Dave Alvin Q&A

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Questions Answered:

	Hi Dave, I caught the Knitters show at the Great American Music Hall in S.F. on 7/19. Your Guitar playing left my friend Jason and I stunned(all that taste and tone!) Not to bore other Q&A readers but I wonder if I could pick your brain a bit about old Fender amps. Your twin sounded so good I think I might buy one. I've always loved the way the super reverbs sounded as well. Would you mind commenting a bit on the differences and similarities between these two old classics in terms of tone and versatility. The only negative thing I've heard about twins is that they can be a bit too much sometimes in terms of wattage. I'm playing a '58 Gibson ES225 dual P-90 guitar.
	Hey Brian: Thanks for the compliment about The Great American show. I appreciate it. For the record, with The Knitters I was playing through a 1965 Fender Twin reissue that has a pretty verstaile character. My main live amplifier is a Fender Concert specially built by Rivera in the early 1980's. They only made about 70 of that particular Concert amp (sort of a Fender version of a Mesa Boogie) so it really is a rare bird, loud and versatile. I've found that every Fender amp has a different personality. Some Twins have a thin, trebly tone while another Twin of the same vintage will have a fat, deep tone. Super reverbs are the same. Usually they don't have enough power in a live rock and roll situation but sound great in the studio but I've played one or two that'll blow your brains out on stage. You also may want to try a early 60's Fender Deluxe. If you find a good one of those, there ain't much better. You really just have to plug into each one and see what works for you. It's a long process. I'm still searching for the perfect amp, although my beloved Concert comes very close. Good luck on your search.

	Hello Dave, I was thinking about how long I've been listening to your music, with the Blasters and the Guilty Men. When I think of other bands that I've been listening to for that long, many of them have a history of some type of drug or alcohol abuse that has often had a negative impact on their production. To the best of my knowledge, this has never been the case with either you or Phil, stretching all the way back to your teens. I think that is an amazing accomplishment, when you consider the occupation of being in a band, and all the temptations the drug culture has offered over the past couple of decades. How did you guys manage to avoid all the typical pitfalls that so many of your peers have fallen into? In all of your travels, have you ever run across musicians who never realize their potential because of drug use? Anyways, I hope to see you here in San Diego soon. Until then, take a well deserved vacation and try not to work so hard! Nick.
	Hey Nick: Yeah, I've known musicians and non-musicians who've screwed up their lives (and the lives of those around them) and ruined their creative potential due to drugs. To be honest, though, I have known a few musicians who have used drugs and haven't screwed up their lives. Education, character, financial status, family and love all may have something to do whether you screw up or not, I don't know. I did see a lot of very talented people make a lot of very stupid decisions and do a lot of stupid things due to drug use and I've tried to learn from that. Too many of them died very, very young so I certainly don't reccommend drugs to anyone. A million years ago I flirted briefly with illegal drugs, as many musicians do, but I never liked it. I preferred the legal kind: beer and cigarettes. But I also don't reccommend either liqour or tobacco to anyone (What drugs are legal and what drugs are illegal and why they are is too big of a question/discussion for a music based site like mine). Cigarettes, unfortunately, have been my main addiction and I'll always regret that. It's not easy trying to make a living as a professional musician and there are certainly temptations that might temporarily ease the stress and instablilty of that lifestyle. If you can somehow keep the music first in your priorities then you should be all right. Anyway, that's what I always thought.

	Well, it happened, after more than a decade together, my beloved pair of boots got murdered by a beloved friend's beloved cat. I recall admiring a pair of yours some years back. Where do you get your boots?
	Hey Steve: That must be some big cat to destroy a pair of cowboy boots. Mountain lion? Bobcat? I used to get my boots made special, without any decorative stitching or designs, by Nocona but they were bought out by another company a few years back. It wasn't as expensive as it sounds. These days I wear black JB Hill boots, also without any decoration, and they are pretty expensive unfortunatley, but they're worth it. Usually I buy my boots at a couple of western clothing stores out in California that I've been going to for years. One, Kings Western Wear in the San Fernando Valley, has apretty good selection and they'll order what you want. I also frequent swap meets and antique stores looking for vintage boots and western shirts. Good luck finding a new pair and don't mess with that cat. He sounds serious.

	Dave, I still have to say that catching you and the Guilty Men at Revolution Hall last summer in Troy, NY was one of the greatest rock and roll nights (and I hope the Knitters play the venue this year). It was great to talk with you, Miller, and Gaffney after the show. Thanks for signing the album poster for my classroom, too. One thing I noticed in your performance was a real Magic Sam vibe in your playing. I'm curious: did you ever catch Magic Sam out there in California, perhaps at the Ashgrove, in the late Sixties? Or, is the influence purely from listening to his great albums on Delmark? By the way, I still have my high school students read "Lee Allen" and "My Mother Fell"--your poetry really connects with them. And, I play them some Lee Allen, his solo sides and with you on "Museum of Heart", as well! All the best to you, Fred "Rudy" Rudofsky P.S. Would love to hear you sit in on Steve Earle's new satellite radio show and spin some records!
	Hey Fred: Well, thanks for spreading the gospel of Lee Allen to a younger generation. He really is an unsung hero of rock and roll and R+B and he is always playing tenor sax in my heart. I also enjoyed the show in Troy a lot. Great venue, great audience, great old town. I don't think The Knitters will be playing there but I certainly hope that The Guilty Men and I will be back soon. Now, Magic Sam? One of my all time favorites. Slinky, snakey, nasty, soulful, biting, heartbreaking guitar playing. I never saw him live. He died a little bit before I started sneaking into clubs but I did have a small flyer tacked up on my bedroom wall when I was a kid from a club gig he did in L.A. at a joint called The Bank. I wished back then that I could have seen him and I still have the same wish. His early death was such a tragedy for the blues. I highlt reccommend a recent Delmark release of Magic Sam live performances called Rockin' Wild In Chicago. Amazing, intense stuff. I also highly reccommend his early recordings on the Cobra label which have been reissued on several recent CDs. See you soon in Troy, I hope.

	Dave, I know the knitters are coming to the Ram's Head in Baltimore in August. My boyfriend and I are coming to see you. Saw you at the Mojo (tiny little bar in B'more and with the Guilty Men in Annapolis) and both times was BLOWN AWAY. When you were at the Mojo I grinned from ear to ear the entire night. This is a weird and personal question, but I want to propose that night. Any chance you would play the Old 97's song "Question" for me? Just a long shot, but I thought I'd try... Thanks PS- you remind me of my dad who passed away in February
	Hey Marni: I'm very touched that I remind you of your dad. That's a very sweet compliment. Thank you. Now, on to the business of your proposal, well, I wish you the best of luck with that. He's a very lucky guy. In regards to performing the Old 97's song, (by the way, they're a real good band) unfortunatly, I don't sing in The Knitters so I can't be of any help there. I just bash on the guitar. It's sort of my summer vacation away from being a band leader/singer/songwriter. I know John and Exene, The Knitters singers, are fans of the Old 97's and they may know the song but the odds of us playing it are pretty low. I'm very, very sorry about this. I guess it might be too odd proposing marriage while we're playing Rock Island Line but that might be as close as you get that night. Best of luck.

	Dave, You should complain to Apple's iTunes store: On the album 'Step Right Up' they have you listed as 'Dale Alvin' like you were Siamese Twin Chipmunks. Saw you at Johnny D's in Somerville, Mass this Spring. Excellent show. Joel Patterson
	Hey Joel: After living my whole life with the name Dave Alvin, I've gotten used to Alvin And The Chipmunks references and jokes. At least they didn't call me Theodore. Thanks for the heads up.

	Hello mr. Alvin, After reading a review in Uncut I bought your cd "Ashgrove". Great music, great lyrics, great production performance. Your melancholic lyrics makes me smile, dream, sad, happy etc. The song 'Out of control' reminds me of the great short stories by Annie Proulx (Close Range - Wyoming Stories). Question: When do you visit The Netherlands? Luc de Graaf, Helmond, The Netherlands
	Hey Luc: I'm very happy my lyrics can affect you that way. A songwriter couldn't ask for higher praise. Thanks. Annie Proulx! Wow, that is a very nice compliment. I know she is a big fan of my songwriting amigo, Tom Russell. Maybe Tom will loan her one of my CDs. As far as when I'll be in The Netherlands again, I don't know. I've always enjoyed visiting and playing there but, as I explain in the next question and answer, touring in Europe has gotten so expensive that it's difficult for me to go there as often as I'd like. I did play at a blues festival this last April up near Groneigen (Did I spell that right?) but I don't think I gave a great performance that night. I felt I dissappointed the audience and myself. Hopefully I can get back to The Netherlands soon and make up for that show. Maybe I'll see you there.

	Hi! Dave! We wrote to you last August, asking you when you were next appearing in UK! We saw you at the Borderline Club, London on 4th May & what a night!!!What a venue!!!! Hope you have plenty of guitar strings!!! Absolutely fantastic!! Everything we imagined it would be!!! Would not have missed it for the world!!!Stayed until end!!! We would have, whatever,even if it had meant missing last tube & finding our car , to drive home to Wales!!! As we told you in last message, we bought 'Out in California' on the strength of '4th of July' track & always wanted to hear you play it live LIVE!! Brilliant!!! Also bought 'Ashgrove' & can't wait for next album!!!???!!! We also feel, as other Q&A comments, that from listening to your albums & seeing/hearing you live, it's as if we know you as a friend!! Wanted to speak to you, as you walked past us in the bar at the Borderline, but didn't like to 'bother you'!! Wish we had now!! QUESTION IS..........WHEN ARE YOU NEXT APPEARING IN UK?????!!!!!!! Take care! Ray & Lynda
	Hey Ray: Wow! What can I say? Thank you very much for your very kind words about the London show. I'm stunned that you drove all the way from Wales! Wow! Thanks. I'm very glad you enjoyed the show. I would've felt miserable knowing that you drove such a long distance and I had let you down somehow. As to when will I be back in the UK, well, I don't really know. It is so expensive to tour with a band in Europe that my goal when I tour over there is to at least break even financially. But with fans like you waiting for another show, I promise I'll bring me and the guys back as soon as I possibly can. Thanks again, especially for the long drive and the "friend" comment. Oh, and, yeah, I do carry a lot of guitar strings on the road. I break a ton of those things.

	Dave, I hope you don't mind, but my band covers a couple of your songs and I have posted one on our website. It's "A Woman's Got A Right". I was going to send you a copy through your record company, but I figured this would be cool. We also do "Thirty Dollar Room" and we are toying with some of the Ashgrove stuff like the title track and "Out of Control". I am trying to find a recording of us doing "$30" to put on the site soon. I hope you like our version of your song. It is one of my favorite songs as I have lived the lyrics verbatim. Please go to the link below and it will be listed with the other songs. http://www.bodacioussf.com/downloads.htm Thanks for all the great lyrics, great tone, and great melodies. -Wayne
	Hey Wayne: Well, sorry it's taken me so damn long to answer/post this but thank you very, very much for doing my songs. I can't tell you how good that makes me feel. Especially doing A Woman's Got A Right and 30 Dollar Room. Those songs off of the Museum Of Heart CD have a special meaning for me (so special that I rarely perform most of the songs off of that record - just too personal, I guess) so it really means a lot that you found something special in them also. I'll try to listen to them on your site but you may want to send me a copy care of my record company anyway seeing how I'm so computer illiterate that I'll probably fail in downloading them or whatever the hell it is I'm supposed to do. Best of luck with your band and, by the way, those 30 dollar rooms are costing around 60 dollars these days.

