Re: Why is mixing considered...
Sure, Ryan, but I know maybe 5 guys that can mix like that. Interestingly enough, two of them mix for jam bands. Any given season I see many many more guys who can put together a very good mix, and that's fine. A very good mix is not a deal breaker. Hell, a serviceable mix is not a deal breaker. We should all aspire to "very good" and always at least manage "serviceable", when touring for months at a time I'm sure there is considerable variability in the quality of one's mix.
I like to think I am a "very good" mixer, certainly 90th percentile. I sure as shit know what separates me from the best, though, and that's all creativity. The best mixers are to some extent part of the band, they know the music like the back of their hand and they add in little audible treats to make their mix part of the experience. I just present what's happening on stage with a little modification.
