From: russellg@tramp.Colorado.EDU (Glenn Russell)
Subject: Re: Bela Fleck (sorry non phish)
Organization: University of Colorado, Boulder
Date: Thu, 19 Nov 1992 00:10:07 GMT

> 889sullivan@gw.wmich.edu writes:
>Sorry for the non Phishy smell of this but.  Can anyone post some info
>on Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.  

Here's a review of a Flecktones show that I posted to the net last summer.


Bela Fleck and the Flecktones - Denver Botanic Gardens
------------------------------------------------------

Could there be a better setting?  Beneath the blue Colorado sky, a grassy
natural amphitheatre surrounded by lush flower beds and sculpted
trees, garnished with a spectacular sunset and lightning show in the 
southwest sky.

And for the 2nd time in less than four months, the Flecktones completely
stole my monkey! These guys are in a different league.  It's almost unfair.

They opened with a wonderful version of the Beatles' Michelle  
and closed with a crunchy Sinister Minister.  In between was
just about everything you could sonically imagine....factorial!
They played gaelic, bop, funk, 12-bar blues, rap, old-grass, new-grass,
swing-grass, classical-grass. They played songs forwards, backwards, 
inside-out and upside-down. They took solos, played duets, played as an 
ensemble, played musical tag. 

At times it was like the sound was coming from one of those Dr. Seuss 
musical contraptions.  Caution: Musicians at play!  

During the show this guy with greasy long black hair and
unruly sideburns kept obstructing our view.  "Mr. Lindley, down in
front!"  Yep, Mr. Dave himself was enjoying a night off from his own Colorado
tour to check out the 'Tones!  He was as slack jawed as the
rest of us and kept turning to his entourage after each number and nodding 
his approval.

I don't think I've ever heard or seen anyone who has total mastery of
an instrument - except Victor Wooten.  The galaxies best bassist bar
none.  He toyed with us all night with his musical slight-of-hand.  How did he
do that?  They should hand out bibs at the door.  Have you ever seen a 
crowd of 2,000 people in simultaneous drool?

Bela was as impressive as ever.  His lead's on a few of the hard jazz
numbers were simply incredible.  Blistering Charlie Parkeresque runs on 
a banjo!

Howard Levy, to borrow a basketball term, is the consumate swingman.  Great 
harp play and solid piano off the bench.  The last time I saw the 'Tones 
Howard seemed a little off, but he was ON last night.  "Yes that is a 
harmonica in my pocket - but I'm always glad to see you"  :-)

The Flecktones will have their 3rd Warner Brothers disc out this August 11th
entitled "UFO TOFU".  They featured many new tunes from this upcoming
release including "Bonnie and Slide",  written for Bonnie 
Raitt after she suggested that Bela take one of her slides and try it out 
on his banjo.  It's about the prettiest song you'll ever hear.

Did I mention how funny these guys are?  How warm?  How intelligent?  
How they gave that sick child a new puppy?  :-) 

Forget about the nth show of Summer tour!  Drop what you're doing and
ride the Cosmic Hippo!   Go see the Flecktones!

------
--------------------
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The Flecktones are:

Bela Fleck - banjo and strings
Howard Levy - Guitar and Harmonica
Victor Wooten - Bass
Futureman -  Drumz?   :-)

They have three CD's: UFO TOFU, Flight of the Cosmic Hippo, and their
first disc (self titled).


Bela + The Flecktones Schedule Dec '92:

* Nov 16 change Simsbury Inn, Simsbury Ct instead of Cathedral Th, Hartford

Dec 4   Sternberger Aud, Greensboro NC
Dec 5   Trax, Charlotsville VA 
Dec 6   Flynn Theater, Burlington VT
Dec 7   Raoul's, Portland ME
Dec 8   Toads Place, New Haven CT
Dec 9   Marquee, Buffalo NY
Dec 10  Colby College, Waterville ME
Dec 11  Bearsville Th, Bearsville NY
Dec 12  Inter-Media Arts Cte, Huntington NY
Dec 13  Amherst College, Amherst MA
Dec 14  Birchmere, Alexandria VA


-- 
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|  Glenn Russell                   "Some rise, some fall, some climb...     |
|  russellg@tramp.colorado.edu      To get to Weekapaug!"       :-)         | 
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Newsgroups: rec.music.phish