Billy Strings with Béla Fleck - Boulderdash

[@TheMrCompletely]

Bela Fleck, all these years later and he's still the one making other virtuosos laugh out loud in sheer disbelief at what they witness. Love both these fellas

[@TKevinBlanc]

Bela was Billy before Billy was Billy. :0)

[@DAVEWORLEYWORLD]

Masters of there instruments!!

[@sethcragan6908]

So true. Couldn't have said it better myself.

[@michaelmoore7975]

Sho nit. This is the 1st time I've seen Billy not overplay the partner. Bela had a sly grin that seemed to say, "Yea, you good. You real good. But ive seen it before. Now, how bout I show you something you'll never see again?

[@DabsDad]

I saw him last year with Chick Corea. Next level.

[@BB-nw3mj]

People often argue about who is the best that has ever lived on a particular instrument. But practically nobody argues about the banjo...it's Bela and then everybody else.

[@weenfain2321]

Grew up down a holler in KY. My papaw lives for bluegrass. Old school. I’m only 30. He’s 80. Showed him some Billy and he LOVED it. First thing he said was “by god never seen someone flat pick like that kid he’s something else” lol papaw ain’t never lied. Billy is a gem

[@docdarlin5491]

Billy Strings is the best flat picker alive or dead. I said what I said.

[@STL-sl7zv]

@@docdarlin5491 he's up there for sure. I think Tony Rice in his prime would give billy a run for his money. Same goes for chet atkins or Jerry reed. But they were both fingerpickers so slightly different ballgame

[@randalbladel2817]

Mark O’Connor would be right there as well, but I won’t call any of them best. Great music isn’t a basketball game. It’s great music!

[@1LibbyNation]

Doc Darlin Jake Workman

[@michaelbarnett2527]

SR 1234 Watch Roy Clark play malagueña...

[@dennisthemenace5466]

Smoking a joint to this was the best decision I've made today.

[@fukhue8226]

It made your day. Guess I better rewind this one more time and load a bowl!

[@PaulJones-bo8gt]

Wasn't it, I felt it was the best decision I've made to in 42 years.

[@GuruishMike]

@@PaulJones-bo8gt yup

[@unclejane9819]

It’s like watching two mad scientists create a magical potion!

[@Apollothecrowing]

🤣

[@TheRealSamPreece]

musick is magick, the key to source code ;)

[@jeannebilcari432]

Whoo boy! I needed a cold shower after that one!

[@JESSEverything]

Legend has it if you drink the potion you turn into a bolt of lightning.

[@pieredupreez5915]

that is exactly right!!

[@aVo_001]

Bela is a legend. A master of his craft. And yet Billy is right up there will him at only half the age. The bluegrass virtuoso of our time.

[@claudioortiz5830]

100%

[@garethburnell615]

No offence, but Billy's not even coming close...yet. Don't get me wrong, he's a fucking virtuoso, but Bela is well beyond even that status. Billy will get there, but he ain't there yet. Ask him yourself ;)

[@drew7155]

Billy strings couldn't carry Bela Flecks jockstrap

[@BarbaricEricX]

One of the things I love about Billy Strings is the way he obviously loves to learn and is so enamored with the playing of those he makes music with. The way he is transfixed by what Bela is playing at about 3:10 is something I have seen him do with Michael Cleveland, Tommy Emmanuel and Molly Tuttle as well. This is one gracious and kind musician.

[@noraasivad]

Kinda..... creepy

[@skaterdavedownsouth]

He truly plays WITH.

[@howlinhog]

He's been that way for many years! I knew he was leaving someday for bigger and better things ever since I used to watch him and his dad play together here in west Michigan at our little bluegrass festival in Lowell. Then he started playing with a local named Don Julin and I really knew we were doomed to lose him to the rest of the world. But yeah, great family he comes from.

