Blues Notes

Questions raised by Dan Waller’s review of the Robert Johnson tribute at the Music Machine (Pop Review, Aug. 22):

1--If Willie Dixon (possibly the greatest blues songwriter of the “Chicago School,” and bass player on nearly every Chess label recording from Muddy Waters to Chuck Berry and back again) is “overrated,” what does that make Don Waller?

2--How does staying at home playing Robert Johnson records (Waller’s idea of homage) compare with paying to see Johnson’s contemporaries and musical descendants perform in person (thereby helping them to make a living at their craft and keeping the blues truly “alive”)?

3--Why doesn’t The Times send someone with a genuine appreciation and understanding of the music to review the next blues show?

MICHAEL CARRICO

Los Angeles