PAGE 2


Hi Teppo,

Thanks for all of your interest in my stuff, I love the album that you sent over, terrific!

THE PIRATES were a great band, I saw the original line up with JOHNNY KIDD at Hounslow Baths, Middlesex, which is just outside of London. Mick's guitar playing was a big influence on myself and many others.

I will get the lyrics on to a Word file and email them over to you ASAP.

Keep on Rockin' to you and the guys,

Cheers, Ray.


Hi Ray

Thank you very much. Your message really made my day! I'm quite sure you'll like our 'ALL DRESSED UP' -version with JOHNNY SPENCE. As a trio we've played the song on stage for some time already, it always goes down very well, like a storm I'd say. Can't wait to see how the words for the second verse are!

I've been a fan of MUNGO JERRY since 1971, when I got my first MUNGO-single, it was 'BABY JUMP'. I do like all kind of MUNGO-stuff, pop songs, hits, everything, but my biggest favorites are those rhythm & blues- and rock'n'roll-kind of things, for example all those B-sides from the 70's, and the summer holiday EP. 'NAKED FROM THE HEART' is probably my favorite album. And I love those two MUNGO JERRY BLUESBAND albums. I've seen you only once on stage, it was sometime in 1988 here in Helsinki, a big outdoor concert, which was arranged by a local radio station.

Glad you liked our album. "Hittin' the big MUNGO note" started as an electric 'MIGHTY MAN' (the song after which I nicknamed our current drummer), and then it turned out to be a tribute song. I think I've been overdosing my bandmates with your music, while driving to our gigs, it's very often MUNGO JERRY music blasting from our CD player.

Thank you again and all the best

Teppo Nättilä, Helsinki, Finland - (16/09/08)




Thanks so much for the response Ray, that will give me enough time to save money for this trip! We have adored your music for many years and do believe you have a gift that not many artist survive.

As a matter of a fact, two of my children have Ray for a middle name! You are great and many blessings are sent your way.

Keep up the great work!

Alice, U.S.A - (14/09/08)


Hi Alice,

I expect to perform a couple of songs only at the NAMM Jam, L.A in January.

Cheers,

Ray.




Dear Ray,

I hope you remember me (Walter with the knee thing) and Barbara (the shy one), as I promised to reply to you on MUNGOMANIA,...here we go!

First of all thanks for the nice gig, and the time you gave us afterwards, finally this small town rocked, at least one time. We kept your autographs in a good place, and will remember this afternoon for a long time!!!

Unbelievable that in such a short time you made so many people happy, my father is so thankful about the signed cover as well. I hope it was not the last time you visited Austria, and I would be happy if you’d let us know somehow before so I can pre-order you a bigger schnitzel ( I know it was good there but not big enough).

We hope you had a nice time with us too, and when I cruise again through Mödling in my car, radio shouting out loud 'IN THE SUMMERTIME', I make sure that none of those ears around forget that appearance.

Thankfully yours, looking forward to a reunion with a small beer,

Walter & Barbara from Austria-Mödling (7/9/08)



Hi,

Sorry to bother you, but could you please tell me when JAMIE ROBERTS played with your band, and how long did he play with you?

Also, would you be so kind to tell me what hits he drummed on for MUNGO JERRY, as some believe he was the drummer in the re-released version of 'IN THE SUMMERTIME'. Is this true?

Many regards and thanks

Danny Pearce - (26/06/08)

Danny,

No trouble at all! JAMEI (as I believe he spelt it) was with MUNGO JERRY for quite some time, off the top of my head, from the late 80's until the mid-90's. He played on various recordings, probably most notably on the 'SNAKEBITE' album in 1990, but not on any of the UK hits as they were all in the 70's and the first four were at a time when the band didn't have a drummer at all.

He didn't play on the original 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' way back in 1970, but may have played on later re-recordings of the song as there have been many. It was only ever re-released once in 1975 but re-recorded many times.

I didn't know him well myself but often chatted to him at gigs, he was known as 'CRAZY JAMEI ROBERTS'!

Do you know Jamei?

Cheers - Alan, MUNGOMANIA!

Thank you Alan,

I know him slightly, as every time he speaks, he puts next to his name, former drummer of MUNGO JERRY but after looking at the website he dosnt seem to feature in many of the bands pixs or original line ups?

Thank you for your help though, it was very good of you to write back.

Danny Pearce.

Danny,

You're right, there doesn't seem to be much about JAMEI on the site, but I have attached a couple of pics featuring him.

We used to produce fanzines, but they started just about the time he left, so that might explain his absence a bit. I know that I have a few photo's of him so I will get around to adding them to the site.

He was in the band for quite a few years though, and should have more of a mention. If you see him, see if he will get in touch with us? He may be happy to do an interview, he deserves a page of his own!