[@bodeghost]

Love that you indeed, saw that as well. Billy Strings truly does seem to appreciate his musician pals, with whom accompany him. Very nice to see. 😉 💜 🍀 👻 🎶 🐾 🤗

[@michaelkenna2024]

👍

[@jd1659]

Billy is hands down the Stevie Ray Vaughan of bluegrass. I know of no better compliment. The kid is outstanding!

[@arghapirate2427]

Jamming with the SRV of the banjo!

[@sanguinarynemesis]

I came here for Bela. Learning who Billy is. I'm sure Google will know sure enough.

[@drew7155]

​@sanguinarynemesis bela led me here too. It good to see young musicians paying homage

[@jvetter8586]

​@drew7155 it's pretty wild people are still learning about billy. Shits crazy. I'm not sure how far he can go at this point.

[@jvetter8586]

​@@drew7155ps we all already knew about Bela. This trajectory is different. With the utmost respect. Honestly many times I wished billy took a more Bela route but God bless him I'm sure he's doing what his heart says.

[@esond]

That was incredible. I felt like it was moments away from collapsing into a musical disaster, and these gentlemen toed that line fearlessly. It was like they were each daring the other to get just a little more into the weeds, just for the fun of seeing if they'd make it back.

[@chrislorensen3025]

exactly

[@pascalrouen]

Perfect description. This was sheer madness turned beauty.

[@mileskrans8028]

You nailed it! i was on the edge of my seat!!!!

[@Stonedwelder87]

Never a musical disaster with guys like this.

[@jeffdamon1098]

Well put esond!!

[@apancher]

I'm a relatively new Billy fan, but have loved Bela for a long time. My dad ran in to him at the Nashville airport and simply said hello, and thanks for the great music. Bela sat down and had a cup of coffee with him, totally flattered. That experience seems to sum up people you meet in the bluegrass world.

[@jsy3359]

Wow, very cool story. I just saw Bela Fleck (along with Michael Cleveland, Sierra Hull and other greats) play last night. It was supposed to be an outdoor venue but due to poor weather the festival moved it last minute inside a local middle school auditorium. All I could think was how humble are these amazing artists to have the talent they have and play in a freaking middle school auditorium. Amazing concert that they put their everything into, as if they were on the Opry stage.

[@robraaiii]

I’m all about rock, from every decade. I know nothing about this music. But how could you not appreciate these guys’ chops? They shred 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@Lerschie]

Billy has a background in metal! There is an overlap between metal shredders and acoustic shredders no doubt.

[@robraaiii]

@@Lerschie I just started playing (besides the 25 short licks I learned growing up) when I bought my daughter a guitar right before Covid…She lost interest… I now have 28 guitars 🤷‍♂️. The GAS is real. Anyway!!! It has been SO damn fun. Not only discovering the world of great guitarists in ALL genres, but RE-discovering music and bands I’ve known all along. I have a new appreciation for the music they write and the skill that they play with. It’s been a pretty Fn cool few years. Tho I still suck, I’m working on becoming more “guitar player” than “guitar collector” 🤷‍♂️😅

[@mattgillespie7649]

That crowd was blessed by the holy sounds of Billy and Bela

[@timburdett8506]

I’ve seen both of them live multiple times, but to hear them together is beyond surreal.

[@johndoe9965]

1:47 to 1:50 is so absurdly fast Billy can only laugh, and I feel like we all share the same sentiment! LOL

[@jysmtl]

Bela even smiles here! Billy makes everyone smile. He plays with such joy.

[@spartacusmills3569]

❤️👍

[@drummonkey9291]

He does. It's infectious! Long may he play!

[@robertclymer6948]

Holy Mother of God! What did I just see? Oh, I saw two of the very best musicians on the planet!

[@tboneholt]

Little Billy hanging right there with him!

[@backseatdriver9576]

Bela Fleck is a grandmaster. Billy Strings is not human. Simply amazing.

