This PLAYING is Completely INSANE

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In this episode I discuss the UNIQUE style of Banjo legend Béla Fleck.
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Опубликовано:

30 авг 2023

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Комментарии : 2 тыс.

@JochenVogel 10 месяцев назад

Thank You for finally introducing Béla Fleck's genius to Your crowd. He's a brilliant composer and band-leader, too. Maybe even someone for Your interview series.

@JK-js2td 10 месяцев назад

Yes..a Bela interview would be epic!

@brucejones1867 10 месяцев назад

My exact thoughts. Bela has a solid musical background along with his bluegrass roots and has played with some greats over the years.

@brucejones1867 10 месяцев назад

I do know that Bela started in NYC and played in a lot of folk clubs but my earliest recollections of him are with New Grass Revival. That was a great band.

@BelchevKalin 10 месяцев назад

I can't remember if Rick did an interview with Victor Wooten but if not that would be great too.

@stephenrivera4382 10 месяцев назад

And Bela is a true gentleman!

@choloverde 9 месяцев назад

Funny Bela Fleck story. Early to mid ‘80s he was in a band called New Grass Revival & they were playing The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA. My friends were all in college and I became an electrician. They were all home for the weekend and I got us tickets for the Friday night show. (Being the only one with any money) We all sat at a table near the front. Of course I worked that day and had been up since 0430. I had nodded off and was awakened by loud banjo plucking and laughing. I opened my eyes to see Bela’s banjo in my face! All my friends had moved and the entire band was around me playing! They finished the song, went back on stage and Bela said “Don’t ever fall asleep at one of our gigs!” I didn’t fall back asleep! I used to have a cassette someone made me of Bela called “Before The Blues.” He played traditional blues songs with all bluegrass instruments. It was awesome!

@ericgerson58 9 месяцев назад

I'm a 5-string banjo player and of course a devotee of Fleck. It's notable that he has been nominated for Grammy awards in more catagories than any other musican EVER! You can really hear that in this clip, and if you spend any time watching him perform in various acts you can hear just how legendary his range really is. I had the pleasure of attending his music camp and watching him do his things for many hours was one of the most inspiring experiences of my life.

@nevetsretisson7927 9 месяцев назад

Fleck combines virtuosity, intellect, humor and deep, wide musical knowledge in a style that simply says, " I love this stuff, don't you?!?" Brilliant and lovable is a rare combination.

@nvrumi 10 месяцев назад

I think Fleck is a genius. Not only in his playing, but also his writing. I never tire of listening to him.

@arrowheading2612 10 месяцев назад

Same here. Bela has written some of the best melodies I've ever heard. He is a phenomenal composer.

@michaelrhudak 10 месяцев назад

I think he's one of the best melody writers ever. The Flecktones album The Hidden Land has some timeless melodies on it.

@arrowheading2612 10 месяцев назад

Absolutely, and there some awesome tunes on the Hidden Land, and the rest of the Flecktones albums too!

@kadenkohl782 9 месяцев назад

He’s not a genius. He’s playing lute music

@oe3phen 9 месяцев назад

@@kadenkohl782 sure if you ignore the instrument and the African Diaspora and the American tradition. Reductionist take at best.

@bellatrixg 10 месяцев назад

On Bela's timing, here's what he said in a November 1979 interview with the Banjo Newsletter when asked how he went about learning advanced banjo techniques: "Just about playing in time. Which I didn't learn until Pat Enright came along, joined the band last April. He completely turned me around. I can't say enough about what he did for me. He said I couldn't do that stuff if I couldn't play it in time. He actually put some pressure on me to get it together. It was really good for me. You don't think about playing in time until you find yourself up against someone who can really do it. His rhythm guitar playing is right on the money. When you play with someone like that and you can't play with him right on time then you know you have some work to do. So I sat down with a metronome for a while. I wouldn't say that was how I got my timing together. That taught me something about my timing, but playing in the band night after night really made a difference. ... [T]o me, timing is the most important thing. That's why the influence that Pat Enright had on me made everything that I played solider and stronger. Better than it was. And that made it listenable."

@reginabirchall5160 10 месяцев назад

When I met him during his tour supporting his classical CD he thanked me for being an elementary music teacher. He will never know how his kindness kept me afloat through a difficult period in my career

@ljc71 7 месяцев назад

I like when ppl appreciate other people in their craft. The enthusiasm for others is contagious

@danamacmillan9720 10 месяцев назад

You MUST have Bela Fleck ON YOUR SHOW!

@prime-mate 10 месяцев назад

This!!!

@somuchtosay 10 месяцев назад

And his wife!

@franktaylor3740 10 месяцев назад

Ditto that! Bela Fleck as your next guest!

@robertcooper4098 10 месяцев назад

Agreed!

@TristanLangdon 10 месяцев назад

Yes

@dustpan65 10 месяцев назад

As a teenager I got to see Bela Fleck and Chick Corea play a show together. While they were playing it was dead silent like a classical concert and after they finished each song everyone went nuts like a rock concert. Incredible experience

@JebHoge 9 месяцев назад

I was just about to mention their song on Tales From The Acoustic Planet that I think was just the two of them improvising over a basic idea and it ending with Chick saying "I win."