	Dave - Miss seeing you play - (now that I live in Austin) - Tour the South more!!!! Have you seen the trailer for the movie www.searchingforthewrongeyedjesus.com - it's a film they show in Europe but haven't released it in the states, it's about Mississippi - The South.... I've been traveling the Dancehalls of Texas (AMAZING) and not to mention the Juke Joints - you wouldn't believe I found the Mexican Harvey Keitel - and I ran into Hank Thompson at a Knights of Columbus in Seguin, TX he still singing like a bird, picking and grinning. He spakles when he sings - he's 80 years old. How is LA treating you? Went down to Whitter - for soul searching making my way bck to Tucson and then back to Austin - I love Austin, TX although there is a call to Knoxville or Memphis these days, Austin, TX will always be my home - If/and When you need cd, album work get in touch with Revolution Press - Woodblock and such - they just did the Billy Joe Shaver 65th cd / promo and he did The Handsome Family latest - Ben Durham is the cat's name that runs with the place - very nice guy out of Knoxville, TN. I'll be catching the Hacienda Brothers show in San Antonio this Saturday - really looking forward to that. I also wanted to know if you have heard of Dickie Lee Erwin - if not you need too and also a gal named Jennie Stearns (Itacha, NY) tours or opens for Dowd, Johnny. Keep turning the world on with your music - you are a favorite of mine. Paris
	Hey Paris: Well, please accept my sincere apology for answering this email so late. I've heard of the "Wrong Eyed Jesus" movie but I haven't seen it yet. I've heard good stuff about it. Yeah, Hank Thompson is great. I had the honor of meeting him, oh, about, 17 years ago in Nashville at some music industry function where I really didn't belong. He's a real gentleman and a big talent. I haven't heard of Dickie Lee Erwin (unless you're talking about the rockabilly/country singer from Sun Records) or Jennie Stearns, but if you say they're good, then that's good enough for me. I dig Jonny Dowd. He's got his own thing and doesn't sound like anybody else. Pretty cool stuff. Well, wherever you land, whether Knoxville or Memphis or back in Austin, best of luck and have fun in those dance halls and juke joints. Keep a beer cold for me, please.

	This is more of a comment for Dave than a question (but I was a'scared to push "other"). This is from Linda in Salt Lake, the writer who did a story on you and the sub DJ on KRCL that wants to name my show (when I get my own) Border Radio. I love the Ashgrove pictures. I was doing a story with Mark Hummel, and he was talking about going to the Ashgrove about the same years as you did. so I just got online to doublecheck my spelling of Ashgrove (my album of that name is at home). Lo and behold, I stumbled across your great black and whites from the club. Are your Ashgrove photos available? I especially like the oneof Buddy Guy. Thanks again for going that wonderful show at the songwriter's festival in SLC. It was honestly one of my favorite shows ever. I have a bit of a "guitar problem, as my buddy James McMurtry says, and Marshalls and Fenders are my particular favorties. So you can just imagine how choice that beautiful room sounded to me that night. I think it was the best SOUNDING show I've ever heard. And you played Border Radio, even. Made my night, Dave. Best always- Linda East Brady
	Hey Linda: Well, first of all, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to answer but things have been busy. Now, tell your friend, Mark, that I said hello and, who knows, maybe our paths crossed back at the Ash Grove many years ago. Thanks for the nice words about my teenage photographs. I wasn't using a flash, wasn't quite sure how to focus the camera and, well, I really had no idea what I was doing but some of them came out okay. Are they available? No. Unless you can print them off of the website. Can you? I don't know. My printer has only worked 2 days since I bought it 5 years ago. I had a good time at the Salt Lake City show. I know a few people were upset with Chris Miller's electric guitar at a supposedly "acoustic" show, but what can ya do? It's all the same notes to me. Some folk music is just louder than other folk music. See you soon.

	Dave, Are the Knitters going to be doing ANY Southern dates (AUSTIN! AUSTIN!) or do I need to plan a trip back East to see you guys? Debbie
	Hey Debbie: Don't despair or book any plane flights because The Knitters are coming your way! We're doing many shows south of the Mason-Dixon line, from Virginia to the Carolinas to Georgia to Tennesse to Louisiana to Texas. Yeah, we're playing Austin as well as Houston and Dallas. You didn't really think we'd leave Austin out did you? Secretly, I kind of wanted to skip Austin because, honestly, between current Guilty Man Chris Miller and Redd Vollkart and Dave Biller and Casper Rawls and Derek O'Brien and Denny Freeman to name just a few, Austin is full of hot rod, blues/country/jazz guitar players that can kick my sorry ass from there back to Downey, California. They all just happen to be too nice of guys to actually do it though . . . I hope. See you there soon!

	Dave, Any chance of a Knitters show anywhere near Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Louisville? John Doe played Indy a couple months ago and you two onstage together must be really intense.
	Hey Robert: I'm still not sure exactly everywhere The Knitters are playing this summer but I do know that there are a few mid-west shows; Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Madison. We may make it to Indianapolis, Louisville or Cinncinnati later in the fall if we decide to do more shows. Maybe you can make it up to one of the cities I mentioned. As far as "intense," well, I don't know if it's that. To me, they're just a lot of fun. Well, maybe they could be considered intense fun, but thats up to you to decide.

	Hey Dave, Hope you have been doing well. Looks like you have been keeping busy. Can't wait until this upcoming Knitters tour! Dad and I will be driving down to Seattle to see you guys at the Showbox (since you won't be making it up to Vancouver). Going to bring a friend or two along as well. Hoping that Butch & Vicki will also be able to make it. When will the new Knitters' record be available anyhow? As always, your music and wisdom get me through even the roughest and strangest of times. Overall, things have been good and all of us sincerely hope that you and those Guilty Men of yours make it back up here to once again show this city what music is all about. Take care of yourself. See you soon. Oh, and I hope you dig my new hair colour (as you always seem to). Luv&Peace Teresa Marie
	Hey Teresa Marie With A New Hair-Do: How are ya? It sounds like you're soing all right. The Knitters new CD, The Modern Sounds Of The Knitters, comes out on July 12th in the states and probably the same time in Canada. I look forward to seeing you and your dad and whoever else you can drag down from beautiful British Columbia, as well as the new hair color, in Seattle.

	mr. dave, back in March of this year i was at your "Tales from the Tavern" performance at the Firestone Brewery in Buellton, CA. after the concert, Sonny (sic?) Brown asked you to autograph a copy of Ashgrove for a friend of mine, Rex, who was entering rehab but not expected to live much longer. you graciously penned a little something for Rex, and Sonny delivered the CD to me later that week. i wanted to let you know that Rex (and i) very much appreciated the gesture. Rex lived only another 3 weeks or so, but he loved listening to that disc. when he played bass guitar years ago, there was something similar in the way he played and your music that made me think it a "natural" to share your music with him. the first few times he listened to it he had this one particular comment that i think you'd like to hear. the music would bring a smile to his face and i could see him going deep inside himself with some of his remaining energy. he said the music had "a raw and sincere quality with understated passions all over the place." he also said it was "music with real guts" and then he'd rock back into that smile that i'll never forget. i'm pretty sure i'm right on top of what he meant; i think you'll "get it" too. i just wanted to let you know and thank you for that "doings" back in March. thanks, too, for the music; Rex and i are still listening with smiles on our faces. thom danfield p.s.--see you at Live Oak
	Hey Thom: Thank you very, very much. I "get it." I may sound stupid but your message moves me so much that I really don't know what else to say but thank you. PS There seems to be some confusion regarding The Live Oak Festival this year. I'm not performing there but my brother, Phil, is with his current Blasters line-up. they are very good and I hope you enjoy them.

	Hi, Having navigated the website instructions and tried to follow them, I now see that I am instructed to ask you a "question." Well, as a 40-something, pudgy fan with 3 kids and a full-time job, I have no "questions." I just wanted to let you know that I've been a huge fan for more years than I can remember and my wife and I (and our oldest - she's 7 now, and danced on stage with you and the band for about 10 songs at the Troubador 4 years ago [yes, with ear plugs]) will be at McCabes this Friday. I'm excited, but my folks, after hearing every record you have recorded (ad nausium, mostly here at my house, although I've given them a couple and they've bought a few) are even more excited to finally get a chance to hear you live. And after I told my dad (also named "Brooks") about what I read about Mike Stinson, he is even doubly excited. We 3 generations plan to be somewhere in the front, but given the logistics will undoubtedly end up in the back corner, and happier than hell to be in such a great place to see you and hear your music. Looking forward to it, Brooks
	Hey Brooks: Well, hell, I'm a more than a little late (and little embarassed about it) getting back to you but I hope all 3 generations of your family enjoyed the McCabes show last month (or was it the month before that?). I don't know if I was any good but I know that Mike Stinson was. So was Greg Leisz and Amy Farris. By the way, how come you and your daughter didn't dance on stage this time?

	Dear Dave, I see that you are conspicuously absent from Bill FitzGerald's American Music Festival roster as of now. Can you share with me please whether you will be touring or working on recording projects this summer? A bunch of people on the Hank III Board want to know too. I saw you four times this past February (St. Louis, Berwyn, Berwyn & Springfield., IL) so I should be satisfied, but....you know... I sure hope you can do a solo acoustic gig in my St. Louis-area living room for my 50th birthday in February of 2007. (Sorry, the room's not big enough for the beloved Guilty Men). I contacted Mongrel but they said wait till summer of 2006 to book it. I'm the kind of guy who likes to get important things like that lined up as soon as possible. If you'd like to respond to just me, or edit this for a public post, that would be fine. Sincerely, Wild Bill Irvin Grover, Missouri
	Hey Wild Bill: Well, you can tell from the very late response to your message that, ahh, things take a little time with me to get done. Sorry about that. As far as your 50th b-day party, it sounds cool but it's very hard to commit to things like that because of the erratic nature of booking tours as well as the erratic natures of The Guilty Men and myself. Right now I have loose plans to be in the studio in February working on my next CD but you never know what'll happen. Please call my booking agents again later this summer when they might have a better idea of what my schedule is. Maybe everything will fall into place and this can happen. Regarding summer touring in 05, well, the main tour this summer is with a side project group called The Knitters. We will be touring most of the USA from late July to early September. I will be doing a DA acoustic show (along with Guilty Man Joe Terry playing piano) at The Old Town School Of Folk Music in Chicago on September 18 along with songwriting whiz kid, Robbie Fulks. As for Fitzgeralds, I love playing the 4th of July festival. It's one of my favorite music events in one of my favorite venues in one of my favorite cities. But I try to perform the festival every other year. I don't want people to get sick of me, you know.

