Joe G

Good for you, Randy!

I have to thank Free For All; I've gotten three good laughs out of that pic you posted.

I can't beleive someone on THIS board wouldn't have any Jimmy Smith . . . . . The only organist I really listen to is Larry Young. Sorry to Jim, and everybody else! I was about to post that I, of all people, don't own any Jimmy Smith albums, but then I remembered that I do have Further Adventures of Jimmy and Wes. But, I hear plenty of it on the road with Jim.

Chicagolanders: check them out at Hothouse on the 22nd!

I have yet to take my guitar on a plane, but that day may be coming soon. And I am a bit worried about it.

I just got back from the show in Ann Arbor, at the very intimate Kerrytown Concert House (and I do mean house)... The concert was very, very good. It was very sophisticated and satisfying on so many levels. Actually, I'm a little taken aback by what I just witnessed! Every piece was like a story - there was a very strong narrative element to the performances - and the transitions between the different parts of the narrative really knocked me out. Like you said, the way they "snap back into form" was often brilliant; if indeed they ever departed from the form (hard for me to say without seeing several concerts for comparison). There was a great amount of contrast to the music, like sweetly touching melodies and harmonies (not unlike those found in Metheny's music), then driving rock beats, then primal screams. And it was all exquisitely paced (and placed) to create maximum effect. But for all that contrast, everything seemed to flow so well and be all of a piece, like how it's the same ocean no matter if the weather is stormy or calm. Plus, just some damn good playing from everyone. LOVE Cuong's tone, rhythm, and phrasing, while Ted's sense of time and his overall approach to creating effects on the kit were eye opening! I bought the new CD from him tonight; based on the samples I listened to previously I'm sure it will be good. But that concert!

Consider me disturbed!

I was going to ask - is that Michael Brecker, or Michael Corleone on tenor?

So far, D.C. is the one place we know for sure that we're playing!

ZING! I was pondering that very thing earlier today in a clothing store while overhearing a pop/country ballad featuring a rather weak melody.

I'll mention it to him on Monday.

4 degrees above zero!

October. Nothing yet - still working on it.

That too.

You betcha! Probably October.

I'm pretty sure I'll be going to the AA show.

I must admit, I'm starting to get a little, um... inspired.

We had snow and freezing rain this morning, temps in the low to mid 30's all day, and now there's a thunderstorm brewing. Just now, aside from a few rumbles and flashes, there was a prolonged gust of strong wind howling outside my window. Like something out of an old walt disney movie.

You'll be back here stirring things up in no time! Best of luck - do whatever you can to relax yourself.

I like that hat on you, Paul.

Okay, who's gonna photoshop our faces into those 'fros?

Oh man, well... interesting note choices, that's fer sure!

We had that rarity of rarities: a full day of sunshine. I got out for a walk in the woods to soak some up.

That is a nice article. Different angle than most.