@xthexadvantagex 9 месяцев назад

Those experiences are so special.

@rickstadel5285 9 месяцев назад

Yup -- lucky fellow! That had to be amazing . .

@joshundrwd 9 месяцев назад

I saw Bela Fleck and Chris Thile (another one of those "if you know, you know" type of musicians) when they toured together one summer, I think 2016 or 2017. Very similar vibe to what you describe. I've seen a lot of performances across a lot of genres, and that one's in the running for most virtuosic performance I've personally witnessed. Also saw the Flecktones original lineup when they reunited for a while, at 2011 Bonnaroo. Great show.

@pauldobberstein5643 9 месяцев назад

I have the best job in the world, at least for me. I work with my wonderful brothers and sisters, all proud members of I.A.*.*. *. As a stagehand, I've worked alongside the greatest performers in the world for over 25 years. I've seen the majority of live production events that tour our region. Any time Bela, Victor, or Futureman are on a stage locally, I make sure I'm on the call sheet. ....And no, I don't get to see the events for free. They have to pay me. So it's better than free. As a music lover, all my life, a guitarist/luthier for 45 or so years, stagehand for over 25 years, when it comes to musical or theatrical performances, I've been there, and done that. The raw talent I've witnessed up close and personal covers the complete spectrum of modern music over 50 plus years. Bela Fleck improvising while switching up styles, tempo, rhythm, and key like a schizophrenic maniac. Like play a Tom Petty medley, but in the style of the Rolling Stones, starting at a snails tempo, building speed till you swear it's a blur of sound, yet unmistakably precise, then switch to the style of Chicago, and roll the tempo back to a crawl. I know a lot of music, but Bela has this fluidity that covers so many genres. I've been able to sit behind the curtain legs, on stage, literally 15 to 20 feet from him (and many others). He is one of those artists who put out amazing recordings, but witnessing a live performance is a musical thrill ride beyond compare. To see a free-form jam session with Bela and Victor Wooten is to literally be " taken to school".

@danakinskyrocker 10 месяцев назад

I had the immense pleasure of being able to see Bela along with Chris Thile and Sierra Hull and the Punch Brothers in concert last December. It was the most amazing, pure musical talent on stage I've ever seen. Not to mention the hall had perfect acoustics. Putting that much skill in front of an audience was the best Christmas present.

@rickjones641 9 месяцев назад

That really is pinnacle level stuff, what a blessing to be there! I am jealous :)

@jhskeen 9 месяцев назад

Wow I cannot imagine!!

@parkermillican 9 месяцев назад

I was at that show in birmingham. So fun

@richardvale214 9 месяцев назад

Your delight in the skills of other musicians is a joy to watch. And Bela Fleck is truly deserving of your delight. I saw him about 25 years ago with his band The Flecktones and was blown away. I can’t imagine how skillful he must be now. There’s a great video of him here on YT traveling Africa and improvising with African musicians in different villages that is very entertaining and informative.

@mikelopez6312 10 месяцев назад

It would be awesome to get Bela Fleck for an interview on your channel. While you're at it, grab Victor Wooten and rest of the Flecktones. Legendary musicians!

@alwaysexpandinghorizons6173 10 месяцев назад

Wooten has been on already

@RichMyers-cy7mq 10 месяцев назад

Or Bela Fleck and his wife, Abigail Washburn. She's a great clawhammer banjo player, singer and songwriter.

@oe3phen 9 месяцев назад

Jeff Coffin, underrated saxophonist!

@DaviSiqueiraSilva 10 месяцев назад

What amazes me is that almost no one has mentioned Bèla's record together with Chick Corea. That record is simply unbelievable! The conversations between the banjo and the piano are out of this world, and the whole album was recorded in just one week of I remember it correctly.

@jcout25 10 месяцев назад

Saw them perform together. You're correct, it's simply unbelievable.

@ShaunHensley 10 месяцев назад

Used to have that one

@megasoid 10 месяцев назад

I saw them on stage together as well. Simply mind blowing. I also saw Fleck and Zakir Hussain together a few months ago...also amazing. I lack the vocabulary to convey the musical level these luminaries are on.

@nisselarson3227 10 месяцев назад

I actually boycott Chick. Skrillex, Beck and all the other secret cult members. Love Béla! :)

@douglasalan5783 10 месяцев назад

Saw them play together at Penn State years ago. Brilliant.

@objectsinspaceman 9 месяцев назад

We saw Bela and the Flecktones a few years back, and to see Bela and Victor Wooten together can only be described as an honor.

@davidnesper5678 10 месяцев назад

Bela and Victor Wooten trading solos while turning each others tuning pegs was the greatest thing I have ever seen!

@Siders2032 2 месяца назад

Classic bit for sure! The thing people overlook about it, is that it isn't just a gimmick. They attack each other's tuning knobs with accurate turns for specific notes.

@michaelmoore7975 10 месяцев назад

Béla is an AWESOME OTHER-WORLDLY fusion banjo player. Been listening to him since the 80's.

@ron.v 10 месяцев назад

Bela Fleck is the Tommy Emmanuel of the banjo world. Anyone who plays the 5-string so well that he makes you forget it's a banjo has passed the artist stage and has become a magician.

