British guitarist analyses Bela Fleck and the Flecktones' unique bluegrass jazz!
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- Опубликовано: 26 авг 2024
- Tonight we're going back to 1996 to take a look at Bela Fleck and The Flecktones live!
Original video - • Bela Fleck and The Fle...
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I haven’t heard a Bela Fleck song in 20 years! Thanks for taking me back.....
his stuff used to be really popular a long time ago, i forgot all about him & the Flecktones, thank God for Wings of Pegasus. After seeing this, I just read where he's doing collabs with Abigail (Washburn) so more than eager to check out some of that stuff too.
I had almost forgotten how mesmerizing Victor Wooten is. I said almost.
Victor lives in the pocket. Truly amazing and he's so obviously having a great time doing his thing too.
First time hearing "Bela Fleck and the Flecktones" I like what I am hearing. the four guys blended their sound perfectly as a unit which added to this performance great analysis Fil. thanks and stay safe out there Fil.
Bela Fleck was one of the banjo players in the 70s who took the instrument out of the bluegrass mode and explored other genres. He also was one of the early players of "melodic" or "chromatic" style banjo, which really opened things up.
Bela joined NEW GRASS REVIVAL in the 70s.
What a great blending of jazz and bluegrass. I wouldn't think the two genres would mix so we'll - but they do! Thanks, Fil, for introducing me to the drumitar!
Me too. Had never seen nor heard of it. It's so innovative, and a completely different skillset than conventional drum. Rhythmically similar, but fine motor vs. gross motor movement.
Amazing musician. I had no idea.
Bluegrass jazz - two words I never thought I'd hear in the same sentence - my life is now complete. Interesting and fun video, as always, thanks.
Cool! I had recorded this from live TV way back when, and have since lost the tape! Bela is incredible. I'm not worthy to even tune his banjo! Oh well, even if I could never play this well, I can always enjoy listening. Thanks for this analysis, Fil!
I've been lucky to have seen the Flecktones 5 times. Great stuff.
I see from the comments that a fair number of folks are being exposed to Bela and the Flecktones for the first time (way to go Fil). I was lucky enough to come upon them early on and have a number of their albums. I'd really recommend picking up a couple (at least) of their albums. They're full of great music and superb musicianship.
Yea, this one tickles me to no end. Been a huge fusion fan since I was a teenager.
One to recommend would be LIVE ART. although it is from the early days... the first decade gives you the main focus of their unique sound.
"Live at the Quick" has been my favorite Flecktones album since it came out in 2000. 23 years!
I’m a banjo player. Glad to see someone else appreciating Bella’s banjo/musical genius.
Yeps
There is a documentary about Bela Fleck going to Africa looking for the first banjo, it is really great to see him play with the local people.
Now that was a unique and awesome combination of music there
I’ve had the immense pleasure to see the Flecktones live on 2 occasions. Both times it was at a small venue in St. Louis that had “all around” seating with a rotating stage in the center. And both times they had a “meet and greet” after the show. They signed autographs, took photos with fans, and best of all they actually took time to talk with the folks going through the line. Sure, the line moved a little slow, but every fan got to enjoy them. They have my utmost respect as performers and as individuals.
And a couple suggestions (I’m begging, really, but no need to be forward about it): Beck and Presidents of the United States of America.
I also met the Flecktones in St. Louis at The Pageant in 2001. They were the fucking nicest dudes.
I am SO happy to see Bela & The Flecktones! I had the luck to see them many times in the early 90's, all across Chicagoland. I'll never forget the first time I saw them at Buddy Guy's Legends, I walked out of the show blown away by them (they were a 3 piece at that point) and I was maybe 10' away from them at most. Walking out of the club I see Bela leaning on his bus, and I swear he asked me something along the lines "Did we sound good tonight?" or something close to that.
I had no idea what to say other than "You guys were incredible" Been a fan since that day.
I've been seeing Bela since the New Grass days. One of my favorite memories of him is from the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Festival. Bela had just finished his set, and was talking/signing autographs beside the stage. Two very young(10-12yo) girls came up, thanked him for a great set, and ended up playing their fiddles for him. He was totally enraptured with them(I have pics), and gave them a life long memory. Great guy.
Wow, what a fun thing! I'm glad you showcased this if for no other reason that its so very interesting. But it's way more than that of course, and the joy these guys deliver to the audience is so great. Real glad you brought up the interaction with the audience and your examples are spot on. These guys deliver fun and expertise and I'm glad you analyzed them.
