Shy Guy Douglas (Little Shy Guy) - Let's Rock And Roll 1956

 Saturday night selection. Heard on Boss Radio 66. 

Calvert Records 1956 B/W My Little Baby...

Tom "Shy Guy" Douglas (Voc/Hca), Ted Jarrett (voc), Arthur Gunter (Guitar), Earl Gaines (Drums)

The tide is high Paragons 1966

 Heard this on the radio. Famously covered by Blondie.

T. Rex Metal Guru 1972

50 years ago this was climbing the charts. Susan was a mad fan, I wasn't. I remember thinking what was a Metal Guru? 

Daughter Celia at Chapter22 Roots and Records Bath

 Photo taken by my sister when she dropped in. They sell coffee as well as vinyl and house plants. Broad street Bath. Website

Otis Rush It takes time

 Otis Rush's birthday. So here is one of his best. 

Mud Dogs play Glastonbury

Pics by Penny. This was my 40th birthday in 2000. We were doing a tv program about the Monmouth Rebellion for BBC Education and I roped in all my friends to take part. On a break in filming we played some music. The setting is the Somerset Rural life museum at Glastonbury.
 

Black Gold Jeremy Paxman

 I was very happy to see this in my local library the other day. It is a very well written social history of miners and the age of industrialisation. Definitely recommend it. Shame it doesn't mention the Somerset Coalfield but apart from that I will give it 5 stars.

Ralph at Bath Abbey by Susan

 

EB Davis: Man downstairs

 They played this on the radio and Susan liked the vocals. Of course we mainly know the Sonny Boy versions of which there are plenty.

EB Davis live at the Blues & Heritage Festival, Helena, Arkansas, 2008

Nina T. Davis (keyboard) Jay Bailey (guitar) Melvin Smith (bass)

Sonny Boy Williamson II - "Trying to make London my Home"

 Here are some Sonny Boy clips. The notes from the video are added here.

This video honors the 50th Anniversary of Sonny Boy Williamson participating in the American Folk Blues Festival European Tour 1963 / 1964

You find here a compilation of all video-material about SBWII available from this tour, from German, British, Swedish and Danish TV-Shows of that time. Willie Dixon plays bass on several songs.

The songs (all with live performance on video except No. 1): - I´m Tryin´ To Make London My Home - Bye bye Bird (several versions) - In My Younger Days - Keep It To Yourself - Gettin´ Out Of Town - Nine Below Zero - Got My Mojo Workin´ (Muddy Waters) - SBWII on harmonica - Black Snake Blues (Victoria Spivey) - SBWII on harmonica - Careless Love (Mae Mercer) - SBWII on harmonica - My One Room Little Cabin - I´m A Lonely Man - Your Funeral - My Trial - What Will Happen When I´m Gone - You´re My Baby - Goin´ Home / It´s Only A TV Show (likely an ad hoc performance) - Bye Bye Baby, Good Bye (Allstars)

The Fall Butterflies 4 Brains 1990

 This is a song which I hadn't heard until a few weeks ago. It's a  track on Extricate expanded edition. . 

Producer: Adrian Sherwood Composer Lyricist: Craig Scanlon Composer Lyricist: Mark E. Smith Composer Lyricist: Stephen Hanley Composer Lyricist: Simon Wolstencroft

Mumbo Wings 1971

 It's not only Lennon who was a great homegrown rock'n'roll vocalist. McCartney is too.  I had the Wild Life Lp as a kid and this song is great. 

Sunday 29th of May in Brighton

 Tickets. Quite a glorious lineup of bands. Also food including vegan as it's an all dayer.

Chuck Berry's 1965 Belgium TV Appearance (Complete)

 It's about half an hour. 

You Never Can Tell - Chuck Berry Complete Chess Recordings 1960-66

 This is good. 

The Mamas and the papas somebody groovy 1965

 TV appearance. 

The Mamas & The Papas - Monday Monday

 Morning all. Some Mamas and the Papas. 

