Ray,

Thanks for shipping 'COOL JESUS'. What a very big suprise to hear this 'COOL JESUS'! Skiffle jug and a little bit of rockabilly!

I hear all the great sounds of the early Mungo-years. It's open my heart again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep hands up high for this new old sounds !

It seems to be the sound of the ARMY-LP in a new jacket with some influence of the 'BOOT POWER' sound. It brings me back to the sounds of the 'STOCKBROKER', 'WHISKY ALONE', 'BRAND NEW CAR', 'BABY LET'S PLAY HOUSE' and my all-time favourite, 'OLD DUST STORM' polished in a 21st century-sounds.

I prefer it. I remember an old interview with JOE RUSH who told that your voice is made for 'Skiffle and Jug'. After hearing this sound I know one thing for sure: HE'S RIGHT!

'FAR AWAY' sounds great and of course 'COOL JESUS'!

It's good to search new ways of making music but never forget the old glory. However it's late, I will also will give my compliments for the 'MR MIDNIGHT' song. It's a typical song in a non-MUNGO style, but it sounds great!

So after all: It was a good time to gamble !

greetings,

Roel Van Ekeris

Hello Ray,

My name is Milan, I´m the Webmaster of the German MARC BOLAN Tribute Site 'METAL GURU' and a big fan of you since my childhood. I´m also the one who told my American friend Marc of you. You may wonder why a T.REX fan is writing to you, but before I was a MARC BOLAN fan, I´ve already been a big MUNGO JERRY fan and that´s up till now. Everytime I listen to your music it brings me in a very good mood. So I want to thank you for the great work and the compositions you´ve made. I hope you will keep on writing music for many more years. I´m very keen to hear your new CD. I never heard MUNGO JERRY live and so I´ve managed to get the 'LIVE IN BULGARIA' LP on e-Bay...man that´s great!!!...I haven´t seen the album before, so I had to wait so many years,,,now I saw you also selling that album as a CD in your shop…I should have had a look before.

I will place a link to your site soon and wish you all the best for the future,

Rock with love,

Milan.

Click here to visit TANX WEB website.

Click here to visit METAL GURU website.

Hi Milan,

Great to hear from you and thanks for you nice words. I can have links put to your sites too.

If you send an address, I will ask for copies of my latest recordings be sent to you, also, have you heard my versions of 'I LOVE TO BOOGIE' and 'HOT LOVE', this was done for a MARC BOLAN tribute album? I can have CDR's made of these for you too.

Keep up the good work.

Cheers,

Ray.

Hi Ray,

My apologies for intruding, but am using the 'Fan Club' facility for this purpose.

Firstly let me thankyou for putting yourself in a position where this is possible it is a fantastic opportunity for us all. As a life long fan (since 1970) I welcome this greatly as I am sure do all fans both old/new, young and not so young etc.

My questions (two of) are as follows.

I moved from the UK to Perth Australia in April 2005 and having been a regular attender at the Mr Kypps and Poole Park gigs (as well as the occasional other eg. Blues tour at Wimborne) in the past, I find that I miss these performances greatly, therefore are there any plans for you to tour in Australia? I have recently seen a few lesser bands and artists than yourself over here touring and believe that 'MUNGO JERRY' would be more than welcome. (I would even buy you a 'Redback' beer or two and invite you round for a Barbie)

Secondly, Now having finally purchased a house in Perth Metro and settling into a family routine eg. BBQs, work, BBQs, school for my son, BBQs and did I mention the BBQs etc.etc. I am now in a position to increase my 'RAY DORSET' and 'MUNGO' music and video collection. Unfortunately at the moment the more recent recordings are a little hard to come by locally, (perhaps there is a need for a tour to increase this) I know I can order these through the Fan Club, but could you also tell me if there are any sites I can download these from (It would obviously be legal and paid for) to save the possible loss in the post, and prolonged frustration at the waiting time once ordered, etc.

Thankyou for taking the time to read this. Wishing yourself and family all the best. Keep up the good work.

(Just to let you know, My sons favourite song is 'YELLOW GLOVES' and although I continue to change my mind, at the moment mine is "LOVIN'IN THE ALLEYS, FIGHTIN'IN THE STREETS" next month it will be ???)

Yours Martyn.

Hi Martyn,

Good to hear from you, just did a great gig with the MUNGO JERRY BLUESBAND on the island of Ferhmarn in Germany, it is a JIMI HENDRIX memorial, I did the original festival in 1970 and the new one has been running for 11 years, this was the last gig that Jimi did before he died.

