Reviews (7)

Umm.... Wow! (4.5 Stars)
BELA FLECK & THE FLECKTONES - Greatest Hits of the 20th Century
Decent place to start if you would like a sampler of them
Although alot of the songs I became attached to aren't on this single disc, there are still some good examples of what this band has done over the years...as well as a few that havn't been released previously on CD.Each one of their original studio CDs kinda took a life on its own...each encompassing a certain era of the Flecktones throughout their career.Especially with the change from Howard Levy to Jeff Coffin, there are definite flavors from one CD to the next...maybe I only see it that way. Anyway, if you are starting out listening to this band, keep that in mind as you go through each song.Each cut, if you like it, would probably mean you would like the disc that it came from.This disc does do a nice job of giving examples from the different time periods of the Flecktones time as a band.

Fantastic...an eyeopener to those who do not know Fleck
I bought this CD on the advise of the Tower records manager in Bangkok ( good taste)whilst never having heard of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.Read more

Subjects:  1. Fusion    2. Jazz    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

Bela Fleck is one of the greatest five-string banjo players performing today. Beginning in the 1970s, he honed his lightning-fast chops performing bluegrass, then moved on to contemporary jazz and fusion sounds. With this album, he broadens his horizons once again by performing an entire program of classical music transcriptions. Reminiscent of classical guitar albums by John Williams (who makes a guest appearance here), the disc traverses a wide range of repertoire--from Chopin mazurkas to Bach's Two and Three Part Inventions. Throughout, Fleck displays a feathery touch on his banjo, and his instrument offers a pleasant, brassy tone with very little twang. The technique he displays on Read more

Reviews (42)

Another Bela Fleck Masterpiece!
Who knew there could be classical banjo. It may sound dumb to some of you, but Bela Fleck pulls it off perfectly.I prefer the jazz fusion of his work with the Flecktones, but that does not mean this is not brilliant.Technically speaking, Bela and all of his collaborators are the best around, and who can argue with the songwriting of the classical composers(no one openly insults Mozart).If you haven't heard Bela Fleck, here's some advice.Get one of his Flecktones albums if you're into jazz, rock, or funk, this if you like classical, and his Newgrass Revival, Strength in Numbers, or Sam Bush stuff if you're a bluegrass fan.

Definitely a Winner
It is apparent to my ears why this CD won a Grammy. It takes familiar classical music pieces and puts the distinct Bela Fleck style on them. The pairing of the banjo with different instruments makes this album texturally interesting for the ear and one does not tire of the selections, even if they are familiar. My favorite pairing is the marimba with the banjo. The liner notes are interesting, as is Bela's story on how difficult it was to make the album. It was definitely worth his time and the listener's .

Soul Food
This is exquisite! The best of human experience encoded on a simple CD disk. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baroque Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    2. Bluegrass    3. Cello Solo    4. Chamber    5. Chamber Music & Recitals    6. Classical    7. Classical Crossover    8. Classical Music    9. Classical Period Variations for Keyboard    10. Duo for Two String Instruments    11. Etude for Keyboard    12. Invention for Keyboard    13. Keyboard    14. Mazurka for Keyboard    15. Progressive Bluegrass    16. Romantic Sonata/Sonatina for Keyboard    17. Sinfonia for Keyboard    18. Suite/Partita for Keyboard    19. Violin Solo    20. Violin with Keyboard   

Editorial Review

Something of a retrospective, Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (62)

You have got to hear this album!
This has to be the most incredible album I've heard in years. My introduction to Bela Fleck and the Flecktones was on a trip to the States from the UK in 1993 on business. I flicked on the TV in my hotel room and there was a music festival on. I watched the incredible wizardry of Victor Wooton on the bass and was transfixed. Never before had I heard a banjo sound so exciting as it was they way Bela Fleck played it. I had only a few minutes to listen before I had to leave, but that experience left its mark. Why then did it take me 13 years to try out a Flecktones album? God knows, but all I can say is BUY THIS ALBUM! Whatever musical vibe you're into, whether Jazz, Bluegrass, etc, I can guarantee you will LOVE this album. The music is sensational, and the incredible talent of all the musicians is something I find it hard to put in words. As you can tell, I'm now hooked on Bela Fleck and the Flecktones! And I suspect you will be too.

