I'll give him a month.

you and me both, moosie. as I often say, 'since I gave up hope, I feel much better.' I have greatly tempered my expectations.
nonetheless, it was a smashing audition. I knew something special went down when the guitarist told him to 'take it out' during his gtr solo -- and he not only knew what it meant, he actually did it! it really opened my eyes. and made me think more about what I was playing. I thought 2 of our other guys were really good, but I think they were just playing off the roots. this guy had a nice way with tensions and what-not.
if it works out, though, I gotta find a nice way to tell him to overhaul his look. he's quite young, with long hair, but it doesn't work for him at all.