Bela Fleck and the Flecktones

Jim Palenscar · Post by **Jim Palenscar** » 26 Nov 2003 12:32 am

I had the rare opportunity to get to see the Flecktones tonite and they were absolutely terrific! Each of the 4 members are virtuosos on their instruments and the combined performance of the band was nothing short of spectacular- a true "Can't Miss" if they get near you! The banjo (that we all like to slam) has to be one of the best choices for triggering midi apps~ and Bela does it in spades.

Jay Fagerlie · Post by **Jay Fagerlie** » 26 Nov 2003 7:49 am

Ah, Bela and the Boys….I’ve been lucky enough to catch them twice in Sacramento, and catch a “Wooten Brothers ” show also in Sacramento. (Go Reggie, you’re a wild man!!!) What a great group of musicians, from the sax player playing two saxes at one time harmonizing on a lead break, to Bela’s banjo-sitar solo, they are the epitome of taste. I’ve been asked to characterize their music, and all I can come up with is “It’s Bela Fleck and the Flecktones” music. Very distinctive. At one show, the soundman allowed a tap off the board, so I have a recording of the show, 2 CD’s worth! Bela’s also did some acoustic bluegrass albums that are great. I never get tired of hearing these guys…..if you haven’t heard them yet, do yourself a favor you’ll never regret….
Jay

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 26 Nov 2003 10:25 am

I saw them 4 times in one week in NYC back about '94, and they were great then. I have no doubts about improvment since then either.

Victor and I have jammed at Fodera's workshop for a few minutes on our sister basses. He is a a great guy and a great player.

His brother is just on another plane as far as drumming goes. He was a super good drummer on a normal kit, but released from sticks and the distances needed to move them around acoustic kits, he is now like 3 drummers at the same time.
Some say you can't be musical with electronic drums, but he puts the lie to that canard.

Bela... well he's Bela and there ain't anything left to say, except that he's a very nice and friendly person.

John Kavanagh · Post by **John Kavanagh** » 26 Nov 2003 11:44 am

I've never been lucky enough to hear them live, but I have most of Fleck's albums, and the Flecktones are a great band. He may not be famous but he's working and making a good living playing terrific no-compromises modern instrumental music; what an inspiration.

Brian Davis · Post by **Brian Davis** » 26 Nov 2003 1:07 pm

The Flecktones are unbelievable. The summer night I spent at Ravinia seeing them with opener David Grisman was one of the best times of my life. Anyone who hasn't should check out their album Left of Cool...great stuff!

Jay Fagerlie · Post by **Jay Fagerlie** » 27 Nov 2003 8:36 am

David,
I'm jealous, I'd love to play with Victor. The guy is just a limitless pool of talent. At the Wooten Bros. show, I stood right in front of him the entire show, the guy always has a smile on his face, you can just tell that he is totally in his element. There was a show last year on some satellite channel that had Bela and the boys playing with among other people, a steel drum player, a throat singer, and the most outstanding tabla player I've ever seen! Both Bela and Victor traded licks with this guy---a tabla player! Blows my mind every time I watch it (Lucky me-I got it on tape)

Brian Wetzstein · Post by **Brian Wetzstein** » 27 Nov 2003 12:41 pm

I once played a music festival that Bela and the Flecktones were the headline act. Many times (especially with the multi-band shows) they ask you to arrive much much earlier than you need to. I enjoy juggling and often bring clubs or juggling balls to entertain myself.
So... while I was backstage juggling someone comes up and asks me if they can juggle with me. I turn around and it was Victor Wooten! Turns out he had a bunch of time to kill too and hung out juggling with me for an hour or so. Good juggler too!
He was a very nice person. He introduced me to everyone in the band and even invited me to sit on the side of the stage during their performance.
Very memorable day.
brian

frank rogers · Post by **frank rogers** » 27 Nov 2003 2:26 pm

My good buddy Derico Watson is currently working with Victor Wooten. Ck. out the photos here. http://www.dericowatson.com/home.htm
P.S. When you get to the link click on "what's new" and then go to the Victor Wooten photos. BTW, Derico is featured on my upcoming C.D.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by frank rogers on 27 November 2003 at 02:31 PM.]</p></FONT>

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 28 Nov 2003 7:30 pm

They played a free show right near my house last week, and I missed them beczuse I was busy cooking and couldn't leave the kitchen.

T$#&%^&^&*_*_)&*&%&%$*^%(_*_))_+