Chuck Berry Oh Baby Doll - 1957

 

Heroes of Westerplatte 1939 - (Tajemnica Westerplatte) 2013 trailer (English subtitles)

 Just ordered the DVD of this. I will let you now what it's like. It was only £2. 

1939 Battle of Westerplatte, originally titled in Poland as Tajemnica Westerplatte ("The Secret of Westerplatte"), is a 2013 Polish-Lithuanian war film written and directed by Paweł Chochlew. It portrays the Battle of Westerplatte between the Polish Army and Nazi German forces at the start of World War II in 1939. The film focuses on the conflict between Westerplatte commander Henryk Sucharski (Michał Żebrowski) and his deputy Franciszek Dąbrowski (Robert Żołędziewski).^[1]

Alfred the Great (1969) trailer and battle scene

 A lot of my history friends have been enjoying the Northman which is at the cinemas now. My favourite movie of that era is this one which I saw as a youngster. I loved the fact that it happened around here in Somerset although it was filmed in Ireland. 

King Alfred -The Battle of Edington (1969 film)

Chuck Berry - LITTLE QUEENIE - 1959

 From  the 1959 Rock N Roll movie Go Johnny Go

Brown-eyed handsome man Chuck Berry 1956

 Morning! Time for some Chuck. Read the wiki on the song

"Brown Eyed Handsome Man" is a rock and roll song written and recorded by Chuck Berry, originally released by Chess Records in September 1956 as the B-side of "Too Much Monkey Business." It was also included on Berry's 1957 debut album, After School Session.

KGM Kaiser George Marionettes the Rolling Stones

new from KGM - read about them here

 

Wolverine kit at the Wild Place Project Bristol

 Wolverines are one of my favourite animals so I am pleased they recently had the patter of small paws.

https://wildplace.org.uk

Ralph by Susan

 

Pathe Gazette Special - Polish Army Manoeuvres (1939)

Polish WW2 Aircrafts - Polish Campaign 1939

 Reading First to Fight about the Polish war of 1939 and I realized I knew nothing about Polish aircraft of 1939. Luckily this short film is a good starter.

Jimmy & Walter - Easy 1953

 Big Walter Horton is the harp player on this. I once bought a Sun box set just to hear this song - thus was life before the Internet. 

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance - Trailer (1962)

 60 years birthday for this brilliant Western. Wiki Article in the Guardian

Susan Wells (Animals & Men) the Fleece Bristol 2007

 

Photo by Jane Barnes. 

MYSTERY TRAIN - LITTLE JUNIOR'S BLUE FLAMES -1953- SUN

 A classic and no mistake. Most people know the Elvis version which is good but the original is still the best. 

The Best of Duke-Peacock Blues Various Artists

 Allmusic review

Little Junior's Blue Flames - Feelin' Good 1953

 Lovely record. Junior Parker wiki

Slim Harpo Wild About My Baby

 Rocking like a good 'un. 

The Beatles Leave My Kitten Alone Anthology

 I think this was to be included in the Beatles For Sale Lp but was not used in the end. 

Detroit Cobras - Cha Cha Twist

 

Osprey I might get

 

First to Fight 1/72 at Hannants

Been looking to see who stocks this comprehensive range of Polish and German 1939 kits in the U.K. and figures and find that Hannants stock them. See here

First to Fight Roger Moorhouse

 My library got me this today and I have started it. Very good. Tells the hidden tale of Poland's war in 1939. I am a learner on this period but I have put some Polish images here.

The blurb at Goodreads says:

Drawing for the first time on Polish, German and Soviet sources, First to Fight is the definitive history of the German invasion of Poland, which opened the war in September 1939. Roger Moorhouse provides a dramatic narrative of military events, brought to life by a select cast of generals and politicians, soldiers and civilians from all sides. In the process, First to Fight explodes many of the myths that still surround the campaign and challenge our understanding of how Britain and France entered the war.