@corpse711 9 месяцев назад

@@user-zm6yh3ux7l So you're basically saying Fleck is a crap banjo player. Even these bluegrass players you speak of wouldn't say what you said. He could jam and keep up with any banjo player. He's only noodling around here.

@msspi764 9 месяцев назад

@@user-zm6yh3ux7lI see your point about skills. But there aren’t very many banjo players that openly stray from the basic genres the way Fleck does. There are reasons, purism and market, for those choices. Fleck has carved out his own role. As has Sam Bush and Chris Thile. I agree that the level of skill has long been there, I played with folks in Kentucky who were amazing. I just think the modern distribution systems and places like Berkley opening the doors to people like Chris and Molly Tuttle is changing the genre. Bela Fleck was on the vanguard of all that.

@hayes30yt 9 месяцев назад

@@user-zm6yh3ux7l Would love to see some names of those players and links to examples showing what you claim. It's hard to imagina anyone running circles around him, but I'm willing to listen.

@ron.v 9 месяцев назад

@@user-zm6yh3ux7l How come none of those who can run circles around him play progressive jazz on the banjo? It's because they can't. They're good in their genre, perhaps better than him, but are they as versatile?

@jarrallhenderson3644 9 месяцев назад

@@user-zm6yh3ux7lhave any of those players played walking base lines like Joe pass did on guitar except on banjo? How about any of those who you claim can play circles around him play classical pieces on the banjo. Untill you can show me any of them doing that? Then keep quiet.

@conchitacarmelita 9 месяцев назад

Glad to see some Bela appreciation! Banjo is a really hard instrument to approach proficiency with (much less master). Rick is right in being amazed at Bela's sense of time; a banjo roll is a rhythmically perilous thing (it's always close to flying off the tracks!). People hate playing with most banjo players because the syncopation of the different rolls makes precision playing problematic, to say the least. Another challenge is that the fifth string (the highest pitched string) is placed above the lowest pitched string. It's strange and makes for a unique droning quality in a roll, but what makes it more challenging is that the fifth string ends at the fifth fret (you can see its peg jutting out there from the neck). If you're playing guitar you can change keys by moving the same patterns up and down the neck, but not so with a banjo... the placement of the fifth string means that you can't finger it as you do the other four strings as you branch out up the neck (there are some work-arounds, but it's hardly second nature). AND--one more thing--Bela is the king of playing melodically, which means that instead of typical 5 string Scruggs style, where the majority of notes rambling along at 10+ per second are droning parts of a roll, every note he hits is a melody note. It's muscle memory of runs and licks that make no sense on the fretboard, but Bela improvises with this melodic style over bebop and other challenging styles. It's easy to throw the word "genius" around, but it definitely suits Bela Fleck!

@kennorkin79 9 месяцев назад

Yes and no. Another stye in which Bela Fleck is a master -- and which is at the heart of his jazz stylings and much of his Flecktones work -- is "single string." This is a technique originally developed by Don Reno and Eddie Adcock in which successive notes are played on the same string using the thumb and index fingers in a down-up pattern. It emulates the approach of a guitarist playing with a pick. By typically avoiding the fifth string it enables playing movable patterns in all 12 keys. But even Scruggs (rolling) and melodic styles can be played in standard G tuning in various keys without capo or changing the fifth string. C, D, F and B-flat are friendly to open G tuning. Alan Munde and Tony Trischka (and others, I'm sure) have recorded tunes in A with no capo. -- Your overall point is correct: It's not easy playing Scruggs or melodic style in all keys mainly because the open fifth string (high G) creates challenges. That note is a different degree in different keys. It's not always part of the one, four or five chords. And it's not always in the key at all. -- Melodic style includes fretting the fifth string in up-the-neck positions. You can see Bela fretting the fifth string in the video. Fretted notes on the fifth string are the same as fretted notes at the same fret on the first string (in G tuning). -- To the extent that melodic style banjo is based on scales, melodic style runs and licks make plenty of sense on the fretboard. -- No argument that Bela is a genius.

@UTBanjo 9 месяцев назад

One of my old banjo teacher always said "It takes 5 years to make a bad banjo player, 10 to make a good one, and a lifetime to make an incredible one"

@zachsmith8916 8 месяцев назад

I mean reaching proficiency isn’t as hard depending on what genre and style. If you’re playing more traditional pre-bluegrass styles of Appalachian music becoming proficient is much easier in some regards although there is some nuisance to that statement.

@zachb8012 5 месяцев назад

People tend to think the only way to play a banjo is by doing the exact same thing as Earl Skruggs. That's like the world basing its perception of the flute based on that one dude beat-boxing the Super Mario theme. Not that 3 finger rolls don't have a place, but that place is a gimmick servicing the lack of percussion in a 5 piece bluegrass band. 99% of what the bluegrass banjo is doing is complimenting the melody with chords and three variations of the same roll. The sound is overwhelming, obnoxious, repetitive, and lacks a dynamic range. It's loud piercing plucking. Who actually enjoys listening to Bela Fleck or any other bluegrasser play solo banjo? He plays with mastery of the instrument but his struggle to break out of the box of the 3 finger roll is obvious. Meanwhile outside of puritan bluegrass the instrument is played with nuance that makes the individual immediately recognizable because everyone isn't trying to sound exactly like that one dude. People don't need to talk about mastering the banjo like it's a measurable contest when listening to someone play the instrument is actually enjoyable. Frailing and two-finger styles blend well into jams without overpowering other instruments, and complement the fiddle in a way no other instrument does. People almost forgot the banjo entirely before the second folk revival, then at a fragile point Earl Skruggs overshadowed the way the instrument was traditionally played. That stuck around for a long time, but now there are a lot of bands and musicians stepping out of the narrow confines of how he played the banjo, utilizing the real potential of the instrument with more traditional techniques that actually sound good outside of a narrow range.

