By SisDetroit (68.42.211.240) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 03:02 am:

Messina - I surely miss your bright beautiful smile. As I watched the Wayne Brady show, I felt as if something was missing. Then I realized, it was you, and your sweet smile. I love you.

I enjoyed the show. I saw you Allan, way in the back, working as hard as usual. I can't believe Joe Hunter was in front. It's about time. (LOL) I even saw Uriel Jones, trying to keep Wayne Brady on the right beat. Bob and Jack, way to go my brothers. It was a great show. Funk Brothers, you are my stars, and I love you. GREAT JOB!

By soulboy (213.105.224.5) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 07:08 am:

There is no doubt that Joe leaving the Funks has left a huge gap,i am not familiar with the talents of his replacement(ray monette?) but can only hope he can emulate Joe's style on guitar,that always was central to the overall sound of motown.
the style includes.
1.the classic sharp backbeat chink
2.incredibly fast tremoloes
3.The doubling of basslines on the low strings.
and a whole lot more!

By David Meikle (62.252.128.10) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 07:21 am:

Soulboy

Ray Monette can be heard on most Pied Piper Productions. He must therefore be an ideal candidate as replacement as Jack has known him for all those years.

By SisDetroit (68.42.211.240) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 01:07 pm:

Eddie Willis - I didn't forget you. As I watched you, I was wondering if you thought of Messina in every song. Since the other part of the oreo cookie has retired, let us hear from you. Love you!

By BankHouseDave (195.93.34.12) on Saturday, April 03, 2004 - 04:14 pm:

I just watched a tape of the American Idol debacle. Truly bad sound, some terrible singers, that other keyboard player up front in the way of Papa Joe and Eddie looked like he was out there on his own.

By Don (68.75.58.195) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 02:15 pm:

My sentiments exactly. I had in mind since Messina departure from The Funk Bros, why not Dennis Coffey as a replacement?

By Ralph (209.240.205.62) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 03:05 pm:

Don,
Dennis has commitments that are keeping him busy at present. I agree. He is the perfect replacement for Joe ( if there is such a thing ) but that is the way life works at times.

By Don (68.75.58.195) on Sunday, April 04, 2004 - 03:22 pm:

Ralph,
I was kinda thinking the same thing. Last time I seen him in those PBS Vocal Group Shows which are aired, as the guitarist in the band. I understand it. "Hey it was just an idea?". Thanx Ralph for posting back, appreciate it.

Don