	Hi Dave, Each month I find myself drawn to the Q&A page of your website. I find it to be quite an addictive read in the stories and questions asked by the folks, as well as the warmth and care you take in your responses. I first met you, although it was not in person, when I was a dj at WUOG-FM in Athens at the University of Georgia. I played our brand new copy of the self-titled LP (yes, it was an LP) "The Blasters" on the air and I was hooked from that time on. I first saw you perform as the opener for Los Lobos around 1987 in Austin. The next time I saw you was last year at the Opry Plaza Party here in Nashville. Of course I apologize for the absence in between, but, your music has always stayed with me. Some friends of mine played with Amy Farris, who also accompanied The Guilty Men in your set, to open for you and what a treat you both were! My wife and I had so much fun at the show; however, I'll admit the Opry Plaza can be a strange gig. There can be a great vibe between the audience and the band and then, all of a sudden, the Opry lets out and there's several people walking right through your audience on their way to their car. Admittedly, quite strange, but I hope you'll come back! I promise I won't be as deliquent about attending your next gig. Of course, I have to say that I have experienced the same emotional response to your songs as so many have previously posted. All I can say is thank you for making me happy, sad, laugh and cry - all of the emotions I have experienced in listening to your music. But, above all, thank you for helping me just have a good time while listening to your music. I hope that my response, as part of the audience, gave back some of the same satisfaction to you. Hopefully, someday, I may be able to meet you and tell you this in person. One of my favorite albums is the work you did with The Pleasure Barons. Unfortunately, circumstances seem to dictate that we will never see another gig in the band's true form. It is just a fun album to listen too. It brings back images of a full-tilt Texas Roadhouse boogie band just cuttin' loose. The interaction with the horn section is just wonderful. I was hoping you might be able to comment on how that project came about, and (because you all sound like you're having so much fun) do you have (or have you ever entertained) plans to do more music of that style in the future? Not that the Guilty Men can't boogie, but, working with horns again. Take care and safe travels, Chris
	Hey Chris: Well, I'm glad we've finally met sort of. And thank you for the very kind words about my music over the years and what it has meant for you. Sometimes, (more times than I'd like to admit) when the life of a road musician takes it's emotional and financial toll, I do consider quitting and finding a real job like pumping gas or something. But messages like yours really do keep me going. Thanks again (and sorry for the very late response). Yeah, the Opry gig was both very cool and very strange. Not bad or anything like that, just strange. But I love playing with my band (and Amy) no matter what the situation and it seemed that people enjoyed the show. I only wish that I could've met Little Jimmie Dickens or Porter Waggoner or Whisperin' Bill Anderson. Maybe next time. Thee Pleasure Barons tour was pretty much the late, great Country Dick Montana's baby. Despite his gruff outward persona, Country Dick was really like a cheer leader or a spiritual leader who could fill you with his sweet yet somewhat twisted vision. Or maybe he was just a pretty good con-man who could talk you into doing anything. Anyway, both tours were a boat load of intense, wonderful silliness for the musicians. Hell, I even got paid . . . eventually. Unfortunately, Thee Barons wouldn't be Thee Barons without Dick, so there won't be any more shows. And, yeah, the actual band kicked some serious roadhouse butt. As far as me working with a horn section again, well, you never know. I miss Lee Allen so much (who played tenor sax on countless R+B hits as well as in The Blasters) that I've shied away from working with horns since his passing. And I'm certainly not good enough to play with Sonny Rollins or Joshua Redman or any of the jazz greats. Maybe someday, if I ever do a really straight blues/R+B type of recording I'll use horns on that. Never say never, ya know. Hey, I just realised that I've mentioned both Little Jimmie Dickens AND Sonny Rollins in the same breath. That doesn't happen everyday. Anyway, I'll be looking for you when I get back around the Nashville area.

	Hi, My name is Noreen Joynt, Terry Joynt'sister. I went to school with Mary. Terry bought me the cd "Trouble Bound", I love it and when I can I will get some more of your music. I can just picture what the nuns at OLPH would think of the music, remember Father Carry? Thanks, Noreen Joynt
	Hey Noreen: It's great to hear from you! I remember Father Kerry (or Carry, how ever he spelled it) very well. He was the priest for the first Mass I ever served as an altar boy. To be honest, I never paid much attention to the lessons we were given about being an altar boys so I kind of botched it. I knew I was supposed to ring the altar bells 3 times during the Mass, after the priest's sermon, but I'll be damned if I could remember exactly when to ring them. So I just rang the damn bells non-stop for about 10 minutes figuring that I'd be correct at least some of the time. After the Mass, Father Kerry said, in his thick Irish brogue, "Next time, not so much of the bells." You know, I think that you're brother, Terry, was the other altar boy that morning. Ask him if he remembers. As far as what the nuns and priests of OLPH would've thought about my music, well, you never know.

	Breaking the rules but when/where is Dave playing with CHRIS GAFFNEY? I live in Nebraska....saw Hacienda Bros at Zoo last night. Chris told me he's playing with Dave in October. He couldn't remember when/where....I need to make travel plans. HELP. You'll make my day. :-)
	Hey Leslie: I can't wait to play with Gaffney again! Hopefully he can do some shows with me and The Guilty Men when we start touring again in the fall on the west coast but he's implied to me that The Haciendas will on tour at the same time. So, I can't answer your question really. I tell ya what, though, if you see Gaff again in the near future tell him to call me so we can get this figured out. The Gulity Men and I will, most likely, be doing a tour up the west coast of California after I finish touring with the Knitters. California is nice in the fall. I hope you can make it to a couple of the shows. I hope Gaffney can make it too.

	Hey David: First off, let apologize because I think I accidentaly deleted your message. (Hell, I'm a barroom guitarist not a computer whiz) Anyway, heres the answers. Well, the Nick Lowe story is kind of long and kind of complicated and kind of funny but, to put it simply, he talked me into singing my songs myself. (There have been times when I've doubted his advice. There have probably even been times when he doubted his advice to me.) His advice wasn't the only reason I decided to start singing my own songs but the respect I have for him as a songwriter, musician and producer certainly made me think about it pretty seriously. I think his stuff is extrememly underappreciated and extremely soulful. The Greg Kihn Band gig at The Roxy with The Blasters had to be around early 81 or so. The Blasters never played in Hollywood until 1980 and it took us a while to get any shows at The Roxy. I remember that gig really distinctly because I dug the way his drummer sang, The Man Who Shot Libery Vallance (also one of my favorite John Ford movies). I still have and treasure the Fred Neil CD that Bonnie Simmons gave me at KPFA. If you see her tell her I owe her big time. Again, sorry about deleting your message. I'm a klutz, I guess.

	Hi Dave: I was at the Hacienda Brothers show at the Palms in Winters last Friday night (June 10th) when you joined the band for "Every Night About This Time" and "Fourth of July". In a previous trip to the Palms with the Guily Men, I recall you mentioning how you wished you could get out of LA and relocate to Winters. So, can we start spreading the rumor that you were up checking out real estate? Seriously, thanks for coming up to the Palms and joing Gaf and company. It was one of those magical Palms evenings (followed a few nights later by the debut appearance of I See Hawks In LA with a great opening set by Rick Shea and the band!) Peter
	Hey Peter: I'd love to live in Winters but I think people would get tired of me hanging around The Palms everynight. Yeah, you can spread the rumor that I was up looking at real estate because someone may have something for sale that I couldn't refuse. You never know. I am so proud of Gaffney and Gonzales for what they've done with The Hacinda Brothers but, since their CD came out, I never get to see Gaff anymore so I decided to drive up and spend a little time with my "other brother." I had a ball. Maybe I could talk Gaffney into moving to Winters with me. We could be the house band/opening act every night at the Palms. Well, it's a nice dream. Yeah, Rick Shea and I See Hawks In LA would've been another great show. Maybe I'll drive up the next time they play because I rarely get to see Rick either these days. Well, I guess better start looking into real estate up there in order to save money on gas.

	Hi Dave, Well it's happened again !!!! In February I flew over from London to San Diego to see you play at the Galaxy and also at the Belly Up in Solano Beach.On both occasions I was hoping to get to meet you in person, but alas on both occasions I didn't. Then you came over to the UK and played the Borderline,and once more I never got to meet you because I had to catch my final train home.I did however manage to say "Hi" to Gregory Boaz again,as I did before the show at Solano Beach, and he even recognised me, please say "Hi" to him from me..again. So a few weeks ago I came back to San Diego for another short vacation,and my friend got us tickets for both of your acoustic shows in Santa Monica,hoping to get to meet you at last.But the guy that introduced you on stage wouldn't let me upstairs after the shows,even though I told him i'd travelled all the way from the UK to see you play,and in all honesty he wasn't very polite the way he told me "No"..... The shows however were very good,and you certainly picked a fine man to share the stage with you.The show on the Friday was very rowdy and had a really good atmosphere, but what happened on Saturday ??? You could have heard a pin drop.... Anyway,I'm not sure when i'll get to see you play again,and I ain't giving up on meeting you...at least not just yet. So keep the good music comin',and i'm certainly looking forward to the DVD when, and if it comes out. Victor.
	Hey Victor: Man, this is getting kind of ridiculous, isn't it? Next time, just walk right up to the front of the stage and introduce yourself. Believe me, if you tell me that your Victor from England, I'll remember you (I haven't forgotten about the offer of a beer either). I apologise for any rudeness on the part of the announcer/bouncer at McCabes but they have a pretty strict backstage policy because there are so many old and rare instruments laying around up there they are afraid of theft. Still, no reason for him to be rude. Yeah, Friday night's show was a bit rowdy while Saturday's was more, ah, reserved (I never know what to expect when I walk out on stage) but some audiences show their appreciation in different ways. But I thought both nights were pretty good, especially Greg Leisz, who played regular and slide guitar with me. He can make a duck sound good. Amy Farris was also her usual brillant self on the fiddle. It was a fun weekend. Oh, yeah, the DVD? It will certainly come out I just don't know when. Kind of like our eventual meeting. It'll happen but when is the question.

	Dave, When I saw this, I just had to laugh. My father used to sing this to us whenever we were in Texas and said that he wrote it right there...on the spot...I still sing this song whenever I hear someone say "El Paso." It's so beautiful, I can understand wishing you wrote it. I missed the McCabe's shows...when do you plan on playing in LA again? I'm sure you're taking a well deserved break. I saw your brother play while y'all were in Italy. Robert (Big Sandy) & I were talking about you...wiishing you were up there! Hope all is well! Lynn 1) EL PASO written by MARTY ROBBINS. The first song I remember hearing. The first song that completely sucked me in with it's imagery, story, sound, etc., My mother bought this record for me when I was 4 or 5 years old and I loved it so much that I taught myself how to operate the record player just so I could play it again and again. Marty Robbins wrote some great songs (MAN WALKS AMONG US is another favorite of mine) but this is THE ONE for me. If you ever get a chance to hear Rick Shea and Chris Gaffney sing this together you're in for a wonderful treat
	Hey Lynn: Speaking of El Paso and Big Sandy, boy, I'd love to hear him sing that song. And, yeah, whenever I hear the words, El Paso, I immediately start singing the song in my head. Marty Robbins nailed it with that song. As far as your dad saying he wrote it on the spot, well, that's a pretty damn sweet story. I can understand why he'd say he wrote it to impress his daughter. Hell, if I ever have a kid, I may tell 'em I wrote it also. Gigs in LA? Well, I think theres going to be a couple Knitters shows in early September and, possibly, a Dave Alvin and The Gulity Men show in October. If you make it to any of these gigs, bring Big Sandy!