@jmac7947 10 месяцев назад

Over the years, I've convinced myself that his focus to play things like Bach have moved him to another stratosphere on his instrument. Also, his documentary: Throw Down Your Heart is an absolute must see.

@krisnunney8030 10 месяцев назад

I saw him with Abigail Washburn about six to 12 months ago. She’s no slouch either and what a voice! Genius.

@glmunir 10 месяцев назад

His wife.

@ColonelForkEyes 10 месяцев назад

Bela and the Flecktones 'Live at the Quick' is one of my favourite concert videos to watch, especially when showing it to others that haven't heard of the guy before. Plus of course you have Victor Wooten, Futureman and a whole host of fantastic supporting musicians. Then they bring the throat-singing guy on and it goes even more crazy. The documentary film he made tracing the roots of the banjo in Africa (I think it was called 'Throw Down Your Heart') was a great watch also.

@grene1955 9 месяцев назад

Bela Fleck and The Flecktones Live At The Quick is one of the best live concert video's of all time. The musicianship and improvisational skills of each of the players is simply of another world!

@jjr007 8 месяцев назад

Also Live Art!

@crackfacekilla 4 месяца назад

@@jjr007 ESPECIALLY Live Art, arguably a better album if only it was in DVD form (like Live At the Quick)!

@marklumpkin6109 3 месяца назад

I’ve seen and listened to a bunch of bands the past 60 years. The Flecktones are the most original act I’ve ever witnessed. Truly one of a kind.

@johnhein1663 9 месяцев назад

I have seen Bella and the Flecktones three times and he and the guys were all so kind and cordial after the show. He is an AMAZING artist and genuine person. You should have him on.

@flashythingme 10 месяцев назад

I just saw three Shakti shows on the East Coast - one John Scofield opened solo and the other two Bela Fleck opened. You are so right Rick, Bela was (and is) amazing and deserves this shout out. And SHAKTI.... jaw dropping all three shows. McLaughlin at 81 is just unbelievable - for ANY age. Three nights of virtuosity but more importantly, joy and wonder. Glad you got to experience this as well, Rick. Cheers...

@ThePwig 10 месяцев назад

Bela Fleck is the greatest banjo player of all time and it’s not even close. He has some amazing albums with the Flecktones. I actually prefer the studio albums because they are polished and planned out. Love them.

@laurieharper1526 10 месяцев назад

Bella is brilliant, but "the greatest banjo player of all time and it’s not even close" is nonsense, I'm afraid. Ever heard of Tony Trischka or Noam Pikelny? There are others, but those two come to mind immediately.

@ThePwig 10 месяцев назад

@@laurieharper1526 I feel like Bela can play anything that they can play and more.

@stevenmeyer9674 10 месяцев назад

@@laurieharper1526 Most experts rate Bella at no lower than #2 all time best. Now, all opinions are subjective for sure, but your comment really came out of left field.

@CantTellYou 10 месяцев назад

The difference between him & a lot of the other virtuoso banjo players I’ve seen, is he really has a DISTINCT style of his own - like Beato said, he will have me asking “this is coming out of a _banjo?!”_ over & over again

@tedlivermore6955 10 месяцев назад

For technical skill I d still say the guy in the Kruger brothers.Outstanding player

@JohnRuggero 9 месяцев назад

Tuned the piano for a Chick Corea/Bela Flek duo show. It was completely insane. They were playing everything from Scarlatti to Bluegrass, improvising in sync. 😱. Two musical geniuses together. I was lucky to hang out stage left.

@123GoBrits 9 месяцев назад

These are musicians that are so transcendent that the instrument almost begins to not matter. Chris Thile on mandolin is another example. They can store enormous amounts of music in their heads and recall any part of it instantly. They can hear notes in their minds and be sounding them nanoseconds later

@patrickmiller7803 10 месяцев назад

Béla Fleck is a national treasure. His work is astounding ... and defies gravity. SOOOOOOOOOO goood!

@ibassnote 10 месяцев назад

I’m casual friends with Bela. I’ve actually played with him on stage a few times. Nicest person you’d ever meet. Great guy to ask questions about music. Ever curious. Ever generous.

@civlwrbuf 7 месяцев назад

Nearly 20 years ago he collaborated with other great bluegrass artists like Chris Thile and created Applanation Pickers Society. It was one off album but beautiful to the ears. All these great artists riffing on each other. Shady Grove is just the best.

@Demobius 9 месяцев назад

The Flecktones were famous for improvising whole numbers live in concert. The last number of the night was often a total surprise to both the band and the audience, and sometimes it was brilliant.

