Sunday 28 December 2014

STAR BLUES on 28th December 2014 at 22:00 - Exclusive news of 6th annual award winners


The SB awards

The STAR BLUES radio show is known internationally as “Britain’s Other Blues Show” and the awards should characterise each year in hindsight. Our focus is on the traditional blues styles and our winners fit right along. It’s not an exact science and the choices reflect what we’ve played and our feedback shows what was enjoyed most.


We can’t promise the winners a fancy trophy or a red carpet, just a mention here in the blog and our annual Almanac.

STAR BLUES 2014 Awards
Artist of the Year
GRADY CHAMPION
Grady has been there or thereabouts for a while now since his debut in 1999 and this year he made a breakthrough with his own imprint DeChamp Records. His first artists did the business for him with impressive outings: J J Thames and Eddie Cotton. Grady is also a bold new signing to a revitalised Malaco stable for his best album yet, “Bootleg Whiskey”.


Album of the Year
“NOBODY BUT ME” – Rip Lee Pryor (Electro-Fi Records)
This debut album skilfully exposes the elements of blues as it has always been played with no-nonsense harp and  vocals.  The songs have no room for pointless grandstanding.

Label of the Year
CATFOOD
Bob Trenchard’s label is based in El Paso, Tx and has become the watch word for stylish soul-blues: this year has been their strongest yet. Barbara Carr, James Armstrong, Johnny Rawls and Otis Clay are making the best music of their careers, thanks to the care and craft of this unique imprint.



Reissue Label of the Year





ACE RECORDS
The Ace imprint added to an already impressive series of Bayou rarities as well as starting programmes for complete singles outputs of Fame, RPM, Modern, Ric and Ron. Most of the albums are put out on vinyl as well as compact. We again mark their achievements in setting high standards in production, annotation and artwork. That the compilers are obviously fans is shown in the addition of bonus cuts or alternate takes to the releases.

Special Award for vinyl excellence





VEE-TONE RECORDS
The small Scottish imprint has steadily built a sequence of records compiled from rhythm and blues and rock’n’roll singles. Almost all have been overlooked since first issue by everyone part from the estimable compiler Mark Lamarr. Though the sets are usually available in compact disc format, the limited edition platters made from 180g vinyl are the real treasures. Irreverent sleeve notes and label shots make for a top-notch package which deserves to be heard as well as collected. David Gillespie and his team deserve the highest praise

The year also marked the centenaries of Ivory Joe Hunter, Homesick James, Eddie Boyd, Camille Howard, John Lee Williamson and Pee Wee Crayton among others. With some poignancy, Alberta Adam's passing on Christmas day  was at 97 making her a direct contemporary of such greats. Known as "Queen of Detroit Blues" our two selections showed her at opposite ends of her long career with an undiminished spirit. News came through that James Wheeler died the same day, noted for his work with Otis Clay he did two fine projects for Delmark. Curley Bridges was similarly under-exposed in terms of album product, we dipped into the one he did for Electro-Fi.

track.title track.artistsort index album.title album.artistsort label
sugaree Johnny Winter 6 Let Me In Johnny Winter POINTBLANK
Looking For My Baby James Wheeler 13 Ready! Plus One James Wheeler DELMARK
Pay To Play Eddie Cotton 3 Here I Come Eddie Cotton DEChamp
Come Back Baby Linsey Alexander 4 Come Back Baby Linsey Alexander DELMARK
Rock 'N' Roll Mama Camille Howard 7 Voodoo Voodoo: Feisty Fifties Females Various Artists Fantastic Voyage
on my way up James Kinds and the oasis 1 on my way up James Kinds cloud
Messin' Around With The Blues Alberta Adams 17 I'm A Bad Bad Girl Various Artists INDIGO
hopin' it will be alright Alberta Adams 12 detroit is my home alberta adams east lawn music
My Girl Ivy (Atco 6084) Jimmy Witherspoon 14 Slabs Of Humdingers Vol. 2 Various Artists vee-tone
Guide Me Soul Finders Of Newark 17 Screaming Gospel Holy Rollers Various Artists vee-tone
big joe moe singin' sammy ward 6 motown rythm and blues 59-62 various artists vee-tone
mohawk 2 slabs of humdingers various artists vee-tone record
sittin' here wonderin; 3 slabs of humdingers various artists vee-tone record
set a date Homesick James 1 set a date homesick james colt
Jivin' The Blues John Lee 'Sonny Boy Williamson 20 History Of Rhythm And Blues Part One Various Artists Rhythm and Blues Records
pitch a boogie woogie Rip Lee Pryor 7 Nobody But Me Rip Lee Pryor electro-fi
Keep Our Business To Yourself Rip Lee Pryor 7 Nobody But Me Rip Lee Pryor electro-fi
Texas hop Pee Wee Clayton 1 essential pee wee crayton indigo
jumoin at the dew drop Ivory Joe Hunter 1-23 essential Ivory Joe Hunter indigo
Hard Time Getting Started '52 Eddie Boyd 2 The Blues Is Here To Stay Eddie Boyd Jasmine Records
I Ain't Drunk Lonnie The Cat 7 Speak Easy - The Rpm Records Story Volume 2 1954-57 Various Artists Ace Records
thats alright slim harpo 2 Bluesin' By The Bayou Various Artists ACE
If Anybody Ask You Lonesome Sundown 4 Bluesin' By The Bayou - Rough 'N' Tough Various Artists ACE
She Wants What She Can't Have Terry Woodford 2 The Complete Fame Singles Volume 1 Various Artists ACE
Momma Didn't Raise No Fool Otis Clay 2 Soul Brothers Otis Clay & Johnny Rawls Catfood
Saturday Night Women James Armstrong 8 Guitar Angels James Armstrong Catfood
My Girl Josephine Curley Bridges 10 Mr Rock'n'soul Curley Bridges Electro-Fi
souled out JJ Thames 1 Tell You What I Know Jj Thames CDBaby
Beg Borrow and Steal Grady Champion 1 Bootleg Whiskey Grady Champion Malaco Records
Created: 28/12/2014 23:49:31

