Month: May 2024

Tuesday Bluesday Returns With ‘Best of Louisiana Blues’, Muddy & The Stones, and Live John Mayall, May 21, 2024

Good morning, bluesologists and welcome to another Tuesday Bluesday. We’ve got a great blues program lined up starting off in Looosiana!

Here’s your Tuesday Bluesday lineup:

9:00 a.m. The Best of Louisiana Blues: Various Artists

We head down to Louisiana where the music is as good as the food. You’ll hear Ray Charles, Lillian Glinn, Slim Harpo, Ray Brown, Fats Domino, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Rodney Harris, Roosevelt Sykes, Shirley & Lee, Papa Lightfoot, Guitar Slim, Annie Laurie, Fats Matthews, Big Joe Turner, Big Boy Myles, Little Walter, Mary Butler, Erline Harris, Dave Bartholomew, Marcia Ball, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, Professor Longhair, the Neville Brothers, Irma Thomas and more!

4:00 p.m. Muddy Waters & The Rolling Stones Live at The Checkerboard Lounge, Chicago, IL, November 22, 1981

We’ve got a live interlude this afternoon with Muddy Waters and The Stones live from the Checkerboard Lounge in Chicago.

7:00 p.m. John Mayall Live at Leicester Square Theatre, London, UK, November 1, 2010

We’ve got yet another live performance lined up to close out the programming with the great John Mayall, who is officially now retired from the road, in London.

It’s Tuesday Bluesday and the perfect day to check us out. We’re on 24/7. We’re totally free. And we play absolutely no commercials. Ever.

Tuesday Bluesday’s Back!

‘The Best of Reggae & Ska’, ‘Soulsville, USA’ and ‘Live’ Mudcrutch Are All On Tap For Monday, May 20, 2024

Good morning, workforce! We’re all back at it for another week and we aim to start it off on a great note with a pretty eclectic lineup!

Here’s your Monday, Monday lineup:

10:00 a.m. The Best of Reggae & Ska: Various Artists

We love this playlist, but it’s a first pass. We are poised for expansion and, perhaps, splitting it into two volumes, but I digress. You will hear Bob Marley & The Wailers, Prince Buster, Desmond Dekker (with and without The Aces), Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, Judy Mowatt, Laurel Aitken, Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley, The Jiving Juniors, Derrick Morgan and more!

4:00 p.m. Soulsville, USA: The Music of Stax Records

There’s Motown and then there’s Stax, where the ‘house’ band was the great Booker T & The MG’s. In addition to Booker T, you’ll hear Albert King, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, The Staple Singers, Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd, Isaac Hayes, The Dramatics and more. By the way, the Stax documentary produced by HBO begins streaming today!

7:00 p.m. Mudcrutch Live at The Fonda Theater, Hollywood, CA, June 26, 2016

We’ve got a Mudcrutch Monday on tap today as we give you their live performance from the band’s great 2016 tour. Still kicking myself for missing them at Boston’s House of Blues, but at least I have this!

Yes, it’s Monday and Mondays suck in general, but they don’t have to. Just join us here. We’ll make your life better. And we’re free.

Soulsville, USA!

It’s Sunday In The Lounge With ‘The Original Sixties’ Rotation, The Byrds, and Van Morrison, May 19, 2024

Good morning, music lovers! This is a sixties trifecta today and that’s always a good thing. While Van the Man’s live performance wasn’t until the 70’s, let’s remember he started out with a British blues band called Them and hasn’t stopped since.

Here’s your musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. The Original Sixties Rotation: Various Artists

This would primarily be the early-to-mid phase of the decade, although we all know some later acts have slipped in here (and vice versa when we get to volume two). You will hear The Beatles, The Monkees, Sonny & Cher, Simon & Garfunkel, Little Eva, The Everly Brothers, The Searchers, Dusty Springfield, The Drifters, The Dave Clark Five, Johnny Rivers, Bob Dylan, The Animals, Petula Clark, The Rolling Stones, Procol Harum, The Turtles, James Brown, The Temptations, Del Shannon, Fontella Bass, The Box Tops, Blues Image, Booker T. & The MG’s, The Four Tops and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of The Byrds

Formed in L.A. in 1964, The Byrds remain a musical stalwart today. Their lineup has changed over the years, with Roger McGuinn being the only consistent member, In spite of that, they made their mark with McGuinn’s jangly 12-string Rickenbacker guitar and their signature harmony vocals, influencing many subsequent acts including Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Today they are In The Spotlight.

8:00 p.m. Van Morrison Live at The Capitol Theater, Passaic, NJ, October 6, 1979

Van Morrison joins us this evening in The Lounge for a very pleasant interlude of live music.

I am on the run once again this morning, but The Music Mermaid is always here and on duty. She’ll take care of you until I return. As always, we remain free of charge and free of commercial interruptions. Enjoy your day of rest!

The Sixties are Back!

