Dave Alvin Q&A

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Questions Answered:

	Hello. I´m living in Sweden and have listening to your musik for many eyars. Me and some of my friends have hooped that same day mabee yuo should came to Europe for a turné. Have you ever play´d in Europe? We look forword to see you here some day. Thank you for all the good musik. Leif and Kristina Johansson VARBERG SWEDEN
	Hey Leif and Kristina: Thaks for listening all this time. I have played in Sweden (Malmo, Upsalla, Stockholm) but it has been a long time. Too long. I guess I haven't been there since the mid-90's (Wow, time passes quickly). Part of the problem with touring overseas is that I want bring my entire band with me and that costs a lot of money. Especially considering the value of the US dollar in relationship to the Euro. But, all that aside, I do feel that a long European tour is way overdue. If I can make that happen (maybe next year) then I hope you can make it to one of the shows. I'll be looking for you.

	Dave, I saw your Q&A here in which you mentioned that your old pal Dan Zanes had asked you to participate in one of his family CDs, but you declined. You should reconsider! 75 percent of Dan's material on his CDs is traditional/folk songs--you do like folk songs, don't you? He doesn't present them in a cutesy manner that would be bad for your barroom-bluesman image. And since your audience skews on the older side and older folks tend to have kids, appearing on one of Dan's CDs might win you some new fans. Besides, Lou Reed, Deborah Harry, John Doe, and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama (among many others) have played on Dan's CDs; you'd be in excellent company!
	Hey Gary: I agree with you that it wouldn't hurt my image to appear on one of Dan's cd's but, just to set the record straight, Dan hasn't asked me to appear on any of his great cd's yet. He has, though, asked to me come to a couple of kids shows and sing a song or two. One of my problems is that his shows are always at 10 or 11 in the morning and those are not my best hours. Also, I'm a bit inexperienced regarding playing for kids. Theres an art to it that I don't know if I possess. Maybe I could appear as some sort of "scared straight" kind of figure. You know, like, "Hey kids, don't smoke cigarettes, drink beer and play music in barrooms!! You could end up lookking like this guy!!" I'm kidding of course. Maybe next time Dan asks me to sing at one of his shows, I'll do it. Hopefuly the show will be in the late afternoon. Very late in the afternoon.

	Dave, Wonderful to hear you are writing! Nick Cave has given a few interviews where he has described his writing process. He says previously, he relied on inspiration, waiting for lightning to strike. Lately, he's actually rented an office, where he goes for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, to write, just like it's a job. He said the wait-for-inspiration thing wasn't working for him anymore. (Some of this has to do with his having a family, of course.) I was wondering where you fall on this question? Does treating writing as work eventually force or draw the creativity out, or do you have to feel inspired? Btw, I see you're coming to the midwest in February. If you're doing a solo tour (as it seems you are?) you should look into LVD's Concert Hall in Goshen Indiana. < http://www.lvds.info/ > It's a very nice, historic place, holds several hundred people, and they have a very appreciative, open-minded, music- oriented base audience most of whom come to whatever's happening there. (I've seen Carrie Newcomber, Salamander Crossing/Rani Arbo, Foghorn String Band, Elana James, Robin & Linda Williams, etc., there, just to give you an idea of who they feature.) The local college radio station (the Globe, out of Goshen College) plays you with some regularity, and would publicize. Anyway, just a thought for whatever it's worth. Hope you are well, and please consider playing "Andersonville" more often for us Ken Burns fans out there.
	Hey John: Well, I'm always writing. Whether it's on a pad of paper or just in my brain, I'm always writing. The issue is whether I like what I'm writing or not. Usually the answer is "not," I should, perhaps, be little less critical of myself and whatever song I'm composing at the time but being hyper-critical tends to make better songs. At least for me. I don't have children so I don't need an writing office like many of my parent/songwriting friends have. I just need a hike in the hills or a story in the newspaper or an overheard conversation or a broken heart or someone else's broken heart or . . . I do view songwriting as work. Really hard work. Sometimes the only way to get a song is through sweat, discipline and blood. Other times (rare but wonderful times), the songs just appear like an old friend knocking on the front door. I'll let my booking agents know about the gig in Goshen. It sounds like fun.

	So how did you end up at power play studios in newark in 1994? Sue Ellen
	Hey Sue Ellen: How did I end up at Power Play Studios in Downtown Newark in 1994? Well, it was pretty simple, Greg Leisz and I drove there. Seriously, there was a video director at that studio (whose name I'm sorry to say I can't remember) who said that he could do a couple of "live" performance videos for a pretty inexpensive fee. I tend to hate most of the videos I've been invovled with, from The Blasters through my early solo career, and thought that if he could just film Greg and I playing together (without a contrived story line or dancing girls or corny special effects) then that would be okay. I think the director did a great job capturing the two of us doing what we do. I just wish I could remember his name.

	Dave, I noticed in your Ashgrove CD a pic of you sitting in a music room with serveral amps, in the pic there is a old national amp, do you know the one I mean?, I have one exactly like it, my father bought it about 1950, I've tried to do some research on the amp but have not been able to find any info, do you happen to know anything about it, by the way, saw your recently at the Palms Playhous, Winters Ca, Great show, cu-doo's & hope to see you again sometime, thanks // mike g...
	Hey Mike: The little National amp belongs to the brillant recording engineer, Mark Linett, who has recorded many of my cd's. That's about all I know about it. Usually when I'm recording, theres a variety of amps laying around the studio and I'll plug in and use whichever one suits the song. Unfortunately, I often don't make mental notes of which amp I use on which song unless it's one of my regular amps. Mark may have told something about it's history but apparantly I wasn't listening. You might want to check out Vintage Guitar magazine (they may have a website, I don't know) to start tracking info on your father's amp. You're pretty lucky to have a little treasure like that. How does it sound?

	I just gots to know what effect or amp, was used to get the leslie speaker sound with the guitar on Redneck Friend... thanks sluggo
	Hey Sluggo: Sorry to disappoint you but I can't really help you on this one. My genius producer/guitar wizard, Greg Leisz, played the guitar part you're referring to and I don't feel comfortable revealing someone else's guitar gear/tricks. I will say that he used a pedal and he could have gotten it from TrueTone Music in Santa Monica. Or he may not have. Good luck finding that sound.

	Dave, this e-thought is inspired by one from Nick Banche, & your answer, on 04 02 07. First of all, he took the words out of my mouth re his musical/artists comparisons of your work. (My five free auto notifies on Pollstar are: Dylan, Prine, Emmylou, that Alvin guy & Burning Spear) You had me with Blue Blvd. When I lived in NC managed to catch you at the Double Door, Handlebar, Evening Muse,Visulite etc. Thanks for selling 'outtakes' as some of those shows. Speaking of shows, was just playing a compilation, 'Blowing the Fuse-1958' which included 'Walking with Mr. Lee' and recalled Interstate City. Great tribute, as usual when you acknowledge the greats of your own roots, and educate your audience. Secondly, Nick's question was for your take on the state of/outlook on music today. You noted in part: "Some sort of tradition based American music will always be played. Blues, folk, bluegrass, rockabilly, zydeco, country . . ." So here's my question: Do you ever listen to reggae? What is your take on it? Pos/Neg, don't give a hoot? Not the current dancehall rap stuff, but old school like Burning Spear, Heptones, Meditations, Mighty Diamonds, Wailing Souls Israel Vibrations etc. Thanks and hope to catch you with the GM sometime this year. Joe Beresford (p.s., recall the Jacks LP cover. 'why don't you write me Dave?, make me feel better,Ha)
	Hey Joe: Any fan of the great doo-wop group, The Jacks, is all right by me. Too bad they're not listed on Pollstar, I'd love to see them perform live if any of them are still with us. Yeah, I dig the older reggae stuff. One of the best concerts I ever saw was Bob Marley singing with Peter Tosh many, many years ago. You certainly can't say one bad thing about the Wailers as a band. As tight and powerful as James Brown's early 70's JB's or Springsteen's E-street ensemble. I also dig reggae crooners like Dennis Brown. I think that Marley, Brown and a lot of the reggae guys learned a lot from Curtis Mayfield (one of my heroes) as well as from some of the old New Orleans records that my mentor, Lee Allen, played tenor sax on. All music, no matter where it's from, is connected. Most musicians listen to whatever music can teach them something they don't know or that touches them in that mysterious way that music touches all of us without regard to any outside imposed categories. So whether it's Lee Allen or Bob Marley or The Jacks, it's all the same to me.

	Dave, Greetings from the Garden State !!! Do you have any plans to release a new album anytime soon? I know it has only been about a year since West of the West came out but I am ready for some new Dave Alvin music. Also wanted to know how your record company goes about deciding what "genre" your music gets lumped into. When I uploaded West of the West & Ashgrove to my music library on my PC both are listed as Country. Don't get me wrong, I like a lot of country music and see a lot of your songs could fit that category but don't think they should lump artists into a category, especially someone whose music as as diverse as yours. Reminds me of a question my brother-in-law asked me when I played him some different samplings of your music to try to reel him in and make him a DA fan. He said "some of this sounds like country, but some sounds more like blues or rock. What category is Dave Alvin in." I said Dave plays "American Music" and he looked at me like I was from another planet. I went on to explain that your music transends several "categories", blues, rock, country, folk, rockabilly, etc. and that it is all American music. I still don't think he got it but what are you going to do. Anyway, I guess it really doesn't matter where they lump you as long as people catch on and listen. Hope to hear some new music from you soon and hope you get a chance to play here in NJ again sometime soon.
	Hey John: Greetings from the Golden State! Well, I think that you're explanation is as good as any I could come up with. People tend to want to categorize everything - music or otherwise - so, as you said, "what are you going to do?" I've always considered myself as basically a blues guy but I don't want to limit myself to what some people define as blues. The "blues form" and the "blues scale" is a constant in just about all American folk and roots music as well as jazz and pop. Because of that, I can hear the blues in country music as well as in the loud garage band down the block. As a songwriter, if I feel like writing a polka one day, I'll write a polka. If I feel like writing a country song or a rockabilly song, then I'll do it. It's hard enough writing songs to have to bother yourself with somebody's categories. By the way, my record company tends to promote my cd's to any radio station, no matter the format, that they think will play them. Most record store make up their own merchandize categories of which I have no control over. Regarding a new cd, hopefully there'll be one as soon as I finish writing some songs that I think stand up next to the other ones I've written. That's my only criteria. See ya in Jersey!

