Saturday was wet so I did the only thing possible, I went to a record fair. Result too by finding a rare Freddie King double set with some unreleased goodies. That was a real fillip while compiling a STAR BLUES playlist that featured some blues ladies of the first order.
Etta James was despatched to the FAME studios in Alabama by Chess in the hope that the magic given to Aretha's classic soul sides would rub off. She came back with "Tell Mama", "Security", "I'd Rather Go Blind" and the gem written by Oldham and Penn: "I Worship The Ground".For reasons best known to Chess they put it on an obscure b-side but it was our show highlight yesterday. Candi Staton's flirtation with disco brought her some commerciasl recognition but she's always been in a class above the rest when it comes to soul and gospel - our evidence was her version of "Thats How Strong My Love Is". Deborah Coleman is a stylish singer and player, she did a song from Albert Collins repertoire: "If You Love Me Like You Say". Rory Block is given short shrift by blues purists for her mannered style, I don't have a problem with her and I'm really enjoying her new album that celebrates the music of Mississippi Fred McDowell.
Gospel from Mahalia Jackson and Johnny Cash, piano from a nine year old Sugar Chile Robinson, classic Memphis Slim from 1957 and a 1991 session from Jimmy McCracklin. We paid tribute to Carl Hodges and Johnny Nitro who died recently, the latter via his song "Too Many Dirty Dishes". While on air, news came through that Eddie Kirkland had been killed in an accident with his van and a bus on the way back from his gig. Eerily similar to the death last Valentines Day of Lil Dave Thompson.
The aforementioned Freddie King and T-Model Ford did blues of different flavours both deserving to be played loud. I'm still struggling mightily with pc problems and generating playlists, thanks for your patience. I've had better luck with white tee shirts (bought anothER one last week), see it in your minds eye next Sunday at 10pm (GMT) until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you
While on air
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