A Letter to Shawn Pelton

06/04/2012

Dear Shawn,

I didn't forget your birthday a few days ago, it's just that it was a very busy day for me. I hope that you got what you wanted for your birthday, even if the New York Mets FINALLY executed a no-hitter for the first time in the team's history, that is if you're a baseball fan.

I cannot wait until September or October when Saturday Night Live returns from it's Summer hiatus. By that time, you will begin your 21st year with the SNL Band. Since you joined 2 decades ago, a lot has happened that's too much for me to write down, but you've seen it happen.

Have a wonderful, albeit belated, birthday. And I cannot wait until the Fall for the aforementioned show's return.

Signed,
Callie

Happy Birthday, G.E. Smith

Today happens to be the birthday of one of the SNL Band's well-known guitarists/band leaders/musical directors, G.E. Smith.

Not too long ago, I've stumbled onto a vintage music video 'Instant Replay' performed by Dan Hartman with G.E. playing bass guitar in it. After I saw it, I was blown away.

Former SNL Band bassist has died. Tom "T-Bone" Wolk, 1951-2010

http://themusicsover.wordpress.com/2010/02/27/t-bone-wolk/

It's a sad day indeed. Other than USA losing to Canada for the Gold Medal, longtime SNL viewers will have something to mourn about. Earlier today, I've learned the sudden passing of former house band bassist, Tom "T-Bone" Wolk, from a message that I got from a Hall and Oates mailing list that I subscribe to.

T-Bone had died of a heart attack last night. Other than a member of the SNL Band, he'd worked and toured with Carly Simon, Shawn Colvin, Joe Pesci (Yes, that Joe Pesci), Rosanne Cash, Elvis Costello, etc.. He was 58.

'Cribs', SNL-style with House Band guitarist, Jared Scharff

Part One:



Part Two:



No closet space?! Somebody call Ty Pennington!

Happy Birthday T-Bone Wolk!!

Happy 57th Birthday to the former bassist of the SNL Band, Tom "T-Bone" Wolk! And next to him is G.E. Smith, who'll celebrate HIS birthday late next month.

Are You There, Lorne? It's Me, Callie.

Dear Lorne Michaels,

In future installments of SNL beginning with either this week's show or in January when everyone returns from their Winter Break, I'd like to see less exterior shots of 30 Rockefeller Center and more of them:

The Saturday Night Live Band

BTW, I know and Dave knows that the pic's outdated whereas Dr. Luke left after the 06-07 season and Jared Scharff is now in his place.

You know who they are? Dave Mackey and I both know who they are. Then why are you giving us, the home audience who cannot afford to go to New York to see SNL in person, a lot of grief. It's not fair that the House Band performs for the studio audience whereas the home audience gets stuck watching live shots of 30 Rock week after week. It's got to stop, NOW!!

I swear, when G.E. Smith was the band leader (85 to 95), that was when things were different. We got to know each and EVERY member (Chris Parker, T-Bone Wolk, Cheryl Hardwick, Shawn Pelton, Paul Ossola, etc.), including the guest members such as Buddy Guy, Bela Fleck, and an occasional apperance by the Beehive Queen herself (and current SNL Band Vocalist) Christine Ohlman.

C'mon, Lorne. Stop acting like a child and do something right for a change.

Signed,
Callie Ray