your list.
Next week on STAR BLUES, my guest is rival blues-dj Paul Jones. We sat down together in conversation and left the tape recorder on. He talks about the Blues Band, his radio show and some hair raising tales of the Sixties. I hope you can come along, we';ll be pleased to have your company. Until then - from my family to yours - please have a safe, happy and healthy Christmas and 2012. Take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you
Created: 19/12/2011 08:29:01
The choices weren't easy and you'll have you own; here's how it worked out last night on STAR BLUES with a few words on each.
ALBUM: "Let the Blues Speak for Itself" by Chick Willis (Benevolent Records)
There is a down-home relaxed feeling to the album, especially on the cuts he does with Travis Haddix. Songs are front and centre not instrumental dexterity, the project shows Chick in a fresh light given his reputation as the Stoop Down Man.
ARTIST: Willie Big-Eyes Smith
Almost a joint prize with Pinetop Perkins I have to say. They both won a Grammy together on their "Joined At The Hip" album but the revelation for many was the return to his first instrument - the harp - by Smith. He defined the rules for blues drummers everywhere and it must have given him immense pride to have his son Kenny in the traps on that album. Big grin on the cover photo and a gentle gentleman universally loved by everyone.
LABEL: Delmark
By far and away the label every artist wants to be discovered by at the moment with a real set of quality albums put out by folks doing their first or second projects: Sharon Lewis, Quintus McCormick, Toronzo Cannon and so on. Add to that a top notch reissue programme that includes things like Junior Wells' "Hoodoo Man Blues" with bonus unissued cuts. Hearty congrats to a worthy winner showing that our music has a solid future.
REISSUE LABEL: Ace
For the 3rd year running the compilers have come up trumps time and time again with sumptuous packaging stuffed with photos and memorabilia. The 3 disc set on Fame Studios is but a recent example as is the first anthology of an under-appreciated player: Barbara Lynn. Ace also put out a tasty issue of Lazy Lester and the list goes on. The reissue market is as ever crowded with folks looking at recordings over fifty years old but Ace soldiers on focusing on the music and going that bit further to ensure artists and families get their dues.
LISTENER ARTIST: Seasick Steve
Huge reactions at the festivals this Summer - including guesting John Paul Jones - made him a favourite with you in 2011. Its amazing to think of a down-to-earth guy with a homemade three string guitar drawing crowds in the tens of thousands and playing them raw blues. No argument from me when Steve topped your list.
Next week on STAR BLUES, my guest is rival blues-dj Paul Jones. We sat down together in conversation and left the tape recorder on. He talks about the Blues Band, his radio show and some hair raising tales of the Sixties. I hope you can come along, we';ll be pleased to have your company. Until then - from my family to yours - please have a safe, happy and healthy Christmas and 2012. Take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you
| Christmas Date Boogie | Big Joe Turner | 81 | All The Classic Hits | Big Joe Turner | JSP Records |
| Please Come Home For Christmas | Johnny Winter | 4 | Hey Where's Your Brother? | Johnny Winter | POINTBLANK |
| Stay A Little Longer, Santa | Shemekia Copeland | 13 | Deluxe Edition | Shemekia Copeland | Alligator Records & Artist Management, Inc. |
| Put On A Buzz | Catfish Keith | 6 | Put On A Buzz | Catfish Keith | FISH TAIL |
| Frisco Blues | Bayless Rose | 23 | Broke Black And Blue | Various Artists | PROPER |
| Sweet Home Chicago | Honeyboy Edwards | 23 | Let Me Tell You About The Blues: Memphis | Various Artists | Fantastic Voyage |