	Hi Dave Thanks for taking time to conisder fans' questions and comments, very classy . . . I hoped you might share a little of the inspiration or the story behind the lyrics of your song "4th of July", I find X's recording of this song is one of the most powerful and poignant rock songs I have ever heard. Thanks again, all the best. Jim O'Donnell Los Angel
	Hey Jim: Well, it's all kinda there in the lyrics of the song. A million years ago, I was working a day job and my then girlfiend was working her day job and our lives seemed destined to be that forever. One night, as I was smoking a cigarette alone on the stairs, the Mexican kids in the neighborhood started shooting off fireworks in the street and I realized that she and I had forgotten that it was the Fourth Of July. I used to think it was a song about a break-up but over time I've come to see it as a song that could be about many things. It could be about breaking up or getting back together or reclaiming your independence from a relationship or a dead-end job or whatever you feel the song is about. I'm glad you dig the X version. I dig it too.

	Dave, I see that you guys all hooked up at the King King to play with Bill. But, from one person who attended, here is what they had to say..., which was posted through the American Music Group: ........."I met the illustrious PZ (roadofplenty) and we got audio (2 sources; minimum!). Blue Shadows were great and may be firing up again if Jake moves back to LA. The Blasters were tearing it up pretty good...Dave and Phil managed to be civil for a brief set, after which the wheels came off the car...and Dave wasn't seen or heard from again. I know they have their reasons to quarrel but it was very unfortunate that it happened during Bateman's doc taping......." Notice the middle portion......Is things THAT strained between you guys that it always has to be an issue? Geez, Keith and Mick can mend it up enough to record and tour, the Police are doing it, Glenn Frey and Don Henley, all record and tour....are the egos that big? You guys are brothers. Time is slippig away. Soon, others will be talking about you guys in the past tense, the same way you do, when thinking of all the guys you knew, who are know gone. Its a shame , that in the present, the talk is more likely to be about who is getting along with whom or not, and not the music, or any future Original Blaster recording....what a shame. Jeff
	Hey Jeff: Well, it ain't so much egos as it is just being brothers. There's a line in Bob Dylan's song TANGLED UP IN BLUE that perfectly captures my relationship with my brother: "We always did feel the same We just saw it from a different point of view" Unlike Jagger and Richards and the others you mentioned, Phil and I are brothers and, as a matter of fact, get along pretty damn well despite what some people think. But brothers have a different, more complicated dynamic than just bandmates or songwriting partners. Some people thought we'd never play together again before we got together for some shows in 2002 and 03. And we'll do it again at some point when it's right (Hell, Phil just joined me onstage with The Guilty Men last weekend at the Hootenanny festival). Despite whatever artistic/creative/business reasons we fight or make asses out of ourselves, my brother and I love each other as only brothers can and that will never change.

	Dave, Some nostalgia for you..... I remember in the 80's watching Miami Vice and in an episode that dealt with racial issues, I suddenly heard 'Dark Night' coming from a car radio in the episode. I knew then that the producers had to very very cool to include a Blasters song. It certainly is no big deal now (do you even like the song anymore?), but do you remember anything about it then? Did you feel embarassed, pissed off, pleased? Did the way it was used make any sense to you?
	Hey Todd: To be quite honest, I never saw the Miami Vice show that featured DARK NIGHT. I'm pleased to know that it was used in an episode about race relations (because that's what the song is about) instead of background music for a coke dealer in a white suit and gold jewelry. Hell yeah, I "still like" the song!!! I've often thought about adding it to The Guilty Men concert song list but have not done so because my brother Phil still performs it regularly with his current Blasters. Maybe I should start doing it. We'll see what happens.

	Hey Dave, The Seattle gals and I came down from Truckee to see you guys play Avila Beach.... were we so happy to see all of you on stage together, You all looked so healthy and the sound was great! But what happened ? no encore, and how sad were we when we heard you had left... no signing of CD's or t-shirts? thought we could buy you a beer :( we couldn't even get close enough to yell to you..... next time then.....see you at Kate Wolf Fest Janis Olsen Truckee
	Okay, Janis, I guess next time I'll buy the beer as a make up gesture. Regarding no encore, we played our alloted time so, unfortunately, there was no time left for an encore. Regarding the early departure, well, let's just say that I was a bit exhausted after playing the Strawberry Festival a day before and then driving across California to make the Avila Beach show in the early afternoon. Yeah, I know, I sound like a crybaby but what can I say? The Guilty Men and I also had a recording session the next morning and wanted to get home to prepare and rest up (If you're interested, the songs we recorded will be posted on the davealvin.net site in the next few weeks). Give my best to the Seattle gals and next time you can yell at me all that you want.

	Who is the female singer who sings with you on the song "Here In California". You have the song featured on your new website. I noticed the song didn't get good remarks on an album recording site, but to me the song is beautiful. The girl has the loveliest voice... and compliments yours perfectly. You two made an excellent duet. Also, you did an outstanding job on your new website.. its very nice. Although, the registration for the message board does not work. It was very frustrating, I finally gave up. If you could let me know what her name is though, I would be very interested. I'll be going to see your brother and the Blasters when they come to DC in August. Sheila/Rev
	Hey Sheila: The singer is the great Christy McWilson. I'm very glad you enjoyed her voice. I was fortunate to produce two cd's for her over the past couple of years and, hopefully, she'll be doing more touring and recording in the near future. She's got one of those voices that make me cry. As for whatever web site gave the song a bad review, well, to hell with 'em. They may not have dug my version of Kate Wolf's song (and that's fine by me) but you can't tell me that HERE IN CAIFORNIA isn't a great song. Thanks for the compliment about the new webpage (davealvin.net) and my apologies regarding the registration page. Try again in a month or so. We're still working the bugs out of machine so to speak.

	Hey Dave - Been missing you on the internet. Must be awful busy. Am I right that you are not preforming at Sunset Junction this year? I don't see any listing and that makes me sad. you and the Gulitymen rocked last year. My feet are still movin. Hope I am wrong or that you change your mind. Cheers - Elaine
	Hey Elaine: Sorry but we're not playing The Sunset Junction this year. I had a good time last year but I'm trying to take some time off. You know, stop and smell the roses or something like that . . . maybe stop and smell the cactus blossoms, I don't know. I'm actually trying to finish writing and then record my next cd. After that comes out then me and the guys will be back on the highway. Hopefully next year we'll meet back at the Junction.

	Hi Dave, I am a long time fan(early 80's)and have met you on a few occasions. I must say that you are very generous with your time and gracious to your fans and we thank you for that. I want you to know that we all go through tough times and look for inspiration wherever we can get it and your words and music have sustained me(us) through some trying times. Thanks Dave, you're on my cd player a lot! Mike
	Thank you very, very much Mike. Sometimes all I have to hear is a song by Big Joe Turner or Lightning Hopkins or Curtis Mayfield or Billy Lee Riley or Fred Neil or Chris Smither, and I feel able to deal with all the crap that we all have to deal with. I'm extremely proud and touched that my songs can have the same effect for you.

	Dave, My son and I are big fans here in Birmingham....have loved your performances at City Stages over the years and hope to see you here again soon. On a flight to Boston this week I was reading "Let fury have the hour: the punk rock politics of Joe Strummer"...did I say I was a Clash/Strummer fan? Then later in my hotel room I was reading "Any rough times.....", and "Driving into Los Angeles 1994" really hit a chord, so to speak. It was very clear to me that, by the end of that poem, you and Joe (and Curtis) were saying the same things about the power of music and about never giving up, e.g., "We gonna fight, 'til you lose" and "you keep on pushing". So, I know you are a Strummer fan from some comments you made at Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta a few years ago. Was Stummer an influence, not just on your music, but also on your outlook on life (are these two the same?) or did the two of you happen to reach the same place though by different paths? Best regards and best of luck, Dave....and I'm very happy you listed to Curtis Mayfield that night years ago and started writing songs again. A fan, Charlie Prince
	Hey Charlie: Joe Strummer didn't influence my social/political outlook (I developed that long before punk rock came around) but he, along with a couple of other early punk pioneers, certainly changed my life to some extent. I was working as a cook in Long Beach, Ca when I started hearing the first punk 45's, The Clash's being my favorite. Then I found out that Strummer and Sex Pistol John Lydon were only a year or two older than me and were making such inspiring music, well I decided to somehow make some kind of loud, hopefully glorious racket myself. Long story short, my brother and I and the rest of the soon to be Blasters, started hanging out a bit in the local punk clubs, put the band together and quit our day gigs. I saw The Clash's first LA gig back in 78 or 79 and was absolutley blown away. A very, very tight band especially compared to some of the local punk bands (some might complain that they were too tight but I never saw that as a bad thing) with a great, eclectic range of influences from reggae to r+b. They helped rip down the genre barriers for a while. I didn't keep up with what he was doing for a long time but then I saw one of Joe Strummer's last shows in LA and thought the same thing. An intense, honest performer and a great, devastating songwriter. I'll have to check out the book. Yeah, Curtis Mayfield and Joe Strummer. Powerful stuff. They could have made a very cool record together. Keep o