So, THAT'S how they got their unique sound! Fantastic analysis, thanks!
My mother was from Athens Georgia, I grew up with a love of bluegrass and is still a favorite along with reggae. I was born and grew up in Panama City, Florida. I am hearing of this group for the first time. Thank you. Must admit not a big jazz fan. Perhaps that's how I missed them.
Jazz, like all genres, has it's cliches. For me personally, cliches are what I'm not really into, even in my favorite genres. But there are a lot of jazz artists that transcend the cliches, mostly by mixing different styles of music together (witch is how literally every genre of music came into existence). It may not resonate with you, but one of my favorites is John Scofield. He's a jazz guitarist, but gets really funky too. That's just one example of many though.
For me as a kid I wasn't much into country in particular at first. But as I grew as a guitarist myself, I started to realize that many of my influences like Jimmy Page and Jimi Hendrix played a lot of country licks. That led me to opening up to finding a lot of great music I might otherwise have missed.
Also, my love of jazz fusion led me to listening to the Dixie Dregs who also were steeped in bluegrass and country music along with jazz, rock and even some funk. These days I'm a fan of Doc Watson, Hank Williams and Patsy Cline just to mention a very few I love in the genres of country and bluegrass.
No one will ever have ,my particular tastes in music, but we can all find more out there that we enjoy if we keep our ears open.
Hope your family friends and you are all staying happy and healthy. ^-^
Every time I see / hear something by Bela Fleck,
I'm amazed all over again by his imagination and creativity as well as his musicianship.
He doesn't often repeat himself.
Thanks for bringing Bela and the Flecktones to people's attention. I first heard Bela with the New Grass Revival who were opening for the Grateful Dead's NYE show on 12/31/1989. Followed him solo, Flecktones, etc. ever since - lucky to have seen him for years at the Telluride Music & Bluegrass festival in various configurations, including the Flecktones. He's quite remarkable, as are the rest of the Flecktones.
FIRST TIME HEARING THEM. THEY SOUND GREAT😍😍😍
I've loved Bela Fleck for years! Still need to check him out in a previous band, New Grass Revival. They were an incredible band.
On this note may I recommend the song "Metric Lips" written by Bela and must have been incredibly challenging to keep count!
ruclips.net/video/KKk9ZKWuIgU/видео.html
Yea! Finally! Bela and the Flecktones .... Thanks!
Cool to see this analysis! I was lucky to catch Bela Fleck & The Flecktones live in the 90's. I really enjoyed their performance. It was perfect for a summer day open air music fest. I knew Bela Fleck was a genius & your analysis really gave me a better appreciation of why. More cowbell😄🖤🤘
I've never hear of them before. Thanks for drawing new music to my attention. /m\
Buddy of mine was talking about Bela and the fact he can play guitar as good as he can banjo. Victor for years would play at a small club in Nashville and even work the door before playing. Always fun hearing them play.
I didn't know Bella played guitar too. As a guitarist and fusion fan myself, I'm very curious to hear this now.
@@aylbdrmadison1051 He plays guitar on the song Travis from Uncommon Ritual and Blue Spruce from Music for Two
Can’t say I ever would’ve expected you to talk about Béla Fleck here, but I’m not opposed to it. Flight of the Cosmic Hippo and UFO Tofu are a couple of my favorite albums of all time
Saw the flecktones on a Friday in Missoula, so floored, could not believe what I was hearing. Future man was like nothing I’ve heard, mostly on a box drum. Victor and Bela were revelations, all that said, after the show me and two of my buddies drove overnight to see them open for David grisman Saturday in Portland. So worth it. If I was 22 again do in a second!
I'm in Portland, Oregon. If it was this Portland, that's quite a drive!
I'll bet that was a worthy show though. Sounds like good times.
I saw them twice last fall, in Memphis and Philadelphia. Both shows were awesome. I had tickets to see Victor next month, but that's postponed now due to COVID-19, unfortunately.
Way cool!
Nice analysis, Fil. I had the pleasure of seeing Bela Fleck & the Flecktones’ original lineup at NYC’s Bottom Line. Truly an unforgettable evening! Victor Wooten is a monster on bass.
What the heck did I just watch???! Incredible!!!
one of the best analysis of one of my favorite bands. God Bless🤟
Saw the Flecktones and new Grass Revival amazing. Saw Bela, Peter Roan, Tony Rice, Victor Bailey, Doc Watson, T. Micheal, Travis Tritt, Vince Gill, and Sam bush all share the stage at the Merl Watson Festival at a midnight rehearsal relaxed and just laying out relaxed just having fun....incredible stuff!!!!