Cheers - Alan.




Hi there,

My name is Mark and I am trying to find out when the Cardiff Castle gig was in the 70's?

I am sure it was about 1975(ish) which 'wudda' made me 12 Years old when my cousins sneaked me out ( they were supposed to be babysitting me ) and we sneaked in to the castle, to see MUNGO JERRY.

I was invited up on stage, do you remember by any chance (I realise it was still the hippy era for some)? I 'wudda' been quite skinny and had long-ish blonde hair.

I would love it if there was any footage or pics or even if someone remembered the incident, it was and still is a superb memory for a kid.

Mark - (26/06/08)

Mark,

I am pretty sure that it was 1973, as the drummer at the time (PAUL HANCOX), was only in the band for a short time in...1973, and fell stepping down from the stage and broke his ankle. He was able to complete the gig and played drums on the 1973 hit single, 'ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT'.

I am checking this with RAY DORSET (lead singer then and now), who should be able to confirm.

There is an account of the Cardiff Castle gig on the website - www.mungomania.com - located in the interviews page (PAUL HANCOX).

Hope this helps?

Cheers - Alan, MUNGOMANIA!


"Paul got married just after the gig, he wore his blue wedding shoes, high platforms, on stage, slipped over and twisted his ankle and we had to get TIM REEVES back in the band to take over, this was just before the release of 'ALRIGHT ALRIGHT ALRIGHT', Bob and Tim got on well together as did JOHNNY COOK, who already knew Tim, I think that they were in a band together, '73 it was."

Cheers,

Ray Dorset.



Hi,

Like the site, have loved MUNGO JERRY since I first heard them on the juke box when I was in the Scouts. We were in Switzerland at the time in 1970 and the locals where going wild over the record, 'MIGHTY MAN', it was in a café 'Chauld the Chez Max'. When I got back to Hull I bought the record and have been buying his records since then.

What I wondered was if he is ever coming to Hull? I know he has been, but couldn't get time off work to go, or is he coming anywhere near to me?

Yours.

Nicholas Cox, Hull - (14/06/08)




Hi Derek,

Some months ago I ordered the album 'NAKED FROM THE HEART', and I've been listening to it ever since, all the time, really!

Stunning stuff, definitely my album of the year 2007, RAY DORSET is a genius!

By the way, I also work for Finnish national radio, and have played some tracks from 'NAKED'..." on my weekly Countrydoctor's roots music show.

Now I had to get more of this amazing music. So I just ordered three more CD's. Will order more later.

Best regards.

Teppo Nättilä, Finland - (02/05/08)




Thanks Derek,

I got it! It's incredible!!!! DORSET is a unrivaled rock, pop and blues giant!!! My neighbor is boasting he is a blues guru, but when I played for him 'ADULTS ONLY', he was stoned with surprise and awe after learning that yes, it's still the same ole MUNGO JERRY who once stunned us with 'IN THE SUMMERTIME'.

Boris - (03/04/08)




Ray!

Just heard you singing 'PICK A BALE OF COTTON'....wow! Gotta be the best version I've ever heard!

Fantastic Ray!

John Surridge - (20/08/07)




Ray,

When I asked for your autograph I didn’t expect those kind gifts you sent me...God they are great and I thank you so much for the DVD and CD. I am listening to the CD in my car and like all true great songwriters you can make one genre like The Blues sound different; and that’s a fact. I remember JOHN LENNON once quoted having been asked in the 70’s what music THE BEATLES would now be recording, and he replied, "either with lots of Orchestration as they had been doing and sounding like E.L.O, or more to my roots with skiffle and great honest sounds like MUNGO JERRY"; well he knew what he was talking about and I certainly agree.

Absolutely fantastic Ray, and please forward me a gig guide if you are playing in Germany, or anywhere in Europe and both Lorna and I will get over to hear you and the band.

Now I have a sign business as part of my company setup, I can offer to make full colour digital prints for you free of charge; or anything along those lines.

Thanks again and keep rocking!

Robert Ferguson, Alva - (14/03/08)

Now that's a quote worth framing if ever there was one! I'd heard LENNON saying in an interview that had THE BEATLES carried on longer they would have sounded like E.L.O with the cellos and stuff, but the MUNGO bit is a new one to me. Come to think of it, 'SAN FRANCISCO BAY BLUES' would have been ideal for THE QUARRYMEN - maybe they did play it?

Cheers all

John Van Der Kiste, South Brent - (02/04/08)

Hi Ray,

Before I was even able to answer, our friend John sums it all up! I knew that LENNON was a fan of E.L.O's, but didn't realise he went for all things MUNGO too!

Judging at least by the intention of the 'LET IT BE' album, (i.e "One After 909"), he has actually got a point in going more to the skiffle and roots way.

