Please explain to me the allure of playing for pop stars like her or Madonna or KeSha for that matter. I do love playing but the idea of supporting these non-artists is sickening. I just don't see it. It's playing 4 until you are blue in the face. No appreciation from the audience either

Thank you! You certainly seem to get where I was coming from! Cheers!

Ok, flame me if you wish, but I like the new record and I LOVED the winter record and the Dowland record has inspired me to check out more "classical" music. I can believe that he has no financial aspirations and is just doing what interests him and I love the vibe of it all.

I don't know how this has slipped under my radar all this time, but I just got both of Rob Whitlock's Sketchin' albums and holy shit does Vinnie burn on those!!! If anyone hasn't heard those, I highly recommend those! Does anyone else here dig those records?

I really like his playing on this album (some CRAZY fills as expected), but that snare sound.... Ugh... In general, that drum sound... Ugh.

So, I was offered a new gig with an electronica/hip-hop artist offering a studio session and possibly a small tour. I come from a prog/fusion background and am not sure whether I should take it. Granted, I don't normally do that style aside from my time in industrial bands which required me to play ...

Wow... I'd be terrified to even attempt that...

Well. Kudos for the effort. But that was a really awkward watch. Not saying I can do better, however... The feel was all wrong. Can't really pinpoint why. Maybe it was the phrasing, but the whole band didn't seem "tight" enough.

Steve, what's your beef with this cat? I don't see an issue here at all. I thought he nailed the tune! What's wrong?

Gavin, that's some great stuff! I am glad you enjoy the new gear and I am actually looking to displace my Pork Pie as an auxiliary while picking up a new snare. Yours looks and sounds great!!!