[@beverlyferguson8003]

How in the world....? I can't even think of words to express how impressed I am by these two gifted musical geniuses! What a treat to hear them play!

[@phippsboysmusic9299]

If only the world was as good as Billy’s playing

[@TheMrdhyde]

The speed Billy has on the acoustic is unreal. I have played acoustic guitar over 30 years and only play chords. Blows me away.

[@87mini]

I've been for 50, and the difference is that Billy's probably practiced more than both of us put together!

[@TheMrdhyde]

@@87mini Yeah, over 30 years and if he was in front of me I would say " No, I don't play guitar".

[@chickfamilyink]

I just said to a buddy of mine the other day, "gee I'd like to see Billy Strings pair up with Bela Fleck..."

[@r.brucelowry9471]

Wow!

[@jysmtl]

Me, too.

[@thebassbat7882]

or Jerry Reed. RIP

[@cactusscone]

Thanks

[@budderfingerz7109]

Same here.. imagine these guys with jeff austin or Michael kang

[@mikemcduffie6879]

It’s like watching two of the best pickers (if not THE best) that ever walked on planet Earth!!

[@rickwebermusic]

[Bela Fleck] "You pay for the whole fret board...Use the whole fret board!"

[@TheBigMclargehuge]

Chet Atkins "I never made a dime above 5."

[@bobthabuilda1525]

@@TheBigMclargehuge I don't think it was Chet that said that.

[@bobthabuilda1525]

@@TheBigMclargehuge I looked it up, apparently it comes from Charles Sawtelle, not Chet Atkins, who played all over the fretboard.

[@Isabelle-ud2df]

well these people are some of the best in the world at what they do. what a joy to watch them

[@pascalrouen]

2:09 that's one of the most ridiculous runs I've ever heard on a stringed instrument. These two are masters.

[@whiskeycowboy1335]

He did stuff like that all the with New Grass

[@healthcarethoughtleadership]

@@whiskeycowboy1335 Exactly. Check out New Grass Revival's Bigfoot (especially the long version at Winterhawk 1989)

[@woobi4739]

I lost my shit when he did that. First time I've ever come across him but damn that was crazy. I'm going to be looking him up now.

[@lyad3618]

It's simply breathtaking to watch these two virtuosos in action. To them it's like breathing.

[@guitymon]

Never ceases to amaze me how the great bluegrass players can throw down a fast tempo with so many notes, back and forth no less in this video, and never lose time with no rhythm section. So impressive. And what a great ending!

[@jaymcdaniel5455]

Does anyone love to play more than Billy Strings? Unlikely.

[@stephengorsline8826]

Billy is living his biggest dreams playing with all his idols and I fucking love it nothing but hit after hit

[@user-sk4bg6hr7p]

A stroll in the park for Billy. How good are these guys!

[@theconjugate5204]

3:48 was a beautiful moment. Catching glimpses of that kind of communication between musicians at this ridiculous caliber of talent is really enviable. Just brilliant!

[@alkoenig85]

I don't know what is better, Billy's lead licks or his rhythm licks...

[@kel5944]

I only recently realized that Victor Wooten plays bass for Bela. It would be awesome to hear them all together.

[@erniesesame6820]

Both amazing. The even crazier thing about watching Bela is how relaxed and easy he looks while doing non-stop melodic lines. Just discovered Billy and I love his musicality.

[@conservat1vepatr1ot]

INCREDIBLE! Seeing these two legends together is absolutely amazing. I remember the first time I heard “Big Country”.. blew my mind. Same with Billy. I heard his song “Turmoil and Tinfoil” and new he was another one of those unique musical genius’s. This could only be better if Wooten accompanied them on bass. Thank you for this.

[@genuineimpulse9134]

I enjoyed this, and I don't play music kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJezn2SrbaaqgJI

[@thomasromano9321]

Yes, definitely let's get Victor Wooten to play bass here!