	Hi Dave, Thank you so much for such an amazing show at Acoustic Music San Diego. I felt like I was given a rare glimpse into how many of your songs were originally written. As always, The Man in The Bed was a real treat. It's interesting how a song you wrote for your dad, has turned into such a meaningful gift for so many people. My question is related to your memories of your cousin Donna, and the music that she turned you and phil on to. When you talk about the magic of the Ashgrove and the artists you went to see there, I can't help but to think of people that we've lost, like Ray Charles, James Brown, Waylon Jennings. So here's my question: What is your take on the state of music today, and the outlook for the future? I'm kind of worried myself. I'm a high school teacher, and I haven't met any kids with the drive and love for music that you and Phil had. I meet a lot of kids who love Rap, but would never think of playing an instrument. When I think about what you do, I think about John Prine, Richard Thompson, and Bob Dylan. You are too modest to see yourself in that light, but you are a very rare American Treasure. Thank you very much. I look forward to seeing you play again real soon. Nick Banche
	Hey Nick: Well, thanks for your extremely generous words but I'm not modest. I'm just honest. I've played with Prine, Thompson and Dylan and, believe me, when you play with people like that you see your strenghts and weaknesses pretty quickly. I also saw so many astounding "American Treasures" as a kid sneaking into bars (everyone from T-Bone Walker to Lightning Hopkins to Big Joe Turner to Reverend Gary Davis) that I measure everything I do against their example. Does that make sense? As for the state of music today and the outlook for the future, well, ah, that's a big question. All I can stay is that it's a mixed bag. I'll try to look on the positive side right now. I know that there are some kids out there who love roots music in one form or another and will carry some of the tradition on (You have to remember that my brother Phil and I were kind of oddball kids who loved "old" music while the kids we went to school with either hated it or had no positive experience of it). Some sort of tradition based American music will always be played. Blues, folk, bluegrass, rockabilly, zydeco, country, whatever, they all go in and out of style but they manage to survive somehow. There are a lot of young songwriters and musicians in the Americana world that are trying to get their stuff heard and in time some of them will succeed. As for me, all I can do is do what I do. I know that sounds like a trite bumper-sticker but it's true. Someone will come along and grab the torch when the time comes. Th

	Dave - The Saturday show at McCabes was sublime. I was concerned when Amy Farris opened the show. I thought that might mean we would get less Dave Alvin. I need not have worried. You put a lot of soul (and blues) into that evening. I appreciate the "easter eggs" too - the songs that we rarely hear, Evening Blues and Blue Boulevard. I really thought it was the best Dave Alvin solo performance I have seen. Thanks for putting out for the home crowd. I got more than my money's worth. A question - you said that you play Evening Blues rarely. Why is that? It may provoke memories of your past (as Blue Blvd does) but it sounded heartbreakingly wonderful. I loved the blues licks. I felt like I was on a porch listening to a Mississippi Delta poet. I hope that your trail leads you back to LA soon. I'll be there for sure. All the best, Mark May
	Hey Mark: Well, man, thank you very much. I enjoy gigs like McCabes because I can pull out some of the songs that I consider my "shy" songs. They're shy because they don't like to go out in public that often. MARIE MARIE and FOURTH OF JULY love to get all dressed up and go out on the town but songs like BLUE BOULEVARD, KITCHEN TABLE, MAN IN THE BED, ANDERSONVILLE, BROTHER ON THE LINE and EVENING BLUES like to stay at home and read a good book. The main reason I don't perform EVENING BLUES often is that the song is played in an open tuning on the guitar that takes a couple minutes to get correctly in tune. And it's a bit of a finger-picking monster for me. I really appreciate your kind words regarding my performance of it at McCabes. That kind of intimate blues feeling was exactly what I as

	Hey Dave Bruce from Seattle here just saw your brother Phil and the Blasters at the Tractor great show he dedacated Dry River to you. A couple of weeks ago I bought Border Radio great film I love all the old posters on the walls brings back alot of memries of bands I saw growing up in Fullerton. Do you think you will do any more acting? Just between you and me I loved your small part in that film.Anyway just thoght Id ask. See ya next time your in Seattle hopfully that is going to be real soon. Bruce
	Hey Bruce: I'm glad you enjoyed the Border Radio movie. It may not be Citizen Kane but it's the only "home movies" some of us have from those old days. Regarding me doing any more acting, I have absolutely no plans to ever act again. I have zero acting skills. None. Nada. I can't act. Can't be done. I've known some amazing actors and I have nothing but great respect for their art and the difficulties they go through to perfect their skills and somehow make a living. The last thing they need is a barroom guitarist trying to steal their

	Hey Dave- I've been introducing my kids to the Blasters. I have been a huge fan since college and actually took my then-girlfriend to see you guys in Chicago in September 1985 after I proposed to her! I bought a copy of Testament and it is great to listen to all the Slash recordings one after another as it highlights the diversity of your songwriting. Listening to Dark Night the other day I noticed how the first 12 words of the song are so precise, they instantly set the time, place and mood for the story, yet none of the words refer to either time, place or mood. It's a powerful song. Anyway, just wanted to drop a note of appreciation for the many hours of pleasure I've had with your music and I hope you will come to the East Coast for some performances soon. Very truly yours, John Dieffenbach Pleasantville NY
	Hey John: Well, thank you very much for your kind message. Thats a great story about taking your fiance to see The Blasters and now your exposing your kids to our stuff. I hope they enjoy it a little bit. Thanks also for the compliment regarding the lyrics to DARK NIGHT. I've often thought of doing that song with my own band but I don't think I can sing it anywhere as good as my brother Phil does. Maybe if you get to one of my east coast gigs and yell a request for it, well, you never know what may ha

	Dave, As always, I enjoyed seeing you in NYC immensely, and had lots of fun posting a review and photos on the new archive. I'm just concerned after reading a comment on your myspace that you "made it through" a San Diego gig a week or two ago. What's shakin' babe? Hoping all is well and you're getting a break from touring. Sue Ellen
	Hey Sue Ellen: I'm very glad you dug the NYC show and thanks a lot for posting your photos and review. I thought the Guilty Men were spectacular that night. All I had to do was just stand on stage and not get in their way. Regarding the San Diego show, well, it was a tough one for me. The last time I did a performance at that church, I hung out all night with one of my oldest and dearest pals, Buddy Blue, and we had a great time. It was the last time I saw him. He died a couple of months later. Going back to play the church without Buddy being there was rougher than I thought. The gig turned out good (it's a very cool venue with outstanding acoustics) but I was pretty sad for most of it. I finally told the audience why I was upset and then everything got a lot easier. See you back on the east coast som

	Hey Dave: We are doing a new series over at the roots and blues music Web site, www.Americanaroots.com, on "The Power of Song." The idea is for writers to write a story -- true, false or somewhere in between -- about a particular song's impact on their life. I was asked to debut the series, and did so with my true story about hearing your song "Fourth of July" on my wedding day, July 4, 2007. Kind of a funny tale of trying to find "Romeo's Escape" with little time to spare ... here is a link to the article: http://www.americanaroots.com/content/contributing-writers/an-anniversary- waltz-fourth-of-july-by-dave-2.html Enjoy -- come see us in Salt Lake/Ogden soon. Best- Linda
	Hey Linda: That website sounds cool. I'll check out your story about hearing 4th Of July on your wedding day (Congratulations, by the way). The only question I have is, "July 4, 2007" hasn't happened yet. Or has it? Have I been out on the road so long that I don't know what year it is? It's very possible.

	Thank you for a great show at McCabes in Santa Monica. I was thrilled to have an oppertunity to hear AMY FARRIS live. Her CD is wonderful. and others that night who did not know of her where blown away. I play your music and hers , the Knitters and John Doe ( the genreal audience stuff) in my dental office in West LA continuously and am always being asked who it is. We are hoping to get in when the Knitters are at the Getty. Now, I do understand this thing about requests . . . but hear goes. and I know these are not Knitters tunes but Shenandoah please and if you have any influence John Doe (you harmonize TWIN Brothers . you will surely break hearts that night if those songs make the play list. rose in w la
	Hey Rose: Yeah, Amy is great. It's a thrill for me to get the chance to perform with her and I'm glad that the audience enjoyed her so much. I'll let her know what you wrote. As for John and I singing harmony together, ah, not too likely. I'm not really a harmony singer (I can sing a song's melody but I've developed the skill to sing harmony while someone else sings lead) and I really don't sing in The Knitters except on very rare occasions. I figure that The Knitters have enough singers already. I may put Shenandoah back into the Guilty Men shows at some point. It is one of my favorite folk songs. You work in a dental office? Are you a dentist? Boy, I could use your help. Maybe I could sing Shenandoah while you pull this molar that's been killing me l

	hey long time fan here-- i could ask you a hundred things but i'll keep it short; first how come you've never played the new orleans jazz fest? we'd love to see you there. second any chance that you will compile the songs you've done on others records into an album(or two( of your own? and last of all does budweiser still have any recordings and video of the blasters from back in the day??
	Hey Gerry: Thanks for not asking a "hundred things." I'd be here all week trying get through them all. All right, 3 quick answers: 1) I'd love to play Jazz fest in New Orleans but they've never asked. 2) I am planning to put some sort of cd together (for sale at gigs and on the internet only) in the near future. It feature tracks from various tribute records as well as one or two things that have never appeared anywhere before. 3) I have no idea if Budweiser still has the tape of The Blasters' Bud commercial (Hey, everybody has bills to pay). The funniest thing about doing that commercial is that our pianist, Gene Taylor, couldn't make the commercial filming so we dressed up our road manager, Wally Hanley, as Gene. Because we were lip-synching to our pre-recorded track, no one realized that Wally couldn't play piano. In fact one of the cameramen pulled Wally aside and told him how much he enjoyed his piano playing. Go f

	I have some pictures of Dave Alvin that I took at a concert & back stage hanging out with him & James McMurtry. How can I get these pix to Dave? They're good & I think he'd like them. Thanks, Mike Cobb
	You can post pictures using the show archive feature of the site. Click on the Shows link on the home page, enter the date of the show when you took your pictures. If there's already an entry for that date, just proceed to upload your photos. If not, at least add the giginfo which details where and when the show was, then when you're done with that, you'll be able to go back to the show's date and upload pictures. You won't see any of them online until I review and approve them, but this process generally only takes a day or two. Scot

	Dave, I was sooo happy to see you are coming back to Southern California, thank you!! Are any of the shows going to be with the Guilty Men? I know either way I wont be disappointed, because I first fell in love with you and your music at the Acoustic show in San Diego, but I would really love to see you play with the Guilty Men again, you guys are awesome together. Anyway, see you soon, Tressa
	Hey Tressa: Sorry, the upcoming Southern California shows are just me solo acoustic. I can try to bang on the guitar as loud as I can to pretend that Guilty Men are up ther with me but it's just not the same. One or two may join me onstage but nothing is really planned. I hope that you still stop by anyway.

