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Jazz Articles about Bela Fleck
BEATrio: BEATrio
by Doug Collette
It is quite the compliment for banjoist Bela Fleck to compare the creative dynamic of his longstanding quartet, the Flecktones, to the artistry he has formulated with harpist Edmar Castaneda and percussionist Antonio Sanchez. The brilliant abstract art on the cover of the latter trio's self-titled album is an accurate reflection of the music: the camaraderie in action makes it all the more enticing to become both absorbed in and addicted to the sounds therein. The composite of ...
Continue ReadingBela Fleck with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra At The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
by Doug Collette
Bela Fleck with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra Flynn Center for the Performing Arts Burlington, Vermont September 27, 2024 As if a fine jewel placed in its setting, Bela Fleck's appearance with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra took place at the very center of the two-hour program on September 27th. Considering this occasion was the season debut of the VSO--in its 90th year no less--the concert set a high bar for their future performances (including another such ...
Continue ReadingBéla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, & Zakir Hussain with Rakesh Chaurasia at Ulster Performing Arts Center
by Mike Jurkovic
Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, & Zakir Hussain with Rakesh Chaurasia Ulster Performing Arts Center Kingston, NY June 14, 2024 Given that most of the old space heads who groove on these other forms of communication can't see that well to drive at night anymore, it was a bigger crowd than most expected at the Ulster Performing Arts Center. With all the misinformation out there, most of the attendees were probably not aware that As ...
Continue ReadingChick Corea and Bela Fleck: Remembrance
by Doug Collette
As much as master banjoist Bela Fleck loves to play, he loves to perform with other like-minded musicians virtually as much. Consequently, in addition to his long-standing role as leader of The Flecktones ensemble, he has continued to explore his love of the bluegrass music by which he first made a name for himself, My Bluegrass Heart (Renew, 2021), but also ventured far afield to collaborate with equally adventuresome creative partners like Edgar Meyer and Zakir Hussain for As We ...
Continue ReadingBela Fleck: Rhapsody In Blue
by Doug Collette
It's a long way from India to Broadway, but Bela Fleck makes the journey in high style for Rhapsody in Blue. It follows the altogether exotic As We Speak (Thirty Tigers, 2023), the combination of which further a case for the banjoist/composer/bandleader as an eclectic musical explorer comparable to Pat Metheny. Beginning in the slow-but-sure, occasionally fitful way this album's concept came together, “Rhapsody in Blue (grass)" features seemingly conventional banjo voicings alternated with George Gershwin's inimitable progressions. ...
Continue ReadingBela Fleck: As We Speak
by Doug Collette
As We Speak is an emphatic continuation of banjoist Bela Fleck's eclectic adventures dating back to his high school days. It is thus only fitting that this LP's title alludes to the ongoing artistic process wherein creativity can ensue, virtually non-stop, no matter what other dialogue(s) might be going on at the time. In fact, the trio of Fleck, tabla master Zakir Hussain and bassist Edgar Meyer have collaborated in the past--see The Melody of Rhythm (Koch, 2009). ...
Continue ReadingBass Extremes: S'Low Down
by Chris Jisi
Thirty years ago, a simple pairing changed the trajectory of bass. Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten, bonded by their mutual fretboard wizardry, sharp wit, and teaching philosophies, formed Bass Extremes, and the instrument and its community were forever transformed. The concept was quite ambitious. Steve was a rapidly ascending anchor for Dizzy Gillespie, Paquito D'Rivera and the Rippingtons, who had found his voice on the 6-string fretless bass and was taking the instrument to uncharted heights, with a soon to ...
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