Really fun stuff !
This has to be one of my favorite live CDs I have.It is really refreshing to hear this stuff live even if you own all of the studio CDs the Flecktones have made.Unlike many other bands, these guys always change things up during each live event.Each song during every concert is never played the same way...not only does that keep it fresh for the listener, I'm sure it also keeps it fresh for the Flecktones.
great cd
i'm a fusion/metheny/rippingtons/corea fan...being bored with much of todays music happened to purchase this cd after reading some reviews...now own about 6 of their cd's...this was the first one i purchased and i think overall my favorite.if you have any interest in jazz/fusion/bluegrass/or a mixture of all 3 i would highly advise giving this group and in particular this cd a try...you won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fusion    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Pop    5. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

In a jaw-dropping return to his roots, banjoist Béla Fleck led a stellar lineup (Jerry Douglas, Earl Scruggs, Tony Rice, and Sam Bush, to name a few) through one of his finest albums. With incredible musicianship and a smidgen of Fleck's genre-hopping personality ("Polka On The Banjo"), Read more

Reviews (64)

A Rarity...
It's rare when a sequel exceeds the original.This album, though, exceeds the first "Acoustic Planet" effort by Fleck.
Hair Raising
I've had this album for two years now and it still sometimes makes my hair stand on end when I listen to it and I don't even consider myself a SERIOUS bluegrass fan.Absolutely amazing!

Outstanding CD!
Bela Fleck is arguably the premeir banjo player in the world and he does not disappoint on this CD.His music and that of the musicians he has gathered to play with him is superb.If your feet aren't tapping to the music in short order, then you probably have a few disconnnected nerves leading to them.
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Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Fusion    3. Jazz    4. Jazz Music    5. Pop    6. Post-Bop    7. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

Short-lived and with only a limited output, this five-piece bluegrass band nevertheless helped spread the gospel of this extraordinary genre via the famous coattails of its most notorious member: Jerry Garcia. However, they were no novelty act. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (14)

RealBluegrass But With An Innovative Approach
What I like about this band is that is they are able to mix authentic bluegrass with a little something more experimental and unique. For example, the songs include several covers from bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe and the Stanley Brothers. But also some originals, mostly written by guitarist Peter Rowan. Actually I think Rowan demonstrates outstanding song writing ability on songs like "Panama Red" and "Midnight Moonlight". So it's a shame that he remained in relative obscurity as a musician. But still his music shines through on this album. I also love the mandolin sound of David Grisman and Vassar Clements' fiddle playing!
Just Excellent!!
I grew up on bluegrass, and then as i got older I grew away from it. Years later I was listening to Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, etc.. It was after listening to "Cumberland Blues" off the Dead's Workingmans Dead album that I heard the banjo in the background. I found out later it was Garcia. Looked into it further and found Old & In the Way years ago. I've been playing banjo going on 14 years now because of Jerry, and the love for the music that I rediscovered. A lot of people put down his playing, but you try picking a banjo with your thumb, pointy and ring (middle finger was chopped off in accident as a child) and you'll see his handicap didn't slow him down. The rest of the musicians are excellent as well. Vassar was a fiddling Wonder! And the "dawg" is great as well.All three OAITW albums are classics!