| Love That Burns | Gary Moore | 10 | Blues For Greeny | Gary Moore | VIRGIN |
| Foggy Monday | Eddie Kirkland | 6 | Movin' On | Eddie Kirkland | JSP Records |
| Red, Black On Blues | Pura Fe | 2 | A Blues Night In North Carolina | Pura Fe | Dixiefrog |
| All My Love's In Vain | Big Head Blues Club Featuring Big Head Todd & The Monsters | 9 | 100 Years Of Robert Johnson | Big Head Blues Club Featuring Big Head Todd & The Monsters | |
| We're Gonna Boogie | Chick WillisTravis Haddix | 9 | Let The Blues Speak For Itself | Chick WillisTravis Haddix | Benevolent Blues |
| Two Trains Running | Marquise Knox | 12 | Here I Am | Marquise Knox | APO Records |
| Sadie | Quintus McCormick Blues Band | 11 | Put It On Me! | Quintus McCormick Blues Band | DELMARK |
| Leaving Mood | Toronzo Cannon | 8 | Leaving Mood | Toronzo Cannon | DELMARK |
| I Ain't Stranded - Buddy Guy | Buddy Guy | 1 | Hoodoo Man Blues | Junior Wells' Chicago Blues Band | DELMARK |
| Christmas Boogie | Sugar Chile Robinson | 18 | Mark Lamarr's Rhythm And Blues Christmas | Various Artists | ACROBAT |
| Merry Xmas | Little Willie Littlefield | 12 | Rhythm & Blues Christmas | Various Artists | ACE |
| Dig That Crazy Santa Claus | Oscar McLollie & His Honey Jumpers | 19 | Rhythm & Blues Christmas | Various Artists | ACE |
| Without A Woman | Kip Anderson | 4 | The Fame Studio Story 1961-1973 Home Of The Muscle Shoals Sound | Various Artists | Kent |
| Eyesight To The Blind | Pinetop Perkins & Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith | 13 | Joined At The Hip | Pinetop Perkins & Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith | TELARC |
| Plow My Mule | Memphis Gold | 10 | Pickin In High Cotton | Memphis Gold | |
| You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks | Seasick Steve | 2 | You Can´t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks | Seasick Steve | Play It Again Sam |
| Woman Loves A Man That Can Play The Slide | Drink Small | 5 | Hallelujah Boogaloo | Drink Small | MUSIC MAKER |
| Can't Be Satisified | Toby Walker | 11 | Shake Shake Mama | Toby Walker | ltw |
| People Get Ready | Hans Theessink | 16 | Jedermann Remixed - The Soundtrack | Hans Theessink | BLUE GROOVE |
Monday, 12 December 2011
STAR BLUES on 11th December 2011 at 22:00
Hubert Sumlin was in our thoughts last night with some examples of his solo sides as well as his work for Howlin' Wolf. There's a lovely contrast in how he took on the solo in "Hidden Charms" for Chester and the down home playing with Annie Raines for the Telarc project over thirty years after. Sumlin was regarded as a son to the Wolf and it could be argued that neither was at their best when apart. The Rolling Stones sprung for funeral expenses so there was a sense of giving back to such a well-loved guitarist.
Dobie Gray was another to pass over this week and I've earmarked "Driftaway" for the next show: it's not that bluesy but it has a cracking solo and the song marks a time and place for many blues lovers. Johnny Winter is back with a new project designed to poke blues purists in the eye - it got a good review in Living Blues magazine so it ain't half bad. We've had ten years since JLW and Otis Grand cemented their Guitar Brothers relationship and the wily John Stedman will reissue that album to coincide with Joe's upcoming debut for Alligator: "Hellfire".
Christmas came with the smooth styling of Johnny Moore and from Albert Collins' ferocious workout "Thaw Out". I mispronounced Louis Armstrong (should have said "Lewis") but his "Cool Yule" couldn't be beat at any time of year. Gorgeous. Our distaff side had some big hitters too: Sister Rosetta Tharpe (gospel) and Jessie Mae Hemphill to name but two. The Pilgrim Travelers joined the good sister in the gospel tent and we effortlessly slid back to the Thirties golden age for boogie woogie with Messrs Smith and Davenport.
