Alex Skolnick - Latest Comments

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-talkhousedianne-reeves.html

MR — Mon, 17 Feb 2014 23:52:35 -0000

Nice review. The idea "music by musicians" is always attractive, permit that you make a "trip" in yourself influence. but of course that she's nice, she's a "reeve" ! HAHAHAHAHAH
, just kiding, I received some feeds in my mailbox, and last weeks the name of her appear, for some questions (time) dont read all, so dont know her yet, but Lubanbo yes, because already played in some concerts at Rio (he born there, me too) and did partner with one of my favs Cesar camargo Mariano.

Particulary i prefer jazz played not singed, for me is more universal, without lirics.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-talkhousedianne-reeves.html

Kimber — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 10:26:31 -0000

A well thought out review from someone who understands and appreciates the medium and talent, and true gift. One like hers that has a gravitational pull on the listener when they sing. I remember that show and really missed it when it stopped airing (due to sponsors from what I heard). I liked the informal format and the music, especially performances like this one you've shared, that showcases pure talent of the voice as an amazing instrument, a natural force that draws the listener into hear with feel.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/09/esp.html

Juan Iparraguirre — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 18:21:24 -0000

"I'm still learning how to play on 6!"...humble words...Thousands of guitarists worldwide would like to play with at least 0.0000001% of your skills man!

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/09/esp.html

Juan Iparraguirre — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 18:18:10 -0000

Hi Alex, i have been lucky enough to see you three times with Testament (2 in Spain, Granada 2006 and Jerez de la Frontera, same year) and Manizales, Colombia, 2012...
Have never received a satisfactory answer why shredders like you began with guitars associated with metal music, like Charvel and Ibanez and now using more "traditional" guitars like Gibson and Heritage...I have heard these guitars have a warmer sound than Ibanez, or is just matter or age or musical maturity (no offense haha), same thing with bands like Carcass or Gorefest, begun playing with BC Rich and Ibanez, now using Gibsons...One thing is sure: You are one of my guitar heroes (although i don't play guitar but bass) and i have been digging your work with Testament since "The Legacy", hope i can meet you personally some day, rock on dude!

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-revolution-will-be-tweeted.html

Mical Lamp — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 13:35:14 -0000

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Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/kind-of-tragic-story.html

StevieN23 — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 02:44:18 -0000

Alex,
I'm so, so sorry. These were beautiful words written with a fierce, loyal heart by someone who truly cares about people. When I first read the line, "we'd give a quick wave with silent understanding of being, as they say in sports "in the zone," I (at first) read it a bit too quickly as "we'd give a quick wave with silent understanding of being." Thinking that was the entire sentence. In a way, that sums up the essence of your empathy and friendship, and, I'm sure, how Ned felt about you.

As someone who's suffered from depression since her teen years, and who works hard every day to let the funny, curious, warm side dominate the other (weaker, yet deceptively stronger) parts, this story wrapped around my ventricular chambers and squeezed. In fact, I had just finished blogging myself, hoping that after a long absence from writing due to depression, coming back to it might transcend the blues (it did). I then came over here, having not read your blog in a while. Timing. Perfect timing. Because, while Ned's story hurts like hell to hear and makes me cry, the kindness and compassion that pours from your blog and all of your readers reminds us that sometimes–when you want to hide yourself away because it's scary to feel pain—what you need more than anything is to walk out into the world, and realize that you're never alone.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/kind-of-tragic-story.html

Nancy — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 03:03:59 -0000

So deeply sorry for the loss of your friend and former neighbor. I, too, have lost a relative and a close family friend to suicide and have had other people in my life attempt it. It always puzzled me terribly as to how someone would come to the point that ending their life seemed like the best alternative. Even though I have suffered from a mild form of depression, I never felt suicidal. Thank you for that quote from David Foster Wallace; it certainly framed the feelings in a way that I could understand.
We have to cherish each person who comes into our lives as a friend, mentor, relative or lover; sometimes even certain "enemies" because they have forced us to grow in a way we may not have otherwise. We have no guarantee of how long each person will be with us- sometimes the briefest of friendships are the most impactful. Be glad of the positive things he brought into your life and into the lives of others. There is one special blessing- he can continue to bring positivity into other people's lives through his books for many more years to come.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/kind-of-tragic-story.html

