My names is Fabrizio and I love the blues.

I'm Italian.

On the Web I found your fantastic article about the birth of the blues in the South San Francisco Bay area.

I'm a blues musician and radio speaker.

Some years ago I wrote two articles about Gary Smith's blues story. I think that was the first article published on European magazine about Gary.

Ask Gary about me.

Also I wrote to you because I would like to know some news about the music story of Paul Durkett.

The only news that I've to know about Durkett is the tune "Steady" published from Crosscut label on a West Coast blues harmonica anthology called "Got Love If Want It." I will be happy to receive some news and a photo about Durkett because I would like to write an article about legendary harmonica players of the West Coast. Do you know if Durkett has a cassette or CD for sale? Please let me know.

Thank you in advance for your reply.

Best regards,

Fabrizio Berti
Quarrata (Pistoia) Italy
September 17, 2004

Hey John,

I loved your site and was thrilled to see my old band-mate, the king of the 88's, Mr. Sid Morris, mentioned in part with the legacy of the 10101 Blues Hotel. I had the great fortune of growing up in the era of the Bodega, Keystone Corner(s), JJ's and Henfling's Roadhouse, when on any given Friday or Saturday night you could experience those blues acts mentioned on your site. Those were incredible days to be a musician. Sid Morris, Paul Durkett (replacement for Gary Smith), Ken (last name not known)- Drums, Frank DeRose -bassist, Jack Sanford-Tenor Sax and Mike Osborn all played in one the most influential blues bands of that time...Paul Durkett and The Houserockers, maybe some mention of this great band would add to your trivia bio...they certainly have earned the right! I had the great pleasure of playing drums for Sid, Frank and Jack with Gary Weller on guitar in Sid's band the Roadhouse Rockers in the late '90s, it was the thrill of my drumming career to have been associated with such great players and people, I will always cherish that project.

I am in the process, with the owners of the Gaslighter Theaters in Campbell and Gilroy, in promoting Blues and Jazz shows for the new generation of local players coming up. The Gaslighter in Campbell has been very successful in promoting local and national hard rock and punk bands, we want to do the same for the young jazz and blues artist as well. I will keep in touch with you to let you know about our progress.

Best regards,

Joe Rizzi
Director of Marketing
The Gaslighter Theaters
www.thegaslighter.com
July 15, 2004

LOL, that was exactly how I saw it and the same exact way I felt after I watched the movie. Actually, it bothered me for days after I first watched it. I somehow really got into the movie and had put myself in their place. It was great!! LOL. I don't even know if you are still taking emails, but I enjoyed your thoughts of the movie. Thanks

Joy Ann
February 13, 2004

You need to read the series from the beginning. This (''To the Nines'' by Janet Evanovich) was one of the weakest books as far as the mystery side, I agree, but it was one of the funnier ones. The mystery side isn't real challenging in any of the books, the challenging part is seeing how Stephanie will stumble through it because she is more realistic than most characters. I read this series for the humor, mystery, romance in that order. You get everything in one book.

My least favorite parts about the book was constantly having Ranger or Joe with her all the time and the ending. Ranger would not have let her stumble around in the factory and waited for her. The best part was the first few pages, the funniest thing I have ever read. You can tell Janet enjoys what she is doing.

I know it is 2 months since you wrote the review, but I always have to speak to the female viewpoint. The weird logic that makes someone pack a cooler of meat for lunch and really hoping it will make them thinner explains it.

Becky Lagerquist
October 12, 2003

I'm not proud of this, and not trying to defend myself in any way (why start now?), but recently I ran a red light to make a right turn. This is at a long exit ramp coming off the freeway, and the overpass is least 500 feet away. There were no cars on this side of the overpass, but there were two on the other side. The second one was a State Highway Patrol car. He pulled me over, and was very polite. The following is the stuff that came to mind during our little conversation, followed in parentheses by what I actually said.

SHP: Do you know why I pulled you over, sir?

Me: You probably would say I did not make a full and complete stop at the light.

SHP: Is there some reason that you did not stop for the light?

Me: Because I wanted to get to work on time, but now that's not possible. You sure took your sweet time getting up here. (Not a good one, officer.)

SHP: There were other cars back there. Clearly the other cars stopped, so they must have had a clear view of the light.

Me: Clearly those other cars were turning LEFT. If I had done that, you wouldn't be standing beside me with dry pants and inane observations. (I didn't have any trouble seeing the light, sir.)

See, I need an outlet for this kind of thing. I played Triviana games during my break at work that day. Who knows how much money and/or jail time that might have saved me.

Name Withheld
October 31, 2001

Hello,

I am just writing to let you know how much I loved the Bennett Brauer tribute on your site. The material was nothing less than absolutely hysterical. I bumped into your site while trying to gather Bennett Brauer info for a site I was making about him.

My Bennett Brauer site is now complete. I've got sounds and quotes, and I added a link to your Bennett Brauer tribute. I was very inspired by your site which posted sayings that sounded like it was coming from Bennett Brauer himself. I did, in fact, rip off your idea to make up quotes for him, I hope you're not angry. I just couldn't help it, it was so much fun thinking of things for him to say. If you want to check out my site, it is located at: www.geocities.com/motivatedmayo

Lulu Zulu
August 22,2001

When I was in college a favorite (I MEAN FAVORITE) album in the house was ELVIN BISHOP ROCK MY SOUL

I read your review

I wish VH1 (or someone) would do behind the music about Elvin Bishop

He is a true legend, playing with Mike Bloomfield

The album ROCK MY SOUL, is one of the most unnoticed great rock-and-roll albums

Stephen Arnade
July 17, 2001

Uh ... I couldn't find a full listing for such an album, although I suspect it exists on vinyl somewhere. There are a number of great Elvin Bishop albums out there, though, including some compilations that include the song "Rock My Soul."

-- John Orr