Uncle Skid

My sentiments, as well. His music has truly enriched my life, and, like only a few other artists, I can recall clearly the first time I heard many of his recordings. And with repeated listenings they just keep getting better and better...

Happy Birthday!

Just logged in here, no problems.

My jacket was light grey. I guess I'll stop pickin' on Al for now.

Don't worry Chuck... I can totally hook you up with some Styx burns...

Also just put about 5k in the mail, including the first installment of 2007 estimated taxes. I hate like heck to write those big checks, but it's better than letting Uncle Sam use my money all year.

Our friend Al is probably too young to have owned a leisure suit. It's all about the red leather pants. Maybe some platform boots, a la Gene Simmons? Or not. But I'll bet anybody $100 he had a Members-Only Jacket and a knit-tie.

I've seen him several times in several different bands...always good! Are you going tonight, Agg? I've also seen him a few times. A solid player, for sure, but his playing has never really "hit" me yet. I'm interested to hear your impressions...

We all know you're a closet Christian rock fan, Alexander. 'Fess up now. You'll feel better.

I just sat there mesmerized for most of the show. Two thoughts came to mind: 1) I can’t believe that four human beings can make that much MUSIC, maintaining such a high-level of intense, yet controlled artistry through two forty-plus-minute sets, and 2) that it’s depressing that musicians of this stature aren’t playing to much larger audiences. Randy, really wish you could have been there… Altschul was amazing. Thanks again for posting this, Lazaro. A memorable experience, to say the least.

Coffee (whiskey and beer, as well) is FAR superior to regular pepsi cola. That shit'll kill ya!

Might try to catch them in Grand Rapids. How much did tickets cost for the Seattle show?

Andrew Hill: "angular". This description might be just a little over-used: a google seach indicates 17,800 results!

Great post, Sal. I feel like I could have written that myself, although much less eloquently. I look at it this way: truly absorbing and understanding all of Hill's work is a lifetime task. Every time I think I "get it", I hear something brand new. Plus, hearing Hill's music has caused me to branch off into all kinds of new music by other artists. I'd guess that it has had a similar effect on you? Incidentally, I'll never forget the first time I heard Compulsion. Luckily, I was able to buy the Mosaic set from a fellow board member!

Ah yes, the "Japanese Buick"! That is a nice car... bigger than I expected. I ended up with an Accord (non-hybrid) that still gets almost 30 mpg on the highway.

Yes. But the 2.6% continues on all of your "earned" income -- salary/bonus/etc.

This year it's $97,500.. It's really 12.4% for self-employed -- the extra 2.6% comes from Medicare, which has no maximum.

Thanks for the reminder!

Have a few more, and you'll be draining something else...

I was waiting to see how many posts before Al was called out for his mental state! Dan, you have to realize that Al is being anal retentive about this now, with his Styx records, in preparation for more serious work: his extensive collection of Night Ranger rarities and his very rare, virgin-vinyl copy of Paul Stanley's solo record from 1978.

Thanks, GA. I haven't heard much of his work, but I've been curious for a long time.

Anybody familiar with Stefon Harris' African Tarantella? I'm hoping that at least some of the extra $$ YM has made with the price increases will go to speeding up their website. Ridiculously slow at times.

Is the sound shitty on it? Sounds OK to me.

I picked up Expansions from a fellow board member a few years back. One of my favorite Tyner Blue Notes.