	Hey Dave, I've been a big fan since I first caught you at The Palms in Davis, CA not long after King of California was released. Caught you and the G-Men at The Pour House in Raleigh (my new stomping grounds) this past fall and lots of times in between, and I am amazed at how reliably you, with or without your band, put on an amazing show every time. My question to you is about collaborations--or a specific one that I'm kind of surprised hasn't happened yet. I know that you are a pretty prolific collaborator with other songwriters and performers, as is another one of my favorites, Steve Earle. I'm wondering how it is that, to my knowledge, you two haven't come to work on any projects together. It seems you both like to mix it up musically, from rock to country to folk to sad, sad songs (though you work more in blues than he does). It seems that you would have a fair amount in common, musical sensibility-wise and songwriting talent-wise. And from the photos I saw of you and Steve sharing the stage in the Songwriters' Circle at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass a couple of years back, I know that both of you are aware of each other's existence. Do you two just not generally run in the same circles? Or is this a collaboration that stands a chance of happening someday?
	Hey Gary: Thanks for your compliment regarding the live shows. I learned years ago to always (I know that this sounds really corny and "show-biz" but it's true) play every show like it's your last. And thanks for hanging in as a fan through the years. There were a lot of great times at the old Palms in Davis (theres also a lot of great times at the new Palms in Winters). Steve Earle is a great songwriter and I really enjoyed the songwriters show with him, me. Joe Ely and Guy Clark (Boy, that was a special line-up!!!!). As for projects together, I believe we're on a couple of the same tribute cd's but we've never recorded or written together. You can never tell what may happen in the future but I'm sure that Steve Earle doesn't need any help from me writing a song or playing a guitar. See you in Raliegh or, maybe, back in Cali.

	I have searched everywhere for Alvin's cd 'Outtakes in CA' to no avail. You recommended going to Village Records but what they offer is "Out in CA" not Outtakes. Any help? Much appreciated, Patty
	Hey Patty: Sorry that it's so hard to find. Hell, I only have 2 copies of Outtakes In California and it's my cd! If Village didn't have any copies then eBay might be the best place to look or try the Blasters/Dave Alvin chat room on Yahoo. Someone there might have an extra copy to trade or at least burn you a copy. I only pressed up a certain amount of copies of that live cd to sell at shows as a sort of collectors item. Anyway, good luck and sorry you're having so much trouble finding it. It's worth the search, I think, just to hear Chris Gaffney's soulful version of Sonny Boy Williamson's song, HELP ME. He's such a great singer.

	Hi Dave.....Brad Elligood here...your brother in Little Milton...Just wondering, will you be appearing with The Guilty Men @ McCabe's next month, or will you be by yourself? Either way, looking forward to seeing you then. Hope you had a nice holiday season.....Until Then......Take Care, Brad
	Hey Brad: I hope that you had a nice holiday season too. I'll be solo at McCabes. I think Chris Gaffney will be joinging me for one of the nights and you never know who else might drop by. I hope to see you there. And, yeah, we're all still missing our friend Little Milton.

	Dear Dave, From the Mongrel site I see that you'll be in St. Louis on my 50th birthday - February 8th. I'm the one who was wanting you to play at my party here on Saturday the 10th, so this will be almost as good (and a hell of a lot cheaper for me!). Several weeks ago Pollstar listed an Old Town School gig for you on the 9th and I was just going to tell Chris how easy it would be for you to come to St. Louis the next day. I was going to have friends from Chicago, Cleveland and other places come in for the party, but you obviously have decided to travel around this winter, so that is nice for larger amounts of people to hear your great music. If your St. Louis gig is an acoustic show, please consider doing "Everett Reuss" and hopefully Off Broadway will have electricity this time for the PA! Sincerely, Wild Bill
	Hey Wild Bill: Well, happy 50th!!!! Congratulations. I'm glad that things have worked out so that you get to save some money on this gig. The Pollstar ad for the Old Town School gig was a mistake. I'm not playing there this time in Chicago but instead, The Guilty Men and I will playing at Fitzgeralds. So tell your friends if they want to go. Anyway, I will be playing The Off Broadway with the electric band, but if you yell out EVERETT RUESS and remind me that it's a request for the birthday boy, well, you just might hear it. See you on your B-Day.

	Hi Dave, Sensitive Pete Shovlin here. hope you are well. Hats off to you on West of The West, a tremendous album. Looking forward to the next album/live DVDs, whichever come first! I'm planning a full on assault on the roots scene in my part of the world...Ive previously pulled off a decent take on King of California. However, I would love to do an acoustic version of Why Did She Stay With Him, but I just can't find an arrangement or tuning to do it justice. I found a way starting on E and then using barres up and down the neck for the rest of the chords, always leaving the top two strings open, so there's some sort of drone effect. However, it's just not the one. Do you ever tackle this song live? How do you do it? Do you usze capo, or any alternative tuning. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers Sensitive Pete Shovlin PS It's about time you hauled ass back to the UK
	Hey Sensitive Pete: Best of luck with your "full assault on the roots scene" over there! I look forward to hearing your "decent" version of KING OF CALIFORNIA. Now, regarding WHY DID SHE STAY WITH HIM, I'm touched that you chose that song. That one means a lot to me. I've recorded it both acoustically on OUT IN CALIFORNIA and with a band on BLUE BOULEVARD but rarely perform it anymore because . . . well, because . . . it gets me a bit teary-eyed. I guess, you're not the only sensitive guy in the world. As for playing it in open tunings, I've never tried it because of the many minor chords in the song make it difficult for me to get a nice groove going. Does that make sense? I play it in the D position while keeping the high E string open for the drone effect. I'm curious what your 2 string drone sounds like so I may try playing it in the E position with your drones. Sorry that I couldn't be of more help. I hope to cross paths with you over in the UK soon. Again, good luck!

	Hey Dave. Happy New Year ! Saw you over the summer in Phila (actually met you as you and the band were pulling up to the World Cafe Live) and have tickets for WCL show later this month. Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your music, your show over the summer was phenomenal - quite a band you got there. Very cool how you communicate w/ people via this website. I can understand how the one guy started crying at one of your shows. "Abilene" at your Phila show over the summer had a similar effect on me for some reason. I wasn't crying, but it definitely hit me in the gut (in a good way). Not sure if you take requests, but would like to hear 9 Volt Heart in Phila, if at all possible. If not, no big deal. I'm sure I'll enjoy the show no matter what you play. What was Jackson's reaction to your version of "Redneck Friend" ? Take care, travel safe - see ya in Phila in a few weeks.
	Hey Eric: Well, thanks for your extremely kind words about my band and my songs. I also enjoyed that show last summer in Philadelphia. It's a great venue with good on-stage sound (I hope it sounds as good to the audience) and they treat the musicians like human beings which some clubs do not. Anwyay, I think theres a pretty good chance of hearing 9 VOLT HEART at the upcoming Philadelphia show. I've worked up a new arrangement that's a bit more r+b than the recorded version. As for Jackson Browne's reaction, I don't know yet. I ran into him about a month ago at (of all places) a Merle Haggard concert. "You cut my song!" Jackson said smiling. "I'm looking forward to hearing it." I just hopr that he's still smiling after he hears it.

	Hi Dave, I was listening to the Blasters "Testament" over the holidays and reading the accompanying booklet. I saw that you are credited with backing vocals on "Just Another Sunday." Is there a story behind why you sang on that song? Also, I was reading "The Bob Dylan Encyclopedia" by Michael Gray. There's an entry on you and Gray says you learnt guitar from T-Bone Walker. I was wondering if he meant you learned by watching him play or had a lesson from him. I hope to be at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia on Jan. 19 for the show with James McMurtry. Tom Wilk Pitman, N.J.
	Hey Tom: Good to hear from you! Theres not to much of a story to my background vocals on JUST ANOTHER SUNDAY. The man producing that particular track, Don Gehman, had heard my vocal demo of the song and thought that my voice had some quality that might sound cool buried in the mix. Buried waaaaaaayyy back in the mix. It wasn't my first vocal on a record. My first was as a background singer (along with Loudin Wainwright III) on The Beat Farmers version of BEAT GENERATION. Now that one has some good stories related to it. Regarding T-Bone Walker, I learned from him strictly from watching him night after night at The Ash Grove or some other joints when I was a kid. I was too young and much too shy to actually ask him any guitar playing questions. Mainly I asked him about the pianist Lloyd Glenn and other musicians he'd worked with in the past. I can play a bit like T-Bone, and some other people come much closer to duplicating his style, but nobody can PLAY like T-Bone. Only he could do that. See you in Philly

	Dave, I was listening to Ry Cooder's 'Chavez Ravine' recently and wondered if you ever had a chance to work or play with him. Seeing that you are both 'L.A' guys there might be some mutual interest. I think it would be really interesting to see what kind of music you guys would 'excavate'. I use excavate because I find you both into the 'archaeology' of music or in simpler terms: roots. I'll see you in Philadelphia this month. I am dragging a friend who has never heard you live but I have raved about you to him for a long while. Thanks and keep up the good work. Ed
	Hey Ed: Well, I sincerely hope that your friend enjoyes the show after all of your raves. I'll try my best to live up your kind words. In regards to working with Ry Cooder. Well, if I practice 10 hours a day, everyday for the rest of my life then I maybe good enough to play with Ry Cooder. I've said this before, but he's so good the US government should send him money just for getting out of bed in the morning. See you in Phill

	Hi Dave, I'm looking forward to hearing you and the Guilty Men in Northampton, MA, the end of this month. I'm the Vermont beer lady, for what that is worth! My question is about song-writing with others. I know you have done this with Tom Russell (who's train trips I've been on ) and with others. I grew up exposed to musical theater where one partner wrote lyrics and another wrote the music. I'm curious if this is the way you write with others or if you and whoever you are writing with work on both music and lyrics. Certainly you and Tom each have the skills to do both. As a 'long-in-the tooth' English major, I can imagine contributing to lyrics but could never write music myself! Do musicians trade off on both? Wondering. Thanks. Martha
	Hey Martha: Thanks for the beer!!!! As for your songwriting question, it just depends. Sometimes someone will appraoch me with some music (or I'll approach them) and we'll just work on the words together but normally, it's all from scratch. Whether it's Tom or whomever, we just sit around with guitars and pad of paper and go at it. Someone may have an idea for a song or maybe not. Sometimes the idea just comes to you as you're making a racket, singing gibberish and telling stories. Theres no right or wrong way to write a song whether with someone else or by yourself. The hard part is just doing it. I'm sure that there is a musician somewhere near you who has tons of music and no lyrics and they're looking for someone like you to write with. Good luck.