@fr.davideynon6984 10 месяцев назад

Bela has always been better live than in the studio. I have seen him multiple times and while I love his recordings, the experience of seeing him live takes what is on his albums to a whole new level. Every time. Worth making the effort.

@josephestes7076 10 месяцев назад

Ok, dude, Bela fleck is insane. Throw down your heart was the coolest documentary ever exploring roots of the banjo. Great album that came from that movie, too. Speaking of musically transcendental experiences, Chris Thile + Jacob Collier + Madison Cunningham + The new York philharmonic.... blew my mind. The most humbling and awe-inspiring night of my life. I've never seen anything like it. Improvisation at the highest level.

@biffphuddle6581 9 месяцев назад

Bela is amazing. Saw him a few years ago with the Flecktones. He can play anything with any musician on the planet and it would be a treat. Live long and prosper Bela Fleck.

@lindsaykimbrough8260 9 месяцев назад

He has been absolutely slaying for decades now. What a talent.

@luke1525 10 месяцев назад

Bela's done some of my fave renditions of Paganini & Bach. The guy is a genius.

@KarmicWealth 10 месяцев назад

Rick, this is my new favorite video of yours. Just because it’s just raw, with no planning it seems. And just full love for the music. Thank you for existing buddy.

@jaakkorahkola2430 9 месяцев назад

Karmic, this is my new favourite comment of yours. Just because it's just raw, with no planning it seems. And just full love for the Rick. Thank you for posting buddy.

@Hintz6 9 месяцев назад

@@jaakkorahkola2430 You wouldn't have responded if Rick didn't heart the comment.

@jaakkorahkola2430 9 месяцев назад

@@Hintz6 You would not have responded if I would not have responded.

@johnjohnsonson9942 9 месяцев назад

Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn are the reason I started playing banjo roughly a year ago. So happy in my decision and still incredibly inspired by their love for the instrument and both of their equally insane playing styles.

@erichstevens3246 10 месяцев назад

Saw the Flecktones in Pompano Beach, FL some 20 years ago. Everyone in the band did a solo, all of them jaw dropping. This was the most musical talent I have ever seen on one stage.

@shadowgolem9158 10 месяцев назад

Fleck is a national treasure. I got to see him live. Mind blowing. "Throw Down Your Heart" is an amazing film too.

@Doohickeydongle 10 месяцев назад

His classical album Perpetual Motion (2001) is probably my most listened to classical album. It's absolutely beautiful. I remember picking it up when it came out after listening to it on the old Barnes & Noble CD listening stations.

@justinguitarcia 9 месяцев назад

Seeing the OG Flecktones lineup was a life altering experience, unbelievable musicianship

@steinavisionhtpc2326 9 месяцев назад

Every member of that group is a virtuoso in their own right. Together they are just amazing. So much talent on the stage with that lineup.

@54fighting5 9 месяцев назад

I second these comments. I saw them with and without Howard Levy back in the day and it was always a great show. All four are virtuosos !

@joeditta2321 10 месяцев назад

I'm psyched to see you posted a video about Bela Fleck, Rick! The first time I saw him play was in the early 1990s at Harborfest in Oswego, NY (which, as a Rochesterian, you probably know of). Victor Wooten and Futureman (aka the Flecktones) accompanied him and the trio played some certifiably insane stuff. Bela walked amongst the crowd of people chilling on picnic blankets, with a remote pickup apparently, and introduced himself to dozens of people and held conversations while never missing a note. I was blown away and have been a huge fan ever since. I'm convinced the man has an invisible third hand.

@tadmorrison 10 месяцев назад

I saw the Flecktones in 1991 when all the music they had was on their first record. Their encore was a version of Michelle they had just started arranging. Really a fine experience

@aequanimus63247 10 месяцев назад

That first Bela Fleck and the Flecktones album is a masterpiece. Would love to see an interview with him and/or Victor Wooten.

@jamesdellaneve9005 9 месяцев назад

Yes. Too bad Victor’s hands are gone. I just saw in Anaheim after NAAM, he’s really got diminished skills. It was still awesome. But, ive seen him 4 times over the years and who knows if he’ll be able to lay in the future.

@sonnygruntstick 9 месяцев назад

it blew my mind when it came out...still one of my faves.

@scottharper5811 9 месяцев назад

Victor did a TedTalk you might like.

@LinYouToo 9 месяцев назад

Agree

@Samasiam 9 месяцев назад

I saw Bela Fleck play with Stanley Clarke and Jean Luc Ponty in Seattle in 2005. Like your experience, impossible art and technique from all. I found myself with tears of joy running down my face at times, especially from Ponty's solos. But it was not surprising, after seeing the complexity of Bela's playing, that Stanley and Ponty chuckled, as they introduced one of Fleck's compositions, by pulling up music stands and saying "we're going to have to use a score for this." After hearing it, I'm sure no one was surprised.

@BenGreen1980 9 месяцев назад

Ive seen the Flektones and Shakti separately. Everyone in the Flektones had their own solo set while everyone else took a break and every one of them was astounding. The Shakti show is still one of the most incredible musical performances ive ever seen.