It’s Saturday and We’re in Laurel Canyon, Elvis is In The Spotlight, and Emmylou Harris is Live Later, May 18, 2024

Good morning, music lovers! We have hit the weekend and we’ve got a great Saturday lineup for you today.

Here’s your musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. Music From Laurel Canyon: Various Artists

We’re back in Laurel Canyon today where two generations of music helped create the country-rock sound, among other things. You’ll hear The Byrds, The Mamas & The Papas, Buffalo Springfield, The Beach Boys, The Doors, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, The Monkees, CSNY, Stephen Stills & Manassas, John Mayall, The Eagles, J.D. Souther, Harry Nilsson, Canned Heat, Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, James Taylor, Joan Baez, Judy Collins and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Elvis Presley

The King is in The Mermaid Lounge this afternoon.

8:00 p.m. Emmylou Harris & Spyboy Live at Kongresshaus, Zurich, Switzerland, January 20, 1997

A great performance by a woman who is not shy about shifting gears and making change. This was the band she put together to take her career-redefining album Wrecking Ball on the road. If you haven’t heard the album, you must.

I’m on the road early this morning on a mission of mercy, but The Music Mermaid has this under control. Talk to you all tomorrow!

It’s The Weekend!

Friday Brings Us Three Legends in Leon Russell (Spotlight), and ‘Live’ Gigs by Bob Dylan and Linda Ronstadt, On May 17, 2024

Good morning, music lovers! We are offering up three giants of music today for your listening pleasure as we barrel toward the weekend!

Here’s your Friday lineup:

10:00 a.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Leon Russell NEW!

Leon Russell is a musical legend whose career spanned 60 years. During that time he was a sought-after session musician, part of several bands and boasted a successful solo career. During that time he made some incredible music that spanned genres including rock & roll, country, R&B, blues rock and the Tulsa sound. Today he’s in our Spotlight.

3:00 p.m. Bob Dylan Live at Royal Albert Hall, London, UK, May 17, 1966

We jump into the Wayback Machine for this Dylan concert that, ironically, took place 58 years ago today.

8:00 p.m. Linda Ronstadt Live at Calderone Concert Hall, Hempstead, NY, January 29, 1975

Before she conquered the music world and started selling out arena venues, Linda Ronstadt played in small but popular music theaters like the now-defunct Calderone Concert Hall. This show took place just after the release of her breakout album, Heart Like A Wheel, released on November 19, 1974.

Jump on board today. You won’t regret it. We’ve got some great artists on tap sprinkled throughout that great, big, wide Open Stream. And we’re totally free with absolutely no commercial advertising. What’s not to love?

Leon, Bob & Linda

We’re In A Colorful Mood With a Nina Simone Spotlight and Some ‘Live’ Heartbreakers, Thursday, May 16, 2024

Good morning, musicologists and welcome to the downslide to the weekend. Today we begin with the ‘Color My World’ multi-artist EP, get into some Nina Simone and then Tom Petty and the band are live from Lucca, Italy.

Here’s your musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. Color My World: Various Artists

We open up with Open Stream with a Theme; that’s how we view our EP’s. You’ll hear The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Donovan, Booker T. & The MGs, Electric Light Orchestra, Procol Harum, Joni Mitchell, The Who, Amy Winehouse, Sam & Dave, Badfinger, Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Elvis Costello, Neil Young, Jefferson Airplane, The Hollies, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Cream, Marvin Gaye, Lucinda Williams, John Hiatt, J.D. Souther, Linda Ronstadt and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Nina Simone

Was there anything Nina Simone could not do? She was a singer, songwriter, pianist, composer, arranger and civil rights activist. Her style encompassed many genres, including classical, folk, gospel, blues, jazz, R & B and pop. Today she’s in our Spotlight.

7:00 p.m. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Live at The Piazza Napoleone, Lucca, Italy, June 29, 2012

We go back to 2012 for this great Heartbreakers show from Lucca, Italy.

Once again, the mantra: We’re here 24/7 at no cost to the listening public (and we’re worldwide) and with no interruptions from commercial advertising. Nope. The button’s below.

Color My World.

At Midweek It’s Games With Names, a Bonnie Raitt Spotlight, Plus Jackson Browne & Warren Zevon Together on Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Good morning, music lovers! We’re at midweek and we are in the groove here as we kick things off in our ‘What’s In A Name’ multi-artist EP. Some characters are real; some not.

Here’s your midweek musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. What’s In A Name: Various Artists

Did you ever wonder if the people musical artist sing about are real or flights of imagination? It’s a neat little guessing game you can play with The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Them, Janis Joplin, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Jimi Hendrix Experience, Donovan, Steve Winwood, Bonnie Raitt, Shawn Colvin, Carly Simon, Warren Zevon, Laura Nyro, Bobbie Gentry, The Kinks, Three Dog Night, The Association, Joni Mitchell, Badfinger, Linda Ronstadt, Steely Dan, Chi Coltrane, Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart, James Taylor, Tony Joe White and more!

4:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Bonnie Raitt

Bonnie Raitt is, by all accounts, an amazing roots-influenced singer and slide guitarist whose style encompasses blues, country, folk and rock. Today we put her In The Spotlight.

8:00 p.m. Jackson Browne & Warren Zevon In Session, VPRO Studios, Hilversum, Netherlands, December 8 1976

Two of the best singer-songwriters of their generation get together for a live acoustic set at VPRO Studios in The Netherlands.

We’re at midweek and we’re on the downslide to the weekend once we get through this day. Make it easy on yourselves by tuning in for some great music that won’t cost you a penny or subject you to commercial advertising. The button’s below.

We’re At Midweek!

We’ve Got The Windy City Blues on Tuesday Bluesday, Along With a B. B. King Spotlight and Live Johnny Winter, May 14, 2024

Good morning, bluesologists! We’ve got some fine Tuesday Bluesday programming today as we kick things off with our ‘Best of Chicago Blues’ EP!

Here’s your musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. The Best of Chicago Blues: Various Artists

We head for the Windy City this morning to hear Otis Rush, Willie Dixon, Albert King, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Bo Diddley, Koko Taylor, Lowell Fulson, Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy, Magic Slim, Sonny Boy Williamson, Son Seals, James Cotton, Paul Butterfield, Elmore James, Jimmy Reed, Otis Spann and more!

4:00 p.m. In the Spotlight: The Music of B. B. King

The legendary B. B. King and his girl, Lucille, drop by this afternoon.

7:00 p.m. Johnny Winter Live at The Mural Amphitheater, Seattle, WA, September 4, 1989 NEW!

We’ve got some new live Johnny Winter with his performance at 1989 Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle.

It is undoubtedly a bluesy day as it’s my return-to-retail-hell day but, hey, good music can make all the difference. Tune us in and see for yourself. It won’t cost you a penny.

It’s Tuesday Bluesday

It’s ‘Water, Water Everywhere’, ‘Live’ Santana, and Irma Thomas In The Spotlight on Monday, May 13, 2024

Good morning and welcome to the beginning of another work week here in The Mermaid Lounge. We’ve got a great lineup to ease you back into the week.

Here’s your musical Monday lineup:

9:00 a.m. Water, Water Everywhere: Various Artists

One of the most popular music subjects is water in all its forms, and we’ve got it here with Paul McCartney, Deep Purple, Joe Cocker, Simon & Garfunkel, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Otis Redding, The Doobie Brothers, Valerie Carter, Bob Dylan, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Al Green, Loggins & Messina, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Linda Ronstadt, Spirit, The Grass Roots, The Beach Boys, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt, Carole King, Tom Rush Donovan, America, Johnny Rivers and more!

4:00 p.m. Santana Live at The Fillmore West, San Francisco, CA, December 19-22, 1968 NEW!

Santana recorded live in concert over a short residency back in ’68, eight months before their first album was released.

8:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Irma Thomas

A contemporary of both Aretha Franklin and Etta James, Irma Thomas is referred to as the ‘Soul Queen of New Orleans’.

We’re back at the beginning of another work week some of us need help getting us through that first day. Here we are. On 24/7. Totally free. And without commercial advertising.

Just Push Play

It’s a Soul Music Fest on Mother’s Day With ‘M is For Motown’, ‘Live’ James Brown, and Bill Withers, Sunday, May 12, 2024

Good morning, soul music lovers! We celebrate Mother’s Day with a little bit of soul in our programming today, starting with ‘M is For Motown’.

Here’s your musical lineup:

9:00 a.m. M is For Motown: Various Artists

We kick it off with our tribute to Motown with Barrett Strong, Eddie Kendricks, Eddie Holland, Edwin Starr, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Jackson Five, Kim Weston, Jr. Walker & The All Stars, Marvin Gaye, Martha & The Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Four Tops, The Isley Brothers, The Temptations, The Contours, Rare Earth, Mary Wells, Tammi Terrell, Diana Ross & The Supremes and more!

4:00 p.m. James Brown Live at The House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV, June 13, 1999

The hardest working man in showbiz takes the stage this afternoon live from The House of Blues in Vegas.

8:00 p.m. In The Spotlight: The Music of Bill Withers

In comparison to other artists, singer-songwriter Bill Withers career in music was short, spanning only 18 years, but he had an amazing impact on music during that time, winning three Grammy awards and being nominated for six more. He also had a string of great hits including Lean On Me, Just The Two of Us, and Ain’t No Sunshine. He is a Mermaid Lounge favorite and he’s In the Spotlight this evening.

Happy Mother’s Day, everyone, because everyone is essentially a mother. Kick off those shoes, sit back and listen to some great music today. We’re on 24/7 and we’re totally free of charge and free of advertising!

Happy Mother’s Day!