[@jessejordan2700]

Which Wooten? Victor?

[@conservat1vepatr1ot]

Jesse Jordan Sorry, yeah bud, I was talking about Victor. You make a good point. Honestly Future Man would be rad too. I don’t know about Regi or Joseph well enough 🤷🏼‍♂️.

[@cjfavazza6434]

My best friend who lost his battle with addiction showed me Big Country and it’s one of the most beautiful songs ever written, it always reminds me of him and I cry every time I hear it

[@johanevander]

This just made me smile and tear up at the same time. Ace right through!

[@ericbruce5075]

Man Billy's rhythm playing really shines here. Also-- the audio quality and mix are superb. I sent this to my parents with a note to listen on their studio monitors.

[@blainelanders2361]

As Rick Beato might say, "Am Blown Away!"

[@rickdalbey6009]

When I saw this I was reminded of Miles Davis when he said to Charlie Parker, "Why you got to play so many notes man?" Irregardless, love Billy Strings.

[@Edwebb09]

Well damn if this isn’t one of the greatest Billy Strings playing videos out there. Good Lord. I hope there’s a place for us slow bluegrass players out there.

[@suebyrd9132]

These guys together what a blast!

[@kdaily7698]

Oh look, it’s the man of my dreams playing in my hometown, boy do I miss Nashville

[@DELANDIGS]

I've been listening to Bella since the 1980's and have seen him in small venues seated just a few feet in front of me, watching him using every inch of the strings and board, then holding on for the ride

[@Sam83Allen]

Bela Fleck is ridiculous. I don't even like banjo but man... Awesome!

[@skatetodeath666]

Some amazing playing. How the hell anyone can remember what notes to play, at the right time this fast, is beyond what my brain can comprehend at this point in my life.

[@Magere-Kwark]

The chords backing up the whole thing is pretty much a pattern that keeps repeating itself. They take turns playing the solos over said chord sequence, and judging by Billy's reaction to some licks I would say a lot is improvised

[@UTBanjo]

@@Magere-Kwark That's really all any good banjo playing is. Knowing the chord(and where you can grab it on the neck),having a good repertoire of licks you can throw over that chord, and being fast.

[@fukhue8226]

Average players like me would have to work on the guitar rhythm for a month then 6 months more to learn and play the solos poorly since I'm a blues / rock player. These guys are over the top good!

[@skatetodeath666]

@@fukhue8226 yup ill say

[@hrossaman]

Bela is from another universe, says I

[@svendbosanvovski4241]

Bela has got to be the greatest banjo player who ever breathed, and Billy never ceases to astonish with his precocious brilliance. It has me horripulated with joy.

[@jaywarren361]

I'm stealing your word!

[@kyleoconnor4707]

would you give billy the title of the best picker who ever lived?

[@kennethmullen-qe9hg]

And you my friend, have to be in the upper echelon of lexicomanes of all bluegrass and Bela Fleck's fanbase! Some good schizznizzle razzmatazz there, fo' sho', SdB! LmMFaO! ;) :P :o)

[@roc2coffee]

Who in the Hell could give this a “Thumbs Down?!?!? Two Monsters !!!

[@cwb4280]

That’s 50% of a Bluegrass Supergroup. Pure talent from both legends.

[@KingPhoey]

That was crazy

[@gospeltruthtv]

There are good banjo players, great banjo players, extraordinary banjo players and then Bela Fleck. It’s amazing to see these talents together.

[@PJB-To-be]

My hands, wrists, arms, hurt just listening to you two.

[@pascalrouen]

I'm new to Bela Fleck. Blown away. This man is a master beyond words.

[@Trikernaught]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Béla Fleck! It's lovely here, haha. :)

[@draincel]

Holy fuck this guy is phenomenal

[@Wargasm644]

I’m a metal player. I’ve only got one word to describe this: “Badass” 🤘🏻

[@PanhandlePrepping]

Billy was a metal player too.

