Joe G

But wait dude, weren't we both at that Poncho Sanchez show, before we actually met? My first jazz show, Scofield w/Lovano. Al Dimeola doesn't count.

Yep. My little sister got no slack, and lots of torment, but then much later I gave her one of my guitars.

Me too. I really dug Derek Trucks' playing when we saw them live in Lansing. Yeah, he's an amazing slide player. Is he more fluid than Jeff Beck? Well, yeah. For a slide player.

You guys are making me feel young: Ozzy Osbourne w/ Metallica, 1986, Joe Louis Arena. Metallica were supporting Master Of Puppets, their last good album. Where's the headbanging smiley?

Me too. I really dug Derek Trucks' playing when we saw them live in Lansing.

I know where you're coming from Wes. The other night, Jim and I were driving back from a gig in Muskegon. Our postgig ritual often includes listening to classic rock stations. Usually we try to mimic the singer, or make lots of sarcastic comments, or there might even be an enjoyable tune once in a while. Anyway, the station we had on was playing a rock block, at least 7 or 8 tunes from the same band. Neither of us had ever heard any of the tunes, but my first guess, which ended up being correct, was Nazareth. I guess it was the singer who gave it away. We listened to about 6 tunes, and hated them all. It wasn't just the bad songwriting and playing and the sound of everything. It made me very depressed to imagine the scene at their concerts; everyone must have been on serious drugs, but no one smiling and relaxed. The music seemed totally bereft of any joy or hope at all, completely soulless. Of course, this was the band that sang, "Love is just a lie, made to make you blue". A lot of smooth jazz, pop country, and modern rock (like Godsmack) makes me depressed, or irritated. But fortunately, there's lots of music that makes me glad, or introspective (maybe have a good cry if I need it), or relaxed, or want to dance and sing, so I'll stick with the good stuff!

Exactly. As a musician, I usually come away thinking, "if this is what it's about, what's the use?"

Love Kurt Rosenwinkel. He's my favorite of that (my) generation, along with Peter Bernstein and Brad Shepik... Saw Craig Ebner with Joey D a couple of years ago. I'm not aware if he's recorded at all. Fine player, though.

Thanks for the kind words, guys. It means a hell of a lot. Free For All's right, Jim. We have to find a way.

I used to be able to ride to work, before I was transferred at the beginning of the year...

Be careful what you wish for!

My thoughts exactly. Take care David.

No, just that you might have a career as a proofreader.

I've thought about this thread too. No word from Chicago yet, so, don't know what to tell y'all.

4 1/2 is pretty young, and the point you make about a child not being able to physically handle most instruments is correct. But there are examples of kids gravitating to and eventually excelling at a particular instrument at very young ages. I wouldn't discount what a child wants to play. I didn't know anything about guitars or guitarists when I started at 8, but it turned out to be my instrument for sure.

I would strongly recommend letting her try out whatever instrument she's drawn to.

I'm glad it's not just me.

Fortunately never fell prey to that, myself. If I was as good with graphics as you, Jeff, I would take this opportunity to place your head on Don Johnson's body, as a reenactment of that unforgettable day. B) My vices: chocolate organissimo forums and other computer time wasters wishful thinking

I got Think Tank this past week. Haven't sat down for a close listen yet, but what I've heard sounds really strong.

WORD!

The EXACT same thing? That's uncanny!

Well, I'll give you that. Not long ago I heard (for the first time) the infamous duet with Satchmo. Now I know why Metheny got so pissed!

These are all pretty easy targets, don't ya think?

I hate to bring this back up but it's kind of bugging me. Has been for a while now. Seems to me that if you count "Row Row Row Your Boat" in 6 then you're actually counting in 16th notes. Not 8ths. If I'm hearing this right, you're counting at the pace of, say, the hi hats on Sly Stone "Hot Fun in the Summertime". And I hear those as 16ths. I'm not sure I follow you. It's been a while since I've heard Hot Fun, but I think, instead of hi hats, you meant to say the ride cymbal, then it's actually a triplet feel, not simply 8ths or 16ths. It would be 8th note triplets, right? Or did I totally misunderstand you?

Hold on to your rack, and stay tuned.