	Dave, I saw you guys at the Duckroom in St. Louis a few months ago. As always, a great show. It was nice to see Gaffney spotlighted. Hope his new album is selling like hotcakes. I had a guitar geek question for you. I noticed that during the performance you capoed your guitar a lot, sometimes even changing positions during songs. I don't remember you doing this so much the other times I've seen you play, and I was wondering if there's some sonic difference in doing this. I know shortening the scale with a capo does change the sound a bit. Thanks, Matt PS-Have you ever thought of including a gallery of your guitars and amps on the site? From the looks of your last album cover, you have some cool gear.
	Hey Matt: I also hope Chris Gaffney's Hacienda Brothers CD sells a million. He deserves it. As far as the capos, well, I've been using them for many years on a variety of songs for a variety of reasons. Sometimes because I'm in an open tuning. Sometimes because I'm trying to play in the style of someone like Johnny Guitar Watson, who used a capo to get his sound. Mainly, though, I use them for singing purposes. Some of my songs are in odd keys for guitar like Bflat or Eflat that are difficult to play in without the capo. Regarding posting photos of my gear on the site, well, maybe someday, but the photo on the back of the Ashgrove CD covers a lot of it. Well, not entirely. I'll have to think about that. Thanks for asking.

	ON MAY 28TH I SAW UR SHOW AT McCABES' IN L.A. FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME!I KNOW YOU'VE HEARD IT ALL BEFORE BUT ONLY ONE WORD COMES TO MY MIND AFTER HEARING YOU PLAY LIKE THAT......."AWESOME!!!!". MY BOYFREIND IS A VERY BIG FAN OF YOURS AND WHEN WE FIRST MET HE HAD INTRODUCED YOUR STYLE OF MUSIC TO ME. AT FIRST,(TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH), I THOUGHT NOTHING, I'M THE TYPE THAT LISTENS TO CREED AND 3DOORS DOWN,HAHAHAHA!! BUT WHEN I SAW YOU PLAY LIVE, I WAS ASTOUNDED! I SAW WHY HE LOVES YOU SO MUCH. YOU MIGHT KNOW HIM AS "THE JERKEY MAN FROM SEATTLE"...SAMUEL BLASENGAME.( OH,BY THE WAY,HE LOVES TO COOK, SO IF YOU ASK HIM "WHERE'S THE FOOD", HE MIGHT JUST BRING YOU SOME! HAHAHA!). THAT NIGHT WE HAD GOTTEN TWO OF UR CDS, IT WAS OUR FIRST TIME SEEING YOUR SHOW TOGETHER AND I WAS WONDERING IF WE COULD HAVE THEM AUTOGRAPHED BY YOU THE NEXT TIME YOU'RE HERE IN SEATTLE, IT WAS A REALLY SPECIAL NIGHT FOR US AND YOU WERE A BIG PART OF IT, THANK YOU FOR SUCH A WONDERFUL NIGHT!!!!! YOU BRING OUT THE BEST IN SAM AND I'M SO HAPPY HE HAS YOU TO LOOK UP TO.... ~~~~THANK YOU DAVE~~~~ ANNIE (sthrncumfrtgurl)
	Hey Annie: Well, first off, thanks to Sam for bring you down to McCabes and for converting you over to our team. Secondly, thanks fot your wonderful words about the music. I'm very, very proud that the McCabes show affected you so much. Sometimes I really can't tell what kind of effect my songs, etc, have on people so it's good to hear from people about that, expecially from someone new to the songs. I'd be happy to autograph your CDs the next time I'm in Seattle. I'll be be up there in late July playing guitar with a group of old friends called The Knitters. Maybe I'll see you guys there.

	Dave, I was born and raised in San Diego, and recently moved to Roanoke, VA. (for work) I was feeling a bit homesick, so thought I would check in and see what my childhood idols were up too. So, I checked out the various BeatFarmer, Paladins, Los Lobos and Blasters websites. In doing so, I stumbled across your Q&A page, which is absoluetly fantastic. I was very fortunate that my High School and College years were during the 80's as it was an incredible period for music in Southern California. All of the bands mentioned above are such great live shows, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to see each of you play a handful of times each year. In addition to thanking you for the wonderful music and live shows over the years, I wanted to run something by you. This November will mark the 10 year anniversary of Country Dick's passing. What are the chances of you putting together some sort of tribute show for him? I think it would be very important to take a moment and celebrate his life. He was such a good guy! Could you imagine if there was a show in his honor featuring the Blasters, Los Lobos, the Paladins, Mojo Nixon, the BeatFarmers, and capped off by an allstar jam. CDM would be looking down with tremendous pride. Thanks for hearing me out on my idea Dave. I am glad things are going well for you and I look forward to seeing you next time you are out this way. Take care! Brent Whelan
	Hey Brent: Well, if that anniversary show was to happen, I don't know if Country Dick would be "looking down with tremendous pride" or whether he'd sneaking around backstage stealing everybody's beer. That being said, some friends of Dick's down in San Diego have talked to me regarding if I be interested in performing at such an event and, of course, I told them yes. Whether it will all come together or not is another question but it would be nice. I miss Country Dick everyday. He believed in me when a lot of other people didn't and I'll never forget that. As far as being a music fan in Southern California in the 80's goes, yeah, it was a great time for barroom rock and roll with great bands playing seemingly every damn night. If I wasn't playing a gig or in the studio back in those days, I was out each night seeing some amazing band just like a fan. I'm also very thankful for those experiences. If you think about it, though, a lot of those bands, or at least some of the people from those groups, are still out there playing music. Hell, I know that I can't do anything else but play music. Well, anyway, Long Live Country Dick!

	Have you ever hooked up with Don Williams? Hearing the two of you sing together would melt me........... twice. I first heard you as a collaborator w/Lobos. Superlative adjectives go here: __________________________________________________________________________!!!!! :) I really like your voice and your tunes. Freedom is non-negotiable in my life also. Life as a journey, Earth as our Mother, we as her song, forces of nature as our teachers; these are all elements of my personal (and feminine) power. When I play your records I come back into myself even if the day-to-day has pulled me far away. Your voice helps center me like a sweet lullaby. I will watch for shows in the mid-west-I am in Springfield, MO. I wish you Peace and Happiness, Tracy Lee
	Hey Tracy Lee: Wow! Me, sing with Don Williams!?! What a compliment. Thanks a lot. You never know what will happen down the road but he's a waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better singer than I could ever hope to be. I'm also very complimented when you say that my voice helps "center you." Unfortunately, I do know a few people who tell me that my voice has the exact opposite effect on them. Oh, well, what can you do? Thank you very much though. Regarding shows in the mid-west, well, at this time none are booked for my band but that could change at any moment. Two of the members of my band, though, do live in Springfield, Mo and that's where we rehearse before most tours. So, keep your ears open, we may be rehearsing just down your street.

	Dave, Enjoyed your songwriting and playing back to the Blasters and I'm enjoying the Ashgrove recording today. Way to go. I play in a regional band called the Clodhoppers. We do mostly original songs, but we included "Call of the Wrecking Ball" on our new cd. I'd like to send you a copy to express my thanks for all the music you've given me. Where should I send the cd? Peace, Jerry
	Hey Jerry: Thanks for the compliments on my songwriting and for being a fan for so long. But thank you especially for covering The Call Of The Wrecking Ball. I've tried to sing that song at a couple of my gigs over the years but I certainly can't put it across like John Doe does in The Knitters. Or even like The Clodhoppers do it. So I'm happy to leave that song up to John and The Clodhoppers to perform. Please send your CD to me care of my booking agents: Mongrel Music 743 Center Blvd Fairfax, California 94930. They always get these kind of things to me. By the way, on the new Knitters CD (due out July 12), there is a sequel to Wrecking Ball. The saga of the Ball continues . . .

	HI Ya Dave, Glad to see you made it back from Europe. I was just telling Frank that I didn't see you playing anywhere this summer. Then, when I go home from Madison I see your playing at First Ave with X and The Knitters. WOW! I am really looking forward to seeing you again. I will bring some of the pictures from the show in Madison. I have one with you, Gaff and Frank. Fantastic! The Hacienda Bros will be here (Minneapolis) on June 29th. Can't wait for that one too! Well Dave, Take care and I will see you in August. Beva
	Hey Beva: Great to hear from you! I can't wait to see the photos of Chris Gaffney and Frank Furrillo, two people who mean the world to me. I just hope I have my eyes open in the pictures. Just to makes things clear about the upcoming summer shows, I'll be on the road touring in The Knitters which also includes John, DJ and Exene from the band X. So it's not a Guilty Man show and neither is X performing. Hopefully they're making all that clear in the advertising. You never know though. See you in a few weeks. Oh, yeah, when you go to the Hacienda Brothers gig, give Gaffney a big kiss.

	Not a question. Just to let you know that I heard your interview on NPR this morning (father's day) and was really moved. I just lost my dad, Bert, on February 15 and your story (the song) really affected me. It's a beautiful song and I am ordering your recording. I went to my mother's house today and told her and two of my sister's about the song while we were all already crying and it was therapeutic in a way. Thanks for writing it. I also think that a guy I sort of know might play in your band. Is there a Chris Mitchell in there? I have a baby with a friend of his. (although the baby is now seven)
	Thank you so much, Sarah, for your message. I can't tell you how much it means to me. I'm very, very sorry to hear about your loss. I wrote The Man In The Bed as therapy for myself and my family but I'm deeply, deeply touched if it has helped you and your family in any small way to deal with your pain. As for Chris Mitchell, I do have a Chris Miller in my band but no Chris Mitchell.

	Dave: You seem like a decent guy. I heard your comments on "Man in a Bed" on NPR today. I'm not sure, but I think I heard you say that you "couldn't" take your Dad out of the home the day he died. I may have missed something, and, if I have, I apologize; however, that's BULLSHIT. You COULD have taken him out - you just chose NOT to. Lie to me, your dog, your best friend and worst enemy - but for GOD's Sake - don't ever lie to yourself. Thanks for your ear. Tom
	Hey Tom: You also seem like a decent guy but, yeah, you missed something. Apology accepted.

	Dear Dave, This isn't a question - just an observance. Saw your show last night at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica 5/27/05. Amazing is all I've been saying all damn day. I have followed your career since I saw the Blasters rip up Southern Illinois University Carbondale when I was there just a few short years ago (1983 - ha!) Guess that makes us both kinda old. I have never heard of Greg Leisz before but I sure have now. His guitar work is also amazing - whew! The dynamics and the way you work around and together was . . . amazing (there’s that word again). You two were cracking us up on stage but after we all had a good laugh we were hypnotized by your songs and stage presence. I've seen a few shows in my day Dave but your heart and soul comes out of your guitar like no one I have ever seen. We were treated to a show that was so much more than a show, almost like church. It got me way down inside in a place you have to keep closed up living in a crazy town like this, ya know? Sweet emotion, to borrow words from Aerosmith. Thanks for sharing yourself with us. You are truly the King of California.
	Hey Larry: Thank you very much for your message and for following my career all these years. Yeah, you certainly have to keep ceratin places inside "closed up" living in this town (and many others). Just self-defense, I guess. I've always thought that music, particularly folk/blues/old country and rock and roll, is one of the few things that helps us let our guard down and feel a bit connected to each other for a few minutes. And, yeah, Greg Leisz! What can I say? He's produced 3 of my CDs, played on just about all my solo records and (check your music collection from the past several years) has recorded/played with everyone from Wilco to Joni Mitchell to Smashing Pumpkins to Brian Wilson to Bill Frisell. He's one of the greatest musicians in the world and always makes me sound better than I am. By the way, that Carbondale gig, didn't that turn into a minor riot? I seem to remember things getting kind of out of control that night. Pretty good gig, though, I think.