Did Britain and France assist their Polish ally to the best of their abilities when the German armies crossed the border on 1 September 1939? While they went to war with Germany, why did they not declare war on the Soviet Union when its troops invaded Poland from the east later in the month? And if the violation of Poland had been the reason to go to war in 1939, how could the Western Allies justify handing the country over on a plate to Stalin in 1945?

Published to tie in with the eightieth anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War, First to Fight explodes many of the myths around what is a shameful chapter in both British and French history, and forensically examines a pivotal moment in the war’s history.

Blues Unlimited

 Blues Unlimited covers. I had this issue. Had quite a collection of blues magazines as I used to subscribe to them all but I lent them to somebody and never saw them again. Blues Unlimited wiki

Howlin' Wolf biography Moanin' at Midnight

 My brother who always buys great gifts gave me this book for my 50th. It is very good and I recommend it if you like the Wolf. Blurb reads

The definitive biography of the musical giant who became a titan in the blues pantheon

One of the greatest artists the blues ever produced, Howlin' Wolf was a musical giant in every way. He stood six foot three, weighed almost three hundred pounds, wore size sixteen shoes, and poured out his darkest sorrows onstage in a voice that captured all the pain of growing up black and poor in Jim Crow Mississippi. Half a century after his first hits, his sound still terrifies and inspires. Wolf began his career singing with the first Delta blues stars, was present at the birth of rock 'n' roll in Memphis, and vied with rival Muddy Waters for the title of king of Chicago blues.

This new and revised edition is full of harrowing anecdotes about his early years, entertaining stories about his decades at the top, and never-before-seen photographs of the artist onstage. An essential volume for Wolf's legions of fans, lovers of blues, and anyone interested in the history of American music.

Vince Taylor & His Playboys - What'd I Say (Live)

 Obviously Vince Taylor is mostly known for Brand New Cadillac which was banned by the BBC because it mentioned a brand Cadillac despite the fact you couldn't buy one in the UK. But it stopped it being a hit.

Adam Ant performs Vince Taylor on Adam Hills 2012

 This song about rocker Vince Taylor is good - probably the best song off his Gunner's Daughter comeback album which I bought. Vince Taylor played Midsomer Norton back in the day. 

Loretta Lynn - Don't Come Home A-Drinking

Great song. Heard on Boss Radio 66.

Sonny Boy Williamson on Charly released in 1976 recorded in 65 with Jimmy Page

 This is a good record I bought when I was 16. Charly records started life as a budget label and my copy was bought from Barrows, a corner  convenience shop in Frome, for about a pound.  Listen here on YouTube.

• Alto Saxophone – Joe Harriot*
• Bass Guitar – Ricky Brown (2)
• Design Concept, Artwork – Thierry De Montvallon
• Drums – Mick Waller
• Lead Guitar – Jimmy Page
• Organ – Brian Auger
• Producer – Giorgio Gomelsky
• Sleeve Notes – Giorgio Gomelsky, Joop Visser
• Tenor Saxophone – Alan Skidmore
• Vocals, Harmonica – Sonny Boy 

• Notes

  Of the many obscure projects Jimmy Page was associated with prior to Led Zeppelin, one of the most notable was a studio session he recorded live alongside noted keyboardist Brian Auger, and famed bluesman, Sonny Boy Williamson.
  The session took place at IBC Studios on January 28, 1965.
  Those present at the session included, Jimmy Page on guitar, Brian Auger on organ, Ricky Brown on bass Mickey Waller on drums along with Joe Harriot & Alan Skidmore on saxophone, and Sonny Boy taking up vocal and harmonica.
  While doing press for the documentary film "It Might Get Loud" Jimmy Page also recalled the session with Sonny Boy Williamson: "The one that was done live with The Yardbirds
  hadn’t come out. It was our manager who called me. I was a studio musician, at the time, and Sonny Boy was living in his flat. Somebody told me once that they went to the house and they heard Sonny Boy plucking a live chicken. I don’t know how true that was. That didn’t happen when I was there. Sonny Boy and myself rehearsed these numbers in the
  manager’s flat and, by the time we got into the studio a couple days later, Sonny Boy had forgotten all of the arrangements of what we were going to do. It was cool. Good music comes out of that."
  (Corbin, Pageia Obscura)

Ralph in 2010 celebrating Howlin' Wolf's 100th

 Me and the Wolf share the same birthday June 10. In 2010 it was my 50th and the Wolf's 100th. The record is the first Wolf album I owned. The.cider is Cheddar Valley by Thatchers.