I have just completed two new albums and I am working now on the new MUNGO JERRY BLUESBAND album. All the tracks from these, plus just about all of my old stuff will soon be available on download from the MJ shop, all the mp3's have been made so the site should be online pretty soon.

I have not been to OZ since 1972, we all had a great time in Perth, in fact we stayed on for an extra week at the end of the tour.

Enjoy the barbies and thanks again.

Cheers,

Ray

Hi Ray,

I´m back from Tahiti with a "report" about your Tahitian fans and with a question.

Look at the included photo, the Tahitian dancer it shows is a fan of yours. Unfortunately, I don´t have a photo of a local musician, Joel (vocals/guitar/ukulele), who looks even more like you than Teiva does. Joel is a great fan of yours, he only didn´t know that you´re still so active. (Computers and internet are still very expensive in French Polynesia.) When I made Joel listen to "ADULTS ONLY", he got so enthusiastic about it that I had to let him keep the CD and had to get myself a new one here. You´ve got quite some fans in Tahiti. - The Heiva (=celebration of life) festival was again an absolute knockout this year, you would have loved it. I´m impatiently waiting for next June/July, as my immigration efforts haven´t yet been successful, it´s not easy to immigrate there.

Well, now about my question: there are rumours that you won´t do oldie events any more. We all here understand why you feel that way. But, as we got plans to go to the event at Übach-Palenberg (9th Sept. near Aachen), we would like to know: will you be there or will you probably cancel? Because none of us would even think of going there if you won´t be there.We would just come to see YOU, because you and your band are the only authentic ones among those who "sing" there. Please don´t disappoint us.

Anyway,all the best for you and those who´re close to you,many fulfilled dreams, great health, have lots of fun, and:

KEEP ON ROCKIN´!

Hugs and kisses,

Waltraud "Moana" Kaesen - (28/08/06)

Hi Waltraud,

Great to hear from you.

I wiil be doing the gig, only problem is, I have been booked for half playback, so I will not be with my band.

I'm trying to avoid the Oldie Night Shows because I feel that I would like to perform as an artist in my own right and not as a revivalist doing loads of sixties/seventies covers. Although when I do the odd playback show I do a fifties type medley, etc, depends on my mood! I play at some family parties and tend to sing a lot of the old songs that I grew up with.

I have not downloaded the pics yet, I'm off to the studio for work on the new MUNGO JERRY BLUESBAND album.

Take care and thanks again.

Cheers,

Ray.

Hi Ray,

Thanks for answering, it proves that you appreciate your fans.Now that we know that you´ll be in Übach-Palenberg we can look forward to the evening.

By the way, I love fifties music as well, there are quite many (often played) Chuck Berry/ Fats Domino/Elvis records in my collection. O.K., I may be a few years too young to be a witness of the era, but I love the music. I´m still searching for some rarities. Thanks to a neighbour I discovered the music of Professor Longhair. - Well, I´d better close the topic "music", otherwise I´d write you an e-book istead of an e-mail..

Thanks again,

Hugs and kisses from Renate, Uli and me, we´re looking forward to your new album.

KEEP ON ROCKIN´,

Cheers,

Waltraud "Moana"

Hi Ray,

My name is Marc, I live in New Jersey, U.S.A, I always loved 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' but I'm sad to say I never heard any of your other music 'til I made a friend in Germany this year. He loves you guys and told me about you and MUNGO JERRY.

And now, I'm telling my friends to listen to your music! Ray, I just want to say I am a MUNGO JERRY fan now, your music is great, every song I hear I love it! I can't believe I never heard all this great music 'til this year!

Ray, thank you for all your great music and keep on rockin'! Do you have any plans to do a U.S gig?

Your new fan.

Marc, New Jersey, U.S.A - (03/08/06)

Hi Marc,

Great to hear from you, thanks for the nice mail.

I have not been to the States for a couple of years but when I get the current recording projects completed, I may try and to get something going for next year.

We are putting a compilation together at the moment of tracks covering various albums from the past few years, so if you mail me your address, I'll get a complimentary copy sent to you.

Keep in touch and Keep On Rockin'

Cheers

Ray - (03/08/06)

Hi Ray,

Thank you so much, I can't wait to get the CD, I will tell everyone in work tomorrow (ha-ha), wow, this is great!

OK Ray, I don't want to take too much of your time.

Thank you so much, your friend and big fan.

