Originally posted Nov. 22, 2002

Rusty,

I always feel like I'm witnessing something special whenever you perform. Your inspired lunacy makes me think of those guys our ancestors were lucky enough to have seen live, like Lenny Bruce and Ishkabibble; Beethoven on acid, Mozart on meth. You have the same inspired lunacy that perches itself on the edge of a tightrope, threatens to topple onto the net, then rebounds and aims even higher.

From your early years in that ratty cellar on 42nd & 9th, to your late years in that ratty cellar on 42nd & 9th, every moment divine.

I don't care who or what you perform with, you always steal the show. As far as I'm concerned, anyone else is an intermission break until Rusty returns to the piano. To quote John Keats, I always think, "Beauty is truth, truth beauty; what the heck is this doody? Bring back Rusty!"

You will always be my inspiration.

You are one funny bastard.

Thinking of you -

Ilona

Originally posted Nov.22, 2002

Rusty:

You're probably "working-the-room"-- whatever room your in right now, and that makes me happy, and envious. Looking forward to seeing you next, and like everyone else relishing my greatest-hits memories of your performances. Hope to add to that play-list soon. Sending love from Queens.

Lowell

Originally posted Nov. 21, 2002

Hey Rusty,
The site's great but not as great as you are. Glad I can keep you laughing with my e-mails. Keep laughing. Keep singing. Keep writing songs.
Love,
Mark

Originally posted Nov. 21, 2002

Magoo

Shillue calls it "the show that Rusty built." Goddamn right. Moonwork is not, and hasn't been the same without you. I need your "brown-eyed girl" just to remind me when to turn the lights back on. I still maintain that your "a million eyes looked up into the sky, and where was I..." tune after that yankee game four years ago was one of the most thrilling, most electric moments on stage I have ever seen. From "Midsummer" to "What you Will," to "Voices from the Hill," to practically every Moonwork Saturday night on Lafayette street and on Sullivan, my memories all seem to have a score by Rusty Magee. So, the second act is coming up. Joey Reina's tuning the piano as we speak. You remember my vocal range right? Oh yea, one more thing. A friend of mine just got back from Wales. Dig this, she saw Van Morrison in a pub, drunk off his ass, singing old Rusty Magee songs.

Mason

Originally posted Nov. 20, 2002

Dear Rusty,
We are sitting here on the upper west side, singing too loudly, and naturally, thinking of you. Had we been included in that dinner with Nancy Giles this evening, we would've all been singing too loudly. Ah well...we want you to know we love you very much and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love to Alison & Nat
Leigh Kamloner & Micael Schiralli

Originally posted Nov. 20, 2002

I love you. I love Alison. I love Nat. What a great dinner we had tonight. Yum. More later. Love always, nance.

Originally posted Nov. 20, 2002

Rusty-

A day does not go by that we don't think about you and send well wishes your way. We love the CD, it is a great memento of a truly great party.

All our love,
Bruce & Carol

Originally posted Nov. 20, 2002

Hi Rusty,
I've been trying to get everyone I know to listen to the Sweet Appreciation cd. I've been thinking about you a lot and sending you best wishes and good thoughts. Kathy

Good thoughts to Alison and Nat too.

Originally posted Nov. 20, 2002

rusty - mike rock checking in again. thought about you this morning: I heard a weatherman say "dust from santa ana winds" and immediately started singing: "it was the third of june another sleepy dusty delta day" sending love and good vibes from the left coast. feel better! love, xo, mike

Originally posted Nov. 20, 2002

Rusty,
As I'm sure you know, you've provided all of us here at The Project endless hours of musical amusement...one of my favorites is "Single Beauties" - pictured! with Lisa Leguilou and Edie Falco - which continues to be sung ad nauseum by generations of Project kids and adults. Thank you.