This PLAYING is Completely INSANE

[@choloverde]

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!

[@JochenVogel]

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-g62]

Yes..a Bela interview would be epic!

[@brucejones1867]

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

[@brucejones1867]

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]

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

[@stephenrivera4382]

And Bela is a true gentleman!

[@nvrumi]

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

[@arrowheading2612]

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

[@michaelrhudak]

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

[@arrowheading2612]

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

[@kadenkohl782]

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

[@oe3phen]

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

[@ericgerson58]

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.

[@reginabirchall5160]

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

[@DaviSiqueiraSilva]

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]

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

[@ShaunHensley]

Used to have that one

[@megasoid]

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]

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

[@douglasalan5783]

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

[@bellatrixg]

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."

[@nevetsretisson7927]

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.

[@ljc71]

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

[@danamacmillan9720]

You MUST have Bela Fleck ON YOUR SHOW!

[@prime-mate]

This!!!

[@somuchtosay]

And his wife!

[@franktaylor3740]

Ditto that! Bela Fleck as your next guest!

[@robertcooper4098]

Agreed!

[@TristanLangdon]

Yes

[@mikelopez6312]

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]

Wooten has been on already

[@RichMyers-cy7mq]

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

[@oe3phen]

Jeff Coffin, underrated saxophonist!

[@richardvale214]

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.

[@danakinskyrocker]

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]

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

[@jhskeen]

Wow I cannot imagine!!

[@parkermillican]

I was at that show in birmingham. So fun

[@conchitacarmelita]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[@ThePwig]

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]

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]

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

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@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]

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]

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

[@ron.v]

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]

@@HAMMERHEAD-g3h 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]

@@HAMMERHEAD-g3hI 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]

@@HAMMERHEAD-g3h 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]

@@HAMMERHEAD-g3h 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]

​​@@HAMMERHEAD-g3hhave 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.

[@krisnunney8030]

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

[@glmunir]

His wife.

[@grene1955]

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]

Also Live Art!

[@crackfacekilla]

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

[@marklumpkin6109]

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.

[@objectsinspaceman]

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.

[@michaelmoore7975]

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

[@flashythingme]

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...

[@ibassnote]

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.

[@jmac7947]

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.

[@johnhein1663]

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.

[@KarmicWealth]

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]

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]

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

[@jaakkorahkola2430]

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

[@luke1525]

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

[@ColonelForkEyes]

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.

[@davidnesper5678]

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

[@Siders2032]

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.

[@civlwrbuf]

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.

[@fr.davideynon6984]

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.

[@patrickmiller7803]

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

[@alanpecherer5705]

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

[@csabapusztai9404]

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]

Yup. The flecktones. Awesome.

[@8minecrafter8]

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]

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]

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

[@dustpan65]

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]

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]

Those experiences are so special.

[@rickstadel5285]

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

[@joshundrwd]

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]

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".

[@123GoBrits]

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

[@biffphuddle6581]

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.

[@Arcturios]

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]

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]

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

[@RicBergstrom]

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...

[@Madshadowgolem]

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

[@Tolemac7]

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.

[@cameddy4081]

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 !”

[@JohnRuggero]

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.

[@josephestes7076]

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.

[@Doohickeydongle]

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.

[@tadmorrison]

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

[@Samasiam]

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.

[@erichstevens3246]

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.

[@jimhall1001]

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.

[@rdgerdes]

Yeah! Well Said!

[@arrowheading2612]

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

[@harryh5620]

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.

[@aequanimus63247]

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

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

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]

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

[@scottharper5811]

Victor did a TedTalk you might like.

[@LinYouToo]

Agree

[@johnjohnsonson9942]

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.

[@Demobius]

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.

[@brianaxel4589]

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!

[@sheldoninst]

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]

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

[@kd8qmw]

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]

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.

[@BenGreen1980]

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.

[@joeditta2321]

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.

[@horizontalblanking]

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!

[@blayton5995]

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.

[@TheMacdoug]

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.

[@lindsaykimbrough8260]

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

[@tethyssurfer]

As a freelance roadie/stagehand I got paid to see many of my favorite artists not only for the whole concert from the side of the stage but watching them perform a “private” performance during the pre-show balance. But once I went to buy tickets during my lunch break to see Bela Fleck and the Flecktones who were in Minneapolis on their Sinister Minister tour. I happened to walk-in on the band setting up for that night, playing loud in one of the tiniest venues you can imagine. The first thing that blew me away was that I was hearing live drums with no drum kit in sight! Roy “Future Man” Wooten was tapping away on his drumsitar! No one was kicking me out from my “private” concert and I even got the friendly nod of the head from the band members, but I had to get back to my day-job. Caught the whole show later that night. Like no other band in the world!

[@TroublesomeOwl]

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

[@isohumulone]

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]

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

[@SteveSmith-ze4qf]

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

[@shauncavanaugh9100]

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

[@daveedson32]

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]

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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@DeaconBlues98]

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!

[@greggacek1655]

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.

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

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 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤

[@Gedagnors]

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!!!

[@WildwoodSon]

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.

[@gryfandjane]

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.

[@DarrenPullin]

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!