I just came back from a 6-gig-tour of Merseyside with the BIELEFELD ROCK-A-TEERS, so I´m pleasantly full of all things LENNON and can appreciate such a quote even more.

So there, congratulations from my side as well, this is one to treasure.

Now, how about covering 'HEY BUNGALOW BILL'?

Cheers, talk soon, swing on!

Yours,

Uli Twelker.




Derek,

MUNGO CD arrived safely....it's a good 'un! Also VERY pleased that you included a signed photo of Ray.I got his autograph a few years back in the late '80's when I saw him live in a small pub (the Tavern) in Newport, Gwent.

Great friendly guy and I was so pleased to meet him and have a drink with him. He put on a brilliant show that night and I took loads of photo's....I probably got on his nerves a bit as wherever he went, I was there! Have always hoped he would return for another live date or,even better,that the original MUNGO JERRY would reform for a tour.

Anyway, enough from me and thanks again.

Best wishes.

Gareth Dando, Cwmcarn, Wales - (09/11/07)




Hi Ray,

Just received a copy of your new album, 'NAKED FROM THE HEART', I just want to say how brilliant it is and I cant stop playing it.

Will you be touring in the UK much next year? How about the Processed Pea in Etton again?

Cheers

Andy Harrison, Yorkshire - (08/11/07)




Hi Ray,

Just a note to say congratulations to you and the MUNGO JERRY BLUESBAND for producing such a knockout album. You've really hit the bullseye with this one, I reckon. Every track is a winner and I have played them at least 10 times each. So thanks for allowing me to hear them before the pressing.

It's a warm blues album, with top melodies and vocals, and deserves to be promoted to the hilt.

If I can help in any way, just let me know.

Cheers

Phil Welsh - (29/10/07)




Great thanks!

The CD (ADULTS ONLY) is fantastic! RAY DORSET has proved once again he is unrivaled in the rock world.

Down with Britney and MTI garbage! Give us more MUNGO JERRY!

It's a shame we know almost nothing in States about RAY DORSET's talent.

Thanks again Ray, wait for more orders.

Boris Grezin, U.S.A - (19/10/07)




Hi,

Excuse me for my English. I'm from Russia. Is it not difficult for you to give me some information about RAY DORSET? I like the music of "MUNGO JERRY" band and on your site I read that one of the last recordings of Ray called 'COOL JESUS'. But I don't hear this album and don't know what mean such title of it and don't read the texts of the songs. Can you tell me, what Ray think about Jesus Christ? And in this album don't he sing something bad about Jesus? It is very important for me, because I'm Christian. I hope you will understand me.

With best wishes,

Igor, Russia - (01/10/07).

Igor,

Good to hear from you! The COOL JESUS album is not released yet and the latest MJ album is called 'NAKED FROM THE HEART', which is available from the shop.

I cannot say for sure, but I believe that Ray is fairly religious and has before written and sang songs with a religious tone. Check out 'WHERE ARE YOU'? (CANDY DREAMS album) and 'HOW CAN I LIVE A LIE' (which was on the 'TOGETHER AGAIN' album and a few compilations) to see what I mean.

As far as the track 'COOL JESUS' goes, Ray is not putting down Jesus at all but basically saying how 'cool' Jesus was, and the lyrics are not a put down in any way.

I hope this helps you and keep in touch, it's good to get feedback from fans.

Alan - MUNGOMANIA!




Dear Ray,

Such a pleasure it is to speak to you. We have our own MUNGO JERRY fan club here in Malta, a group of around 50 members, but surely if you were to greet us with your presence I am positive that there would be quite a high turn out for the gig. I am sure that no one would miss the chance of hearing legendary songs such as 'LADY ROSE' and 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' coming from the man himself!.

The venue can be easily sorted out, and I have a friend of mine who runs a 3 star hotel if you're interested, thus you could lodge over there during the stay. Do you have any recommended dates where you might have even the slightest possibility of maybe coming over?

This would mean so much to all of us if it became possible.

Thanking you a lot for spending some time in replying previously,

Scott Grech in Malta - (04/10/07).

PS -Once again, thank you.

Hi Scott,

Thanks for sending the mail.

Please let me have your mailing address and I will get some Mungo stuff sent to you.

I was in Malta only one time for a show, a long time ago, myself and the band had a very good time there and I would be very happy to do a show for you if possible.

Very Best Wishes,

Cheers,Ray.




I'd always thought there had to be something about MUNGO JERRY on the web. I'd just never 'gotten around to looking. The truth be told, I never knew much about the band, whether they were still around, or even who the members were. 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' was such a huge hit over here in the States (I imagine you know that it's still played quite frequently on all the oldies" stations) and I and most of my friends bought the LP (I think it was just called MUNGO JERRY?) and came to love all of the other songs on it too! I guess it must have been a USA only album, as I didn't see it on your site?