Marc - (03/08/06)

Thought you'd be interested to know...Kim and I are regulars at a small folk club at our local in South Brent, she plays her fiddle, I do a few songs on acoustic guitar (plus occasional harmonica, kazoo) and busk along with the musicians on guitar and mandolin. Last night I did 'COMING BACK TO YOU WHEN THE TIME COMES' which they all said was a really beautiful song, and asked whether it was one of my own compositions! They were quite astonished when I told them where it came from.

Cheers

John Van Der Kiste - (27/07/06)

Hi, Ray,

Just had to write you to say: A BILLION THANKS FOR YOUR MUSIC!!!

It helped me out of a down that had got rather close to costing me my job. After my mother died, a friendship broke and two colleagues bullied me. I fell ill for months, was like a defect robot, even booked my annual stay in Tahiti without real joy. Even my beloved Polynesian music only conjured up sad memories, so it didn´t have any "healing" effect, but your music did! I´m getting back to life again. Work is easier, I can cope with the bullies far better now. I´m looking forward to my Tahiti stay in the end of June, that´ll mean the whole month of July full of songs and dances.

I´ve joined an animals´ rights group, went to my first party in ten months, write stupid poems to make others laugh etc. etc...

One more time: thank you so much! I wish you lots of love, happy moments, human warmth, joy, great health, lots of creative power, lots of funny situations to laugh and real true friends who´re there for you when you need them. And;

KEEP ON ROCKING!!!

Hugs and kisses,

Waltraud "Moana" Kaesen - (07/05/06)

Hi Derek,

Yes, tonight is fully booked by MUNGO JERRY. I cannot wait to hear, 'GIVE IT ALL YOU'VE GOT' and 'I COULD NEVER START LOVING YOU', again as it has been many years. The CD's have just arrived safely.

Thankyou so much!

Take good care and I will know doubt be in touch with other orders at some point in the future.

Bob Prichard - (23/03/06)

And follow up letter...

Just a quick note! I have to admit I had completely forgotten what a good and most underrated album, 'LOVIN'IN THE ALLEYS' is having not listened to it for a very long time. Up until now I have had to make do with snippets on various compilation CD's. My LP player gave up the ghost and was replaced with a CD player sadly. The French bonus track, 'I DO WHAT I WANT' is brilliant (had never heard it before) and though I hate to say it it gives my all time favourites, 'MAGGIE', 'DUST PNEUMONIA BLUES', 'O'REILLY', 'NORTHCOTE ARMS' 'LITTLE MISS HIPSHAKE' and 'MEAN WOMAN BLUES' a run for their money.

Take very good care.

Bob Prichard - (25/03/06)

My name is Austin Murray I wrote to you a few years back regarding your musical work. You sent me a letter along with some singles that were not available in the United States. The reason why I am writing to you is because their is a website called Myspace.com that I think you should check out for your music. The website is like a networking tool, for friends, bands, and well just about anything. I have a space on there if you would be interested in seeing it,

click here to visit the site.

I'm 24 years old and ever since I was a little boy of 4 years old listening to the tape my father made from the MUNGO JERRY record, I have been a huge fan of your work with MUNGO JERRY and your solo work. From the research I have done on you, you seem to not be playing at all in the U.S. I hope maybe that could change one day, but if not I'll be in Europe to track you down. I'm actually going back home to Ireland in a week for 12 days, who knows maybe I'll fly to Germany...ha,ha,ha.....well I hope you check the myspace page out and set one up for yourself, and if you want I can set it up for you...I hope to hear from you soon, and keep on rocking.

Thanks for your time,

Austin Murray - (14/02/06)

Does Ray still tour the UK...Anything Planned this year ??

I have EVERY single from, 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' untill MUNGO JERRY Split. I also have all the albums up to 'BRAND NEW CADI'(???),Also have a copy of 'TROUBLE AT MILL' by KING EARL BOOGIE BAND.

I was 15 in 1970 and I remember my mates and myself having a ball..'IN THE SUMMERTIME' really meant something...and MUNGO JERRY were great..

It was a fight to see which one of us managed to get to the record shop and get the next released single first....(Every time one came out). We had many a friday/Sat night in one of our parents houses playing the records and generally fooling arround...

Oh for those days again !!!!

'IN THE SUMMERTIME' was all it was meant to be..great fun, great music and a great time!

I have never met Ray but I loved every minute (and still do) of every track..I still play them..the old maxi Singles and albums now and then and transport myself back to the days when we didnt have a care in the world...

You can tell Ray from me, THANKS for the music and all the fun me and my mates had back then..