@jimhall1001 10 месяцев назад

Rick, I think you've finally covered all my bases now that you've included Bela on your channel. I've been listening to him since the mid nineties from my dad's New Grass Revival tape and then bought all of his solo bluegrass albums then the Flecktone albums. His body of work may be unparalleled. And his gift for melody and composing is as flabbergasting as his virtuoso playing. He's seriously the most amazing artist I've ever witnessed in person. Listen to Live Art.

@randygerdes 10 месяцев назад

Yeah! Well Said!

@arrowheading2612 10 месяцев назад

Agree 100%. Listen to Live Art, and then everything else Bela's ever recorded :) Gems on every album!

@Arcturios 10 месяцев назад

One of the best performances I’ve ever heard was Bela Fleck, Zakir Hussein, and Edgar Meyer on stand up bass around 10 years ago in Sturgeon Bay High School in Wisconsin. So many amazing improvisational moments! Great callout!

@stitch3163 10 месяцев назад

Saw the three of them playing with the Colorado Symphony. Fantastic. Talk back after the concert and someone asked Zakir what instrument someone who failed on tabla should do. Zakir said, play the banjo.

@fitzerator 9 месяцев назад

Just in case you weren’t aware, they just put out an album together called “As We Speak.”

@RicBergstrom 9 месяцев назад

I saw the lineup at University of Richmond about 5 years ago. Sitting in the theatre, eyes closed, letting the tabla, bass and banjo course and pulse through me was about as close to an out of body experience I have ever had at a show...

@warnelivesey 10 месяцев назад

Rick. I love so much about your channel and particularly the way you pay tribute to exceptional musicians and artists with a purity of joy and excitement for their talent.

@cameddy4081 7 месяцев назад

Seen Bella Fleck with Victor Wooten several times - so other level as to be indescribable- musicianship on such a phenomenal level - makes the banjo sing like no other artist - thank you for recognizing this modest genius- “he can do anything with a banjo “!!!!! So true - “I stand up next to a mountain and chop it down with my banjo !”

@Tolemac7 10 месяцев назад

Hey Rick ~ I got to meet Béla after an utterly amazing show of him and the Flecktones, here in Santa Fe at the Paolo Soleri theater many years ago. I grew up in L.A. and in all of my years being in and out of the music biz on various levels, he was the nicest and most genuine person I've had the pleasure of speaking to. It absolutely reflects in his music. There's a playfulness and serenity that I believe allows him to create at the level he does. In my view, what we hear when he plays is someone unburdened of ego. He just lets all of the musical ideas flow through him with nothing in the way. His playing ability is phenomenal! I see him constantly evolving and exploring. It's beautiful to watch. He is beyond rare in the business.

@brianaxel4589 10 месяцев назад

So much gratitude to you for this! Yes! Bela Flek is extraordinary - and it would be so wonderful for you to interview him and discuss his music. Please do that!

@pecosnick45 9 месяцев назад

His Bluegrass Heart album from a year or two ago was unparalleled. Will likely go down as one of the all time greatest albums of the genre. Really worth a listen.

@PiDev 9 месяцев назад

I was lucky enough to see Bela open for (and play with) the group Punch Brothers, who have their own generational talent at banjo in Noam Pikelny (as well as every other instrumentalist in the group. Noam is an offshoot of Bela's style, and is absolutely incredible.

@sheldoninst 10 месяцев назад

The Flecktones are absolutely amazing, and their live alum has to be one of the best fusion albums ever, mixing musical prowess and amazing technical abilities, fun foot tapping melodies, and whimsical at the same time.

@frankd.506 9 месяцев назад

Loved the first couple albums but when Three Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest came out I was hooked for good.

@horizontalblanking 10 месяцев назад

I was lucky enough to see the original Flecktones lineup in a dive bar in Tuscaloosa, AL when I was in college (circa 1993). Just blew my brains out… the levels of improvisation and sophistication from the whole band. Wow!

@daveedson32 9 месяцев назад

Rick- Béla (pronounced BAY-la) was playing the opening theme to "Sunset Road" from the first Flecktones album before that "Beverly Hillbillies" riff. He returns to it again. He is a genius and ever growing. Glad you went out and enjoyed it!

@jeffmansfield914 9 месяцев назад

Rick mentioned that he was going from piece to piece. He knows every note wasn’t improvised, but there was a ton of improv in the way he put it all together.

@jonpratz 9 месяцев назад

I can't help but pronounce it the way Rick does...here in Atlanta at least, that's how media (mainly 99x) pronounced it and never the correct way

@martinnolan9172 9 месяцев назад

@@jeffmansfield914Love that Rick did this, but he kept saying "this is all improvised.. he's just making this stuff up" when the piece he played was a medley of composed pieces from his albums with very little improv. The bit before the "Sunset Road" intro was was another piece from an album, I just can't remember the name. Rick's clearly not that familiar with his albums. Not to take anything away from Bela - completely agree with Rick that he's one of the very highest echelon of musicians who are completely connected to their instrument, able to express themselves without limits.

@gregparadi 9 месяцев назад

Béla is a common Hungarian first name :) Fleck was named ( by his father ) after Béla Bartók composer.

@KitagumaIgen 10 месяцев назад

It is always a good sign when Rick goes into complete complimenting fan-mode - You know that's a sign of joy to come!

