By Billy Davis

     Gene Taylor is the piano player from the Original Blasters, and he most recently played with them on the 2002-2003 reunion tour. For 13 years (1993-2006), he played keys as a member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Last Year, Gene relocated to Belgium to start a full time solo career. His most recent solo album was released in 2003 on the Pacific Blues label called Gene Taylor.

     For the 2007 Holiday season, Gene planned a tip to Los Angeles to visit with friends and do a few shows with his old part time combo - The Gene Taylor / Bill Bateman duo. Bill Bateman was the Original Blasters drummer from 1979-1992. John Bazz was soon added on bass and a variety of blues guitar players were going to be invited to sit in at low-key shows at local bars. Gene came up with the idea of inviting Dave Alvin, but with Dave's busy schedule, no one expected him to be available. But to every

*** "We're gonna feature Dave Alvin right now - his whole cowboy-ness - his essence of his cowboy-ocity is going to become full blooming and flowery -- How Did Bukowski put it?" Dave responded: "His exact words were: Get out of my way kid."

*** Gene: "I backed up two poets in my lifetime playing piano - Charles Bukowski and David Alvin. It was a dead heat on which one was a bigger pain in the ass." Dave responded: "I thought I was number one." Gene: "The spoken word should remain unspoken." Dave: "Well, that's the last spoken word gig you get out of me buddy (laughing)."

*** "Dave Alvin is wanted in three states and not wanted in the other 47."

*** "In honor of Dave's cowboy hat, were gonna do one of the many country selections out of our country repe - (stutter) repe. . ." Gene leans in to the audience to hear a girl finish the word 'repertoire.' Gene says in the mike: "Twaaa. What ever the lady said, I agree with it. I never disagree with women about anything unless it's about money (laughs)." Under his breath he continued: "It's always about the money."

*** "I have a question. They say 'a penny for your thoughts' but when you offer someone something you're putting in 'your two cents' worth.' Where does that extra penny go?"