Move That Air

~ Paul Carter, Engineer (Moreland and Arbuckle)

 

When I was young, long ago and far away, there were folks we called musicians.

They strummed guitars and played horns and pianos and banged drums and sang. They'd use most anything that could make a rythm, harmony or melody. It didn't much matter as long as it vibrated and moved that air. The music must come forth. The vibration inside must be released. Freed through the instrument to move that air. It just had to -- everyday. Food, water, shelter and music, not necessarily in that order. Serve the song.

But that was long ago and times have changed. The musician in the wild is a rare thing these days. The environment and climate have been altered to the point that survival of the musician is difficult at best. Most are confined to various types of cages or have simply vanished. People don't seem too concerned about it. I guess you can't miss what you never knew. Computers are cheap and don't need room and board.

So, it's a special thing for me when I stumble acrosss one who still runs free. Sustaining himself on music. Foresaking known paths of much greater ease. Making the sacrifice. Knowing the game's plum crooked but playing anyway. Serving the song.

Jonathan Fleig is one such musician. For the past decade, he has traveled in service of the song. From Kansas to California, Oregon to Arizona, he has moved that air. People are starting to notice.

His last release, "The Great Awakening" with the band Soup, recieved widespread college radio airplay. It was nominated by the 21st Los Angeles Music Awards in two categories -- Americana Artist of the Year and Best Americana single for the song "Enemy." Check it out if you haven't already. Real music from a real musician.

In the spring of 2012, Jonathan will release his latest album "Strange Caravan" on the Herbal Records and the hard traveling will begin again. Do yourself and him a favor. Go see a show. Pick up a CD. Feel that air move.