Slim Harpo - Cigarettes 1959

 This one is new to me. Someone posted it on the Boss Radio 66 page and being a heavy smoker I had to hear it. Very good. 

Take Five Hound Dog Taylor 1960

 A playlist of his originals. I am a Hound dog Taylor fan. Didn't like him at first but over the years I have grown to appreciate him.

The Saints - Know Your Product 1978

 This is another song I missed at the time. I presume the Saints were off my radar in the ever-changing pop world and it slipped by unnoticed. Like it now of course. 

This weekend at Midsomer Norton

 

Somerset & Dorset Railway - at Midsomer Norton

Not long now until our gala on Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Friday will see Class 03 D2128 in service with Class 08 D4095 alongside our newly arrived DMU. This will be the first public running day for the DMU.

Saturday and Sunday will see the same with the added addition of the steam locos 7109 Joyce and 5459 Austin 1

We hope to share the timetable later today

We also have a very exciting announcement to make this week too I’m sure you will all love it.

Get your tickets booked here https://sdjr.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/39443...&

Junior Wells - Cryin' Shame 1970

It doesn't get a lot better than this. 

 Junior Wells performing Cryin' Shame, with Buddy Guy, guitar, and David Myers, bass, from the movie Chicago Blues, in 1970.

Coombend Radstock by Susan

 

A part of Radstock North Somerset. A pit was here but it's now a scrapyard. 

the former Palace cinema and before that was a Chapel

Junior Wells - The Hoodoo Man (1966)

 Classic clip. 

Junior Wells - Checking On My Baby 1966

 Some great stuff here. Review of this album here

Link Wray Rawhide 1959

 Saw Link Wray once. London Dingwalls. Susan shook his hand. 

John Fred and The Playboys - Shirley 1958

 Here for this 50s rocker just played on Boss Radio 66.

Ralph at Midsomer Norton (South)

yes Norton used to have 2 stations.
 

Fred Hughes Ooh wee baby I love you 1970

 Here. Just heard on Wfmu. 

Picture taken by Susan on her way back from the allotment

 Activity at Midsomer Norton station.

Big Danny Oliver - Sapphire - 1958

 Heard this rocker on the radio yesterday. 

Eddie Cochran - Teenage Heaven 1959

 More Eddie. 

Eddie Cochran Cotton Picker 1957

 Today 62 years ago we lost Eddie Cochran. 

THE UNFORGETTABLE DIANA DORS - ITV - 30 MARCH 2011

 Here

Sutton Hoo helmet

 Celia visited the British Museum earlier. Photographed the Sutton Hoo helmet which I like.

Joaquin Pheonix as Napoleon

 In Ridley Scott's in production historical epic. Article here

Celia at Abbey Road

 Our daughter is in London and went to  Abbey Road. Pics by David French.

Subway Sect-Ambition (Alternate Version) 1978

 This is a much better version than the issued one with the bip bop noises and so forth. 

The Go-Betweens - Streets of Your Town 1988

 Mickey Bradlye played this. Do you remember it?

The Fiend of Dope Island (1961) - Trailer

 The title that inspired the Cramps

TKS Polish tankette

 As blog readers may know I like tankettes. They are a 30s thing. 

List of Polish armoured fighting vehicles

The TK (also known as the TK-3) tankette was a Polish design produced from 1931 based on the chassis of the British Carden Loyd tankette, with an improved hull and more powerful engine, and armour up to 8 mm thick (10 mm on the TKS). TKS wiki

New Scorcese movie looks good

 Read about it here

Southbank 'Pistol' screening

 Jubilee events in London. 

Bo Diddley on Hollywood A Go Go

 3 songs from Bo Diddley. 

