Whether you think
The Gourds non-sequitur loving n'ere-do-wells or post-modern lyrical geniuses, their mandala-like musical vignettes and gulps of down-home authenticity can not be denied. Musical lifers and road dogs to the end, Kevin 'Shinyribs' Russell, Jimmy Smith, Max Johnston, Keith Langford and Claude Bernard remain at once roots music's envelope pushers and its torch bearers, its purveyors of Joyce-ian density and nickel novel groove - its Jekyll and its Hyde.
While the Gourds studio efforts have all been well received, their high-energy live performances and constant touring have earned them the reputation of a band that must be seen to be appreciated. As a result, they enjoy a dedicated fan base that is happy to follow them from town to town, and have become a favorite among those who tape live music.
On a random note, it was
The Gourds and NOT Phish that made the bluegrass cover of Snoop Dogg's "Gin and Juice" over twelve years ago. If you thought that was good take a listen to their original material.