"MR — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 03:13:51 -0000

The death it's a thing always difficult to accept. when is because someone is over the bed, we believe that this people rested, finally, but when is abrupt by an accident or other, is particulary more sad. my condolences for you.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/kind-of-tragic-story.html

Alex S — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 06:43:45 -0000

Hi MJ, Sorrry to hear about your dad and your aunt. You're absolutely right - as is Jess who mentioned it above - that it's important to focus on the person's life. How they passed is one thing, but it doesn't take away the memories that were made while they were alive. It doesn't sound stupid at all to feel that they're being kept alive, if not in a literal sense then in a philosophical and metaphorical one. I didn't know Ned for long and of course we weren't related, but as Kimber mentioned, he came along and crossed paths in a special way. Thanks for the thoughts.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/kind-of-tragic-story.html

Alex S — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 06:34:44 -0000

Thank you Kim for the beautifully written words. Life really is this fragile, fleeting thing that it's so easy to lose perspective on, especially those of us who wake up everyday feeling relatively on par with the way we felt the day before. Maybe we feel a bit happier or maybe sadder but knowing that there are ups and downs, existing within a relatively regular fluctuation and knowing during tough times that they too shall pass. But for some, that fluctuation is extreme with lows that are lower than the most of us could contemplate and no sign of ever letting up. So sorry to hear that you too have lost someone close in this terrible manner.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/kind-of-tragic-story.html

Alex S — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 06:26:42 -0000

He'd been battling depression for many years and apparently, had taken a serious downturn this past month. There were times when he seemed visibly subdued, medicated or off balance. Yet other times, you would never know, he just seemed like a fiercely driven, funny yet very focused person. Thank you.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/kind-of-tragic-story.html

Alex S — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 06:21:53 -0000

Hi Paul - I've been fortunate to have not ever experienced it within family, sorry to hear you have. It's sad that it should ever happen. It seems like those with severe depression are much more susceptible to it, that was definitely the case here. Thanks for reading.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/kind-of-tragic-story.html

Alex S — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 06:16:46 -0000

Hi Jess. thanks for the thoughts. Very sorry to hear about your grandmother, that must be really hard to deal with. This wasn't the same as losing a close relative, or even a long-time close friend for that matter, but its still hard to grasp, especially the way it happened. One doesn't wish it upon anyone, let alone such a genuinely good person, appreciated by those who knew him & strangers alike. All thoughts with his family right now and best to you as well.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/kind-of-tragic-story.html

MJ — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 13:14:24 -0000

Alex,
I am so very sorry for your loss. As I was reading this It made me happy to know that you have such wonderful memories of Ned and I am hoping someday when you reflect back on them ,they will make you smile and maybe even laugh. Memories of someone that has left us are so very important. I believe they are a way to keep that person alive through us. Maybe some people may think it's stupid but I truly in my heart believe that. My dad passed 12 years ago and I think of him often. When I am feeling sad about it I think of all the great times we had together and sometimes I laugh,sometimes I cry,but those memories get me through the sad times and I am so thankful for them. Keep the ones you have of your friend Ned close to your heart. My aunt suffered from clinical depression and although she didn't take her own life it was heart-breaking to watch her slowly slip away. When she passed I was at peace knowing she was at peace with herself. I will keep your friend in my prayers.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-wrecking-crew.html

Alex S — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 07:16:42 -0000

All or most technology has a flipside. TV can be an educational tool or an intelligence depleting, brain numbing machine. A cell phone can be used to save a life by calling for help or to idly chat and disrupt others from peace and productivity. The internet can be used to share knowledge previously only available through an expensive university course, or to post stupid, drunk Facebook pictures. And your right - music technology can be used to help the music making progress, but too much reliance on it has hindered it much more than it's helped.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/kind-of-tragic-story.html

