Album Notes

Acoustic Beef is an attempt to explore the musical aspects of having 4 songwriters in a band, and as such, covers influences & genres in a way that is both individual, and collective . Recorded in several locations in 2003 & 2004, the album is by far the Band's best effort , and is far-reaching in it's blend of acoustic string-music and world music influences. From songs based in the rich history of Michigan's Copper Country & great lakes nautical lore (John Powers) to songs inspired from Edward Gorey's "the Ghastly crumb Tiny's" (Birthday), this album is a virtual conglomeration of personal stories, energetic instrumentals, and rich characters & instrumentation.

The 2003/2004 FBG line-up included Matt Sayles, Ryan Olthouse, Bob Guidebeck, former “carp” member Ken Thiemann, and Sven Gonstead, a talented luthier and multi-instrumentalist.