The young Lonnie Brooks recorded as Guitar Junior and his "Crawl" ensured we fulfilled our assignment in Pip-ology homework. Then in a trice it was gone. Next week we'll run through the STAR BLUES awards and then in two weeks on Christmas Day (when other blues shows sleep) it'll be "WHEN GARY MET PJ". I hope you can bring your fine self around to my place at 10pm (GMT) Sundays, looking forward to it until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you
Created: 12/12/2011 09:00:03
Dobie Gray was another to pass over this week and I've earmarked "Driftaway" for the next show: it's not that bluesy but it has a cracking solo and the song marks a time and place for many blues lovers. Johnny Winter is back with a new project designed to poke blues purists in the eye - it got a good review in Living Blues magazine so it ain't half bad. We've had ten years since JLW and Otis Grand cemented their Guitar Brothers relationship and the wily John Stedman will reissue that album to coincide with Joe's upcoming debut for Alligator: "Hellfire".
Christmas came with the smooth styling of Johnny Moore and from Albert Collins' ferocious workout "Thaw Out". I mispronounced Louis Armstrong (should have said "Lewis") but his "Cool Yule" couldn't be beat at any time of year. Gorgeous. Our distaff side had some big hitters too: Sister Rosetta Tharpe (gospel) and Jessie Mae Hemphill to name but two. The Pilgrim Travelers joined the good sister in the gospel tent and we effortlessly slid back to the Thirties golden age for boogie woogie with Messrs Smith and Davenport.
The young Lonnie Brooks recorded as Guitar Junior and his "Crawl" ensured we fulfilled our assignment in Pip-ology homework. Then in a trice it was gone. Next week we'll run through the STAR BLUES awards and then in two weeks on Christmas Day (when other blues shows sleep) it'll be "WHEN GARY MET PJ". I hope you can bring your fine self around to my place at 10pm (GMT) Sundays, looking forward to it until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you
| Rude Women | Joe Louis Walker & Otis Grand | 7 | Guitar Brothers | Joe Louis WalkerOtis Grand | JSP Records |
| Done Somebody Wrong | Johnny Winter & Warren Haynes | 3 | Roots | Johnny Winter | Megaforce |
| Your Lies | Lucky Peterson | 2 | Triple Play | Lucky Peterson | Alligator Records |
| Hidden Charms | Howlin' Wolf | 3 | Complete Recordings 1951-1969 | Howlin' Wolf | CHARLY |
| Got The Blues | Hubert Sumlin | 1 | Heart & Soul | Hubert Sumlin | |
| Jinx Blues | Alvin Youngblood Hart | 4 | Down In The Alley | Alvin Youngblood Hart | Memphis International |
| Hound Dog | Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton, Kansas City Bell & orchestra | 12 | The Johnny Otis Story Volume 1 Volume 1: 1945-57 Midnight At The Barrelhouse V A | Johnny Otis & His Orchestra | ACE |
| There It Is | Darrell Nulisch | 3 | The Whole Truth | Darrell Nulisch | SEVERN |
| Cool Yule | Louis Armstrong | 14 | Mark Lamarr's Rhythm And Blues Christmas | Various Artists | ACROBAT |
| Merry Christmas Baby | Mari Jones & Johnny Moore Orchestra | 4 | Rhythm & Blues Christmas | Various Artists | ACE |
| Thaw Out | Albert Collins | 13 | Blues Guitar Box | Various Artists | SEQUEL |
| The Red Rooster | Howlin' Wolf | 17 | Complete Recordings 1951-1969 | Howlin' Wolf | CHARLY |
| Blue Shadows | Hubert Sumlin | 8 | Healing Feeling | Hubert Sumlin | BLACK TOP |
| This Is Hip | John Lee Hooker | 2 | Masterworks Sampler Vol. 1 | Various Artists | CHARLY |
| Black Cat Bone | Jessie Mae Hemphill | 1 | She-Wolf | Jessie Mae Hemphill | High Water Music |
| Up Above My Head | Sister Rosetta Tharpe | 15 | Gospel Greats | Various Artists | PLANET |