	I could be mistaken, but I thought I saw reference to a nightclub owned by Dave in San Fran. Please clarify. I'll be in San Fran all next week and want to hear good live music. Given Dave's broad musical background, I figure if he owned a club, I'd want to be there to hear whoever is there! Thanks, Glen Pleasance
	Hey Glen: I wish I owned a bar in San Francisco but then I probably quit making CDs and just hang the bar getting in everyone's way. The confusion might stem from my very close friend, Annie, who does own a GREAT little dive joint appropriately called Annie's. It's on a tiny side street called Boardman Place across from the Hall of Justice and surrounded by bail bonds offices. Whenever I'm playing in the bay area or just driving around California for kicks, I always spend time at Annie's. I guess I've spent so much time hanging out in there that some people think I own the place. Annie is the perfect host and you never know what kind of person is going to walk through the door. She doesn't have live music but she does have a tremendous jukebox with everything from George Jones to the Sex Pistols to the Blasters. Highly recommended. Maybe I'll see you there.

	Dave, I just saw your interview with the Washington Post and noticed that your first concert you saw was in the Rose Bowl with Herman and the Hermits. That was my first Rock Concert, too. Since you were only Nine, I just wanted you to know who else played in that concert! Herman and the Hermits The Lovin Spoonfuls The Bobby Fuller Four -AND- "The Turtles" (Formerly The Crossfires, Redondo Beach Surf Band) Later, they performed as Flo and Eddy and appeared in a film with Frank Zappa called "200 Motels" -AND- "Thee Midnighters" "Let's take a trip down Whittier Blvd." One of the original East LA Bands! All of those Great Bands on a sunny afternoon in the Rose Bowl......what an unforgettible sound! Aloha to you Dave, Kim Sweeney on the Big Island of Hawaii
	Aloha Kim: Wow, what an amazing message. "Unforgettable sounds," indeeed. Thanks for listing all the acts (pretty amazing line-up) but I do remember, very distinctly, everybody who played that day. I listed all the acts to the Post interviewer but I guess he edited it down to just Herman Hermits. The Bobby Fuller Four, The Lovin' Spoonful and Thee Midinighters impressed me the most. Bobby and his band looked amazing, every member dressed in black. They rocked hard through their set and finished with I Fought The Law. I remember feeling absolutely stunned by them. Unfortunately, Bobby tragically died not long after that show. Sometimes I think about what he would've gone on to do if he had lived. An immeasurable and sad loss, just like Eddie Cochran. Thee East LA Midnighters (not Hank Ballard's group) have always local heroes around here and they looked and sounded pretty tough and sharp that afternoon. Great horns, great gooves and great vocals. As far as The Lovin' Spoonful, let me tell you a quick story. About 6 or 7 years ago I was drinking a beer with Tom Russell in a London hotel pub after a show. After a while, in walks John Sebastian from the Lovin' Spoonful and Fritz Richmond (formerly of the Kweskin Jug Band). Tom sort of knew them so they joined us at our table. We got to talking about our gigs that night, mutual friends and old blues records before I got up the nerve to ask Sebastian if he remembered playing the Rose Bowl show. You see, my memory of their performance that distant afternoon was that the audience was indifferent to the Spoonful through their set as they played their versions old blues and jug band songs that the audience wasn't familiar with. Eventually Sebastian said something like, "This is our first show in California and, I guess, maybe our last but you might know this song." Then they hit the opening chords of Do You Believe In Magic and the teenagers in the Rose Bowl went beserk. The whole screaming, Beatlemania thing. Sebastian said that my memory was exactly how it went down. Over the years, I've sometimes wondered if I remembered it correctly or did I just imagine the whole thing (I mean, I was 8 or 9 years old). By the way, Sebastian was a very, very nice guy as was Fritz (who deserves his own big place in the folk music history books). Well, if I ever get to play a gig on the big island (I've played Oahu and Maui but would love to get to your island someday) maybe we'll finally meet after all these years and you can tell me how you remember that incredible day. Aloha.

	Hello Dave...we are so excited that you are coming back to Tampa. Thank you. My wife & I are bringing 4 DA "virgins" to your Skipper's show from Sarasota. I know you are constantly asked to do requests and forgive me for mine. When you plug your Fender in, if you could find it in your gracious heart to play "So Long Baby Goodbye", I would be very grateful. You guys travel safe and we can't wait to see you!! Bill Cantrell (Sarasota, Florida)
	Hey Bill: Well, I'm very, very, very sorry that it's taken me a few months (wow!) to answer your message but I believe So Long baby Goodbye was the first song we played that night at Skipper's. I hope you and the "4 DA virgins" enjoyed it!

	Hi Dave... Caught your show at the Belly Up in Solana Beach last week. It was great! I mainly went to see Los Straitjackets and you and your band were just a added bonus. I'm a big surf music fan and even have my own two hour a week radio show from San Diego State's college radio station, KCR. But I'm mainly writing because I wanted to let you know how excited I was to hear that you are from DOWNEY! I grew up my whole life in Downey... Imperial Elem. School, West Jr. High, Warren High... (grad in '72). My parents still live there, in the same home for 55 years or so... near the corner of Imperial and Downey Ave. I still have very close friends, how spread around California and Utah that I've know, literally, my whole life. We all grew up in Downey. Listening to you and watching the show so just so much more fun knowing you too grew in Downey... ah yes, The Carpenters, Downey Records (home of Pipeline), Wenzcell Record shop and the infamous Apollo space capsule (made at North American Rockwell). Thanks for the great show and bringing back Danny and Pete for an awesome encore! Clint If you're interested, my radio show can be heard on-line at: http://www.kcrlive.com/ on Thursdays from 4 - 6pm "A Day at the Beach" hosted by Clint Beachwood Almost completely instro/surf... old and new.
	Hey Clint: Very cool!!! A fellow "Downeyonian!" Yeah, I grew up there when there were still orange groves and teenage surf bands in the garages. Not the worst place to grow up although I'll never forgive them for tearing down all the gorves. Oh well. I don't get back there much since my father passed away and Wenzel's Music Record Store closed down (where Pipeline was recorded) but no matter where in the world I am, I'm still a "Downey guy." I stop by occasionally to eat at Chris and Pitts on Lakewood. In fact I ate there on my way down to the show at the Belly Up. I'll try to tune your show, it sounds very cool indeed. Keep rocking.

	Hello Dave, Tough - where oh where to begin with just a few lines of space? I just saw you Fri 2/11/05 at Fitzgeralds outside of Chicago. Consider me to be "previously-uninitiated". My buddy Aaron has been trying to turn me on to you for years but I've been "too busy" to tune in. All night I was poking Aaron in the arm saying, "Why the hell didn't you TELL ME!??" Of course, he'd been trying... I had vague expectations of countrifried-roots somethin' or other. I expected it to be good but I had no idea. You came out and rocked. Wailin' blues and singing and - smiling - all night long! First handful of songs were almost painful - my lead playing turns out to be awfully similar to what you were doing that night, I've got the same white Strat/tortoise pickguard, and those damn songs you were singing felt like songs I've needed to sing for a long long time. I had to catch myself a few times from just plain being overwhelmed. What a great set of coordinates in the cosmos in which to be standing on that particular night. Thank you for sharing/giving with such immediacy and authenticity - it's a wake-up call - helps me get back on track and write songs again and to try to remember to be fearless about any personal "weirdness" - chances are I'm not alone. I surely do hope to see you perform again. Gotta run - I hear somebody calling my name to go get me some Dave Alvin and the Guilty Men titles. peace, Doug
	Hey Doug: Thanks for the cool message. I'm very glad your pal twisted your arm to get you to make it to Fitzgerald's and I especially glad that you dug the show. All the things that you wrote are exactly the sort of things I try to get people to experience at one of my shows. I'm very proud that it had that effect on you. Folk music, whether it's loud electric blues or quiet, acoustic ballads, is supposed to help us not feel alone in the world. It's a communal music and folk musicians of all styles are representing a lot of us who are trying to figure out this sometimes insane world. Good luck with the songwriting and your guitar playing. sounds like you've got a cool Strat! See you in Chicago.

	To Dave:I caught the show at the Underground City Tavern last night and this is more a comment than a question.I still regret not speaking up when you asked for requests.Like Bobbie of 'the Sopranos' said,"Shyness is a curse." I still listen to your arrangement of "A Short Life of Trouble" over and over.Its one of those than can never get old,although I still would like to figure it out . Like you say, there's an evil on the land,but as long as we can talk about it,there is hope.Yes, we're warriors,like Woodie said about his guitar,"this machine kills fascists",or something like that.A nd the weird thing is when I came up with that in my head,I look out the window that instant and a hawk flies right by with a bird in its claws and I know Grandfather Creator is telling me I'm on the right track.You guys are on the right track for sure ,what a band!Sincerely,Mike Riley
	Hey Mike: Yeah, as a fairly shy guy, I know that shyness is a curse. So is hopelessness. Whenever I feel dark and depressed about things, I often think about Woody and his songs (and Curtis Mayfield among other of my personal heroes/warriors) and it's helps me get through my bleak mood and have a bit of hope for the future. And don't feel shy about yelling out a request. I may not play it but I really do like to know what songs have affected people. It helps me feel like I'm not working in an isolation tank. Outside of Durango once, I saw a hawk nose dive into the chapparal and then blast skyward with a rattlesnake in it's beak. An amazing sight. I took it as a good omen. Well, a good omen for me and the hawk but a rotten one for the rattlesnake. And, please forgive the very late response. No good excuse except a lot of traveling.

	Dave, I recently came across a quote attributed to you where you mentioned that “you cringe when you listen to how your voice sounded on Romeo’s escape.” I have to tell you how surprised I was to read that. When Romeo’s Escape came out, I had never heard you or the Blasters before, so I was hearing your music for the first time. I have written you before about the first time hearing R.E. with my dear departed friend Tom and a case of cold Bud, and how I was completely blown away from the first cords of Fourth of July. The lyrics, and the way you sang them on 4th oh July, Every Night About This Time and Border Radio were truly from the heart and the gut and grabbed me like nothing I had ever heard before. To this day I get that same feeling when I play the disk in my own backyard with a cold Bud and thinking about my old friend. I also loved the rawness of some of harder rocking tracks like New Tattoo, Romeo and Wish it Was Saturday Night. Even though your voice has gotten a little smoother over time, it does not take away from sound and power of that first Dave Alvin solo record. So the next time you listen to it don’t be so critical and just remember what it did for me, and many others out there. Keep on Doin' what your doin' and I will keep on listening religiously. Oh yeah, love Ashgrove, best music I heard in years, probably since another great record I heard about 6 years ago. That would have to be Black Jack David wouldn't it. John S New Jersey
	Well, thank you very, very much John. I'm sincerely touched that Romeo's Escape moves you so much. As far as me cringing when I hear my voice on that record, well, I'd never really sang before and when I did the vocals for that record, I kind of hoped that my voice would sound like Muddy Waters or Al Green or George Jones and, well, to point out the obvious, my voice didn;t sound like theirs. I took some hits from critics about my voice (and that did hurt) but I did try my best, though. I also drank more than a few cold Buds while doing the vocals. Again, thanks for your message and, well, have a cold Bud for me.