@TroublesomeOwl 10 месяцев назад

Saw Bela and Abigail early this year. Magical people; magical performance. He often has a running gag through his sets, and it was the constant reference and reprisal of the Imperial March at his one lol

@harryh5620 10 месяцев назад

Bela is a VERY playful musician - sometimes the audience doesn't get the gag - Flecktones fans do because they are in on it - but all of his bandmates are playful as all heck. So much pure fun.

@thbenton4 9 месяцев назад

"He can do anything with a banjo." Amen!! Bela is the best. And his wife Abigail Washburn is also amazing.

@WildwoodSon 9 месяцев назад

I've been a fan of Bela's since grad school in the early 80's (Day Break / Natural Bridge / NGR.) A friend took lessons from Bela in the mid 1980's and learned Flapperette (part of the medley played here) from him. I later transposed Bela's arrangement to mandolas (it takes two.) I've learned so much transposing his banjo arrangements to other instrument (mandolins mainly.) What an inspiring artist.

@SteveSmith-ze4qf 10 месяцев назад

I absolutely relate to your experience! Bela is unbelievable. I’ve never been more drawn into a performer playing solo.

@kd8qmw 10 месяцев назад

Bela Fleck is a master for sure! If you haven’t already and you get the opportunity to see a Chris Thile solo show, you would be gobsmacked by his proficiency on the mandolin across genres.

@ivehadworse 9 месяцев назад

Most people have no idea of the level of musicianship some of these "bluegrass" players are. Bela, Chris Thile, Victor Wooten, Jerry Douglas, and many others. Best in the world in any genre. I've seen them even break out the sheet music on stage and play classical music perfectly. Unreal.

@shauncavanaugh9100 9 месяцев назад

I have followed Bela playing every type of music from Bach to rock for nearly 40 years. He is an amazing person.

@gryfandjane 10 месяцев назад

I’ve followed Bela since his days with New Grass Revival and later with the Flecktones, and have seen each live several times. Actually met him once and chatted for a bit… you can’t describe his music without running out of superlatives. And watching him play… not a single wasted motion. His improv stuff sounds like he’s played it a hundred times, but it’s fresh and new. What an astounding musician.

@booksandbirbs 10 месяцев назад

I had the privilege to see him in my tiny high school auditorium, such a wonderful musician and showman.

@blayton5995 10 месяцев назад

Perpetual Motion is an amazing classical cross album that I can't recommend enough. The liner notes mention the strain and effort Fleck went through to prepare for and record that album. Phenomenal listening for any music lover.

@AntiMAGA4Ever 9 месяцев назад

Just saw the same show in Columbus Ohio. Could not agree more. Both performances were incredible. So much talent on one stage.

@tomfull6637 7 месяцев назад

Glad for you that you were there to experience it. Sad for me missing it. 😢 Thank you for painting a beautiful lively picture of the event. I felt it! Kind regards Anders Sweden

@alanpecherer5705 10 месяцев назад

I saw Bela about 20 years ago, with Vic Wooten. The band was simply outstanding.

@csabapusztai9404 10 месяцев назад

The only time I got to see them was in the early 2010s in Budapest. It was a small venue so they had two consecutive gigs. I was standing right up front by the stage and with tears literally rolling down my cheeks as I was watching them playing, it was such a cathartic performance. A celebration of a species that got from running around on the savannah with clubs to constructing instruments and using them to channel through their creative powers.

@GTC4cam 10 месяцев назад

Yup. The flecktones. Awesome.

@8minecrafter8 10 месяцев назад

Bonnaroo 2003, they had put a bunch of sand or woodchips or something down on the field to soak up the water and mud from the recent rains. Well it basically was like standing on an undulating waterbed as Bela and the Flecktones' booming bass shook the whole place and we all jumped and danced. Incredible madness.

@blairmichaelhogan4502 10 месяцев назад

Same here….in 2002 opening for DMB. My 18 year old brain could barely process what I was seeing. I literally had no idea musicians could be that good.

@randallkomisarek2875 10 месяцев назад

Same here. Denver and Telluride Bluegrass festival. Unbelievable player.

@DeaconBlues98 10 месяцев назад

There's plenty of amazing live jams with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones with the Dave Matthews Band that are crazy good! The musicianship is outstanding!

@flyjoseph6355 9 месяцев назад

Been seeing Bela since the 90s and it’s always something special. This story reminds me of when my friends and I saw Return to Forever reunite in 2008 in LA, and Stanley Clarke played solo on the upright for like 15 minutes and it was the most unbelievable improvised performance I’d ever seen. Great video Rick!

@xthexadvantagex 9 месяцев назад

I saw that tour and I feel truly lucky to have been there.

@melodymakermark 9 месяцев назад

I haven’t taken the Flecktone’s deep dive, but the first time I saw those guys, he and the bass player (Victor?) were playing a tune with constant changing times, supposedly trying to trip each other up, but they both held their own. Amazing.

@glenwilliams1646 10 месяцев назад

Everything Bela has been a part of is next level 👍

@DarrenPullin 10 месяцев назад

He's awesome, Rick! Just found his performance on YT - Bela Fleck @ the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, Atlanta, GA on 8/25/2023 (Live Full Show). Amazing!