| Straight Street | Pilgrim Travellers | 6 | The Sound Of The City - Los Angeles | Various Artists | Emi Records Ltd |
| Pinetop's Boogie Woogie | Clarence 'Pinetop' Smith | 2 | The Best Of Boogie Woogie | Various Artists | DOCUMENTS |
| Cow Cow Blues | Cow Cow Davenport | 7 | History Of Rhythm And Blues Part One | Various Artists | Rhythm and Blues Records |
| Come Back Baby | Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin | 9 | Legends | Various Artists | TELARC |
| Rock Me Baby | Hubert SumlinAnnie Raines | 4 | A Taste Of Blues Harmonica | Various Artists | TELARC |
| Cadillac Jack | Andre Williams | 2 | The Sound Of The City - Chicago | Various Artists | Emi Records Ltd |
| Back Door Santa | Clarence Carter | 1 | The Original Soul Christmas | Various Artists | RHINO |
| Short Dress Woman | Carey Bell w. Lurrie Bell | 6 | Second Nature | Carey BellLurrie Bell | Alligator |
| The Crawl | Guitar Junior | 4 | Masterworks Sampler Vol. 1 | Various Artists | CHARLY |
Monday, 5 December 2011
STAR BLUES on 4th December 2011 at 22:00
Real sad news at the end of last night's STAR BLUES with confirmation that Hubert Sumlin had died. I did have "Smokestack Lightnin'" to hand but that somehow didn't seem enough. Never a flashy lead guitarist his work with Howlin' Wolf made Hubert a central figure in the way electric Chicago Blues sounded. When Wolf came to London in May 1970, the sessions included various members of the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton - with Eric being really embarrassed to be there asking "Why do you need me, you've got Hubert?".
We also lost Howard Tate on Friday to a battle with Leukemia a somewhat underrated singer who got famous though the covers Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and BB Kind did of his originals. He and Jerry Ragavoy worked well together and it was ironic that Tate has gone so soon after Ragavoy. Tates stuff isn't easy to come by but will repay the effort if you try.
Big birthday celebrations for Larry Davis (our 1001 blues), Pop Staples, Little Richard, Junior Wells and the second man calling himself Sonny Boy Williamson. In January Alligator will release Joe Louis Walkers debut for them called "HellFire", on his performance during the Blues Cruise its not hard to hear why Bruce Iglauer wanted JLW on board (pun!) Robert Ealey clearly enjoyed playing blues, why he wasn't better know is one of blues mysteries...
Mojo Magazine (there are others) has a cover mount disc from the latest breed of soul singers, each doing a cover of a track from the Rolling Stones' "Sticky Fingers" - we went to its Naomi Shelton cut for our gospel spot a Stax horn soundalike version of "You Gotta Move" by Gary Davis / Fred McDowell (perm any one from three). Sonny Thompson did piano on an unissued side from 1947 when he was with Miracle Records in Chicago. To round out the full flavours of blues we did the title track from Seasick Steve's chart album retrospective "Walking Man" - and "Scratch My Kat" With Cedell Davis. A new approach to "Barefootin" from Joe Medwick was all we had time for my white tee-shirt - hope we get another chance to chinwag, gossip, natter and peruse on Sunday night at 10pm (GMT) until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you
Created: 05/12/2011 08:22:49
We also lost Howard Tate on Friday to a battle with Leukemia a somewhat underrated singer who got famous though the covers Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and BB Kind did of his originals. He and Jerry Ragavoy worked well together and it was ironic that Tate has gone so soon after Ragavoy. Tates stuff isn't easy to come by but will repay the effort if you try.