Sunday 21 December 2014

STAR BLUES on 21st December 2014 at 22:00 - the shortest day, Slabs of Humdingers and the biggest blues

Some furtive festive frolics, a handful of artists off the brand new Living Blues magazine as we build to the apex of the holiday season.

track.title track.artistsort index album.title album.artistsort label
Low Down And Dirty Luther Allison 6 Free Blues Various Artists Alligator
Find Me A New Love Michael Burks 1 From The Inside Out Michael Burks VENT RECORDS
pride and joy vance kelly 7 live at lee's vance kelly and hios backstreet blues band wolf
I'm Your Best Bet, Baby Earl King 11 Deep Feeling Various Artists Fantatsic Voyage
So Mean To Me Little Milton 18 Chicago Bound: Chess Blues, R&b And Rock 'N' Roll Various Artists Fantastic Voyage
i met a strange woman hop wilson 15 Deep Feeling Various Artists Fantatsic Voyage
Mojo Hand Larry Garner and Michael Van Merwyk 11 Upclose and Personal Larry Garner and Michael Van Merwyk  
rub-a-dub billy boy arnold 12 billy boy sings sonny boy billy boy arnold -
crow jane cephas and wiggins 6 richmond blues cephas and wiggins  
Merry Xmas Little Willie Littlefield 12 Rhythm & Blues Christmas Various Artists ACE
Christmas Boogie Frankie 'Sugar Chile' Robinson 23 Blues Blues Christmas Various Artists DOCUMENT
Christmas song lead belly 24 Blues Blues Christmas Various Artists DOCUMENT
empty stocking blues floyd dixon 15 mark lamarrs rythm and blues christmas various artists acrobat
Mama Don't Like It Smiley Lewis 18 Gumbo Ya Ya: The Cosimo Matassa Story Volume 2 Various Artists PROPER
Stealin Lady Bianca 5 Servin' Notice Lady Bianca MAGIC-O
woke up this morning Mavis Staples 9 One True Vine Mavis Staples Anti
I Know I Ain't Number One Queen Sylvia 5 Jimmy Dawkins Presents: The Leric Story Various Artists DELMARK
Du Dee Squat (Criss Cross 110) Little Luther 16 Slabs Of Humdingers Vol. 2 Various Artists vee-tone
Don't Drive Me Baby Lowell Fulson 3 slabs of humdingers vol. 2 various artists vee-tone
Wait A Minute (Roulette LP SR 25172) 7 Blends, The 1 Slabs Of Humdingers Vol. 2 Various Artists vee-tone
Wake Up Call Jimmy Witherspoon 10 The Blues The Whole Blues And Nothin' But The Blues Jimmy Witherspoon INDIGO
here i come eddie cotton 1 here i come eddie cotton dechamp
front porch boogie james johnson 5 chickadelic james johnson bluestown
Side Dish Candye Kane 8 Sister Vagabond Candye Kane DELTAGROOVE
gotta draw the line finis tasby 4 people dont care finis tasby -
listen up johnny dyer 1 listen up johnny dyer -
Whoopin' And A Hollerin' (Take 1) Preacher Stephens & His Orchestra 9 Speak Easy - The Rpm Records Story Volume 2 1954-57 Various Artists Ace Records
Bring That Cadillac Back Harry Grafton 11 Mark Lamarr's Rhythm And Blues Christmas Various Artists ACROBAT
Christmas Blues Ralph Willis 4 Blues Blues Christmas Various Artists DOCUMENT
Sonny Boy's Christmas Blues Sonny Boy Williamson (Aka Rice Miller) 19 Blues Blues Christmas Various Artists DOCUMENT
Here Comes Santa Claus Bob Dylan 1 Christmas In The Heart Bob Dylan COLUMBIA
 Created: 21/12/2014 23:49:16  

Sunday 14 December 2014

STAR BLUES on 14th December 2014 at 22:00 - no need for that truck Joe. Just piano, harp, sax and voice in here tonight

Our mandate to do things differently makes us Britain's Other Blues Show. So (for this week) you can leave that electric guitar at home. Sax, piano, harp and voice welcome;  its acoustic, pre-war and country blues tonight. Jerry McCain was a private eye for a while, an unlikely stop on his journey after cutting memorable singles for Johnny Vincent's Ace label - often copied never beaten. Steve Brookes has an unusual heritage and we thought his wryly humourous song was so well crafted it was one way of getting into Christmas.