@pandiario1 2 месяца назад

Thank you Rick for all your interviews! 👍

@polintr 9 месяцев назад

He’s the best live performer I’ve ever seen. His recordings are amazing. Live he’s 🤯

@mandohack 10 месяцев назад

I saw Nicekcreek open for The Flecktones about 20 years ago. Chris Thile blew my mind on mandolin and what's possible on that instrument.

@Gedagnors 10 месяцев назад

We need more videos where people who know what's happening comment on what's going on! Thank you so much for such an inspiring reaction!!!

@johnnysizemore4301 9 месяцев назад

When someone is truly gifted I cry. It’s tears of joy and inspiration! Although I’m familiar with Bella fleck and the fleck tones I had no idea! Thank you Rick! I’m blown away! I’m inspired and I’m happy!

@sakurajimaash 9 месяцев назад

Rick, so glad you made a video on Bela. Thank you! I'm a musician so there are lots of musicians I love, but Bela would definitely be in my top ten. He's delved into such a wide range of musical genres and brought tears to my eyes on many occasions. Pure genius!

@isohumulone 10 месяцев назад

I've seen Bela Fleck nearing a dozen times, playing everything from Bluegrass and new grass to classical and jazz. I've seen him play with his wife, Abigail, with the Flecktones, Jason Marsalis, Chick Corea, and most recently twice with My Bluegrass Heart lineup. I'm ALWAYS blown away by his playing. But the last row shows with that My Bluegrass Heart lineup were not only my favorite, but possibly the best performances I've ever seen by anyone anywhere.

@bam232 10 месяцев назад

Seen My Bluegrass Heart twice as well, and you're not kidding. It is just incredible.

@sacredcowburger1 10 месяцев назад

Seeing the double bill of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones with Chick Corea Electrik Band was amazing. So many absolute legends sharing the stage. Incredible.

@sdhales1 9 месяцев назад

I saw the same double bill at the London Jazz Fest in 2009. Unbelievable show.

@dreamwavez 9 месяцев назад

I was lucky enough for him to be passing through my town and he needed studio time so he recorded with me at my studio. He really is amazing!

@petermorris3312 9 месяцев назад

Rick thank you for this. When the live experience works it's an affirmation of who we are - the best of us. Audience and players together as a group feeling something timeless between them. You can't take it away. It's probably one of the few things left that's not stealable....

@israeldelaluz 10 месяцев назад

Rick Beato, you totally rock!! I saw Béla Fleck and the Flecktones some 20 years ago in Vancouver and they blew my mind. Talented beyond description. It was like landing in another music planet. A wonderful discovery!! You just brought me back those memories. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🎵 Thank you, Rick!! ☀️

@sonoftheredfox 10 месяцев назад

I love Bela Fleck because he respects those who came before him and you can hear it in everything he plays. Plus, he introduced me to Vic Wooten.

@JoeBanjo88 9 месяцев назад

Frank...so happy to hear you playing the music of my peeps!

@doylebowles5026 8 месяцев назад

Saw Bela Fleck and Chick Corea perform together a few years ago. Two artists , a banjo and a piano. That was it. As you say, AMAZING.

@TheMacdoug 10 месяцев назад

Been listening to Béla and the Flecktones for decades, drives my wife crazy but I can never get enough, always astonishing. A musician’s musician.

@greggacek1655 10 месяцев назад

If you haven't seen Bela's video of him in Africa, talk about improv!. It's called Throw Down Your Heart from 2008. Bela just kind of follows the Nile River down and any village or tribe where they are playing music, he just fits himself in. Truly amazing.

@BlackRootsUNLIMITED 9 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for this heads up. Just landed on the documentary, he actually starts right here in Uganda. I had no idea he was here! I first knew about him when I was watching Victor Wooten live videos in the early 2000's! Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤

@nickeads7601 9 месяцев назад

Bela has been one of my favorites for decades. Would absolutely love to hear Rick interview him.

@michaeltaylors2456 10 месяцев назад

Glad to see you spreading out Rick !

@robm3569 10 месяцев назад

I think of Bela Fleck and Pat Metheny as mirror images of one another and in many ways they both inspire me in much the same way. They even look similar...wait a minute! But seriously, Bela Fleck is just amazing and his band the Flecktones are also incredible. Please try and get an interview with him Rick, that would be great!

@glmunir 10 месяцев назад

I would love to hear them do a duet.

@JohnRotonto-ql9ds 10 месяцев назад

I saw Bela Fleck a couple of times in Pittsburgh Pa. What a show! What a band! Jazz fusion amazing! Who goes to Juilliard to major in Banjo! Bela Fleck does! Good clip Rick! From Bluegrass to Spacegrass to Jazz/Fusion. Bela Fleck is a force to be reckoned with!! 👍👍🪕🪕🪕🪕🪕🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

@lowtone9 9 месяцев назад

No, he was at Julliard studying Trombone and got hooked on the banjo and bluegrass scene.

@mattordiway1955 10 месяцев назад

I felt this way watching this Brazilian two-piece open for Altin Gün in Detroit. The mastery combined with the lightheartedness and the fun of it. It's the kind of thing that just makes you happy for the mere existence of music. LOVE IT!