Okay, so, Al: rather than handwriting this, I'm typing it here. The questions might get seen by a few people, but that will just whet their appetite for answers.
The questions will be:
1. Could you walk us through the creation of the Minimalist Jug Band? I'm presuming it began with writing; were you performing it as slam poetry before you decided to self-accompany? Did anyone's suggestions or influence play a role? Where and when was your first gig as the Minimalist Jug Band?
2. If I recall correctly, you've not only named John Cooper Clarke and John Otway as influences and inspirations. With both men coming to town (in September and November, respectively), could you walk us through:
a) How you got into their work? (My first exposure to either was through Urgh! A Music War but it seems like you might have had more opportunities to see them in Toronto?).
b) Any experiences of seeing them live (or interacting with them) that make for a good story?
c) A specific thing that you got from each man, either as writer or performer? (Can you pin down HOW they influenced you?). Alternately, just a favourite THING about them, as writer or performer? Favourite songs, favourite lines, favourite aspects of what they do live?
d) You SAW Mr. Clarke when he was last in town. How was that? What stands out as a high point?
3. Were there other performance poets that you had a kinship with or were influenced by? I am particular curious about US vs UK poets; I mostly know the Dial-a-Poet people, people associated with Giorno, but I don't see you having much in common with them... it seems kind of odd that the poets that I associate you with (Attila the Stockbroker might also be a kindred spirit, maybe?) all seem to be from the UK... but I don't know my slam poetry; maybe you have kindred spirits in that realm?
4. Do you have a Hasil Adkins story? I think you kind of admire him; did you ever interact? Since I don't know where the gold is, do you have ANY fun stories of heroes/ inspirations/ influences that you got to interact with? (A Nick Cave story?).
5. Have you been involved in a Jack Fucking Keating event before? Do you have a history with Jack? Is there some special reason he involved you in this year's JFK event? Are you doing anything particular?
6. Curious - did Bud Luxford ever cross paths with you or see you perform? He seems like someone who would like what you do.
7. Tell me a bit about yourself and the horse races. Do you have a philosophy of betting? (I think Bukowski used to advocate for just betting one horse to win, no show-or-place nonsense, and I don't think he trucked with triactas or quinellas or such). Are there any writers who have influenced you as a gambler?
8. What card games do you and Petunia play? Do you play cards for money, or...? Does one of you win more than the other?
9. Besides the JFK gig in September and the Otway gig in November, do you have any other performances planned? (You seem less active than you used to be, wonder if COVID lessened your enthusiasm for performing...?).
10. Are there any new songs you are working on?
11. BTW, re: Lousy Lover, I was just curious, did you actually read much Jean Paul Sartre? What, specifically, and how did that work out for you? (I was more of a Nietzsche man myself but I'm always curious what writers influence people, philosophical or otherwise...).
12. Anything else you would like to say about ANYTHING AT ALL?
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