[@ddaavvee68]

they’re both ageless, young souls with old hearts

[@scoutgirl7739]

Fantastic! Bela Fleck is still lightning fast. And not a missed note. Crying out loud Smalls. You're killin me! Wish I could've been there. Billy you're in great company. Just shows what a fantastic musician and entertainer you are. Cheers!

[@brahmburgers]

Stretch a thin piece of metal, and the vibrational consequences are near endless. Great stuff.

[@fadedlogic1]

You could see Bela looking like "Holy shite, that kid is THAT good" a few times during this snippet of amazing.

[@NothinNothin42069]

Im not embarrassed about the number of "oh shits" that came out of my face hole watching this. Good lord.

[@christopherrichey9137]

Grew up on Hee Haw. Buck and Roy were maestros. These guys are a fine addition...to that tradition.

[@joelspaulding5964]

Fabulous! The 63 dislikes are from the guys that think Earl was the first and last person to ever play a banjo.😉

[@KaylaMarie-kv2nf]

My lawd...I've always loved Bela fleck and just discovered strings...what kind of magic is this!????

[@darrelltiencken9421]

Newgrass

[@ElroyMunson]

Thank God there are still true artists/musicians who still survive and are embodied through this transcendental exchange, acoustic genius.

[@lavaughnrannow879]

Unbelievable left hand dexterity

[@MsNickie1001]

Wow, Bela can do things to a banjo that I’ve never heard anyone else do. And billy is almost unparalleled!

[@leftypick4854]

Imagine these guys catching a C-141 and then playing in El Cuervo. No way.

[@DavidDeelLoco]

Come on. I mean COME ON! These guys can not play that good and not be ultra famous. That tells you about peoples taste these days. I mean these two are so incredibly talented. This is REAL music. This should be a choice on the radio. We should not be starved from listening to musicians of this calibur. And Billy Strings. OMG! He just learned that song.

[@CorneiliusLibowitz]

Commercial radio sucks azz.... Back in the 90's Bela Fleck and the Flecktones got a little bit of airplay on prog radio, but i have yet to hear BMFS on the radio (besides PBS/college radio).....

[@DavidDeelLoco]

@@CorneiliusLibowitz I know this comment will bring a bunch of haters but only because true comments hurt. The radiso unfortunately have to play to the masses and what music the masses want. In my opinion, (we all know about opinions, lol) the masses simply play follow the leader. How can someone like "music" where all they do is cuss (I am not an angel here BTW, ex-biker) call women bit#### and whor##, advocate killing of cops, talk so fast you can't understand a word, and preach crap to the mass that about achieving their status and 99% will be nothing more than idiots. Such trash. Autotune is the only thing that the majority of the people that call themselves singers or (artists, which makes me laugh) keeps them going. Turn autotune off and they run. Most people in the music industry today play the computer, no instruments. SORRY - I woke up angry because of Putin. He raised our gas prices. (LMAO - Sure he did.)

[@rosscampbell1173]

I know. How does someone “just learn” something like that? Check out Billy and Bryan Sutton at the Station House in Nashville. Billy jokes that they were preparing for weeks, and everyone laughs, meanwhile their interplay is so complex.

[@icpark]

I’ve been playing guitar for 20 years. I started learning banjo recently (clawhammer mostly but I tried dabbling in bluegrass) AND I have a degree in neuroscience. All I can say is that bluegrass banjo players have brains wired different!

[@TheSoloAsylum]

I love how Billy really loves to watch other people play. It's obvious he enjoys the music more than the fame...

[@Essobee]

The last time I was so entranced was watching De Lucia, Di Meola, and McLaughlin. Just pure beauty

[@bruce4751]

I wonder how long it took Billy to learn this song. These guys are mind-blowing, words can’t describe the happiness this brings me.