I've been lucky enough to catch Bela and his Flecktones several times and they always put on a stunning performance. I love Bela's ability to incorporate Jazz, World and Classical music with Bluegrass. Truly unique.
What is "world" music? It seems to be a category that's been invented for a style that can't be categorised with a better word.
Haha, nicee! Now you're barking up my alley with this one. I love something from every genre of music, but fusion most of all because it combines different genres, and this is awesome. Thanks Fil.
Thank you Fil and whoever requested this band to be analyzed. GREAT choice! Really feel good music! It's turned up to 11! 🤘🏻❤️✌🏻
Was really glad to see you covering Bela! Steve and I found them many years ago and we always enjoyed his type of music. Always something unexpected. Thanks Fil!
Béla Fleck was at the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I wish I could have seen him.
Bela also played with the "New Grass Revival". There is some pretty high octane banjo picking there amongst other stellar performers.
Great analysis Fil. Bela Fleck and the Flecktones really turned alot of heads around with their excellent talents. Victor Wooten's bass slap and finger styles and feel are top of the line and is a living legend.
😎👍🏽🎶🔥♥️🔥🎶
Thank you for this analysis, first heard them 15 years ago.
Really surprising. I found my foot moving with the beat. Thanks for the analysis Fil.
Another first for me Fil! I must say they are melodically brilliant! What amazing command these guys have of their instruments! Sensational polyrhythms! Cheers Mario! 😀🤘👌
Ya’ did it again-great analysis. I had to go get my Bela Fleck albums to see if I have this number (no). And I had just watched this morning a RUclips covering the inventor of the soprano Sax, so that was more enriching. The drumitar was a revelation that would never be heard on an album, so hurrah for live performances. Ta!
Check out the Mongolian guitarist in the video The Voice of Coaches 2, at about 16:09 minutes in. Both he and the pianist are coaches for their The Voice show.
An interesting fact about the Wootens is that the eldest brother Regi taught all 4 of his brothers all the instruments they play. His nickname is ‘teacha’. For more info catch Victor’s Ted Talks. 5 really nice men.
Love Bela and the Wooten Bro’s.!!!
Great video Fil! Quick note: that’s Paul McCandless on sax. Coffin came on during the 2000s. Cheers!
I saw Bela Fleck & The Flecktones about twenty years ago. They are complete originals. My favorite piece by them is “Perplexed.” But this is great!
I had the experience of seeing Bela with Oumou Sangare and band here in Australia. The entire night was a fusion of African / jazz / a trip.
They played in Phx. Outside the record store on the street corner. I also saw Bela with New Grass Revival, he is the Hendrix of banjo.
i have seen them many times live always phenomenal!!!!🙌💃🏼🔥🕺🏼🙌
Another new band for me 😉 Fil always has something good cooking here every night 🎺😥 Good stuff once again Fil.... you keep things different & fresh all the time. My 18 month of never missing a night steak continues ✌😎
Keep healthy & safe everyone ❤
Nothing makes me happier as a musician than discovering something new.
Hope you're staying happy and healthy too. ^-^
I see hints of DEVO in this performance, Bela and band are at the top of their game !
First time I heard Bela and the Flecktones was at a small music hall in Johnson City TN called the DOWN HOME. I was a fan about 20 seconds into the first song. It was a3 piece back then, Howard Levy had left the group shortly before this Concert. Futureman's synthaxe just flipped me out. And Bela and Vic's synchronized playing was so spot on. Been a fan ever since not just of the Flecktones but their individual efforts and appearances with other musicians as well. Oh, and just to add, Roy's pretty awesome on a traditional drum kit, too!
Who could thumb this down huh! Love the flecktones and you couldn't have analyzed it better!!!
I saw them in the early '90's and again a few months ago. They are amazingly tight. It's ridiculous. I'm a huge Béla fan and obviously he's a master player but he's also got a fun side that's very disarming and relaxing. The Flecktones are all of that - master musicians built around a fun core. This tune actually is one of the less outstanding tunes they've done - the first two albums are absolutely outstanding from start to finish. Can't say enough good things about them. When covid-19 eases up, catch their tour. Once-in-a-lifetime stuff. They'll knock your socks off. 💖
Victor Wooten in particular just lives in the pocket.