	Dave, I really enjoy the Ashgrove CD Alot... Can you tell me on "Ashgrove", "Out of Control" And "Black Haired Girl" how you get the tone. What guitar, amp, pedal are you using?
	Hey Aldo: Pretty basic stuff. I used my 1964 Strat through a old Fender Deluxe amp with a Danelectro echo box and a Boss overdrive pedal. Thanks for asking.

	Hi Dave I was one of the audience in Borlänge Sweden that came to see you and Scott Kempner and was allowed to record the show by video tape because Scott my friend allowed me to, and it came out to be one of the greatest shows i've ever seen, even if it was not crowded, Do you think that there is any chance that we will see you again in Sweden Dave? i went to see your brother and band in Enviken last autumn and that was awsome but we still miss you her. Have a happy Valentine // Peter
	Hey Peter: Wow, even though it was maybe 13 years ago I remember that show with Scott and The Skeletons very well. It was strange playing in an empty hockey arena but the audience that did show up was wonderful and the musicians and I had a great time. I had a couple days off in Borlange before the show and I spent the whole time playing pool in some youth center. The kids there kept looking at me like I was some crazy old American and maybe I am. I'd love to play Sweden again but I never get offered any shows there. Maybe the hockey arena gig scared off all the promoters. Hopefully I'll get back someday and, yeah, a happy Valentine to you too.

	Hi Dave, I really cannot believe the time you are spending answering these querries, it shows that beneath the gruff exterior you are truly a warm and tender young man! I am happy that I could happen to run into you outside of KPIG in the middle of last August and tell you how great "Everett Reuss" is, ironically I had arrived there the day before, and I had been listening to your album all of July. Third, I have a question about a P.D. song called "The Killer", which as far as I can tell was recorded by Cisco Houston. The reason is that I arranged it, but the lyrics are so perfect that it seems like the writer must be known, if you know anything about it I am curious. Also along those lines, I have been arranging tunes for the last couple years, but I always work with lyrics to songs I have never heard, on your album did you start with songs you knew or just rich lyrcal content? I am trying to be brief, but I have some funny stories about Tom Russell which I think would give you a chuckle. The first time I met Tom was at KPIG in 2000. I had heard Ely's version of G.D.C. and when I heard he was playing on Please Stand By so I knew I should just go watch him. We were standing in the hall and of course the music was great, the funny part was that Sleepy John had obviously not done his homework that day and he kept asking some questions that were not well received. He asked A.H. if he was still in his Hawaiin Band. Andrew replied "It was one of those get home from the tour and finding out your girlfriend left and took the band kind of things". Silence. Then Sleepy decided to get out of the rut by asking about Toms girlfriend. At this Tom started scowling and said that he was without a ball and chain (Judging by songs like "What do you want from me" it is not hard to figure out why). The second time I met him was at the second night of his Henflings shows that you came to along with Gafney. It was hillarious as well. To begin with I always try to listen to what you guys say and I managed to say some dumb comment to you about "having read about the Blasters or something" (I had not really heard you before that night). Anyway the funny part was how grouchy Tom was, he kept talking about how he hated opening acts, sound guy's, houseplants etc. Of course I was trying to listen and take it in without blurting something out, being young and crazy (complete with water behind my ears) I was pretty nervous just being in the same room. I also remember you getting kind of mad about KPIG announcing that you would be playing there (a good point too), you were also talking about how you loved LA because you could "sit around in your underwear and drink a beer at midnight". The result of this night was that I got a sort of "classroom experience" in music and life. Very cool. Sorry I am writing a book, but who cares, you can stop reading this at anytime without offending me. So the third time I experienced the Tom and Andrew duo was great too. I was working the backstage of the Live Oak Music Fest and I had a front row seat. The funny thing was that the seating in the front (backstage) was not really full until part way throu the set. I was there, beer in hand on Toms side of the stage, while on Andrews side Toms sister, nieces and their girlfriends were sitting. So the show commenced with Tom talking mostly about Andrews troubles with driving and about the goodlooking women on his side of the stage. Tom at one point even said that he had "noone on his side of the stage". This killed me because I WAS on his side of the stage and I knew his songs too boot. Well the show progressed until Tom announced that he was going to play "Rose of the S.J.", at this point the beer was working on me and my aforementioned timidity was overcome. I let loose some kind of war whoop, accompanied by waving my fist in the air in a fast circular motion. Now for the first time Tom kind of looked at me and growled "It's great to have listeners under the age of 50", "I like the backwards hat, its hip and edgy" (right then I was reaching up to turn it back around), he said "No, leave it!", of course I did. After the show they were signing autographs and I got the chance to ask my One Good Question, or O.G.Q. (I do this everytime I meet one of the people whom I admire and know anything about). This one was about Charlie Russell and about how he beat up a "peeping Tom" (Chickesaw County Jail), Tom told me "Yeah I guess he chased hime for a block then jumped on his back and started pucnhing him, I have the newspaper clipping". O.G.Q. answered time to get autograph. So anyway I had been drawing a lot at this point (thus my love for "Everett Reuss") and I though it would be funny to get Tom and Andrew to sign my sketchbook, thus making it even stranger. Andrew was pretty freaked out by it (the page was a covered in a bunch of different cartoon heads, though not at all morbid, just disembodied because artists in the "Prawn" movement always start with the head), but Tom took it in stride and mentioned that he had been "Painting a lot", of course he did not say that he was really damnn good (I realized he painted his cover after the fact), he was nice though he still was a little scary to talk to. Anyway I have decided that I want to keep up the bizarre nature of our meetings by trying to somehow rangle into being an opening act for him somwhere sometime (due to his proffessed dislike for opening acts, as well as my growing satisfaction with my songs and playing, as well as slowly growing confidence, which I am convinced is a hell of a lot different than pride), I also found my next O.G.Q., and due to the fact that he was sounding like an old grouch in an interview on his website, I want to ask him about the song "hand carved heart" which is so far the only chink I have found in the Tom Russell musical armor. Anyway I hope you got a laugh out of this and wanted to say that both your music and Toms has been as big an influence on me as Johnny Cash, The Byrds, Jonathan Edwards or anyone, I will listen to anything you make, even if you are mumbling incoherently about the stock market while accompanied by stock rythms off a Costco keyboard. Sorry I went long, Ian Barnes PS-I downloaded the chords and lyrics to bluewing somewhere and it must have been transcribed by a Romanian or something, among the errors was "it might have been a blue boot I don't know", anyway look it up if you are looking for a chuckle. Happy trails!
	Hey Ian: First of all, let me apoologize to you (and so many others) for taking so damn long to get back to you. I've been on the road a lot and, well, somehow a whole bunch of questions went unanswered. "A blue boot tattooed on his shoulder?" Wow, thats a good screw up. Now, about Tom Russell. Yeah, sometimes Tom can seem a bit grouchy but I guess all of us can be at times. Something about life on the road can turn almost anyone into not the most pleasant company. Anyway, he's a good guy but I'm just glad I've never opened for Tom if he really hates opening acts (which I doubt he does). Besides being a sometime grouch, Tom is one of our great songwriters and, yeah, his paintings are getting to be almost as good as his songs. I've got some great Tom and Andy stories and, maybe, I'll put them in a book someday but then that'll give Tom permission to tell his Dave stories. Oh well. Well, maybe I'll run into you at KPIG (what an amazing radio station!) again and if you run into Everett Ruess, tell him I said hey.

	Dave, I was at your Belly Up show last night (2/5/05) and it was amazing!!! Fine work as always. I've seen you 4 times now electric and I'm worndering if you'd ever consider doing an acoustic run of shows? If so please come to San Diego. Thanks for putting so much heart into what you do. It shows, I mean it really shows. Regards, Billy
	Hey Billy: Thanks for the kind words. I really enjoy playing the Belly Up and that last show there was pretty special, a lot of old friends showed up and The Guilty Men were extra good that night. I'm very proud of them. I often play short acoustic tours and I think that I may be doing an acoustic gig in San Diego this fall. I'm not sure of the venue yet but it should happen. I hope you can make it. And, again, sorry it took so long to respond..

	Hey Dave, There are a ton of people up here in Humboldt County jonesing for a Guilty Men show. My wife and I caught the shows in Reno last summer because we couldn't make any of the Northern California shows. We were excited to be able to see you here in our backyard, and bummed when the show was cancelled. Hope you've recovered. Please come back soon. Bring the Knitters if you'd like. Hell, I'd like that. KHUM has been playing a lot of your music over the last few years, so there is plenty of interest in seeing you live, regardless of the format. peace, Jeff
	Hey Jeff: Yeah, I was severly bummed that I had to cancel that gig in Humboldt county but my voice was gone. Not just a raspy voice but a missing voice. I think that The Guilty Men and I will up there in October of this year to make up for the cancelled show. Tell KHUM thanks for playing my stuff and sorry it's taken me months to get back to you. See ya in October.

	Dave- My boyfriend and I met you at the Coach House in December of 2004, when you played with the Beat Farmers and my boyfriend played in the opening band English Motorbike. You and I took a great picture together. Anyway, we saw you tonight 2/4/05 at the Galaxy you were great as always. I love watching you play, it's almost like your the only one on stage. Maybe someday I'll see you again and you can autograph my picture. Keep writing and playing great songs........ Harriette Aguilar
	Hey Harriette: Well, thanks for the very sweet compliment. Yeah, I had a ball at both The Galaxy and the Beat Farmers reunion show. It was a lot of fun singing a couple of Country Dick's old songs. I still miss him very much. Tell your boyfriend good luck with his band and I look forward to autographing your picture. Also, please forgive the late response to your message.

	Hi Dave, We just caught your show at the coach house in Costa Mesa. Wow what a show!! You and the band were on fire tonight. When did the lineup for the guilty men change? You all sound great! If someone would have told me Dave Alvin would also do some surf guitar I would never have believed them. But I'm a believer now.Good Luck with the tour. Will you be playing in New Mexico at all. David Brown
	Hey David: Well, the great guitarist Rick Shea left last May to pursue his solo career (go see him if you have the chance - he's always more than worth the effort) and my current guitarist, the amazing Chris Miller, joined in June of 04. I think the show you're referring to was at The Galaxy in Costa Mesa but, yeah, I had a GREAT time that night playing a little surf guitar with my pals, Los Straighjackets, who opened the show. You gotta remember that I grew up in Downey, California and when I was just a little boy in the early 60's there were surf bands on almost every block. The best was The Rumblers who had a local hit called Boss that I still love. I might even record it someday. I'll hopefully be playing New Mexico sometime soon but nothing is booked right now. Oh, and again, sorry for such long damn wait for an answer.