Robert Johnson's place in the pantheon of enigmatic greats was assured almost from the start - though one shouldn't forget he would play polkas and such as a working travelling musician. We had chance to listen to his contemporaries and followers over the course of a special format show now fallen from favour on UK blues radio. Bukka White had a powerful technique - sabre not rapier. Amos Easton used the name Bumble Bee Slim when in the recording studio with a more nuanced technique. Blind Blake and Blind Boy Fuller both did their best work pre-war and Son House was the stylistic link from Muddy Waters back to Charley Patton and so on.

Sax is an instrument you either love or not - Red Prysock, Bill Doggett and King Curtis were its finest exponents. (We did sneak some electric guitar in under the radar for "Soul Twist" - ok I forgot). Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Rushing, and Joe Turner had great presence and added credibility to otherwise ho0hum Christmas fa(y)re. Oscar McLollie approached his work with gleeful abandon, Mabel Scott held the line and the Ravens completely re-did an old chestnut. Not really within our normal scope, we extended seasonal hospitality to super-bass-heavy Jimmy Ricks. The Du-Droppers answered the Domioes stamina and the Wheels made their debut in these parts. The Persuasions group is now the premier a capella outfit even if they have a fondness for reaching into deeper wells  in other genres like Frank Zappa.

Mahalia Jackson pitched a gospel tent on the near side, Jimmy Yancey, Amos Milburn and Lloyd Glenn did piano duties. Memphis Minnie and  Lil Green sounded years advanced of Mamie Smith and Trixie Smith (not related). Mamie's is thought to be the first recorded mention of "The Blues" and Trixie's imperious voice cut through the poor fidelity of the original 78rpm source for her piece.

We hope to have proved there is more to the music than showing off on electric axe and that you'll want to go further in exploring other facets of blues. Its a real honour to be able to get a warm invite round your place with such marvellous music and I plan to be back next Sunday at 10pm (BST) for more STAR BLUES. Until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you

track.title track.artistsort index album.title album.artistsort label
Steady Jerry McCain 16 The Ace Story - Volume 3 Various Artists ACE
Travelling Riverside Blues Robert Johnson 5 Beg Borrow Or Steal Various ArtistsRobert Johnson CATFISH
Aberdeen Mississippi Blues Bukka White 1 Parchman Farm Blues Bukka White ORBIS BLUES COLLECTION
Steady Roll Mama Blues Bumble Bee Slim (Aka Amos Easton) 16 The Essential Bumble Bee Slim (Aka Amos Easton) CLASSIC BLUES
Goin’ Back To Texas Memphis Minnie 17 History Of Rhythm And Blues Part One Various Artists Rhythm and Blues Records
Go Girl! Tri-Saxual Soul Champs 13 Black Top Blues-A-Rama Various Artists BLACK TOP
zat you santa louis armstrong 3-20 rockin around christmas tree various artists crimson
Roll 'Em Pete Joe Turner & Pete Johnson 1 Roll 'Em Pete : 25 Years Of Piano Blues And Boogie Various Artists INDIGO
Can't Do Sixty No More Du Droppers, The 16 Let's Have A Ball Various Artists Blue Label / SPV
lets have a ball the wheels 1 Let's Have A Ball Various Artists Blue Label / SPV
Members Only Persuasions 13 Rounder Revue Various Artists Rounder
vitamin m steve brookes 5 vintage troubadour steve brookes
Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen Mahalia Jackson 20 Just For A Day: The Apollo Records Story Various Artists one day
Keep Your Lamps Trimmed And Burning Mississippi Fred McDowell 9 The First Recordings Mississippi Fred McDowell Rounder
Levee Camp Blues Son House 4 Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: [Son House] Son House Columbia Legacy
Good Mornin' Little School Girl Sonny Boy Williamson 10 Reborn And Remastered Robert Johnson ROUGH GUIDES
Soul Twist King Curtis 29 Teen Beat Vol.2 Various Artists ACE
One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer Amos Milburn 63 Blues Barrelhouse And Boogie - The Best Of Amos Milburn Capitol
Good Morning Blues Jimmy Rushing 11 The R'n'b Years 1947: 100 Hot Rhythm And Blues Tunes From 1947 Various Artists BOULEVARD VINTAGE
the hucklebuck paul williams 20 big horn various artists proper
Yancey Special Jimmy Yancey 6 Eternal Blues Jimmy Yancey BLUES ENCORE
crazy blues mamie Smith 11 The Blues Box Various Artists METRO
how come you do me like you do lil green 12 The Blues Box Various Artists METRO
Railroad Blues Trixie Smith 13 The Blues Box Various Artists METRO
white christmas ravens 8 mark lamarr's christmas various artists acrobat
dig that crazy santa claus oscar mclollie 1-11 rockin around christmas tree various artists crimson
boogie woogie santa claus mabel scott 1-11 rockin around christmas tree various artists crimson
The Hammer Red Prysock 40 The Big Horn Various Artists PROPER
Chica Boo Lloyd Glenn 12 The History Of Rhythm And Blues Volume Two 1942-1952 Various Artists Rhythm and Blues Records
diddie wa diddie Blind Blake 2-3 The essential Blind Blake classic blues
milk cow blues Josh White 2 blues singer josh white SONY
truckin my blues away blind boy fuller 14 legends of the blues various artists spv
Honky Tonk Bill Doggett 5 The Very Best Of Burlesque Various Artists Not Now Music
Created: 14/12/2014 23:51:53

