Friday Night Extra
Patrick Sherring
Chris told us that he had seen the Blues Band far more times than he could remember. His familiarity with their music began whilst he was at university. He now owns six hundred and fifty nine tracks either by the band or by individual projects from band members. This has led him to explore musicians that influenced the band and also to singing the blues himself. He said the band are a great experience to see live. He described Paul Jones, best known as lead singer of Manfred Mann in the 1960s, as “incredibly charismatic”. He also said they have a genuine rapport with their fans. At one concert Chris attended with his family, he e-mailed the band telling them how his children, then young, liked to dance with him to the track Swing out Dave. At the concert they played the track as the final encore unrehearsed. Chris found the task of choosing a stand out track impossible, but finally decided upon I am the blues. The song lyric demonstrates the way the music speaks to every aspect of life.
Tonight’s playlist.
Billy Joel – Piano man
Carpenters – Top of the world. This USA no 1 from 1973 was requested by Phyl. Look out for it next time you watch Shrek Forever After.
The Blues Band. Death letter, Swing out Dave, I am the Blues.
Birthday quiz.
Josh Groban was 39 years old this week. We heard Granted from 2018.
Chris Martin celebrated his 43rd birthday. We listened to Coldplay, God put a smile on your face.
Steve Harley was 70 years old this week. We heard the 1975 no 1 Come up and see me, make me smile.
Bob was our winner this week.
Bananarama – Nathan Jones – their 1988 UK no 15 from a Supremes original we previously played on the show. Requested by Patrick.
Stevie Winwood – Valerie
Red House Rhythm & Blues Duo – People get ready. Track recorded by tonight’s guest Chris along with Danny on guitar.
Martyn Joseph – Here come the young. A track introduced to us last week by Andy Smith when he talked about his love of the music of Martyn. Check out the full recording of the show.
Chart this week in
No 4. Ringo Starr – You’re sixteen. A USA no 1
No 11 Elton John – Candle in the wind. This original version was listed by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2004 at no. 347 of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
No 12 Love Unlimited Orchestra – Love’s theme. The orchestra were a 40 piece string-laden group of musicians formed by Barry White to be his backing. On this track, which reached no 1 in the USA, vocals are provided by White’s backing singers, Love Unlimited.
Tom Jones – No hole in my head. A new track from Tom, with the voice sounding as strong as ever.
Steeley Dan – Reelin in the years
Stevie Wonder – Black orchid – from the soundtrack of the 1979 documentary Journey through the sacred life of plants.
Staple Singers – Respect yourself. Ranked by Rolling Stone Magazine as number 468 in the 500 greatest songs of all time.
Paul Carrick – Tell someone who cares.
Join me next week when my guest is Rob Saggs from CHESS, the Chelmsford-based charity working with homeless people throughout much of Essex. He will be giving us an update on their work and also be enthusing about his favourite artist.
Rob with me on a visit to the studio in 2019.