	I see Dave's name is mentioned as one of the musicians contributing to the "Brawlers" disc of Tom Waits' recent Orphans boxed set. But which song did he play on? Thank you. Paul
	Hey Paul: I'm playing all the guitars on Tom's version of Sea Of Love. I'm very proud of that. Thanks for asking.

	Dave, Do you think you will ever do another rock n roll album? I love both of your "styles" but the way you put a story into a rock song amazes me.
	Hey Eric: Thanks for the songwriting compliment. It's much appreciated. Now, regarding your question, when you say a "rock and roll album" do you mean like The Blasters records? Or just an electric cd? To do a record like The Blasters I need The Blasters to do it with. Does that make any sense? I wish I could sing like my brother but I can't (I know I can't because I've tried) and even though all The Blasters love each other very much, we just can't seem to get along long enough to make anything new. As far as an electric cd, I think Ashgrove was pretty electric and even West Of The West had some loud moments. If you mean writing some songs that sound like Sun Records or Chess Records or Specialty Records, I try that all the time. It's not as easy as it sounds (if it was everyone would be doing it). At this point in my career I just let the songs dictate how the records will sound. If it's a quiet song, I let it be quiet. If it's a rocker, I let it rock. I hope this answers your question. Keep rockin'.

	Hey Dave! Just writing to add my voice to the chorus of praise regarding your Ann Arbor show. It was fantastic (even if you didn't play "Loser" as I obnoxiously requested repeatedly! Hey, a fella has to ask!) I wanted you to know that I am dedicating myself to the very pleasant task of bringing at least one person who's never seen you live to every concert I can get to. I had two at Ann Arbor and three at Benton Harbor (and actually four more if you count a group who I didn't bring, but for whom I played your records first back in the '80s). (I would like to encourage everyone to take the "Bring a Newbie to See Dave" pledge! Though we need a catchy acronym, me thinks.) Anyway, I wanted you to know the following. I brought a friend to Benton Harbor, who had been a hard sell before the concert, but who left quite the fanatic. He was at Ann Arbor too, of course, and as we were driving home the four of us were sharing impressions, and he confessed that he had started crying about the second song in. He's a pretty mature, stable, well-educated guy--very into sports and things, and while a sensitive fellow, this surprised us a bit. We asked why, and he wasn't able to articulate the why all that well. Seems you just touched him somewhere deep, and it was beautiful and painful, too, and he just had to let it out. Two little items: 1) I live in South Bend, so I drove down to Florence Avenue this past summer to check it out. It's only about 4 blocks long, in what used to be the working-class, Polish part of town. There's a large church at the west end--couldn't find the sign, but appears to have been Catholic at least at some point, which would make sense. The street was obviously quite interesting at some point, but it's pretty run down now. Probably best to leave it as it exists in the imagination. 2) The Earl Hooker song. There's an "Earl's Blues" and an "Earl's Boogie Woogie." Is there an "Earl's Mambo"? Chess has a collection sub-titled "Two Decades of Killer Fretwork, 1949-1969" and it includes a song called "Earl's Rumba"! So, the search for that elusive Mambo continues! Hope to see you soon! Is it true you're coming to Chicago on February 9th? John
	Hey John: Wow! Great story. I just hope your friend started crying because he liked the show and not because he didn't. I like your "Bring A Newbie To See Dave" idea. It could really help me and The Guilty Men spread the word. I'll leave the "catchy acronym" up to you. I'm not good at that kind of thing. Yeah, my dad grew up on Florence in South Bend and after hearing all of his stories about his youth there, I decided that I wanted to leave the visuals to my imagination. Now regarding the "mambo." My mistake. It's not Earl's Mambo, it is Earl's Rhumba and it is available on the Chess reissue you mentioned. My apologies for misleading you but a mambo or a rhumba, I can't tell the difference. I think I will, though, play Earl Hooker's version on one of my upcoming shows on XM. It's time he got some airplay!!!! See you soon.

	Hey Dave - Merry Christmas and all of that... My gift to my son and myself are tickets to Safari Sams gig next week Saturday. I so look forward to it. I was hoping to have your book of poems delivered before, but it is not looking so good. Maybe you can autograph it for me at a later time; perhaps at McCabes? So many things people wish for at Christmas time, I am keeping mine simple. I would love to met you at Safari Sams if that isn't asking too much. You could make this girls Christmas Dream come True! You may remember me as the fan that avoided the Harmonica at the Sunset Junction gig this past August. See you next week and all the best to you and yours. Keep Rockin' Cheers- Elaine
	Hey Elaine: Sorry I didn't get a chance to say hello to you at Safari Sams but I was feeling a bit under the weather that weekend and didn't want to give too many people the cold that I have. I'd certainly autograph the book of poems for you at Mccabes if you recieve your copy by then and look forward to saying hey. Until then, look out for flying harmonicas!!!

	Hi Dave, First, thanks for answering all these questions here - it's great to have access to you this way. Second, I understand you allow taping at your shows. How do you feel about archiving and trading the results? archive.org is a growing site for live music archives, for example, and it would be nice to see a Dave Alvin collection there. They won't do it, though, without band permission. You can check it out here. Thanks and Happy Hoildays! - Joe
	Hey Joe: Yeah, I don't mind people taping the shows and I don't mind them swapping the shows either (charging money for the tapes is a different matter). The archive sounds pretty cool but (as I've pointed out repeatedly) my computer is so old that I can't access their site. I plan on joining the 21st Century later this year by getting a new, hot rod computer. If it helps, just tell the archive folks that live show swapping is fine by me. Think that'll work? Happy belated holidays back to you.

	Hey Dave, So a little bird told me that your return to "The Church" may be coming soon, in February or March in fact. Let me selfishly say that as someone who was fortunate enough to have been front and center the first time around, PLEASE make it some date other than the 16th of February that I heard mentioned. We will be traveling that week, and it would KILL my wife and I (and one of your newest fans, our daugher) to miss the show!! How about I buy all your beer at the Belly Up next week if you make it March instead? Anyhow, selfish groveling aside, I am sure you will once again put on a great show regardless of the date! Cheers, Jon Schwindt
	Hey Jon: It was cool meeting you at The Knitters Belly Up show. Yeah, sorry about the Church gig. It will be Febuary 16th. Oh, well. I'm positive your ski trip to British Columbia will more than make up for missing the show. Have fun on the slopes.

	Hello, I was able to catch an acoustic show in Cleveland (Beachland Ballroom) last fall. I took some nice photos during the show. Just wondering if there is any interest in seeing them. Thanks Chris Tenney
	Hey Chris: The man who runs my website, Scot, is starting a new page on the site where people can post photos of me or the band. It's much easier for me to view them that way seeing how (as many of you may already know) my computer is so old, and I'm a borderline comouter illiterate, that I can't open most files (Is that the right term?). I don't know how Scot's new system works but I'd enjoy seeing your photos. Unless, of course, I look really tired and road weary and bleary eyed and sweaty and dishevelled and . . .

	Hi Dave: I recently discovered your music while listening to an Internet radio station called BootLiquor Radio out of San Francisco. These folks play a lot of your music, and every time they played a song I'd go "That is a great song." Each time I checked to see the artist, it was you. After looking at your discography, I realized that I had heard some of your music performed by other artists, such as James McMurtry. You have a new fan. I am bowled over by your writing and performance. I just bought "Interstate City" as my first of your CDs and look forward to buying all of your music that is available. I look forward to a performance in Kentucky so I can see you live. Good luck to you, Sir. Your music is bringing me a lot of joy. Jeff Spradling Jeffersonville, Ky.
	Hey Jeff: Well, thank you very much for your very kind words. I'm very touched that my music brings you "a lot of joy." Thanks. I've heard of BootLiqour Radio but (due to my computer being so old and obsolete) I've never heard it. Is it KPIG under another name or is it a separate Internet station. No matter, it sounds like a good station to me and I'm very happy that they've helped you discover my recordings. I hope that you like my other cds as well as Interstate City. I do pass through Kentucky (usually Lexington) at least once every 2 years, so if you're anywhere nearby, I hope that you can make out to a live show. See you there!

	Hi, Dave. While I'm enthused about your tour w/James McMurtry and your respective bands (hope you don't have to memorize the lyrics to 'Choctaw Bingo'), it's clearly designed for more mid-sized venues. However, since you clearly enjoy collaborating with other artists, have you ever considered a stripped- down tour with fellow Knitter and X pal John Doe? THAT'S a concert I'd try to book in a blink. Steve Tanzer Arden,
	Hey Steve: Good to hear from you. How's things in beautiful Arden? I think John and I did one show together years ago in Turlock, California (or was it Madera?) and it was fun. Unfortunately, our schedules though don't usually line up and when they do it's to do Knitters gigs. But you never know what might happen. And, no, as great as the lyrics to Choctaw Bingo are, I don't have to memorize them. James can handle that epic on his own quite well. I hope you can make it out to one of the upcoming shows.