Sunday 7 December 2014

STAR BLUES on 7th December 2014 at 22:00 marking 60 years since Sam Cooke was shot

... plus birthday music for Little Richard who was 82 on Friday. There's an internal jukebox installed between my ears which, when in random shuffle mode, is never more than one track away from a Little Richard barnstormer/ Everything about the artist is bigger than reality (when he arrived on our mortal planet, on 5th December 1932, he weighed in at 10lbs). I tried to use Charles White's excellent biography "The Life and Times" to find some colourful tales to help tell Richard's life; trouble is STAR BLUES is a family show and there was nothing I could safely recount. If you think tales of excess started with Led Zeppelin and Freddie Mercury - think again Little Richard did it first. He did it bigger. He did it more often. The music we chose picked itself.

His voice has been one of the most distinctive in any form of music for seven decades; Sam Cooke's time at bat was much more brief but no less influential. That gorgeous voice was already honed when he made his first records on Specialty as part of the Soul Stirrers aged just nineteen. Over the subsequent six years he did gospel before moving to a wider platform, first with Keen and on towards his own label SAR via the RCA deal. There are dozens of theories to explain his death by shooting in Los Angeles on 11th December 1964 - those few words are the extent of the verifiable facts of the case. None of the conspiracies can bring him back so we let the reader find out more for them selves if they want. While on air I started seeing posts come in from American friends showing clips of unrest on the streets of the big cities following recent events. Muddy Waters' son - Mud Morganfield - appealed for calm and it seemed appropriate to play Sam Cooke's game changer at that point in STAR BLUES. Put the whole thing in perspective for me about how far we've come in 60 years and yet how little things have changed.

Our first section was able to feature the class action of Jackson Sloan, his self-penned work is both elegant and joyful. He's been before but Georgie Bonds hasn't; he followed a two year spell in prison with fourteen years working as a blacksmith. Plenty of material for a blues song, he strikes me as a tough cookie with the instincts of a survivor (he's now out  the other side of some health worries). The other highlight in the first sixty can from Vaneese Thomas whose project is lovingly crafted piece in honour of her father Rufus.

Our second hour had Lula Reed, Al smith, Al King and Earl King - all of which were sourced from vinyl originally. The Staple singers' version of "Nobody's Fault" was inspired by the remarks made from the stage at Celebration Day by Robert Plant. I caught the dvd re-run one night in the week and it was nice  to hear them acknowledge their roots so openly. This month also marks the centenary of Pops' birth so it would have been churlish to miss the chance to include his rare cover of "John Henry". Also from tv, I overheard the updated version of "hug You" in the soundtrack of one of the crime dramas I have scheduled to TIVO. Lady Blue is eagerly awaiting the Christmas tv listings (not0. Hopefully there will be some decent documentaries to while away the hours.

As for STAR BLUES we plan to turn up every Sunday including the one between Christmas and New Year. That show will unveil the 2014 awards winners. Last year Billy Boy Arnold won Artist honours, Bobby Rush scooped album and Delmark and Ace got the label gongs. Find out in 3 weeks the winners - mean time we'll bring a few runners and riders round your place on Sunday 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 album.artistsort label
things are gettingharder to do Otis Grand 1 he knows the blues otis grand SEQUEL
i can't be satisfied Muddy Waters 5 Hard Again Muddy Waters BLUE SKY
the blacksmith georgie bonds 2 stepping into time georgie bonds BGB
i want all that you got jackson sloan 2 jukebox swing jackson sloan ciro
I Want To Hug You John Lee Hooker 1 Mr. Lucky John Lee Hooker SPV Blue
Juke Bob Margolin Et Al 5 All-Star Blues Jam Bob Margolin TELARC
need some good lovin Nick Holt 4 You Better Watch Yourself Nick Holt WOLF
I Done Did That Already Johnny Jones 7 Can I Get An Amen Johnny Jones SPV
Southern Central Blues Thomas, Vaneese 1 Blues For My Father Thomas, Vaneese Segue Records
Keep On Movin' Mighty Sam McClain 7 Keep On Movin' Mighty Sam McClain AUDIOQUEST
gimme some of yours artie white 2 hard to explain various artists bgp
you upset me larry davis 3 hard to explain various artists bgp
He Got What He Wanted (But He Lost What He Had) Little Richard 4 Just About As Good As It Gets Little Richard SMITH & CO
Keep A Knockin' Little Richard 20 Dizzy Miss Lizzy - The Speciality Story - 1954 -1960 Various Artists One Day Music
Rip It Up Little Richard 23 The R&b Years - 1956 (Vol. 1) Various Artists BOULEVARD VINTAGE
Nobody's Fault But Mine Staple Singers, The 2 Ultimate Staple Singers: A Family Affair Staple Singers, The Kent (U.K.)
St James Infirmary Josh White 19 The Roots Of The Doors Various Artists SNAPPER MUSIC
when will be paid Staple Singers, The 20 Ultimate Staple Singers: A Family Affair Staple Singers, The Kent (U.K.)
john henry pops Staples 22 Ultimate Staple Singers: A Family Affair Staple Singers, The Kent (U.K.)
Jesus Gave Me Water Soul Stirrers Feat. Sam Cooke, The 9 Gospel - The Ultimate Collection Various Artists RED Box
Touch The Hem Of His Garment Sam Cooke 14 Sam Cooke With The Soul Stirrers Soul Stirrers, TheSam Cooke Specialty
Little Red Rooster Sam Cooke 21 Hits! Sam Cooke B.M.G.
aint nobodys business sam cooke 1-16 man who invented soul sam coke rca
change is gonna come sam cooke 1 greats sam coke rca
Loaded Down (Minit 608) Mathew Jacobs 3 R&b Humdingers Volume 12 Various Artists Vee-Tone Records
Bad Understanding Al King 6 Together Al KingArthur K. Adams ACE
Everything Is Alright Earl King 14 20 R'n'b Greats Of The 50's Various Artists CASCADE
Everything Is Wrong sydney maiden 5 The Flash Records Story Various Artists ACE
Goin' To Alabama Al Smith 11 The Prestige/Bluesville Story Various Artists NOT NOW
Watch Dog Lula Reed 15 The R'n'b Years 1954: 100 Hot Rhythm And Blues Tunes From 1954 Various Artists BOULEVARD VINTAGE
Created: 07/12/2014 23:41:54