[@dontdoit6986]

Bela’s 2020 album My Bluegrass Heart is a masterpiece full of modern young legends like Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Chris Thile. It’s arranged like classical music. Incredible. Strong recommend. Go listen now!

[@PiDev]

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.

[@Garbrel80]

This is the first time I've heard Bela Fleck. I feel similar to the first time I heard Bill Evans on piano. You feel they have mastered every relevant form of music of their day and age, and can seamlessly bounce between whatever comes to mind as they improvise........ jazz, bluegrass, classical, be-bop, funk, fusion, country, disco, death metal, reggae, ska, pop, industrial...... they are polymaths on whatever they set their minds to.

[@richtraube2241]

He does Bach! Check it.

[@justinguitarcia]

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

[@steinavisionhtpc2326]

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]

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 !

[@glenwilliams1646]

Everything Bela has been a part of is next level 👍

[@robm3569]

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]

I would love to hear them do a duet.

[@sacredcowburger1]

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]

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

[@sakurajimaash]

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!

[@thbenton4]

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

[@joeseabreeze]

I’ve been a Béla Fleck fan for years. Every time he plays it’s mind-blowing! His 80s and early 90s stuff is incredible! Maybe get him in for an interview. He’ll blow your mind playing right next to you haha!

[@rayhutto2063]

much respect for the video- I'm sure you enjoyed Shakti --the Mahavishnu Orchestra blew us away in our late teens...

[@pecosnick45]

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.

[@custodianken435]

I saw Mr.Fleck many years ago while he was touring with a group of African musicians. They blew me away to say the least. Awesome talent. Awesome channel. Peace

[@diftone]

Yes, been a Bela and Flecktones fan since I first discovered him/them along with Mark O'Connor and the Nashville Cats on The Lonesome Pine shows out if Kentucky in the late '80s. I have seen the Flecktones in concert many times over the years and never disappointed. Bela's mastery and his chemistry with Victor Wooten is something you can't even describe. The albums are awesome, but there are things you never experience without seeing him live. They even incorporated playing techniques from each other. See him live if you ever get the chance.

[@charlesrocks]

Victor Wooten is a living legend. Belá Fleck and the Flecktones are an amazing band.

[@cryptophasia8511]

Victor Wooten's book is amazing, and he is friends with Eileen Day McKusick. another hero of mine

[@CynthiaPrice79]

Victor is why I started playing bass over 30 years ago. Super sweet, humble man the few times I’ve met him. My parents weee Flecktones fans, and I became one quickly. We went to several shows as I was growing up.

[@CynthiaPrice79]

He offered me a lesson when I was 13 or 14, before their next night’s show, but my parents didn’t believe me.

[@israeldelaluz]

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!! ☀️

[@melodymakermark]

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.

[@DanielGarciaArchitect]

when I saw Bela back in early 2000's I was most impressed by not just what he was playing, but that he was also parallel processing what the band was doing (Flecktones) as well as how the crowd was reacting to it. I knew I was watching genius in motion.

[@jonathanpaulmoore4583]

I was there Rick, left mezzanine, I'm blown away, w the singer absolutely note for note on 32nd notes for minutes at a time! We saw Bela and Zakir w Edgar Meyer, was great but Shakti was another realm, always heard of John Mclaughlin but never knew his Prowess. Grateful to have shared, and thank you my fellow Atlantan, you help the world to a better place, luv

[@flyjoseph6355]

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]

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

[@KitagumaIgen]

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

[@polintr]

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

[@ShermanKyle]

Was not expecting this video from you Rick, yet also very much not surprised; the fact that you seized the opportunity to see Shakti on their final tour when they passed through ATL proves you are deep appreciator of music, and catching Bela Fleck only adds to that night of live music. Fleck is an absolute master, truly one of those artists who has connected so deeply with their instrument, an intimate knowledge of the vast possibilities it has, and the ability to bring it outside the typical range it's associated with. What you described about hearing him live and not having any words to describe the experience is on the mark; years ago I had the fortune of seeing Fleck and Corea play a duo concert and to this day I cannot describe what I heard --- they played the Inspector Gadget theme as an encore which to date remains my favorite live music experience. If you haven't already, you have to check out the album he did with Zakir and Edgar Meyer.

[@AntiMAGA4Ever]

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

[@GoDrex]

I've been listening to him since the first Flecktones album. He's incredibly good.

[@nickeads7601]

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

[@redbarchetta8782]

Bela is amazing. Greg Koch is another that can just string together idea after idea.

[@chrisjames1924]

Greg’s guitar tab books are essential for ALL players. You can literally hear his personality in his playing. Love him.

[@TheSpydersBand]

Saw Greg this weekend at the Woodshed Guitar Experience with Andy Wood, Eric Johnson, Andy Timmons, Mark Lettieri, Brent Mason, and Seth Rosenbloom.

[@samuelhatman8995]

Rick, one the the very best of personal gifts I love about you is... after all you've done/accomplished/experienced/created and fostered, Bela puts you into the state of ardent admiration I understand, and then you share its with earnest innocence. May you never lose that humble trait to share your authentic love of the universe of music with us all. I believe music was the first language, not of man, but of our Creator. Music. Moths to the flame Rick... all of us forever drawn!

[@doylebowles5026]

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.