Now that I know all that is out there, I intend to purchase some of the other albums whenever I get the chance - temporary cash-flow problems at present!

Well anyway, I just wanted to let you know how happy I am to find out that there's lots of new (to me) MJ music to discover.

Keep up the good work!

Dave Newport, Brazil, USA - (10/09/07)




I thought it be OK to let you know, I received the two CD's today.

Oh, too cool, I'm jazzed! I love both of them! 'COCKTAIL' and 'ALL THE HITS PLUS MORE' - 'IT'S A SECRET' and 'THE PUSHBIKE SONG'.

Gonna go and enjoy!

Thank you so very much for your help.

Sincerely, Terrie - (29/08/07)




Ha ha... I found the website looking for news of the new MUNGO JERRY album given a 4 star review in Uncut (or was it Mojo?).

I was delighted to realise this was the club I was a member of in the 90s and bought some great tapes from ~ and remember that night in Newcastle/Jesmond, at The Archer was it?

Glad to see you're still going... I must have a look in the 'shop.'

Mike Ollier, Sunderland - (13/08/07)



Hi Guys, how ru?

Just thought you might like to see the t-shirt - me and my grandson are wearing at the moment...

'Somerset-man! - (12/08/07)



Hello Ray,

Robert from Shrewsbury, a great fan of yours back from 1974, 'IN THE SUMMERTIME' was the big hit then. My interest started from school as my hair was like yours, they called me MUNGO JERRY! You were great live, great bands like yours never get lost in time, after all the years gone by still every one has heard 'IN THE SUMMERTIME', goes to show how good you were. I've got in my collection two very sort after (maxi) singles, 'BABY JUMP', THE MAN BEHIND THE PIANO', 'LIVE FROM HOLLYWOOD and 'LADY ROSE', 'HAVE A WHIFF ON ME', 'MILK COW BLUES', LITTLE LOUIS'.

Great stuff!

Lots of respect from Robert Wada, Shrewsbury - (10/07/07).


Hi Ray,

Got the album - great stuff, thank you very much.

Some fantastic new songs, and the three covers you chose are top notch - I especially like 'HEY GYP', we used to play that in my first band, THE MAD MACHINE in the late sixties.

I will tell you about my favourites when I´ve heard the album more often, but meanwhile - what I can say now is that it´s great fun and that you sound so happy, relaxed and completely in your element.

Also, it´s an ambient, natural sound of people breathing music in one room, untouched by digital coldness - while the sound is as crisp as it gets right through the session. Stand-up bass is an essential ingredient, as is the well-defined combination of colourful electric and acoustic guitars and a dirty drum sound. Plus, your voice is carefree and dedicated at the same time.

You should tour this line-up up and down Europe, Ray!

Thanks again and talk soon, swing on,

Uli Twelker, Germany - (30/06/07)


Ray,

I agree totally with that and especially with "You should tour this line-up up and down Europe, Ray!"

Jean Jacques Bedrossian, Cannes La Bocca, France (03/07/07)


Ray,

Couldn't agree more, looking at all the festivals going on this summer (what summer?) a MUNGO JERRY band should be taking part, add a spot from PAUL KING and the media will be purring just like a MUNGO JERRY cat!

Derek Wadeson, St.Helens - (03/07/07)


How I agree - NFTH is a stunning set, I've been playing it continually. The no-nonsense spontaneity, warmth and rough edges - which is what I've always felt Mungo's all about - hits you at once. Music with guts yet puts a grin on your face at the same time.

As for gigs with MIKE COLE, with COLIN EARL and PAUL KING on board as well - too good an opportunity to miss. After all CREAM did it a couple of years ago. Go for it guys!

Cheers

John Van Der Kiste, South Brent - (04/07/07)


MIKE COLE's verdict on what JJ, John and Derek suggested as regards to a Mungo Jerry festival appearance featuring PAUL KING...

OK, so let's get together and do it!!! - Mike.




Hi Ray,

Hope the Bournemouth weather is better than the drizzle/rain/drizzle monotony over here.

Enjoy your time in Bournemouth - the old hunting ground of Messrs, ZOOT MONEY, ANDY SUMMERS and their great drummer COLIN ALLEN.

At the moment, my 'NAKED' favourites are in the more "deep" centre of the album - 'EVERYBODY WANTS SOMEONE', 'I'M A LIAR' and 'I'VE GOT MY EYE ON YOU'. But I dig the whole collection, whose daramatics are very well paced...

Happy holidays, Yours Uli Twelker - (03/07/07).

Hi Uli,

Great to hear from you, especially with such positive comments.

I'm in Bournemouth for another three weeks, hope to hook up with you on my return to Germany.

Cheers,

Ray



MOVE TO PAGE 3