Sunday 30 November 2014

STAR BLUES on 30th November 2014 at 22:00 marking some silent strings and brand new projects

Back from foraging for blues in pastures northern - in time to play music from Mickey Champion and Little Joe Washington. I feel like a ten year old finding new music on vinyl for the first time. There are more places to look now, especially up and around Whitby: I guess the strong goth scene has kept things going there. So it was in my regular pilgrimage that yielded albums by Jerry McCain and Paul Kelly. Kelly's gospel stylings on "Come By Here" got him into  our playlist. Then in Bury St. Edmunds alongside the Christmas Fayre I scored a mint copy of a European release that couples early Otis Redding with Little Joe Curtis. Joe has a pretty decent voice and I can't believe these sides are the sum total  of his output?

Similarly in Bury, I spent time in HMV looking at their vinyl, with an increasing stock they now put it out in crates across the shop floor. I knelt down rummaging and I noticed a young lad with two companions looking at one of the albums. He then said to the girls "this is why I have to get myself a record player". When he'd gone I saw he'd been looking at "Muddy Waters at Newport".

Our show included a couple of things to mark the deaths of Mickey Champion and Little Joe Washington. Mickey was a one of the breed of glamourous r&b vocalists often out front for a big orchestra (she was discovered by Johnny Otis). Still working with regular club bookings in and around Oakland, with albums into this century, she will be much missed. Joe was one of far too many bluesmen who knew homelessness first hand. He was a distinctive figure with his bicycle on the Houston blues circuit, by reputation he was both ornery and marvellous in equal measure. His first recordings were on Federal (which I haven't found yet) and he did two top notch projects for Eddie Stout on the Dialtone label. I read somewhere Joe was revered in Japan and you're urged to dig out the cover piece on him in Living Blues magazine.

Our first hour flew past as we briefly dipped into new product by Billy Boy Arnold, Linsey Alexander and Eric Bibb; Chicago-born Douglas Watson made his debut on STAR BLUES after mightily impressing Lady Blue with his singing. The title "Soul Brothers" has graced dozens of lesser projects over the years; the new pairing of Otis Clay and Johnny Rawls is an entirely different league Otis has never sung better and Rawls playing is elegantly crafted as always. John Mayall has just had his 81st birthday - he's just played at the Corn Exchange here in Cambridge - we celebrated with a rarity off an e/p/ he did with Paul Butterfield. Our gospel spot had a piece from Sunday Wilde who has never been featured in the genre before.

Our vinyl hour covered several decades: from Memphis Minnie through to Phillip Walker. Depending on your base reference Minnie was married or not to Casey Bill Weldon. Lillian Offit has been in these parts before, Miss Janice hasn't. I only found her again after a prod from Facebook, as well as earthy passion in vox, there's agressive guitar too on her single on Proverbs. Houston Stackhouse and Houston Boines were promised and delivered, some unexpected bonus running time came our way so no better excuse than to indulge B. B. King and Elmore James. The holiday excursion for the year now seems far away but with some top notch treasure to add to my list of possibilities ready to bring back round your place. All being well we're up for another session on Sunday at 10pm (GMT) until then take care of yourselves and take care of those than take care of you


