Fish Out of Water

Musicians Function Best Outside of their Element

by mike "stranded in the desert with page, john and trey" gordon

Prologue:

There is a theory that soundsmiths create some of their best work when they operate in hostile territory. That the fact that their beats are not accepted only makes them try harder, and thus form some of the most sonically stimulating audio ever to enter your aural cavity.

It is upon this dubious theory that I set out to attend a bluegrass show in one of New Jersey's more urban environments, a thoroughly absurd setting for such a show. I'll let my readers know the result in due course.

Epilogue:

So I learned that Peter Rowan mixes well with alcohol. I also learned that the fish-out-of-water theory has yet to be refuted by personal experience.

It was a really good show. Bluegrass is alive and well in Beirut-Upon-Atlantic, despite appearances. And the banjo, as usual, kept things together.