Polish Light Tank 7TP

 Wiki

From the book Tanks and other AFVs of the Blitzkrieg era BT White

Battlegroup Blitzkrieg

 I asked the people at a facebook group dedicated to WW2 for the best rules for Poland 1939 and they recommended this supplement. Review here

Jimmy Reed - I'm Gonna Get My Baby (1958)

 Great poppy blues from Jimmy Reed. 

Heart-O-Matic Love Bo Diddley

 Bo Diddley discography. Can't find the session details for this. 

Polish Ursus Wz. 29 Armoured Car, September 1939

 I have, inspired by the First to Fight 1/72 range, been looking at Polish 1939 images. First to Fight is a very comprehensive collection of an interesting selection of afvs and artillery.

Diana Dors - THIS IS YOUR LIFE-FULL SHOW-ITV-27 OCTOBER 1982

I am a Diana Dors fan. She came to Radstock in the 70s. Opened a short lived heritage rail project. I didn't go I was too young. If you are a fan the Facebook page Diana Dors the Legacy is good.

Caldonia / Louis Jordan 1940s

 Louis Jordan wiki

Baby Face Leroy Trio - Rollin' And Tumblin' - unissued COMPLETE performance 1950

 Unissued complete performance of the legendary 1950 Parkway recording "Rollin' And Tumblin;" by the Baby Face Leroy Trio - Leroy Foster (vocals/drums), Little Walter Jacobs (harmonica/vocals) and Muddy Waters (guitar/vocals). Only recently discovered, this recording - with 2 other unissued Parkway recordings - is available on limited edition 45rpm singles from www.louisrecords.com. Note: this is a low-fi mp3 - the 45 sounds much better.

Licensed from Delmark Records. Chicago

Susan with Midsomer Norton in the background

 

I Can't Control Myself - the terraplanes - audio - Troggs cover

 

Tribute to the late great Reg Presley. Recorded at Sounds Involved Midsomer Norton. Line up is Susan Wells and Celia-Jade vocals Dave Mackay bass Andy Payne drums Ralph on guitar. Recorded Dec 2017 Photos Joe's Image Works. The studio was in the back room of a charity shop around the corner on the High street. Closed now but at the time it seemed rude not to use it. We have heard they might be opening a new studio in Norton if that happens we will  do some more music. 

First to Fight Roger Moorhouse

 The Second World War began on 1 September 1939, when German tanks, trucks and infantry crossed the Polish border, and the Luftwaffe began bombing Poland’s cities. The Polish army fought bravely but could not withstand an attacker superior in numbers and technology; and when the Red Army invaded from the east – as agreed in the pact Hitler had concluded with Stalin – the country’s fate was sealed. Poland was the first to fight the German aggressor; it would be the first to suffer the full murderous force of Nazi persecution. By the end of the Second World War, one in five of its people had perished.

The Polish campaign is the forgotten story of the Second World War. Despite prefacing many of that conflict's later horrors – the wanton targeting of civilians, indiscriminate bombing and ethnic cleansing – it is little understood, and most of what we think we know about it is Nazi propaganda, such as the myth of Polish cavalry charging German tanks with their lances. In truth, Polish forces put up a spirited defence, in the expectation that they would be assisted by their British and French allies. That assistance never came.

First to Fight is the first history of the Polish war for almost half a century. Drawing on letters, memoirs and diaries by generals and politicians, soldiers and civilians from all sides, Roger Moorhouse’s dramatic account of the military events is entwined with a tragic human story of courage and suffering, and a dark tale of diplomatic betrayal.

First to Fight 1/72

 A Polish range of kits  that are easy build. They seem to specialise in models of subjects (figures, vehicles artillery) from around the Blitzkrieg of 1939 which suits me fine. Check your model supplier for these but they look great. If you want to see what's out there search First to Fight 1/72 on ebay

.

"Winter Campaign on Lake Ontario 1755-1756'' Alex Stepkin

 Some of my artwork in a new Russian language book by Alex Stepkin.