Kimber — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 06:34:58 -0000

Life is so precious. The connections we make in it matter and last beyond time. In what we do and who we touch with our presence/presents. A heartfelt remembrance in loving tribute, to your unique friend. How special that your paths crossed, and sad how they ended. Life's Fast and for some more fragile to handle. Suicide is such a unique loss and one that defies explanation. The mind is like a multifaceted gemstone, some more brilliant than others, that reflect and refract the light of their being in this world, a complex state of mind, depression a label for perhaps so much more that will remain unknown but to him and others who have chosen this tragic way to close their life, a sad part of their journey, one that he left with many gifts you focus on so nicely here . I lost a beloved boyfriend years ago in this sudden and tragic way. It is shocking, and something those effected live with as you process through the grief of understanding that never comes, the disbelief and even anger, to realize there's nothing anyone could have done, and to reflect on the brilliance of the priceless gem we found in them. Am very sorry for your loss Alex, and to his family, loved ones and other friends! Hugs and Prayers

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/kind-of-tragic-story.html

tararycheangel — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 03:52:48 -0000

The world will never know what was the final trigger for him, but instead of focusing on his death, it is good to see that you are focusing on his life. Cherish your memories, celebrate your friendship, grieve for the loss of your friend. I am sorry for your loss Alex. Prayers going out to his family....

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/kind-of-tragic-story.html

Paul Pelkonen — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 03:52:42 -0000

Alex,
I didn't know Ned's work but I am so sorry to read of the loss of your neighbor and friend. I myself am a survivor of suicide in my family (my uncle) and know first-hand the pain and inexplicable loss of someone who is suddenly "gone" and at their own hands. Please accept all wishes for a bright holiday season despite this tragic loss, and also my condolences.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/kind-of-tragic-story.html

Jess — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 03:35:23 -0000

Thank you for writing this, Alex. It is always nice to talk about the life that someone led, rather than the way they died. This story popped up in my feed and it was very difficult to read. Not having known Ned, I am all too familiar with losing someone to suicide. My grandmother took her life on Christmas Eve, three years ago (today). I can tell you that three years on, I've juggled with many emotions and I haven't come to a resolution on how to deal with it. Suicide is like that - there are questions that will never be answered. Hurt that won't be healed. I feel deeply for his family and the heartbreak they must be going through. It is a different kind of grief - and at times can be very painful. Guilt is often associated - but never feel guilty. Guilty for "not knowing" or "I could have done something.". No. This is life, unfortunate and as heartbreaking as it is. And as simple as it is - remember the good times with him. Remember him as the man he was to you, a friend. It will be the key to helping your heart heal. I wish all the best for you, and also to his friends and family.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-wrecking-crew.html

MR — Sat, 21 Dec 2013 22:44:51 -0000

"It is refreshing to be reminded that popular music used to be made by musicians who could really play" - same to a movies themes, propaganda, or any contribuition between artists, really was necessary. Today, the big musician is a protools: if u dont sing, he sing, if you play wrong, he play right... i like tecnology and think that we need use for help our lives - in all ! but the same tecnology that help, limit the creativity.

Happy holidays !

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-wrecking-crew.html

Alex S — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:35:57 -0000

As you know, there is so much that goes into a song's creation. As listeners, we hear it the first time as this fleshed out, finely crafted work. But it started as a rough idea, was developed, built upon and had many decisions made in the process. It's great to the inside scoop, especially with some of these invaluable tunes. The great news is that thanks to recent awareness (proud to say - helped by this post all you who've helped by spreading the word and/or contributing), the project has reached it's goal and this film will finally see the light of day!

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-wrecking-crew.html

Alex S — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 15:34:49 -0000

This comment has been removed by the author.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-wrecking-crew.html

Alex S — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 20:45:44 -0000

I've only seen it on laptop connected to TV, which isn't bad. But hope to catch on big-screen too.

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-wrecking-crew.html

Kimber — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 09:50:07 -0000

So great to make music fans aware of this piece of the process and show such a vital side to a songs creation. One that involves collaborative efforts and individual style that brings life to a song. A valuable tribute that gives well deserved talent credit that would likely be unknown or go unnoticed, to these unsung contributors. I look forward to seeing this movie and will support it. Thanks for sharing this project, your commentary and the clips Alex..

Re: http://skolnotes.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-wrecking-crew.html

Alex S — Sat, 14 Dec 2013 06:59:46 -0000

Absolutely. Worth owning too.