track.title track.artistsort index album.title album.artistsort label
Ridin' On The L & N John Mayall 20 A Hard Road John Mayall DECCA
Call My Wife Linsey Alexander 5 Come Back Baby Linsey Alexander DELMARK
my baby told me Joe 'Guitar' Hughes 1-4 rounder revue various artists BULLSEYE BLUES
when you got a heartache douglass watson 2 broken hearted man (e.p) douglas watson
Alley Cat Boogie Mississippi Heat 1 Warning Shot Mississippi Heat DELMARK
I Heard the Angels Singin' Eric Bibb Featuring Jean-Jacques Milteau and Blind Boys of a 8 Blues People Eric Bibb STONY PLAIN
Good For Nothin' Man Mickey Champion 10 No More Doggin': The Rpm Records Story Volume 1 1950-53 Various Artists ACE
Bam-A-Lam Mickey Champion 26 Voodoo Voodoo: Feisty Fifties Females Various Artists Fantastic Voyage
walk with me sunday wilde 13 he digs me sunday wilde untouchable
She's in New Orleans Little Joe Washington 5 Texas Fire Line Little Joe Washington DIALTONE
I Feel Alright Lil Joe Washington 3 Houston Guitar Blues Lil Joe Washington Dialtone Records
yama yama pretty mama richard berry 2-10 speak easy - rpm records story vol. 2 various artists ace
I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water Billy Boy Arnold 2 The Blues Soul Of Billy Boy Arnold Billy Boy Arnold STONY PLAIN
Momma Didn't Raise No Fool Otis Clay 2 Soul Brothers Otis Clay & Johnny Rawls Catfood
Hey, Hey, Baby's Gone Phillip Walker 9 Bottom Of The Top / Blues Phillip Walker DEMON
Wine-O Baby Boogie Big Joe Turner 79 All The Classic Hits Big Joe Turner JSP Records
Can't Go on (Excello 2139) Lillian Offit 13 45's Collection Prt 078 Various Artists
Down In Texas Mari Jones & Johnny Moore's 3 Blazers 20 Blues Belles With Attitude Various Artists ACE
Scarred Knees (Proverb 1080) Little Miss Janice 3 45's Collection Prt 066 Various Artists
Come By Here Paul Kelly 4 Best Of Paul Kelly WARNER BROS.
Backwater Blues (That Mean Old Twister) Lightnin' Hopkins 6 Country Blues Lightnin' Hopkins DOP
Where Is My Good Man At? Memphis Minnie 3 The Essential Memphis Minnie ALLEGRO
Outskirts Of Town Casey Bill Weldon 8 Roots Of Van Morrison Various Artists CATFISH
Cool Drink Of Water Houston Stackhouse 3 The Devil's Music Various Artists INDIGO
Going Home Houston Boines, 7 The Modern Downhome Blues Sessions Vol. 1 Various Artists ACE
boogie chillun john lee hooker 15 Roots Of Van Morrison Various Artists CATFISH
hand in hand elmore james 20 The Modern Downhome Blues Sessions Vol. 1 Various Artists ACE
you upset me baby b. b. king 1-11 speak easy - rpm records story vol. 2 various artists ace
losing boy eddy giles 1 southern soul brother eddy giles kent
a losing battle johnny adams 11 ric and ron vol. 2 various artists ace
Created: 30/11/2014 23:53:09


Sunday 9 November 2014

STAR BLUES on 9th November 2014 at 22:00

"Hard To Explain" is a brand new collection of funky blues 1968-1984 including two tracks from Finis Tasby who died last week - so we had no hesitation in putting them into our playlist.


track.title track.artistsort index album.title album.artistsort label
Angel Of Mercy Albert King 3 Ultimate Collection Albert King RHINO
army blues bobby blue bland 3 the 3b blues boy bobby blue bland ace
you're gonna miss me - live michael coleman 13 blues brunch at the mart michael coleman delmark
You'd Better Think Twice Jesse Anderson 4 Chicago/ The Blues Yesterday 8 ACE
i got the blues eddie giles 2 southern soul brother eddie giles kent
Richland Woman Blues Bonnie Raitt 13 The Lost Broadcast: Philadelphia 1972 Bonnie Raitt Left Field Media
I'm A Red Hot Mama Victoria Spivey 7 The Prestige/Bluesville Story Various Artists NOT NOW
Yes, Baby Big Mama Thornton & Johnny Ace 9 That's Your Last Boogie! Johnny Otis Fantastic Voyage
Two Timin' Baby Rabon Tarrant W. Jack McVea & His Orchestra 10 Rhythm And Blues All Stars Vol 3 : Jump And Shout Various Artists INDIGO
walk on finis tasby 4 more shattered dreams various artists bgp
find something else to do finis tasby 14 more shattered dreams various artists bgp
Jumpin' at the Cadillac Little Mack & James Cotton 10 Bachelor Blues Various Artists Neon Records (17)
Up Country Blues De Ford Bailey 6 Broke Black And Blue Various Artists PROPER
Pack Fair And Square (Peacock 1666) Big Walter PriceThunderbirds 1 Rhythm Rockin' Blues Various Artists Groove SOURCE
Stolen Love Miss Lavell 19 I Pity The Fool - The Duke Records Story Various Artists One Day Music
You Better Stop Andrew Brown 7 The Way I Feel Various Artists FLYRIGHT
poor boy's dream jimmy johnson 4 chicago blues bash various artists laserlight
johnny guitar johnny guitar watson 2-9 soul city los angeles various artists fantastic voyage
Blues Falling Jimmy Rogers 2 Selection Feat. Jimmy Rogers And More.... Various Artists
love my baby junior parker 6 honky tonk vol. 2 various artists ace
I Put My Trust In Thee Marie Knight 12 Screaming Gospel Holy Rollers Vol. 1 Various Artists Vee-Tone Records
higher grace gospel singers 3 Screaming Gospel Holy Rollers Vol. 2 Various Artists Vee-Tone Records
Detroit City Blues Fats Domino 2 Early Imperial Singles 1950-1952 Fats Domino ACE
Call Operator 210 Floyd Dixon 10 Let The Good Times Roll - The Aladdin Story Various Artists One Day Music
Runaway Man Blues Floyd Council 13 20th Century Blues Various Artists CATFISH
black ace black ace 14 20th Century Blues Various Artists CATFISH
Drop Down Mama Mississippi Fred McDowell 6 Story Of The Blues Various Artists SUNDAY TIMES NEWSPAPER
mercury blues K. C. Douglas 20 Mercury Blues K. C. Douglas Arhoolie Records
Toad Frog Blues Walter Beasley 8 Roll And Tumble Blues : History Of Slide Guitar Various Artists INDIGO
Just Tippin' In Brother Pete Williams 10 American Masters Vol. 1 : Country Blues Various Artists Arhoolie Records
Double Faced Deacon Tommy Brown 17 Jump 'N' Jive Various Artists METRO
Created: 09/11/2014 23:47:31 

