Monday 26 December 2011

STAR BLUES on Christmas Day 2011 at 22:00

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 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

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






Created: 19/12/2011 08:29:01

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


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
Created: 12/12/2011 09:00:03

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


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
Created: 05/12/2011 08:22:49 



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