	Greetings from a new fan in Oklahoma City. One day last summer I did what I call a "random grab" of CDs available for checking out from the public library. One of them happened to be your Public Domain album. I loved it and tried to search online for more, but I'd misread your name as Alvin Dale and got nowhere. Then, the other day I did another random grab and this time I happened to get Out in California and loved it, too. Having your correct name spelling, I ended up at this site. Now I know how to buy a CD of the mysterious Alvin Dale. Hope to see you live sometime; I'll be checking your site, Pollstar, etc. Best of luck to you. Merry Christmas.
	Hey Chuck: And a Merry, though belated, Christmas back to you. Yeah, the "mysterious" Alvin Dale. I hear that record collectors have searched in vain for just one of his records. He must be really good. In all seriousness, I'm very glad that your "random grab" exposed you to my records and that you enjoyed them. I couldn't ask for more. I hope that you can make out to a live show and maybe I'll play an Alvin Dale song or two.

	scot just a simple question: i would like to be/get a newsletter for both dave & the blasters i grew up in so-cal seeing them and being a huge fan-i now live in jackson hole wy. thanks alot jb
	Hey jb: A simple answer. Go to blastersnewsletter.com and sign up for the newsletter or I think you can also read the newsletter at the site.

	Hi, I'm excited to hear that you are coming back to New York in February. I had to miss the South Street Seaport show which was a bummer 'cause I haven't seen the Guity Men in a couple of years. I did catch your show at Joe's Pub and that was a lot of fun albeit too short. The show at The Bowery Ballroom is booked as James McMurtry & Dave Alvin. Will you be playing with James or is this a co-headlining gig? Solo or with Band? Thanks, see you in February. Jeff
	Hey Jeff: It's a co-headlining gig with both James and I playing with our repective bands. We're flip-flopping the order of appearance on different nights in different cities. We did a couple of gigs earlier in 06 out on the west coast and had a ball so I figured why not do it back east. Kind of like the old r+b tours of the 40's and 50's. See you in Febuary.

	Dear Dave - My daughter Ryan and I were planning on being at the Bowery Ballroom show regaled in our Brian Wilson shirts, but alas the age requirement for this gig is 21+, not 18+ as I believed. She would've made 18 by 5 days. Anyway, lacking some sort of, oh, you know, behind-the-scenes machinations or holiday miracle backstage dispensation, she'll be home and I'll probably be there with less deserving company. Just so you know. Rock on, and see you soon. Gary Cahill Weehawken, NJ
	Hey Gary: Is it really a 21 and up gig? I didn't know that about The Bowery. I'm very sorry that Ryan can't get in. As for the "behind the scenes machinations," I can't say anything about that because I don't know the people at The Bowery (They seem to change personnel every year). Sometimes the barroom authorities look the other way and sometimes they don't. I can't promise anything until I get there and even then things like that can be dicey. What a drag. I wish that I could be more helpful.

	Mahalo, for playing Kihei, Maui , Hawaii...... it was a great show and a fun one at that!!!!!!!!! Joe and Nicole
	Aloha Joe: The pleasure was all mine. I'm very glad that you and your wife enjoyed the show. I can't wait to get back to Hawaii and continue trying to get my legs tan.

	Dave - I heard your Highway 61 Revisited cut on NPR here in Tampa. Apparently put out by UNCUT Mag on Highway 61 Revisited Revisited. I can't find it anywhere.....so here's a presmuptuous request. Would you either point me to some web site where I can download (and pay) for the song, or put it on a CD and release it in the near future??? Keep making great music, dude. Dunc
	Hey Duncan: I'm very glad you dug my take on Highway 61. It's a hard song to cover because Bob Dylan nailed it the first time but when UnCut asked me to record a version, well, I couldn't say no. As far as tracking down a copy, I'm sure it's up on some music sites but I don't know which ones (I'm a bit of a computer idiot). You could also try asking for a copy on the American Music/Blasters/Dave Alvin chat room on Yahoo. A lot of people swap live shows and other recordings there. At some point in the near future (probably after my next studio cd), I'm going to release a cd featuring various tracks recorded for tribute cd's and other rare oddities. I'm postive Highway 61 will be on that but that may be too long to wait. Sorry. Anyway, good luck finding it.

	Hey Dave, First heard you on KDVS in Davis, CA in 1980 and have not stopped listening since. My wife and I saw you at the 2003 Kate Wolf Festival where you spoke at a little get together with Greg Brown and Eliza Gilkyson of a John Lennon/Beatles Rolling Stone interview about songwriting. I wondered if you recalled which issue that may have been in. Thanks for always being there. Paul
	Hey Paul: Wow, you have been listening for a long time. Thanks a lot for hanging in so long. The John Lennon interview was actually in Playboy not Rolling Stone. It was one of the last interviews he did before his death but it came out right after his murder so that may be of some assistance in tracking down the month of that paricular issue. It's a great interview where he's asked to comment or explain how many of his songs were written. It's really is one of the best "how to" manuals for begining songwriters. I was just beginning to write songs when I read it back in 1980 and it was extremely helpful. Good luck tracking it down and I hope to see you at another Kate Wolf fest.

	Hey, Dave-- I'm a long-time fan, you might be my favorite all-time singer/songwriter ever. I hke with the dogs every morning in the Santa Monica Mountains. Some days I find your songs echoing in my head. Your music is good company in the Southern California wilderness, on top of a hill, looking out at the ocean. Thanks for the music and the company. Janine
	Hey Janine: Well, thank you very much for your extremely high praise, especially from a fellow hiker. I love to hike Sycamore Canyon up by Point Mugu and inland over in Cheeseboro Canyon and Ahmanson Ranch. When I'm not playing music every night in some bar, hiking is my other therapy. I've written a couple songs while hiking and have been embarassed a couple times when I think I'm alone and singing to myself and some other hiker comes around the bend. They must think I'm the crazy old man of the mountain. Anyway, thanks for your sweet message and I'll see you on the trail.

	Dear Dave, I am really sorry that you never got back to us about Vinny's CD. Vinny was really cynical, saying that he never really expected to hear from you anyway, but I told him, no, Dave isn’t like that, he answers all his emails and is very gracious – just busy. Then I went to your website and of course, there you are answering all your emails---except mine. Now I’m disappointed. Judy Macey (Still a fan.) P.S. Hope your birthday was great.
	Hey Judy: Well, I'm glad that you're still a fan and I sincerely hope that you're still a fan after reading this. Regarding answering the messages that come to the site, I just grab them at random and try to answer as many as I can. I'm not a movie star with thousands of fan letters but I do get more messages than I can handle sometimes. So please accept my apology that I didn't respond promptly. Now on to Vince's demo cd. I get a lot of demo's and I can't listen and respond to all of them (I can tell Vince is getting more cynical by the second). Another reason I normally don't listen to demos is that theres very little I can do to help the songwriters. I don't own a record label so I can't give them a recording contract and I tend to only record my own songs so I'm not really looking for other people's songs to record (I'm just not that great a singer). I'm also not looking to produce any other artists at this time because I don't have the time to properly devote to them right now . I'm sorry to sound like just another music industry schmuck but what can I do? Okay, after saying all that, I did listen to Vince's cd and I enjoyed it. Daddy's Grave and Wasted were my favorites. I like the dark mood and tough honesty of those songs. I don't know if any Nashville artist would cover the songs or not, but Vince's songs are good and I think that a label like Bloodshot may be interested in him. To take a line from Daddy's Grave, "We all have our cross to bear." Tell Vince I think he has a talent for writing songs and I wish him all the luck in the world.

	Hi Dave- I caught your recent tour ending gig at the Ark in Ann Arbor and had a great time as usual. That night you did an instrumental mambo tune for the encore. I think you said it was by Earl Hooker. Any more info on this tune or if it is available on CD? Also, I just picked up the new Tom Waits 3-CD set ("Orphans"). I see that you played on it, but it doesn't list which song(s). Just wondering which one(s) you were on and how that collaboration came about. Finally, I wanted to compliment you on the radio show it sounds great! Thanks, Jeremy http://www.rootsmusicproject.com
	Hey Jeremy: I'm glad that you dug the radio show. I really enjoy turning people on to some music that doesn't get played too often on the radio. Very cool that you remembered the Earl Hooker mambo jam. Appropriately, the song is called Earl's Mambo and his version is available on a various artists Chess Records reissue called something like, Blues Guitar Killers. Good luck tracking it down. Earl Hooker is one of the great overlooked blues guitar virtuosos who, sadly, died way too young. He was a sideman on many blues records in the fifties and sixties and he also cut some excellent solo sides like the mambo. I was lucky to see him once at The Ash Grove back when I was a kid and he's always been one of my favorites. He's also one of Chris Miller's (the other guitarist in The Guilty Men) favorites. Richard Thompson once told me that Earl was his favorite blues guitarist. Now, that's some high praise! The Tom Waits track that I play the guitars on is his very dark and bluesy version of Sea Of Love. He cut it for the Al Pacino movie. I just answered the phone one day and Tom asked me to come down and play guitar. It was that simple. I've had the great luck of playing live with Tom a couple of times over the years and he's a very, very good guy. Just like you'd expect.