Cheers Andy Drummond - (18/01/06)

Hi Ray,

Just a note to say thanks for your appearance at Oxfam last Saturday. All the volunteers enjoyed it and felt it had been a great success. Many people came into the shop who otherwise wouldn't have done. Thanks also for your kindness in leaving our names on the door at Mr Kyps. We came and really enjoyed the show, and met some enthusiastic fans on the way out. One woman apparently had come from Manchester to hear you - she was very impressed that you had done your bit for Oxfam!

The Echo got a press release and a photo from us today, and I'll be in touch when the other photos become available.

Thanks again.

Gaye Weddup - (17/10/05)

What can I say that can describe what we experienced last night?

Thanks for two and a half hours of unbelievable entertainment, I wish I had your energy, how you do it I do not know. Maybe next time I see you, you let me have the secret.

Anyway best wishes to you and all the family and thanks again.

Hope to see you soon.

Andy Brown - (16/10/05)
PS. If you have any of the posters of you and the Harley can I buy some?

Mr. Dorset, I hope you don't mind me sending this straight to you...My name is Elias Coblentz. I'm 19 and from Cedar Rapids, Iowa here in the US. I'm a huge fan of MUNGO JERRY. When I first heard songs like 'PUSHBIKE SONG' (???) and 'LADY ROSE', I was instantly hooked. In my mind, MUNGO JERRY is, with all due respect to THE BEATLES, the best band to ever come out of the UK. It's a damn shame that, except for "Summertime" (and even that is hardly ever played here these days) you guys seem to be unknown over here. I feel quite alone when it comes to the genius that is your music because nobody, especially folks my age, give two whoops about a band that in their minds was a one hit wonder. It's also a shame that I will probably never get to see you guys live, or meet you in person (you're one of my earthly heroes) for, as I'm sure you know, we college students aren't exactly full of cash. Anytime you guys are within a 500 mile radius of Iowa, I'm going to be at that show!

Your music is so spectacular. I am amazed every time I listen to one of your records that such a perfect blend of music, lyrics and vocals is possible. When a live clip of you guys playing "Summertime" came on the VH1 Classic TV channel here the other day, I about lost my head in excitement. (Loved the chops from the '70s by the way!)

Just thought I would let you know how much your music means to me and to say keep up the good work.

Best Regards,

Elias Coblentz - (18/09/05)

Hi Derek,

Wanting to get, 'LOVIN'IN THE ALLEYS, FIGHTIN'IN THE STREETS' for years. There used to be a secondhand record shop in Exeter called Caterpillar. Me and a brother of mine always spent our pocket money on used LP's in this shop. My brother had bought Mungo's album, 'BOOT POWER' and sometime later had bought, 'LOVIN'IN THE ALLEYS' as he was a motorbike fan and loved the Moto Guzzi on the front sleeve. (personally, I preferred the lady whoever she was ). I was then given the LP as a birthday present about a year on.

Anyway, as technology progressed and this album gradually became very scratched and folorn looking and my steam record player had given up the ghost, the album along with all the rest got confined to the loft and forgotten about. Sometime later, the CD player became an affordable commodity and thus started the search for a lot of my lp's on cd. I thought I had pretty much remembered most of my lp collection and successfully found them on cd when about 6 months ago a friend of mine lent me, 'THE BEST OF MUNGO JERRY - THE POLYDOR YEARS'. Oh my, how the memories came flooding back when, 'GONE TO MALAYA', 'HEAVY FOOT STOMP', ( which was always my favourite and always ranked number one in my own homemade chart show ) came on. For me after hearing this a mission was about to start which found me trawling websites such as Play and Amazon but there was no copy of, 'LOVIN'IN THE ALLEYS' available on CD. I even wrote to Polydor but to no avail. Well the rest is history I stumbled upon your website saw the picture of the album and my jaw dropped when I read it was available on CD. The CD arrived on Saturday just before I was going away for my stag weekend. The drive down to work this morning was made very enjoyable listening to, 'HEAVY FOOT STOMP' at a volume level which is normally reserved for nightclubs.

Oh how the memories have begun!

Cheers Derek

Mark Bathard - (22/08/05) - International Fire Fighters Magazine.

Hi Derek,

Just a brief message to say thank you for all the cd's and posters I sent for a few weeks ago. The posters are up in my kitchen, and the cd's are being played constantly. Fantastic music, I have to play something every day. It won't be long before I will be sending for some more.

Bye for now,

Jean Wallbank - (29/07/05)