@@aylbdrmadison1051 I've never seen anybody play like him. Absolutely unique. Amazing talent. 💖💖💖
I got introduced to Bela Fleck and the Flecktones while I was going down the Victor Wooten rabbit hole - many years ago. This group is awesome and I never listened to Bluegrass in my life.
Check out "Live at the Quick" if you want an amazing introduction to Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.
Pretty much anything with Victor is bound to be simply amazing at worst, lols.
Bela, David Grisman, Tony Rice, Mark O'Conner...all moving bluegrass into jazz and vice versa. Saw them on Carson with Stephane Grappelli. Mesmerizing. Thanks, Fil
Add Sam Bush and you have STRENGTH IN NUMBERS!
Pull up the Strength in Numbers show from Lonesome Pine Specials.
Thanks Fil, I needed this to open up mind a bit re: Covid stuff. :D Very nice!
I gave this a thumbs up as the video was just showing just because you were analyzing Bela Fleck and the Flecktones! Aside the fact that you consistently nail the analysis - which I'm stating as a person who holds little true music theory knowledge or experience (I tried, I'm crap at it, but I appreciate it). I always come away from these videos having learned A LOT. I've seen them in concert several times together (and some separately - e.g. The Victor Wooten Band, at the Fillmore in SF, no less), so I'm stoked to learn more about what I've been listening to, and missing! Thank you!
Thanks Fil!...I loved that!! I have never heard a jazz bluegrass fusion band before ..✌️❤️🤘😁
Great analysis! I love Bela Fleck!!!
That was awesome, had never heard of these guys, will look them up :)
wow! i was watching some Bela Fleck videos and came across this cool i’ve been watching some of your videos lately and really enjoy your energy and expertise 👍🙏🦋🌈🌞🌻💜
There's actually a great deal of jazz influence in bluegrass, going right back to the early days. I don't recall if Bill Monroe intentionally made jazz part of his creation or if it snuck in later...
I never thought I'd like this. I nearly deleted it. I had heard of Bela, but never thought of Y/T'ing him. I like this video!
Had the opportunity to see the Group at the Birchmere, early in their existence, and they excelled! It was 1991!
I first saw Bela Fleck and the Flecktones on PBS's Austin City Limits.... Then saw them in the mid 90's at Ravinia Park (near Chicago) and they were awesome. I still remember seeing "Future Man" like it was last week.... And don't be fooled....Bela can belt out some mean traditional Bluegrass as well!
Wow, that was cool. I have never heard this before. Good stuff Fil.
The cycles of exaggerated angular body movements followed by a hold really work well with their musical style.
Awesome! Didn't know Victor Wooten played with Bela Fleck!
Who knew, right?
BELA , JD CROWE , JERRY DOUGLAS RICE AND SKAGGS TRIED THIS IN THE 70S, CALLED IT NEW GRASS , TOOK A LONG TIME FOR THEM TO GET OVER THAT , BLUEGRASS BLACKBALLED THEM , BUT I LIKE THIS ALWAYS LOVED BELA , THANKS FIL
Saw New Grass Revival on the Friday Night in America tour. Bela, Pat, Sam and John were all great musicians and they blew the doors off the place. Bigfoot and Metric Lips are some of Bela Flecks best.
Yes, New Grass was a brilliant musical moment. So many gifted artists!
Now that was really wacky and fun and brilliant! Thanks Fil!
Phantastic musicians, I am most flabbergasted by the drums on the Synth-axe (?)
Oh yeah saw Bela and Flecktones live Canal Street
I had the pleasure of seeing Bela and the Flecktones last year and they were amazing. Was glad I was able to introduce my youngest child to their music.
Fil, thanks - - that was fun!!!
Morning Fil/afternoon. This is different, never heard of them. I admire their talent. It's exciting to see who you analyze every day. 👏 Hmmmm, car horn, cow bell, mapping, jazz, bluegrass. Like you said, entertaining.😐 I love lots of cups of tea but sorry this cup of music, no thank you. I'll have a cup of Fil, thank you very much. 😍Have a good day Fil & stay healthy! 😚🤗💕
Amazing musicianship and synchronicity.
Rock!
:-)
And we have just been schooled y’all! And I can’t even start on victor Wooten! Amazing
When the bass started .. Jazz slapping style i was thinking country music... His brother playing the finger tap drum kit??? Alien mode...??? So cool..
Twisted together into a solid group... Tight.. Beautiful
In the 60's. "Wipe out " came out i would finger tap car hoods to the song.. 8 y.o. ... Entertaining other kid's..
This is another level..