	Hey Dave, So seeing the message from Miss Dark Eyes, I decided to see if I could recall how many times I have had the good fortune to see you perform in the last year or so, and I have come to the conclusion that I should be labeled an Alvin- head. Given all of the various formations, permutations and incarnations, I have come up with 10 as the magic number since you played the Church in November of last year. From the Flesheaters gig at the Casbah, to the incongruous sight of you drinking beer from a green bottle at Mongo's, to the odd but even more oddly fun vibe of the Knitters at the Old Temecula Theater, every gig has been it's own nugget of joy. I would have to say the last two (Joshua Tree and the Getty) have created the fondest memories, as my daughter has finally been able to see and hear what my wife and I have been raving about for so long. She loved the show in the desert (right down front like a good rocker) and you taking the time to chat with the two of us after the show made her smile (By the way since you have had a birthday since J-Tree, are you now a "mature" 9 year old?). As for the Getty, my daughter had the best line of the night in my mind. I had originally seen it billed as a solo show, and so assumed it was going to be acoustic. Well about half way through the show she turns to look at me. With raised eyebrows and a sense of irony and sarcasm far beyond her 8 years she simply says: "Acoustic?" and then you were off and rockin' again as usual. Needless to say we had a blast! Well sorry for the ramble, and we'll see you at the Belly on the 27th, where my wife will be celebrating another anniversary of her 39th birthday, with a decent sized group of old punks and rockers. We know we are in for another treat of a show, and if by chance you could sneak in Carroll County Accident this time around it would be great! Cheers and Happy Holidays, Jon p.s.- Once again, I think I speak for all of us out here when I say thanks for being so engaging at shows, and willing to take the time to respond to us here on the site. We truly appreciate it!
	Hey Jon: Happy Holidays back to you and your family. 10 shows?!?!?! I think I probably owe you some money or something. I'm sincerely touched that my music means that much to you. Also I'm impressed that you traveled as much as I have to get to all the far flung locations where I've been playing. If that makes you a "Alvinhead," I guess that I could be called a "Jonhead" seeing how I'm at all the same places you are! I really enjoyed the Joshua Tree gig. It was very loose and fun. But the Getty show was one of my favorite gigs anywhere, anytime. Having the amazing Calvanes singing doo-wop harmonies with me and The Guilty Men was a moment I'll always treasure. Regarding the upcoming Knitter shows, Carroll County is one of my favorite Porter Wagoner songs but I wouldn't hold my breath expecting to hear it at The Belly Up but you never know. See you soon.

	Hey Dave - My daughter Ryan and I talked with you after the South Street Seaport show in New York this past summer where you were kind enough to autograph her arm, the other having been done by Felix Cavaliere of the Rascals the day before, and start a brief "Groovin'" sing-a-long with us .. very cool. I asked if you'd be coming back around with the band, you said maybe in winter at the Bowery Ballroom, and behold, a Feb. 2 date is set ... man of your maybe word. We'll be there in our Brian Wilson shirts. Thanks and my best to you and yours, Gary Cahill (and Ryan Winter Cahill) Weehawken, NJ
	Hey Gary: A "man of your maybe word." Wow. That's not a bad title for a song. I do use maybe a lot. In my line of work it's about the most honest thing I can say on some occasions. Well, I'll be looking for you and your daughter in the Brian t-shirts at The Bowery Ballroom. Maybe we'll sing Groovin' again or maybe Good Lovin'. Maybe.

	Hello Dave, I enjoy your songwriting very much. I find your songs evocative, moody and intelligent. Thanks. In the event you have not read it, I wanted to recommend to you the book "The Sacrilege of Alan Kent"by Erskine Calder. I suspect it would resonate with you, as it and your songs do with me. Sincerely, Bryn Del Mano
	Hey Bryn: Thank you for your complimentary words regarding my songs. They're much appreciated. As for the Erskine Calder book, I've never read it or heard of the author but I'll keep my eyes open for it. If you say it's good, then it must be. Thanks for the tip. See you at the bookstore.

	Good Day, Dave: Great year for me. I was lucky enough to see you 3 times - March, July, September - Great Music ('BEST of the WEST' I'll call it), Great Performances, Great Memories. Thank's for ALL of it. You are always so gracious to my 'intrusions' after your shows to say Hi and get a pix or two. I sorta need your help. Here's my 'Catch 22' predicament I've gotten myself into: Thanks to my going around preachin' the Dave Alvin gospel to all who will listen and to the fact that they all know I have all your CD's, they all want (and expect) me to just start burning copies for them. One in particular wants me to copy my entire collection of your music for him. I think I'm going to be making enemies, because I'm refusing to do so. I somehow feel it is a sort-of 'breach-of- contract' between a performer and his fans to do so, not to mention that it must be cheating you and all involved in producing these CD's. Mike's band is VERY soon going into the studio to start recording to have CD's to sell at their shows, etc. I get to do the CD and cover design and burn them off for the guys, and I don't think it would be fair to be giving them away and I wouldn't want someone else copying their music to give away. Can you please give me a good answer (or some sort of come-back line) that will get the message across to them ?? Anyways, thought about you on your Birthday, sent silent wishes your way - did you get them ?? Not that I would forget your birthday, it is also my Father-in-law's birthday. He's pretty proud of the fact that it's on Veteran's Day, being a WW2 war Vet and all. Hope yours was grand !! I too have been anxious for the DVD to come out, and now I hear 2 of them coming out - Oh YEAH ! Can hardly wait. Thanks, Dave - See you next go around (anytime your in the Michigan - Ohio area - we'll be there). Hope your cactus garden is growing & blossoming beautifully
	Hey Miss Dark Eyes: First of all, thanks for your "silent" birthday wishes and for making it out to so many shows this past summer. I'm very touched that you're so moved by the music and don't worry about the "backstage inrusions." You've always been a perfect guest. Now to the issue of burning copies of cd's. Well, it is becoming normal for people to do it for their friends and I'd really sound like a stick in the mud if I demanded that you (and everyone else) stop sharing music. I will say, though, that if it reaches a point where everyone is burning cd's and no one is buying them there will be no records made by anyone except the superstar acts. The recording process will be financially unprofitable for us smaller groups and surviving by touring will be impossible. What I don't think most people realize is that most musicians make no money by touring. On a business level, touring is strictly to help promote your music and help to get to people to buy your cd's. The money generated by live performances goes to salaries, motel owners, gasoline companies, insurance companies, rent a car companies, etc. Certainly The Rolling Stones or U2 or Madonna make millions playing stadiums, but the rest of us struggle to make ends meet playing bars and dance halls up and doen the interstate highways. Most of my income comes from recording and publishing royalties and if nobody buys the cd's then I (and thousands of others like me) won't be able to afford to do what we do anymore. It's as simple as that. Maybe I better start practicing for my new career: "Would you like fries with your order? Do you want your Coke small, medium, large or biggie size?" Anyway, thanks for asking and, hopefully, see you soon back in the

	Hi Dave! My name is Gary Wiley. I was at your show in Asheville, NC a short while back and just wanted to say how much I enjoyed finally seeing you live. I've been a fan for quite some time and also do some "street team" duties for YepRoc. First of all, I wanted to tell you that Asheville is such an odd town to play in. I am a bassist in a couple of popular local bands, and have also toured as bassist for Martina McBride, Chely Wright, and subbed a little with Confederate Railroad. The folks that were at your show definitely enjoyed it. I knew several of the people there and I've heard nothing but good comments. So, please do try and make it back again. The Grey Eagle is a wonderful venue that brings such diversity in music to the Asheville area, but, you should have your agents check out The Orange Peel www.theorangepeel.net I don't have any affiliation with them, just a bass picker sharing an idea. Once again, thanks for such a powerful show even though the crowd was small. I always like seeing performers doing what they love, no matter what the situation. Have a wonderful day! Gary Wiley
	Hey Gary: Back when I was 13 or 14 years old, my brother, Phil, and I would follow Big Joe Turner,the great blues shouter, from gig to gig. We saw Big Joe perform in a variety of venues and situations, sometimes in front of sold out crowds in a Hollywood music club or in front of several thousand people at some "oldies but goodies" revue show in a theatre or, unfortunately, in a neighborhood joint playing to a handfull of listeners. He was always great. If he was singing to a packed house, Big Joe might be a bit more of an entertainer and feed off the crowd's energy, but even in an empty bar on a Sunday night, Big Joe Turner would dig deep into himself and sing like the bar was full of adoring fans. I finally got up the nerve to ask him what it was like singing to thousands one night, to hundreds on the next night and then almost no one on the following night. He gave me a hard earned and wise answer. "Well, sometimes there's people and sometimes there ain't." He didn't need to say anything else. It may sound corny but what I learned from him was that after all is said and done, you play music and sing songs for the sheer love of it. If you really love it, you play each gig like it was your first and your last, whether theres people or whether there ain't. If you don't really do this line of work for any other reason, the up and down grind will kill you sooner or later. Now, after saying all of that, I had a great time in Asheville and thought the audience was great. Especially for a rainy Tuesday night. Thanks for your kind words about the show and say hey to gang over

	Hi Dave. Greetings from Vancouver Canada. Please file this under the "squeaky wheel gets the oil" department. Any word on when your live DVD is going to be released? I know you had earlier indicated that it would be sometime in early 2007 so it is not like it is even overdue yet and I also appreciate that you may have little input as to when it is released (but maybe you do) but the waiting is killing me!! Do you know what songs are going to be on it? (Is it the same as the Galaxy CD?) Regards, Kieron Grady
	Hey Kieron: You're right that I have little input in this issue. If I did, believe me, this dvd would have been out a long time ago. It does look and sound great and the band is on fire. That said, various legal and business issues (nothing serious) have delayed the completion of the project. I expect it to be out sometime in 2007. And, yeah, it's a lot of the same songs that are on the Great American Galaxy cd but with a couple differences. There is, though, another live Guilty Men dvd that will be released in the early months of 2007. It's the complete performance that I did (with the 98-03 line up of The Guilty Men) on the PBS tv show Austin City Limits. New West Records has already released dvd's of Merle Haggard, Billy Joe Shaver, Willie Nelson, Fats Domino (feauturing my hero Lee Allen), Waylon Jennings and Lucinda Williams from the show and I'm extremely honored that they've chosen to include me in such a group. Maybe that will oil the "squeaky wheel" until the other dvd comes out.

	Hey Dave, Have not heard anything new about the DVD release in a while, and there does not seem to be any news here or the Yep Rock Site. Any ideas as to when it might grace my player and start shakin the windows and riling up the neighbors? Thanks in advance! Best for the Holidays, Tom Bjornsen
	Hey Tom: Check out my answer to the similar question above. I do like your line about "riling up your neighbors." Who knows, though, they just might dig it. Happy Holidays to you too.