Vassar--Goodbye and Hello
I agree wholeheartedly with reviewer Cox here.Most will come for Garcia, but will stay for Vassar.The group playing is a little ragged here and there (a live performance, after all), but so much is first rate bluegrass, and I've never heard Vassar Clements so fiery--more daring than on his work with Nitty Gritty DB (which is also splendid), Bela Fleck, or even on his solo albums. Grisman is a delight as always, bur VC steals the show.Sorry to say, I just read Vassar's obit in the NYTimes yesterday.Alas.But this CD is a reminder of his great talent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Pop    5. Traditional Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

Bassist-composer Edgar Meyer is no stranger to genre "crossover"--he's created movingstring quartet works, recorded a classical album with bluegrass greats, and, of course, earned his chopson the folk scene. But Read more

Reviews (21)

Short Trip Home
I am sorry to say that this album did not meet my expectations . For such great artists there is a disturbing sameness to all the tunes.I listened to the CD numerous times thinking that maybe I am missing something but alas...like Miles Davis once said "This is some boring s...." best of its genre
I have long been a "newgrass" fan, following the likes of David Grisman, Bela Fleck, Sam Bush, et al, for more than two decades. I have admired their craftsmanship, their passion, their virtuosity. Over the years, some of these gifted musicians have left the "newgrass" field, whether for brief journeys to other genres, or adopting that new style of music entirely. It is no surprise that some have gravitated to classical music: these guys are incredibly accomplished musicians, with the chops to make it happen. Thus, we see, eg, a Mark O'Connor move almost exclusively to the classical field. Edgar Meyer, who of course was classically trained to begin with, has spent virtually all of his time in that realm over the past decade. Very Solid
I was pleasantly surprised by this album.I must admit that when I bought it, I was caught up in the "O' Brother, Where art thou?" frenzy - so after the first playing of this disc I was momentarily struck by one of those, "what the heck did I order THIS for" moments.While there is an obvious Appalachian influence, this is not a collection of old-time thigh slapping tunes.This is well constructed, beautiful instrumental (only) music with a Blue Ridge flavor.It's even possible to say that there is more of a New Age feel here than a Southen one.The music is mostly upbeat, though there is a nice mix of fast and slow tunes.This album will appeal to those who are more inclined towards classical music than those who are inclined to 1930s and 40s traditional Bluegrass.God bless you if you're inclined to both. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Crossover    4. Classical Pop    5. Popular Music   

Editorial Review

On Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (11)

Road Tour Music
This CD includes much of the music fromBela Fleck's road tour with Edgar Meyer.We heard them play in Easton, MD.The concert was excellent, and this CD captures their enthusiasm and playfulness in working together."Woolly Mammoth" is especially interesting.I highly recommend this CD to any fan of either of these artists.

Endlessly inventive
As two of the most highly regarded technicians of their respective instruments, Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer collaboration on "Music for Two" couldn't be anything less than inspiring. The duo exceed expectations by writing eloquent and evocative pieces. As I continue to listen to the album, their original compositions come to the fore as the marquee sections of the disc. The album could have been strengthened by shedding the veneer of classical music and relying solely on their original compositions.
not bluegrass, but oh my!!!!
as a banjo playa and bluegrass fan that sometimes thinks that bela "noodles" a bit much, this album blows my mind. edgar and bela play with more power and authority than any ten metal bands, and their timing and dynamics are out of this world. i'm no fan of classical as such, but i found myself captivated by every song, and the fact that it's recorded live just adds to the awe factor. buy it now!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Chamber    3. Chamber Jazz    4. Chamber Music    5. Film    6. Film Music    7. Jazz    8. Keyboard    9. Miscellaneous    10. Miscellaneous Music    11. New Acoustic    12. Pop    13. Prelude and Fugue for Keyboard    14. Progressive Bluegrass    15. Sinfonia for Keyboard    16. Suite/Partita for Keyboard   

Features

• Live

Reviews (8)