	Hi Dave Bruce from Seattle here just wondering the status of the Guilty Men dvd like when it will be out and also The Knitters cd I think you told me when you were here in Jan. that it was comming out in June cant wait to hear it also will you guys do a tour if so will you play Seattle shur hope so. Also wanted to ask you if you know Fred Eaglesmith saw him at the Tractor last Sat. night and it seemed to me that he is sort of the Canadian Dave Alvin. Just like to get your thoughts on that any way take care and come back to Seattle soon. Bruce DeGrado.
	Hey Bruce: Well, the Knitters CD will be released on July 12. It's called The Modern Sounds Of The Knitters and it's on Rounder/Zoe records. I think it's a lot of fun and pretty darn good if I say so myself. We'll be in Seattle in mid to late July. I was hoping to have The Guilty Men dvd out this fall but these things do take time. What I've seen so far looks amazing. The flimmaker, Joe Murray, is doing an outstanding job. He's a great guy. I guarantee that you'll dig it. Fred Eagesmith is the "Canadian Dave Alvin?" Boy, I wonder if he'd like that comparison. Does that make me the Californian Fred Eaglesmith?

	Dave, Hope you guys had a safe trip home. Thanks for your show in Holland and thanks to The Hacienda Brothers putting on a first-rate show the night before.... By the way: Did you get the Vollmond beers? We had to deliver them to the Security guy guarding the Groningen entrance. Anyway. We somehow hope it will bring you back to Switzerland for a accoustic set (bribery, you know), cause over here, we have the following figure of speech: If the mountain does not come to you, YOU may go to it. (Hillbilly thinking). In short: You better not make us come to California with all those beer bottles decorating our luggage...or we shall be the ones to tripp over plane chairs. See: The result could be an embargo for all Swiss travellers at KLM and, worse than that....the bottles would arrive empty. (Hey, don’t blame ME.... my favorite Swiss songwriter offers a song about a match, fallin’ on a carpet....what degenerated into a world war). Hope to see y’a soon In the name of all your Swiss friends, Andrea
	Hey Andrea: Thank you very much for trying but, unfortunately, I think the security guard kept the Vollmund beers (one of my favorite beers in the world) because I never saw them. Well, that really makes me mad. I sincerely hope you enjoyed the show in Groningen. I was having some serious problems with my amplifier that night and, hopefully, I didn't let too much of my frustration show to the audience. Sometimes I can get grumpy. Especially when security guards steal my beer. I would love to come back to Zurich either acoustic or electric. I've always had a good time there and feel right at home with you guys. By the way, I've carried a few Vollmund beers in my suitcase on flights back to California and they didn't break.You just have to wrap them reall tight. If everything works out right, though, we'll be sitting in the El International Bar (Is it still called that? I know that it moved to a new location.) having a Vollmund under a full moon.

	Hi Dave, I saw your fantastic concert in Chiary Italy on May 14th. It was a beautiful night. Compliments to you and The Guilty Men. You can see some photos of that night on this site: http://community.webshots.com/album/346547294ciAzRS See you on the road Manu
	Hey Manu: Thank you for the photos. I glad you enjoyed the Chiari show. I had a good time at that show. It's not often that I get to play in school. The Guilty Men and I LOVE to play in Italy, especially Chiari because we have a lot of good friends in that area. Hopefully we'll be able to come back sooner than later. Ciao!

	Hey Dave - are you still planning to have a live release from your current tour available at the shows, like Outtakes In California?
	Hey Chris: Yeah, I cerainly plan to have a new Guilty Men live CD available soon at shows. I think people might also be able to purchase it through the YepRoc website (yeproc.com) but it won't be available in regular stores or anywhere online. If all goes well, it should be ready for the gigs I'm setting up for the fall. Thanks for asking.

	Hey Dave, I saw Bob Dylan recently with Merle Haggard opening. I am a huge Dylan fan and I may be in the minority, but I just love the recent albums (Time out of Mind, Love and Theft). I've seen him live 3 times over the past 5 years and he has been outstanding, thanks largely to his great touring band. Yet he seems more eccentric then ever, sort of like the Montgomery Burns (Homer Simpson's employer in case you don't get FOX) of Rock & Roll. Do you have any good Bob Dylan stories from the time you and the Guilty Men opened for him a few years back? Just curious if he is he pretty normal one on one. He doesn't strike me as someone that is very chatty, but I could be wrong.
	Hey Tom: I agree with you that the last couple of Dylan albums are great, some songs are as good as anything he's ever done. I've always thought that he was one of the great white blues singers (in that he manages to sing blues and sound completely original and not just imitating Muddy Waters or someone else) and he certainly proves it on those CDs. I also thought the double bill of Merle (another great white blues singer) and Bob was a stroke of genius on somebody's part. I saw one of the shows and really dug seeing two of our greatest songwriters on the same bill. A rare treat. Any good Bob Dylan stories? Well, nothing earth shattering to report. On a certain level he's just a guy trying to write good songs, lead a band and pay the bills. I can relate to that. As far as being eccentric, well, all I can say is I'm sure it ain't easy being Bob Dylan day in and day out. He's got to protect himself from some of the demands, pressures and insanity that people lay on him as soon as he gets out of bed. That being said, I guess I wish he'd talk more to the audience but, what the Hell? He wrote Blowing In The Wind and Like A Rolling Stone so he can do whatever he wants as far as I concerned. And, yeah, the times I've spoken to him he's just a normal guy.

	Hi Dave! I'm a returning fan.I sent you an email a couple of years ago,asking you what you thought of Hollywood Fats's guitar playing.Ever since I heardthat double album,Ive been fascinated with the man.I'd really like to make a documentary about the man.I have family in the movie busniess.I'm just aking you,if you think that wouldf be a good idea,And if you would support it.Thanl you,Rick Meherin.P.S. my bro from ft worth got himself a contract with pacific blues and his new release is out."Texas Cantina" by Chris Zalez and the Stingers.check it out.
	Hey Rick: Yeah, I think a Hollywood Fats documentary would be great. He was a awesomely talented and complicated man who ceratinly deserves as much recognition as possible. I don't know if there are any films of him playing. James Harman might know or Dave Gonzales or Larry Taylor. My brother, Phil, might even know. A very worthy idea, though, that would help spread the word and keep his blues alive. Good luck with that and, yeah, tell your brother, Chris, that I said congratulations and best of luck with his album. I hope it sells a million.

	Hi Dave, I'm really excited I'm going to come see you at the Great American Music Hall in SF in July! I can't wait. Can I come and say hi to you? I'm still playing piano and started writing songs. This summer I'm going to get to go to rock camp for a week, so I'll get to play other instruments and write more songs. I'm going to send you a picture of me dressed up as you for Spirit week at my school. I hope I see you before or after the show. Good luck with all your shows. Your friend, Avi
	Hey Avi: Sounds like things are going good, man. I'm glad you started writing songs. Good luck with that. It's hard work but it's worth it in the long run. Rock Camp sounds like fun. I wish I could go. There is plenty I still need to learn. As far as saying hello at The Great American, just have your mom send a note to me backstage and I'll take care of you and her. Dressing up like me for Spirit Week, huh? I'm very, very honored and touched. Thank you very much. Keep Rockin'.

	I LOVE YOU DAVE!!!!!YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!
	Thank you, Lisa. I think you're great too.

	Dave, What do you think of Alejandro Escovedo? Did the Blasters or yourself cross paths with Alejandro (or the True Believers) much over the years? Where do you usually play in the Washington, DC area? The 9:30 club? Any plans to swing that way anytime soon? Eric Warrenton, Va.
	Hey Eric: Yeah, Alejandro is a very, very talented guy. I've nothing but repect for him. I first got to know him years ago when he was in Rank and File with Chip and Tony Kinman. They even slept on my floor a couple of times back then when they were in LA on tour. I know that he's been out playing some gigs recently so I guess that his health is improving. That would be great news. In the Washington DC area, I usually play at The Birchmere or sometimes, for a couple of nights in a row, at the Iota. I hope you can make it to a gig one of these days.

	yo Dave, I travelled from Vancouver to see you play in Seattle at the Tractor Tavern and it was a SUPERB show especially the jam at the end with Los Straighjackets. I am travelling from Vancouver to New York to see you in your acoustic show. Do I get a medal for travelling this far? Lorne
	Hey Lorne: No medal but I'll buy ya a beer if ya want one. Now that I know you're travelling all that distance to go to the show, God, I really hope I don't stink that night. If I do stink that night, I'll buy ya two beers. See you in NYC.

	Hey Dave! I live out here in Sedona, AZ and am heading back to Mass. to catch your two shows out there...I'll be bringing along my friend Eric (he was my Professor of Sculpture way back in the mid-80's). He was out here on sabatical last Oct. and I played him your outstanding "Blackjack David" cd and he just flipped out. So before he left on his travels through the southwest(like Everett Russ) I supplied him with several of your discs for his enjoyment. So I want you to know that I've created a monster... He plays the discs over and over again... A true Dave Fan has been created!!! He still teaches Sculpture in Mass. and I was wondering if you could do me a favor? Can you dedicate Blackjack David to him on one of those nights? Along with your gift of music and lyric, Eric has helped through a break-up with my fiance' and I'd like to give him something back through you if that's possible. Thank You so much Dave for being so open and real and for giving us (your fans) your all for the past 25 years! Best Wishes, safe travel and we'll see you at the end of April at Johnny D's and The Iron Horse! I'm looking forward to buying you a beer! Thanks so muck Dave, Rich
	Hey Rich: Great story, brother. I'd certainly dedicate Blackjack David to Eric. No problem at all. It's the least I can do after you created a "monster." The only thing you have to do is send a note backstage (with or without a beer) or find me before the show in order to remind me or, hell, yell at me from the audience. My memory for these thing gets a little cloudy out on the road. See ya back east.

	Hi Dave, I live in Leeds, in the North of England, and my journey to your music has been a long one. I first heard of you when the live version of 'Fourth of July' was featured on a compilation CD with Uncut magazine a few years ago. I was blown away...it perfectly captured for me where my musical tastes where at that moment in time. I flirted with buying the album, but never did, and that was the end of that. Roughly 3 years later, I happened upon the video for 'Why Did She Stay With Him' on Yahoo Launch. I've got to tell you, that's the only time in my life I've felt I've fallen in love with a song on hearing it for the first time. I must have played it 8 times in a row (I thought the video was just right as well, all moody and mean!). Strictly on the strength of this song, I immediately bought Blue Blvd and Romeo's Escape. I've since got 4 more of your albums, and I've even taken two days off work to come and see you in London in May. I am really looking forward to it, and I am sure you and the guys will not let me down! The song King of California had a similar effect to Why Did She Stay With Him?, so I guess my question is, how often do you get the inkling that the song you've just finished is extra-special, if ever at all. Keep on churning it out, Dave, the chicks seem to love the sensitive side in me that your music has brought out! Pete
	Hey Pete: Well, sometimes I know a song is special as I'm writing it. Sometimes I don't know until I play it for someone I trust. Sometimes I don't know until I play it on stage in front of strangers. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I don't really know. More than once I've played a new song for someone and I thought it was the best song I'd ever written and they'd gently let me know it was rubbish. Other times I'd have a new song that I wasn't sure was any good only to have someone tell me they dug it more than anything I'd ever done. Why Did She Stay With Him is a perfect example of the latter. I was trying to write a Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions kind of song for an old firend of mine but wasn't sure if I hit the the mark or not. When she heard it she let me know that I'd made a direct hit. Then I knew it was a good song. Thanks for good words regarding my songs and thanks for making the long trip to my music and the long one down to London. I know that it isn't easy and I appreciate your effort very much. The Guilty Men and I will try our best not to let you down. I'll be looking for the guy with the "sensitive side" chatting up the ladies. See you there.