[@SnowboardJedi]

They just free wheeled it bro

[@modelcitizen1977]

It's just an A section and a B section looped a few times. Probably less than a half hour to get it down. The solos are all made up on the fly.

[@mrjehupitchfork]

Billy is amaster but Bela is a master and an absolute LEGEND. What a fantastic duo!

[@danielrogers2470]

Omg Bela fleck is beyond incredible , love this instrumental

[@adamoftheeast6569]

Whoooo weeee that was incredible

[@Apollothecrowing]

What a personality Billy has, ha. That laugh when that banjo riff was nailed around 1:50, ha

[@skatetodeath666]

Watch him and his dad play you will see where his playing and personality comes from

[@jakerowsell8752]

That is one crazy sequence though!

[@DennisKarlsson]

I think he laughed because he was playing outside the scale and it was really good.

[@mikemckelvey5062]

This is the most incredible music I have ever heard and I am almost 50. I have heard it all.

[@turkishheart]

My old fave, that’s Bela, with my new fave, that’s you, Billy!😄

[@sunnyray7819]

It's no joke to keep up with that banjo. Billy really stepped up. What an epic performance!

[@hvitskog]

Simply awesome !!!!!!!!!!!

[@SyntagmaStation]

When you’re sitting in with Bela, you know you’ve made it. Congrats Billy.

[@R_Thomp]

This is some of the finest playing on the internet...!

[@adamstewart247]

We need Billy Strings playing a full show with the Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

[@quinndiesel]

You can't help but smile through this whole thing!

[@garyhenderson1717]

Billy like this guy is crazy thank you

[@rgman1665]

Insane!!! I have been dabbling with a guitar for years. I wish I could have the talent in just any 2 of the 20 fingers in that hurricane of strings and fingers. No matter what im doing it makes me smile to hear billy jam.

[@chaoticnewt5902]

What really makes me excited about kids like billy and molly Tuttle is they’re proof positive every generation just gets crazier and crazier players, we’re going to see an old man billy playing with some kid who literally melts our brains and you won’t be able to peel the smile off our faces with a crowbar.

[@joenolan4917]

Watched this multiple times, it’s like medicine. Heals the soul to hear this good stuff

[@stonesauer5781]

Damn Billy !!....even Chet's rollin' over & sittin' up to admire that ! That was some straight 🔥 son !

[@DhrBaldy]

I love how they are talking to each other through music, their head moves like they are communicating, their face show emotion matching the playing, amaaaazing!

[@chrislorensen3025]

definitely!

[@josephososkie3029]

It is amazing. Abigail would call them pickin nerds.

[@mrmalone28]

I just sit in awe with a stupid grin on my face every time I hear billy play.

[@abigailsmith2083]

Love Billy's pure joy of playing!! Two of the best!

[@emriesq3096]

Billy always looks like he's having the best time. Those facial expressions cheer me up!

[@patrickhawkinson8399]

Yes, most bluegrass players are always pretty serious looking because it takes a lot of concentration to play that kinda stuff. But Billly manages to do it with such a free spirit.

[@natec913]

not too many Billy vids out there that aren't spectacular. damn he is a machine on that guitar! well done!

[@Jenifferwinter]

Omg I have had a crush on Bela Fleck since the 80s at the Strawberry Bluegrass festivals !! Now with Billy Strings that I just recently found.. WOW I love BLUEGRASS MUSIC

[@jysmtl]

Bela reinvented his instrument. Billy on the way to doing the same. Great to see them together. Everything I expected it to be.

[@jasoncorlew3277]

Reminds me so much of walking through Opryland. Awesome music. Now it's a bunch of California inserts in East Nashville disaster.

[@jefflindeman]

Well, the “recommends” sure nailed that one!

[@markrathkamp7681]

OMG ! A whole nother level.

[@GardensGuitars]

W0W, the 2 best people in bluegrass right now, playing together! This is amazing!

[@skyjockbill]

I cannot get over the virtuousity on display here in superabundance.