BREAKING FOR BRISKET AT BRADY'S WITH RICK DERRINGER

It was only days before I was to leave Denver for Clearwater, Florida to see Henry Gross open for Joe Cocker at Ruth Eckerd Hall, when I received an e-mail from Rick Derringer, saying; "Hey Mason, I'm going to be in the studios in Clearwater right around the corner ... how would you like to have a little barbecue while you're here?"

Baby ... I LOVE BARBECUE! And when Rick Derringer, one of the greatest guitarist, musician and artist in the world is inviting little ol' Mason Ramsey ... I was in shock!

I had not seen the Spanish Moss hanging from the huge Oak trees in Clearwater for years, and nearly had forgotten how majestic it looked ... draped from the limbs of those giants surrounding Ruth Eckerd Hall and how beautiful it seemed: lining the streets of Safety Harbor, a small Pinellas County community where Mastodon's and Mammoths traversed the landscape in the Paleo period, peppered with tall palm trees and a beautiful marina.

It was a great concert with Henry Gross who opened to a full house, and Joe Cocker with his dynamic band really did GIVE concert goers their 'Night's Worth of Entertainment.' Henry changed it up a little by doing his more nostalgic tune 'Shannon' in the middle of his set, and closed with a tune, yet to be released called 'If You Were Mine Again' which received tremendous applause.

Lee Obritz (Shadows of Knight) was on hand to help with Henry's gig and sound check, while taking time to share a bite backstage with me and my youngest daughter Sharon Neville.

Sharon was as COOL as the salad she was eating while Lee talked about Henry and the business of music, but was not amused when I caught her unaware as she turned to catch a flash head on. Lee just smiled as we continued to talk about the nostalgic music and the NEWER stuff 'Not getting out there.'

It is the same thing Henry is experiencing as is Lee as is Rick Derringer and a host of artist, including Cheap Trick according to Rick while we shared a bit of that barbecue at Brady's Backyard Grill right there in Safety Harbor among those Oak trees and palms. It was a story that I knew was happening for several years when I was experiencing the growth as a radio 'Disc Jockey' (as some have called me) playing the SAME OLD TUNES and growing weary, when I knew that Tommy James had released 'Little Latin Lupy Lu' in 2005 and I was chastised by a program director for playing it, and ... having the nerve to play OLDIES that were not on the play list, but for some reason I lasted for almost two years before I QUIT. And it felt GOOD, because I had almost always been fired in my career, but actually got the jump on the last two employers ... the Jones Satellite Network and CBS' KXKL (KOOL 105FM), saying; "I can't do this for $15.00 an hour, it don't make no sense at all!"

So as we share an incredible brisket and pork sandwich at Brady's, I am hearing this incredible story coming from Rick about the plight of the artists who are feeling the same frustrations of not being able to get any airplay, that I heard from Henry Gross, and others like Carl Giammarese from The Buckinghams, or that Peter Cetera or numerous others were experiencing; and it's the same story that I presented to the satellite company, only being told ... "Mason, if you feel like you can get out there and do it ... do it, but it's not what we do."

And so the story goes, "Mason, if you will give us something more concrete and in writing, we'll give it some thought" and I immediately recognized that old story and said: "The only thing I can give you that is concrete is that April 1st, 2005 will be my last show."

I guess I have been on the illusionary side of the planet for longer than I believe, since it seems like a natural progression, but hardly believable that I just may be playing a part in the 'NEW WORLD ORDER of MUSIC and ENTERTAINMENT' according to Rick. It remains hardly believable the major radio stations and record labels can not recognize the NEW GENRE of Entertainment staring them in the face, and how LUCKY I may be ... in receiving the attention of Iconic artist that are coming 'Our' way on America's Coast to Coast, because we are willing to BLEND the OLD and the NEW, and to talk with these legendary groups and artists who shaped the 'WALL of SOUND' that the Whole WORLD wants to hear and be included.

I told Rick, like I've told Henry, like I've been telling EVERYONE ... I really BELIEVE this is the NEW WAY in radio programming, and ONE of the GREATEST Compliments I have received to date came from Rick Derringer, is when he introduced me to the owner of Brady's Backyard Grill, "This is Mason Ramsey ... the man who is doing radio like it was done in the GOOD old days, and changing the future of entertainment ... he is the man who going to make it happen, not only here in the United States but across the World!"

I was flabbergasted and a little embarrassed, and could hardly believe I was hearing what I was hearing coming from this extremely GIFTED man with so many accomplishments, and who has influenced so many major talented artist. Later I kept asking my oldest daughter, DeAnn who rode along with me; "Did I hear Rick really give me that kind of compliment?" "Yes, Dad, and he was very sincere about it too!"

As a Christian man, Rick Derringer shared his belief in GOD with DeAnn and myself as he gave thanks to 'JESUS' for his food when it was laid before us. As a Christian ... Rick openly speaks about his belief with his fans, as we spoke in detail about some of those aspects over dinner as well. Rick makes no bones about his beliefs and stands by his convictions as much as he stands by his music from the past, while he continues to pour out his talent today and as ... freely.

Rick Deringer's music is as genuine as is the man, and it shows in his personality ... as it sounds in his music. I do plan on completing the in-depth interview that we will 'AIR' on JST KLSX, since there is so much more to this special and the music on http://www.rockandrollheaven.net/. I am very happy that Rick would take the time in believing in someone like myself, as much as the other artist who seemingly are coming my way via the 'Unseen Hand' that some may call Fortuitous ... only I don't believe in accidental or coincidental ... only that we have 'Free Will' and I have chosen to step out on faith, because they 'Challenged Me.' Now ... I'm seeing the greatest talents who have influenced the world, coming into my reality.

Rick's album is 'Knighted by the Blues' and is a special we are doing on JST KLSX. I hope you can tune in for the rest of this special that: means a great deal to the future of America's Coast to Coast as it does for the fans of not only the OLDIES, but the Great NEW stuff being produced and worthy of being heard on the same station as their other hits. Thank you Rick, and thank you Henry and to all of the other artist who know what it's like in this changing world. I can only ask for your patience as I continue to break 'their' will and forcing them to 'GIVE IN' ... only I am hoping to be a part of the future too, without 'them' (Corporate) having hard feelings for me in holding to my convictions.