Thanks professor.. 😊
If you've never listened to the DVD audio 5.1 mix of The Bluegrass Sessions: Tales From the Acoustic Planet Volume 2, you're missing out.
Wow, new stuff all round. I'd never heard of 'Bela Fleck and the Flecktones', 'FutureMan' or the 'Drumitar'. Consider my musical education broadened yet again!
I saw Victor Wooten live just last year. His brothers were all in the band, and some of his music students performed with them for different parts of the show. It was inspiring and mind blowing!
I just discovered this performance a few days ago, after I posted the clip of Bela and his wife covering "The Final Countdown". Not sure if I recommended this or it's just a coincidence. I'm not sure where he ranks, but all these musicians are in the top 1% of their craft. Thank you for choosing this video- the other one I mentioned is amazing as well.
Looks like Saturday Night Live..thanks Fil
Fil ... love Bela and the Flecktones. Victor Wooten is the world's best bass player, arguably. His chops are in-freakin-credible! Thanks for the great analysis.
You’ve got to watch a video from one of Howard Levy’s tenure’s in the band. He plays harmonica like a beast and also keyboards. He was in there for their first four albums, then he left and was replace by this sax player and then another, who’s now with Dave Matthews Band. Then he came back for their 2011 album, Rocket Science, and has been in the band ever since. He gave/gives them a much more unique and special sound than they ever had with saxophone.
Incredible Band! Love them like them like the incredible Dixie Dregs.
This is fantastic. Béla Fleck is an amazing banjo player. Thanks for another great analysis video. Stay safe. Cheers, Fil!
Bluegrass is literally in my blood, Dad was related to the Stanley Brothers. My Mom and her neighbors paid 25 cents to see Flatt and Scruggs play at their High School. Thank you, Fil. Great analysis. Bluegrass is an art form, based on a blend of many regional and cultural influences. It has been evolving for years and is getting the recognition it deserves.
Great Fil! Always top notch!
Love the original Flecktone lineup! Only got to see them as a quartet w/ Coffin once, but it was fantastic. Saw the trio many times, and every show was an absolute blast. First time I saw them was at a festival having no idea who they were, and my jaw was on the floor seeing the virtuosity from Wooten and Bela. Thought I was a pretty good bass player before that day. Needless to say I walked out of the show with my tail between my legs, lol
MF Allen original lineup had Howard Levy on keys and harmonica. McCandless in sax came in the mid 90s. Cheers!
@@HyaenaHierarchy Yeah, I never saw Levy/the original quartet... I didn't know McCandless did anything outside of studio work, so thanks for the info! First saw them 2002ish with Coffin at a Phil & Friends headlined festival in Suwannee Florida, and then Jeff took a couple of leaves from the group's touring schedules over the next 4-5 years. So every time I caught them after that initial show it seemed to be with either a special guest or just the trio. Its been over a decade since the last time I've seen them and would love to get back out to some shows. I did catch a show of Bela's when he was doing the Acoustic Planet tour, which was amazing in its own right. Really miss the days when I could just hop in the car and spend the summer going to shows... Getting old sucks, lol
Caught these guys at their first show. It was the night before they played The Lonesome Pine Special in Louisville, Kentucky. You should cover their second appearance with Wynton Marcellus and the Man With Two Brains, Howard Levy. Their music is actually Fusion but they call it Blu-Blop.
I'm rewatching this and I reread my post. BIG mistake... it was Branford Marsalis
Fil! I always considered this progressive fusion they inspired many
Thank you for this. I love these guys.
Masters at the game!
One-thank you for this on my birthday even though I am watching months later. Two -I have had the extreme pleasure of not only seeing them on numerous occasions live, which in my opinion is the only way to really appreciate the depth of their talent, but met them after a concert. Great group of guys who are the best. Victor Wooten is simply a God on the bass. Please check them out live in concert and not on a talk show. You are missing out on the experience of them and what they truly can do
Wonderful show as always, never heard of this group until tonight. Thanks Fil!
I watched the original video prior to your analysis because I'm a bit ashamed to say that, prior to your mention, I'd never heard of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. Yet, as a musician, I'm open minded to all genres. When I saw Roy Wooten playing the Drumitar, it reminded me a bit of the small drum machines that drummers brought to practice. You nailed it when you explained the importance of a musician's mastering his technical abilities along with the ability to connect with the audience. I've been told, "Once you lose your audience, it's very difficult if not impossible to get them back." Fil, thanks for introducing me to Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and further musically opening me to much more. From one musician to another, I sincerely appreciate what you do.
Thanks!