Tim Stopulos

The guitarist for the Tim Stop Trio, Michael Tahlier, is a silent killer. Actually, I would equate him to a great wide receiver. Jerry Rice. Jerry was a quiet, humble guy. He would run his routes, make his blocks, and after enough plays had gone by, you'd forget about him. He'd lull you to sleep. And right when you'd take your eyes off, it would be his turn. And he'd torch you. Burn you up. Then he'd do it all over again.

Michael fits himself into the songs. He doesn't play over me. He gives you the theme of the song, some embellishment to move it along, and does it tastefully so it's not in the way. But it's there. After a while of playing the simpler lines of the songs, you forget that he's capable of unleashing a rapturous, sublime solo at any given time. Right then, he explodes, and when it's over, you're left saying something like, "Yep. That was it. Wow." After a few moments you shake off the awe and you get back into the song. Then he waits in the wings, and does it to you again in another song or two.

Thursday night (1.29.09) at Martyrs', Mike was on fire. And when he is, the band's at a different level. The energy spikes. To those who were witness that night, we thank you.

Be a witness. Thursday, February 19. Cubby Bear, Chicago, IL.

Martyrs' 1.29.09

Too Kloze
Loosends
Abnormal, IL
Professional (new song debuted, actual song title)
Weak; Willing (chosen by applause-o-meter)
I'm O'er It
Vandering
Lie 2 Me