Sunday 2 November 2014

STAR BLUES on 2nd November 2014 at 22:00

Sad news just before on-air time that Finis Tasby has died afte a long tussle with cancer, he was 74. Technical problems mean we've had to hold the three selections to mark a gorgeous warm voice who started as a drummer and reached far and wide as lead voice for the Mannish Boys. We also learned of the passing of guitarist Michael Coleman from Chicago. he played with James Cotton, Junior Wells and John Primer as well as putting out 5 albums of his own since his Delmark debut in 2000. Some of Michael's music next week too.

This week a remarkable bargain slab of vinyl by Marion Williams unearthed on a market stall in Bury St. Edmunds. Two other stalls and two record fairs in town on the same afternoon and the local HMV has overspilling crates of black 12 inch treasures. While I concede the use of cd's I've never cottoned on to those mp3 thingumy jigs: I can't process them at the studio and I can't audition them in my car. Her "Dead Cat On the Line" showed she could sing more than gospel. The Pilgrim travellers stretched out on Specialty for the formal gospel spot - and we had more piano craft than you'd care to shake a stick at: Eddie Boyd, Willie Mabon and Sunnyland Slim not withstanding.

Chicago blues stars to the fore  with Wolf, Muddy, Elmore and Sonny Boy. Pete Guitar Lewis and Little Milton brought crisp urgent playing to our showcase of the finest post-war fare. Lady Blue asked for the original swallows version of their risque outing and I could do naught but respond with the Dominoes Sixty Minute Man.

Billy Boy Arnold continues to go from strength to strength with another gem on Stony Plain, we also found a nice workout from Memphis Gold's back catalogue. The Little Devils are playing locally at the "Rock and Blues Club" next Sunday tea time and if you look sharp smartish you'll have time to nip into the Cambridge Corn Exchange to hear what John Mayall is getting up to in his 9th decade. Top that off with some trivia and tomfoolery in a white tee-shirt on your way home and you can round off a pretty spiffing evening. Until then take care of yourselves and take care of those that take care of you.



track.title track.artistsort index album.title album.artistsort label
The Moon Is Full Albert Collins 9 Collins Mix : The Best Of Albert Collins POINTBLANK
Bluesman for Life Roy Gaines 1 Bluesman For Life Roy Gaines JSP
You Got what It Takes Bobby Parker 2 n/a Various Artists .
Dynamite Earl Hooker 27 Chicago Bound: Chess Blues, R&b And Rock 'N' Roll Various Artists Fantastic Voyage
Life Could Be Miserable Willie Mabon 9 Willie's Blues - The Greatest Hits 1952 - 1957 Willie Mabon Jasmine Records
99 Lbs. Billy Boy Arnold 4 The Blues Soul Of Billy Boy Arnold Billy Boy Arnold STONY PLAIN
That's alright John Mayall 4 a Special life John Mayall .
On Top Of The World John Mayall 7 Live At The B. B. C. John Mayall DECCA
my perfect you little devils 1 . . .
Preacher Blues Memphis Gold 8 The Prodigal Son Memphis Gold Stackhouse Recording Company
Mean Red Spider Muddy Waters 2 Genesis - Beginnings Of Rock Vol. 3 Sweet Home Chicago Various Artists
Thunderbird Little Walter 21 chicago bound Various Artists fantastic voyage
moaning at midnight Howlin' Wolf 1-1 Howlin' Wolf / The Wolf Is At Your Door: The Singles 1951-1960 Howlin' Wolf Jasmine
can't hold out elmore james 2-5 chicago bound Various Artists fantastic voyage
mr highway man eddie boyd 10 blues is here to stay eddie boyd Jasmine Records
Bad Times Sunnyland Slim 3-17 Just For A Day: The Apollo Records Story Various Artists one day
Street Walkin' Woman Joe Hill Louis 7 The Modern Downhome Blues Sessions Vol. 3 Various Artists ACE
Whiskey Store Blues Larry Johnson 21 The Bluesville Years. Vol 6: Sweet Carolina Blues Various Artists PRESTIGE
hard times johnny fuller 1 The Modern Downhome Blues Sessions Vol. 5 Various Artists ACE
sad to be alone Sonny Boy Williamson (Aka Rice Miller) 17 Down And Out Blues // in memorium Various Artists bgo
Dead Cat On The Line Marion Williams 8 My Soul Looks Back - Best Of 1962-1992 Marion Williams SHANACHIE
Stretch Out Pilgrim Travellers, The 10 It's Spelt Specialty Various Artists Specialty
It Ain't The Meat Swallows, The 24 The History Of Rhythm And Blues Volume Two 1942-1952 Various Artists Rhythm and Blues Records
sixty minute man the dominoes 22 The History Of Rhythm And Blues Volume Two 1942-1952 Various Artists Rhythm and Blues Records
Boogie Guitar Johnny Otis Orchestra Feat. Pete 'Guitar' Lewis 7 The Johnny Otis Story Volume 1 Volume 1: 1945-57 Midnight At The Barrelhouse V A Johnny Otis & His Orchestra ACE
Boogie Freight Carl Green & Orchestra 20 The Complete Meteor: Blues, R&b, & Gospel Recordings Various Artists ACE
lets boogie baby little milton 2-22 The Complete Meteor: Blues, R&b, & Gospel Recordings Various Artists ACE
My Baby Done Gone schoolboy cleve 14 Shuckin' Stuff Various Artists WESTSIDE
got my nose open johnny littlejohn 15 Shuckin' Stuff Various Artists WESTSIDE
My Baby Left Me Little Eddie 3 Let Me Tell You About The Blues: Nashville Various Artists Fantastic Voyage
sittin here here drinking christine kitrell 11 Let Me Tell You About The Blues: Nashville Various Artists Fantastic Voyage
Papa Tree Top Blues Albennie Jones 13 The R'n'b Years 1947: 100 Hot Rhythm And Blues Tunes From 1947 Various Artists BOULEVARD VINTAGE
Mean Old World Eric Clapton And Duane Allman 4 Duane Allman Anthology Duane Allman POLYDOR
 Created: 02/11/2014 23:50:00  


