randissimo

Though he's out of his alleged mind I'd have to say my favorite alto player is Doug Horn..

Can't add much more to that... Theo's service was blessed with a beautiful day and Jim's well delivered tribute was very moving and insightful for those in the chapel who didn't know Theo that well...

Same deal in reverse with The Sidewinder. Billy Higgins eventually settles in quite nicely, or is it Bob Cranshaw that does the settling? Nobody can really say anything derogatory about Billy Higgins.. He was a fine drummer and a really nice cat..

Every single drummer in existence famous or not is going to have somebody somewhere who doesn't like the way they play.. -_-

So did Tony Williams but so what?? .. Miles's lp "Four And More" rushes like a mofo but damn, it swings from end to end! They're not playing dance music dude..

AGREED!!!! He has no sense of time whatsoever...I'm amazed he can even walk. I think this kid is a disciple of Lars.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2_Fi3JoJi4

Interesting... How so? Always liked his playing with the Crusaders..

Though he CAN play, Vinnie sometimes overplays like a psychotic bulldozer plowing down everything in his path.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8CDtEVNFNc

Those are some serious Mothers.. My mother passed away 4 years ago so Mother's Day now is just another Sunday..

I am still in shock myself. First time I met Jim's dad I liked him and I really got to know Jim "Theo" Afredson while being a guest in his home in Okemos on several occasions. Jim's dad had a lodging arrangement with me. He told me if ever on the road from Ann Arbor, Lansing, or Detroit and it was late and I was tired to call and the porch light would be on and refered to his place as the "Home For Wayward Musicians & Drummers".. I spent and enjoyed many memorable times hanging out with Theo listening to his music, his great stories, perspectives, anecdotes, his fascinating philosophies and interpretations on religion and spirituality, and my god what a sense of humor! I often told him he should write a book! He was a gift, an inspiration for me, and truly one of a kind.. For organissimo he was our most loyal fan, loved our music, and was always supportive. Organissimo and the music of our first CD was created in his basement on Okemos Road. He deeply loved his family, music, life, people, and enjoyed every day to it's fullest measure. My deepest condolences to Venetia, Jim, Alison, Zora, Stella, and all of Jim's siblings and their children.

Happy Birthness Broseph!

Took the words right out of my mouth...

This makes me very nervous. I lived in Oakland and was there during the 10/17/89 earthquake.. That's when I decided to move back to Michigan..

Merritt Alfred Dalton Merritt Alfred Dalton blew his first note on June 28, 1931 and whispered his last one on April 12, 2008. Known in the music world as "Mel" and "The Silver Fox", he was born in Pittsburgh, PA to James and Julia Dalton. Mel was an extraordinary musician celebrated for his ability on the saxophone, but capable of playing any woodwind instrument. Mel's career started in junior high school when he formed a band with Stanley Turrentine, Dakota Staten and Ahmad Jamal. Mel performed internationally as well as at the Apollo Theater in New York City and on the Ed Sullivan Show, often with well-known jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, Nancy Wilson, Lloyd Price, Art Blakey and Sil Austin. He has opened for various musical greats in our own venue of DeVos Performance Hall. Mel served his country during the Korean Conflict and after being honorably discharged from the US Army, Mel married his sweetheart, Jeanne Audrey Monroe. Mel moved from New York to Grand Rapids, MI to accept an offer to play with the Doug Cook Band at the Blue Note nightclub in 1959. With two daughters and a third on the way, Mel decided it would be a good gig for raising a family. Along with that, he worked for Guardsmen Chemical until his retirement in 1985. He continued playing until illness overcame him this past December. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mel leaves his wife, Jeanne and their daughters, Frances June Dalton, Barbara Dalton-Skanes, and Martine Julia Dalton. Also mourning Mel's passing are his two brothers, James (Glonda) Dalton and Cabel Poindexter; one sister, Martine Rita Dalton; three grandchildren, Brianna Dalton Rodriguez, Bailey Jeanne Dalton and Brandi Jeanne Skanes; one great grandchild, Julian Dalton Aponte-Rodriguez; special friend, Doug Cook; and a host of nieces, nephews and loving friends. His funeral Mass will occur on Thursday, April 17 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 1213 - 52nd St. SE, Kentwood. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 16 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the musical visitation will begin at 8 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a rosary immediately following at the Ivy K. Gillespie Moody Memorial Chapel, 1865 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grand Rapids Federation of Musicians, Local 56. Published in the Grand Rapids Press on 4/15/2008. Guest Book • Flowers • Gift Shop • Charities

Yeah, ran into Mark at the music store after lessons and he had that look in his eyes like he was going to grab it and run!

Many of you probably don't know who he is.. Mel Dalton was one of those cats whose presence was always upbeat and invoked inspiration and encouragement and always made me want to play when I was on a gig with him.. He grew up in Pittsburgh around the time of Art Blakey, The Turrentine brothers, and Gene Ludwig and his taste of fame came while he was on the road in the 50's with R & B legend Lloyd Price.. RIP

Ron S better be there

Talked to Jim earlier and apparently there was a bad storm where the server is located somewhere in Texas..

Howdy? You must be from South San Francisco. Maybe closer to Watsonville..

Yeah Denis where did you go?

Yeah Joey!

Oh my God. It was so distracting!

HAPPY BIRTHNESS LAZARO

Hey Mark I'm glad you caught that show.. What a cool loft Hugo has.. Unfortunately I couldn't catch the show. I was playing a music wallpaper gig in a yuppy restaurant...

I dig 'em... Got turned on to them while I was drummer in the San Francisco Mime Troupe in the late 80's by bay area comedy actor Ed Holmes who is also the founder of "The First Church Of The Last Laugh".. www.saintstupid.com