I have loved his playing since i first heard it in the 70`s.He is an innovator,teacher,fantastic musician,and loves to share with others.Alex Acuna is my mentor.You are very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet him.

Wayne

Man, Vinny, I'm so jealous! I have been a fan of Alex's playing since his days with Weather Report. Weather Report is one of my all-time fav bands (along with the Fania All-stars!)

You're so lucky to have had all that private time with him in the shop. You have to put up that photo of you and Alex on a wall in the shop. Somewhere that people can see it.

By the way, I really dig the grey double-skunk-stripe in your beard! (Just kidding man, you know I love you!) I'm a 'beard club' member myself. I'll show you my Union card if you need to see it. Mine is -all- grey! :p

Vinny, thanks for posting up the photos. It must have been so cool having him in your shop playing your drums and telling road stories. You're a lucky guy!

John

Man, I can't believe this thread only got 2 responses! Between me and you, I don't believe that many of these pendejo's know who Alex is! lol

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rABZKiAeIU4[/ame]

And that's what Alex was playing back in 76'! This is a drummer that everybody should know and listen to. He doesn't get much credit for it, but Alex was one of the early pioneers of Fusion drumming during the 70's. You hear more about guys like Dave Weckl, but Alex can play rings around technicians like Weckl. Alex plays with tremendous feeling/soul. Great drummer. I would have felt honored and privileged to meet him and be able to talk drums and music with him.

Again, Vinny, you are one lucky drummer to have had the opportunity to spend an afternoon con un puro artista como, Alex.

John

I found Alex's phone number online last year,and called just to shoot the bull with him..

He was extremely nice,and we spent around 1/2 hr on the phone talking drums/music...gave me his email also....which were first letters from his 3 or 4 kids or grand kids names ...

He said he goes to the gym about every day and works out....

I asked him about the Paiste cymbals he used to play,but can't remember what he said he did with them!

Blair - did you check out the hybrid he was playing in the video from 76'? Mix of Ludwig and Fibes! He must have some interesting drums/kits in the basement. Did he talk about his own drums at all? What he prefers etc.

John

Don't remember too much of what we talked about......Jaco a little bit.....cymbals.....cats he has worked with......

It's been too long....

Now that I think about it...it was closer to 2 years ago that I talked to him...

I remember him saying it was 70-75 out in Cali,and I told him it was around 30 here...so had to be our winter...

Vinny - the man spent almost four hours with you. What did you guys talk about? Which drums was he interested in? Did you get to play together at all?

Inquiring minds want to know!

John

Wow, that was an honor indeed! You're very fortunate to have had such a great visit with him.

Michael