Big birthday celebrations for Larry Davis (our 1001 blues), Pop Staples, Little Richard, Junior Wells and the second man calling himself Sonny Boy Williamson. In January Alligator will release Joe Louis Walkers debut for them called "HellFire", on his performance during the Blues Cruise its not hard to hear why Bruce Iglauer wanted JLW on board (pun!) Robert Ealey clearly enjoyed playing blues, why he wasn't better know is one of blues mysteries...
Mojo Magazine (there are others) has a cover mount disc from the latest breed of soul singers, each doing a cover of a track from the Rolling Stones' "Sticky Fingers" - we went to its Naomi Shelton cut for our gospel spot a Stax horn soundalike version of "You Gotta Move" by Gary Davis / Fred McDowell (perm any one from three). Sonny Thompson did piano on an unissued side from 1947 when he was with Miracle Records in Chicago. To round out the full flavours of blues we did the title track from Seasick Steve's chart album retrospective "Walking Man" - and "Scratch My Kat" With Cedell Davis. A new approach to "Barefootin" from Joe Medwick was all we had time for my white tee-shirt - hope we get another chance to chinwag, gossip, natter and peruse on Sunday night at 10pm (GMT) until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you
| Track_Title | Track_ArtistSort | Index | Album_Title |
| Crusin' for a Bluesin' | Ray Bailey | 5 | Cruisin' for a Bluesin' |
| Hottest Thing In Town | Andy Poxon Band, The | 1 | Red Roots |
| I Got My Eyes On You (Featuring Al Blake & Alex Schultz) | Big Pete | 6 | Choice Cuts |
| Nickels & Dimes | Fiona Boyes | 1 | Blues For Hard Times |
| Walkin' Man | Seasick Steve | 2 | ...Songs For Elisabeth |
| John Henry | Pop Staples | 22 | Ultimate Staple Singers: A Family Affair |
| House Calls | Bob Kirkpatrick | 9 | Going Back To Texas |
| Texas Flood | Larry DavisFenton Robinson | 5 | Dave's Dukes |
| Midnight In The Barrelhouse | Johnny Otis Orchestra Feat. Pete "Guitar" Lewis | 5 | The Johnny Otis Story Volume 1 Volume 1: 1945-57 Midnight At The Barrelhouse V A |
| Nothing's Impossible | Solomon Burke | 4 | Nothing's Impossible |
| Stop | Howard Tate | 25 | The Pomus And Shuman Story |
| Ain't Nobody Home | Howard Tate | 12 | This Time It's For Real |
| Barefootin' | Joe Medwick | 1 | Voice of Americana: Joe Medwick |
| It's A Shame Featuring Joe Louis Walker | Joe Louis Walker | 4 | Tommy Castro Presents The Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue -- Live! |
| All My Worries | Robert Ealey | 7 | Turn Out The Lights |
| Don't Start Me Talkin' | Sonny Boy Williamson (Aka Rice Miller) | 11 | The R'n'b Hits Of 1955 |
| Slippin' And Slidin' | Little Richard | 11 | The E.P. Collection |
| Hoodoo Man | Junior Wells | 15 | Down Home Blues Classics - Chicago (1946-1954) |
| My Dog Can't Bark | Johnny Dyer | 10 | Rolling Fork Revisited |
| You Gonna Win | Mike Sanchez | 5 | Women And Cadillacs |
| Walking | Sonny Thompson | 7 | Jam Sonny Jam |
| You Gonna Need Somebody On Your Bond | Hans Theessink | 11 | Jedermann Remixed - The Soundtrack |
| You Gotta move | Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens | 5 | Sticky Soul Fingers |
| Smokestack Lightnin | Howlin' Wolf | 19 | Smokestack Lightnin' |
| Keep On Snatchin It Back | Cedell Davis | 1 | All Men Are Liars |
| Barefootin' | Joe Medwick | 1 | Voice of Americana: Joe Medwick |
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
Created: 28/11/2011 08:34:49
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 |
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
Created: 21/11/2011 13:48:43
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 |
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.
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
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)