	Dave, I see you are coming to the Rams Head in Annapolis, Maryland. I have seen you there several times. You have always been great! Are you coming with the Guilty Men or will this be a solo gig? Will it be the second leg of the summer tour? Any new music? Either way, I have 8 tickets and can't wait to turn on some new friends to your music.
	Hey Joe: "Second leg of the summer tour?" I guess you could look at it that way but it'll be a pretty cold summer in January. The tour is with The Guilty Men and the amazing James McMurtry (and his great band) are sharing the bill with us on this winter er, ah, summer?) tour on the east coast. As far as whether I'll be playing any new music, it's hard to say. I never know if I'll get the guts up to play new songs. It can be pretty scary for me sometimes. We'll see what happens. Anyway, thanks for buying 8 tickets and I hope that your friends enjoy the show. See you there.

	Hey Dave , been awhile since I spun "king of California " but today had it on repeat, man that is a great disc , awesome songwriting . is it my favortie DA disc , hmmmm ? cheers man John
	Hey John: Thanks for your kind words about King Of California. I don't choose favorite cd's out of my work but that one is certainly (How can I say this and not piss off my other cd's?) pretty special to me. It was a very liberating experience for me to record an acoustic cd and to finally find my singing voice in the process. Thanks again.

	Dear Dave - I was inspired by your songs a few years back while spending the summer in the wilderness of the High Sierra. Many musicians seem to enjoy the camping lifestyle and the live music being performed was awsome. A man I fell in love with played a mean rendition of "King of California" and I was hooked; on him and your music. This summer I arrived back in L.A. just in time to catch you at the Sunset Junction gig. I was overwhelmed by the music and the ability of all the members. When the harmonica player tossed his harp into the crowd it landed right between my feet but I was so dazed by the performance I couldn't react quick enough and pick it up. A great show. I thank you. My son and I got tickets for the Getty Center and were in about the 11th row center. I am 51 my son is 21. He absolutely loves "Ashgrove" as a favorite albumn and I wanted to let you know that the performance that night may have been the best I have heard in 40 odd years of rocking and rolling. Looking forward to the show at Sarfari Sams. We will both be there. Thanks Dave - Elaine
	Hey Elaine: I'm really glad that you wrote to me. You won't believe this but after the Sunset Junction show, Jack Rudy, the harmonica player, was kind of upset at himself for throwing his harp out into the audience. He threw it because he got wrapped up in the music and thought it was the right thing to do at the time but later was worried that his harp might have hit somebody and he'd be some kind of harmonica throwing loser who possibly injured someone. Seriously. I can't wait to call him and let him know that everything worked out just fine. He'll be very happy. I'm very happy that you and your son enjoyed the gig at The Getty Museum. It was pretty special to me having the great r+b vocal group, The Calvanes, up there with me and The Guilty Men. It was one of my favorite gigs that I've ever done with any band, anywhere, anytime. The only bad thing about it was that it wasn't prefessionaly recorded for posterity (or for fun, at least). I know one guy who taped it but he wasn't happy with the audio. I just hope that bootlegs of that show pop up on the web because I'd love to get a good copy. So, some guy won your heart in the High Sierra while singing one of my songs? I'm very happy that I could play a small part in bringing you together. Best of luck and see you soon.

	Thanks for your recent reply about flash photography, Dave. Since I hadn't received a reply before the Seattle Knitters show, I thought better of it, and decided to enjoy the show sans photos. And enjoy, I did. While I'd seen the Knitters before, you folks seems very hot and tight that night at the Showbox. I'd brought some buddies, and you (in particular) definitely have some new fans! Maybe now they don't think I'm (quite as) crazy. I doubt you'd tip your hand on this one, but my bet was that you were recording a potential live release. Any truth to that very wild hypothesis?? Anyway, I'm a big fan, both of the music, and the personal character that you exhibit in these random emails from fans. thanks again bill
	Hey Bill: Thanks for your sensitivity regarding the flash photography and for dragging down some friends to The Knitter extravaganza. It was a pretty fun gig but your hypothesis was wrong. A live Knitter cd is not a bad idea but it's never been discussed in any serious way. Oh, well. I know that there had to be some tapers out in the crowd, though. Maybe one of them got a good cd out of it.

	Hi Dave, I just want to wish you a Happy birthday coming up and I sure do hope to see you down here in Florida soon. I moved from the northeast and never get to see u anymore.. Come on down! Skippers Smokehouse is waiting and so am I with a new slew of fans.. Barry Sarah also wishes you a happy Birthday and appreciates you hangin with her at the Reggatbar in cambridge
	Hey Barry: It's good to hear from you and thanks for the birthday greetings. Yeah, getting down to Florida is not a easy as it sounds but I do love playing at Skippers and I'm sure that I'll be down there sometime in the upcoming year (in fact, I played in Tampa 3 times in the past couple of years - they may be getting sick of me, I don't know). It was great to see Sarah up in Boston. Things seem to be going okay with her but I think she'd like to be out playing some gigs. Send her my best and I'll look for you when I make it down to Florida.

	Hey Dave Bruce from Seattle here saw The Knitters at the Showbox last Oct. and started thinking the last 3 times you played the Tractor you sold it out do you think you might start playing the Showbox? That would be good for you (more people to see you) but kind of sad for me as I live about 5 blocks from the Tractor and love that place.I guess I should not be so selfish but love seeing you in smaller places. Anyway thanks for all the great music though out the years. See ya next time your in Seattle be it the Tractor or the Showbox. Bruce DeGrado.
	Hey Bruce: Well, I'm parial to The Tractor too. You're awfully lucky to live so close to such a great bar/nighclub/hang-out. If I lived near there, I'd be hanging in there just about every night. They'd definitley get sick of seeing my face real quick. As far as playing The Tractor, why would I stop? I do like The Showbox (they are very, very nice to the musicians) but The Tractor kind feels like a home away from home. See you there!

	Happy Birthday to you........ Hope you have a great one. Kisses.......... Beva
	Hey Beva: Thanks for your message but especially, thanks the birthday kisses. Give my best to Frank if you see him. Tell him I drove by Guadalajara the other day and thought of him. He'll know what I'm talking about. See you soon, I hope.

	Hey Dave, No question, just wanted to wish you a very happy birthday! Renee in SF
	Thank you very much, Renee. I wish the same to you whenever your birthday comes around.

	Thank you, thank you, thank you for suggesting August Wilson!!!! I have just returned from the Milwaukee Repetory production of "Gem of the Ocean". The acting was superb, the play, typical genius. I cannot even begin to put into words the extent of my feelings. S
	Hey Sonja: Yeah, August Wilson was a true genius. I'm glad you were so moved by his words. So many of his plays are so deeply based in blues music and metaphors, that watching or reading his work is like listening to a great song by Skip James or Memphis Minnie. Good luck on your quest and I'll see you somewhere down the road.

	Dave, Just wanted to say happy birthday...enjoy! Ed & Betty ps Never stop rocking the The Rythem Room. Thanks.
	Hey Ed and Betty: Thanks for the birthday message. It's much appreciated. And, yeah, I have no intention to "stop rocking." At my age I may look a bit silly doing it but, on the other hand, it's all I know how to do.

	Happy Birthday Dave! It was a good week for getting the country back on track. Yay!! A request here: Where can I find the DA stickers?? You've given me two - one for the Alfa and one for the Acura but I've replaced the latter with a S60 Volvo. And the car just cannot reflect my varied interests without a nod to DA. Hope you enjoyed your summer tour. Thanks for coming to the Turf Club in St Paul! We like every opportunity we're given to lord it over Minneapolis. Susan
	Hey Susan: Yeah, it looks like we finally have some of the old fashioned Constitutional checks and balances back in government. That can only be a good thing. As far as the DA stickers go, I think I have a few left but I'll try to find one for your new car. Just like in politics, I'd hate not be represented among your "various interests."

	Happy belated birthday, Dave! Hope it was your usual blast of a birthday. If you talk to Smog, tell him I saw "Dirty Al" at the NY Dolls show in SF last week and Al says hi.
	Hey Joann: Thanks for the belated birthday message and please forgive my belated response. I'll certainly pass your message to Smoggy. My questions to you: Who is Dirty Al? How were The Dolls? How's your son? Did he enjoy The World Series? Looking forward to seeing you and the SF gang soon someday, somewhere.

	Why are Dave's answers incomplete?
	Good question, Scot. For some reason, many of Dave's recent responses are getting cut off and I don't yet know why. We're looking into it and will try to correct the problem soon. scot

	Hello Dave, I'm a fan going back about 15 years or so (I was late to the Blasters party, but discovered you when I was working as a writer for a magazine called CD Review.) Anyway, thought you'd be interested in knowing that my 75-year-old father, a retired professor of economics and longtime folk guitarist, fell in love with the "Public Domain" CD when I played a few cuts for him off it this summer. (He had liked the Springsteen/Woody Guthrie tribute, and I said if you like that, you've gotta hear Public Domain.)The upshot is that our family chipped in and bought him a banjo for his 75th birthday in June, and he's spent much of the summer and early fall teaching himself not only to play it, but to play and sing some of your songs from Public Domain (He does a pretty mean "Mama Ain't Long For The Day" and "What Did The Deep Sea Say"). He lives in central New Jersey, and wanted to get the Folk Music Society of Princeton, NJ to invite you for a talk/performance, but I'm not sure if he's actually going to follow through on it. Probsably couldn't afford you, anyway. :) Keep up the great music--loved the California songwriters album and saw you this summer with Guilty Men in Cambridge, MA--you guys were great! Ira Shull Shirley, MA
	Hey Ira: Wow! That's a wonderful story. Your father sounds like a great guy and I'm extremely touched that my CD had some sort of affect on him. The fact that he's teaching himself banjo at 75 gives me some hope for the future seeing how I've always wanted to play some banjo but have been too lazy or distracted to learn. Now I've got no excuse. It sounds to me like he's the one who should do the lecture to the Folk Music Society of Princeton. I mean anyone that can combine economics AND the very uneconomical love of folk music, has definitely something to say. Please send him my best and tell him thanks for the inspi

	Hey Dave, I just wanted to tell you how much I really appreciate your album, "Ashgrove." It's one of the best records I've heard in a long time. I am a 50 year old, lifelong, east coast musician, influenced by many different players and musical styles and I am very happy to add you to my list greats. I was certainly fam