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.