	Dave Alvin, I'm 40. I go to work every day in an ordinary job that I'm fortunate to have. I have a wife and an 18 month old daughter who I love very much. My Mom died of cancer when I was 9. My Dad died when I was 26, 3 months before my first marriage. I have a step daughter from that marriage (step only for accuracy. She's my daughter). My sister is a breast cancer survivor of about 10 years at the ripe old age of 48. She does a lot of good things to help people and is my anchor. She made me fun. My brother, a firefighter for 34 years has and is being treated for prostate cancer. He's going to be fine. He made me responsible. I have a good group of close friends that I consider my brothers. People I would give my life for. I'm a Californian. My mom and 2 generations before her were from San Francisco. I love a lot of places but the Golden State will always be my home. I love the mountains and the desert and the ocean and the valleys but I love the Sierras most. I love to backpack and ski and dirtbike. I love the tule fog in the valley in the winters, the heat of Death Valley in August. I play guitar.. not well, but I play. I sing... even worse than I play. I love playing for my young daughter much more than she likes hearing me. Mostly she likes taking my flatpick and putting it in the sound hole of my accoustic and then tipping it over for me and watching me try to shake it out. When I play the Mustang she wants to mess around with the Adrenalinn (pretty fun gizmo if you can't get on stage and turn your Super Reverb up to 10) She likes the Fender Bassman model with a little slapback. (18 months old and learning already). I work on a lot of stuff but I really like to just learn songs and sing them. Today it was Todd Snider's DB Cooper (not much to learn but fun). I know a pile of your songs. Today I was playing her Long White Cadillac. She likes that one. I like Abeleine. It's a beautiful song and fun to paly the solo. I guess I can play about a half dozen or so other Dave Alvin songs, California Snow, Haley's Comet, Bus Station (I sort of wish that next time I see the guilty men you'd bust out a Blastersesque version of that) I go see a lot of live music. Mostly stuff in this general genre. I just went to the Viva Las Vegas rockabilly show. Good stufff. All the people you'd expect were great. Man, that Deke Dickerson.. that guy can play! But it was cool seeing folks I'd never heard of. If you haven't heard them check out Crazy Joe and the Mad River Outlaws. That guy is like 23 and kicks ass! I see you pretty much every time you're in SF or Santa Cruz (my preference). Great show at Moe's last time btw. Thanks. Santa Cruz... another place I love and lived for 11 years. It amazes me that San Jose has like a million people and the music scene is a 0 and Santa Cruz is like 70k and all these great bands play there. Gotta love a town with a soul. So why am I writing this and why do you care? Well, I think you care because you love your fans and value what you do which is evident in your time spent on this board. Why I'm writing is because I always had a Dave Alvin/Blasters CD/tape in my car. Always. Since I was 18 and crashed and rolled 3 times down a mountain while "So Long Baby Goodbye" was playing (not making that up). Until recently. Now I've got two great things: Satellite radio and an iPod. I'm a shuffle guy. These iPods, they develop a sense of their own. Mine really likes 3 things a lot more than others: T-Bone Walker, Johnny Cash and Dave Alvin. Now, you could say that statistically, there's just more of that on the thing. But there's a whole bunch of Los Lobos, Jonathan Richman and Cracker too. Like 2400 songs now and I can't go anywhere without hearing one of your songs. And that's okay with me because as has been illuminated in many of the other posts here, your music touches people. It touches them because you write about your Dad dying or an adventurous 20 year old who disapeared into one of my favorite non-CA places in the 1930's or your Great Great Uncle's (and thousands of others) in the Civil War or the plight of migrants and the life of a guy just trying to get along while policing them. Your Cousin Donna. I once was watching you play at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz and you paused and said: "So, I've realy got 2 songs. I've got the fucked up relationship song and the dead guy song. What do you want to hear next?". I'm sure that after reading all of these posts that you're willing to admit that you've moved a bit beyond that. So on any given day I get in the car, turn on the old iPod and I'm transferred to a different place and a different experience and sometimes back into my own as so many people here have testified. I'm forced in a good way to contemplate my life and the lives of so many others through your music. This, I believe, is the signature of a truly great song writer. Capturing all these emotions, places and people in a fluid, musical way, without any level of triteness and making it all work. Man, few people can pull that off. Song writing is a beautiful skill and you do it in a way that touches people profoundly. Thanks brother. Keep it up.
	Hey Phil: Man, what a great letter. Thank you very, very much. I've written before on this site about sometimes not realizing the effect my songs have on people and their lives (or if the songs mean anything to anyone beside myself), and postings like yours are what every songwriter/musician works for. I couldn't ask for a better compliment. Please know that I was kidding when I made the crack at the Kuumba regarding my songs but thanks for pointing out that I should treat my songs with a little more tender care than that. Maybe I was in a bad mood or just trying to make Gaffney laugh. I dig that you play for your daughter, that's a beautiful thing. Just don't feel bad if you think you sing worse than you play because some people have been telling me the same thing for years. Hell, just sing louder. Anyway, I look forward to seeing you again in Santa Cruz (by the way, you're right about San Jose - go figure) or in the Tule fog. Oh, and tell your iPod thanks for including me with T-Bone Walker and Johnny Cash. I can't ask for better company.

	Hi Dave- Ashgrove is fabulous - I'm preachin' that good Dave gospel to everyone in earshot, and they're most receptive. As I listen to it, I can't help but think of some of Mark Knopfler's solo work. Coincidence? Has he had much influence on you? I will be entering musical Nirvana this spring as both of you are scheduled to play the Wash.,DC area soon - my idea of rock n roll heaven. I'm really interested to hear your Ashgrove work in an acoustic show - you chose (wisely) not to play some of those at the Rock n Bowl in New Orleans. Thanks for playing places like that - is there really anything better than dancing to a rock icon with the sound of strikes being rolled in the background?? See you at the Birchmere next week! Annie (out of control dancing girl)
	Hey Annie: How was the rest of your New Orleans vacation? I had a lot of fun playing the Rock n Bowl despite of, or because of, the sound of strikes and gutterballs. It makes for a pretty primal rock and roll experience. But, yeah, not quite suitable for the quiet songs. Mark Knopfler? I think he's a stunning guitarist and a talented, clever songwriter but he's never influenced me that much in what I do. Maybe the similarity is because we're both baritone singers or, maybe we have similar musical influences? I don't know but I'm very complimented you see a connection between the two of us. Thanks. I'll see you in nirvana.

	Hey Dave, Just came to say hope you're feeling better, guess you are, being that you're responding to questions posted to you :) wow, what guy! Would also like to clarify about the McCabes gig, you don't NEED to have anyone else playing with you, in fact, it's a treat just to hear ONLY you and your guitar. Here's to you,(your health) and the joy of continuing the tour. Cheers, Annette
	Hey Annette: Thanks for your concern. My health is fine and I'm looking forward to the up-coming tour. I don't know exactly who'll be playing with me at McCabes but I'm pretty sure Greg Leisz will be there so that alone makes it pretty special for me. I haven't played solo acoustic in a while and, yeah, I sometimes wonder if people at those shows will miss The Guilty Men as much as I do. See ya there.

	Hi Dave, I can't tell you enough how much I enjoy your music. I've had the pleasure of seeing you perform a few times over the years but the 3 shows I saw last year were tops. Beachland in Cleveland,Oh., Southgate in Newport, Ky. and Little Brothers in Columbus. And Los Straitjackets made it that much better. The friends I brought to Beachland and Southgate all loved the shows too. I'm hoping to make it to your show in Philly on the 23rd. Any chance you'll be doing Blue Boulevard? And like some of the others have said, I can't seem to get through some of your music without shedding a tear. Powerful stuff that will make a man cry. All the best to you and the Guilty Men. Paul
	Hey Paul: Thanks for going to all those shows and your very kind words regarding the songs and the quality of the shows. The Guilty Men just keep getting better and I just try to keep up with them. I hope you do make it to the Philadelphia show and I'll try to do Blue Boulevard (Yell it out to me, that'll help my memory). To be very, very honest with you, though, I don't think I sing that song as well as I'd like. In my head I always hear Del Shannon singing it and, unfortunately, I ain't Del Shannon. Speaking if making grown men cry, theres a couple of Del Shannon's songs that always get me a little misty eyed.

	Dave, "From a Kitchen Table" is one of my favorite songs that you've written. I recently discovered Johnny Cash's terrific version of "Sunday Morning Coming Down" by Kris Kristofferson and was wondering if that song had any influence on your writing of "Kitchen Table." The songs have similar themes and there's even a mention of drinking beer in both. I was thinking they would sound great back to back on the radio. I'll be at the 10 p.m. show at the Tin Angel in Philadelphia on April 23. Tom Wilk
	Hey Tom: No, there wasn't any direct influence from Sunday Morning Coming Down on Kitchen Table. At least as far as I know. I never understand, though, what goes on in the subconscious when I write a song so maybe something connected something to something else. I do think that Sunday Morning is a fantastic, gut wrenching song and I'd love to hear the two songs together on the radio. I doubt it'll ever happen but then again, you never know. See you at the Tin Angel.

Hi Dave-- I was browsing through the record store and noticed you have a song on your new album called "Everett Ruess". I don't know the song (I guess I should buy the album), but I was surprised (pleasantly) that somebody else out there knows who Everett Ruess is. I'm assuming your song's about the guy who disappeared in Davis Gulch in Utah in 1934. If not, then you've hit on a pretty cool name. I go to Utah often, maybe too often, enough to fill too many journals of oberservations. In 2000, I ventured up Davis Gulch, connected somehow with the ghost of Everett Ruess, and here's what I had to say about it at the time. Enjoy...glad to see your whereabouts are more easily explained than his. * * * The broiling afternoon, now well over 90 degrees, brought recovery to Chuck and me. In my case, it took a gallon of water and a cold swim to diminish the panting and the beet red head. Baber offered a helpful “you look like hell.” Khawer kept reading his Robin Cook novel. He’s growing a goatee. We did not move the camp today, but instead stayed put, swimming, relaxing, and watching Chuck suck down a half dozen Diet Cokes. It is his drink of choice, and we are uncertain what will happen if he runs out. By the late afternoon, the morning’s lessons learned, we resolve to try another canyon hike. Davis Gulch is famous, at least within Lake Powell circles, for its unusual beauty, narrow sinuous reaches, and mysterious tragic past. In 1934, Everett Ruess was a 21-year old recluse from southern California. A writer and artist by avocation, his open grin revealed a missing front tooth. Not socially adept, he wandered the Glen Canyon reg