Sunday 26 October 2014

STAR BLUES on 26th October 2014 at 22:00 saying farewell to British Summer Time

With sad local news that Jack Bruce has died, we hear him at his pliant best on bass for Cream's memorable cover of "Crossroads" - he was a fine jazz musician who acted as catalyst for many fellow travellers.

track.title track.artistsort index album.title album.artistsort label
crossroads cream 1 cream of clapton (sampler) eric clapton misc.
Dance For Me Baby Billy Boy Arnold 12 The Blues Soul Of Billy Boy Arnold Billy Boy Arnold STONY PLAIN
Too Much Voodoo Kevin SelfeRobert Cray 8 Long Walk Home Kevin Selfe Delta Groove Productions
Too Much Weekend Blinddog Smokin', Bobby Rush 10 Decisions Bobby Rush With Blinddog Smokin'  
Too Old A Cat Iceman Robinson 3 I've Never Been Loved Iceman Robinson FEDORA
My Dog Can't Bark Kim Wilson, Mud Morganfield 2 For Pops Mud Morganfield  
when the gateswings open soul stirrers 1-23 get your soul right various artists fantastic voyage
Two-Fisted Mama Katie Webster 19 Katie Webster On Alligator Katie Webster Alligator
Pinetop Johnny Jenkins & The Pinetoppers 25 Right Now: Atlantic Club Soul And Deep Cuts Various Artists Fantastic Voyage
Good Time Woman Memphis Eddie 5 No More Doggin': The Rpm Records Story Volume 1 1950-53 Various Artists ACE
Trouble And Heartaches Ike Turner 5 No More Doggin': The Rpm Records Story Volume 1 1950-53 Various Artists ACE
It Might Not Be Right William Bell, Ruthie Foster 7 Promise Of A Brand New Day Ruthie Foster  
Old Fashioned Justice Travis Haddix 5 Ring On Her Finder, Rope Around My Neck Travis Haddix  
I'm Gonna Stop You From Givin' Me The Blues Z. Z. Hill 8 Bluesmaster Z. Z. Hill MALACO
life is a struggle johnny adams 2 ric and ron vol. 2 Various Artists ace
Teasin' You Willie Tee 18 Cracking The Cosimo Code • 60S New Orleans R&b And Soul Various Artists ACE
My Baby's Comin' Back Home Champion Jack Dupree 18 Just For A Day: The Apollo Records Story Various Artists one day
Gray's Bounce Henry Gray 15 Swamp Blues Various Artists ACE
I Wanna Hug Ya, Kiss Ya, Squeeze Ya Bull Moose Jackson 4 The Last Shout Various Artists Fantastic Voyage
Fool Mule Dossie Terry 25 The Last Shout Various Artists Fantastic Voyage
Thirty Days Clyde McPhatter 15 Right Now: Atlantic Club Soul And Deep Cuts Various Artists Fantastic Voyage
Should I Ever Love Again ? Wynona Carr 20 Chills & Fever Various Artists Jasmine Records
Hully Gully Callin Time The Jive Five the jive five 2-8 Doo Wop Various Artists Jasmine
hide and go seek bunker hill 1 Chills & Fever Various Artists Jasmine Records
has anyone seen spider arnold brussard 18 boppin by the bayou various artists ace
It Isn't Right Clarence Garlow 18 Bluesin' By The Bayou - Rough 'N' Tough Various Artists ACE
Gambling Woman Rod Piazza And The Mighty Flyers 1 Emergency Situation Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers  
Created: 26/10/2014 23:47:28