Must Own It
You might call me a biased jamband fan, but YMSB's music cannot be denied. YMSB is a some sort of offspring of bluegrass, and their hard hitting lyrics and perfect delivery mesh well. They play with so much passion and energy, and they are a just plain fun to listen to. This a four member band headed by a mandolin(Jeff Austin), stand up bass(Ben Kaufman), Banjo(Dave Johnston), and acoustic guitar(Adam Aijala). They also had a special guest David Anger on the fiddle which added a nice touch to the band. This cd is massive and includes 23 tracks, with many of them spanning over 7 minutes. YMSB isn't a band that takes itself too seriously and throughout the cd they joke around and are hilarious. These songs are the best songs on the cd in order of importance.
Able to incite a crowd to riotous support of jamgrass music
Playing Time - 55:25 (disc 1); 65:47 (disc 2)-- A large contingent of Yonder Mountain String Band fans were out in full force at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado in September 2003 for the live recording of this 23-track album at Kinfolk Celebration 2003. The band's distinctive jamgrass sound is supplemented with the expert fiddling of Darol Anger. Four tracks at the end of the 2-CD album also include Rashad Eggleston and Brittany Haas. Regular band members Jeff Austin (mandolin),Dave Johnston (banjo), Adam Aijala (guitar), and Ben Kaufmann (bass) all contribute original material to the band's spirited repertoire. Besides material from Willie Nelson,John Hartford, and Bill Monroe, the band also covers four songs penned by songwriter Benny "Burl" Galloway. The lyrical messages of their original material are interesting. Their material is well-rehearsed and arranged. Not sticking tostraight three-chord traditional progressions, YMSB punctuates and accentuates their music with a lot of excitement. The fun they have energizes their audiences.
listen carefully
Yonder rocks. This album is another of their well-captured live shows and is deffinitely good tunes. Go see them in concert. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Appalachian Folk    2. Bluegrass    3. Contemporary Bluegrass    4. Country    5. Folk    6. Jam Bands    7. Old-Timey    8. Pop    9. Progressive Bluegrass    10. String Bands    11. United States of America   

Features

• Live

Reviews (4)

Jerry Garcia and former Blue Grass Boys put on a good show
This awesome album combines the signature rough vocals of Jerry Garcia (who also plays banjo!) with the crisp mandolin sound of David Grisman, agile fiddling of Vassar Clements, and solid guitar of Peter Rowan in a collection that pulls heavily from the repertoire of Bill Monroe's old Blue Grass Boys. Bluegrass fans and Garcia fans alike will enjoy this enthusiastic live performance by Old and In the Way.

Just gets better and better ...
I bought this album because it's considered a classic, and because I love the fiddle stylings of Vassar Clements. At first I was irked by some out-of-tune vocal harmonies (it's live, after all). But I kept the album on and set the CD player to continuous play. Well, the second time it started at the beginning, I was hooked. I listened a couple more times and had to force myself to turn it off. It is really a true gem of an album. Vassar's fiddling is top-notch, a great example of his classic licks and style. Garcia, Grisman and Rowan also rock. This is indeed a classic bluegrass album, and should be in any respectable collection.

Bluegrass lovers
This CD is great! If you are not a bluegrass fan, it will certainly make you one! Some of Jerry Garcia's finest work without his electric guitar. He sure picks a mean banjo! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Pop    5. Traditional Bluegrass   

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (3)

Great bluegrass music
I am new to bluegrass, but I find this band's music to be uplifting and very enjoyable.

Four heads, eight hands, one mind
Well, they're not quite going to displace Railroad Earth at the top of my Favorite Band Currently In Existence list, but they're getting mighty close. They've grown on me so much over the last year or so that I think they've passed the String Cheese Incident and moved into second place. YMSB goes from the Appalachians to the Rockies on Elevation
Sheer passion is clear as the voices of Yonder Mountain String Band interweave magically on Elevation. Western themes occasionally surface in the lyrics with stories of sheriffs and outlaws. Solos become a group effort, as Ben, Adam, Dave, and Jeff support each other marvelously with engaging interplay throughout. Elevation is filled with original bluegrass tunes as the music of Yonder Mountain swirls the Appalachians and Rockies together in a mind-bending mosaic unique to their to "drive without drums" style. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Folk    4. Pop    5. Progressive Bluegrass   

Reviews (10)

Best Bela Fleck CD of All
Bela Fleck pioneered the fusion of bluegrass and jazz.I don't know of anyone else out there who has more effectively combined these two highly disparate art forms.
I don't want to enter a title.
I'm not sure if other people have had this problem, but the copy I received is so full of flaws as to be pretty much unlistenable. It almost sounds like someone took a needle and just scratched out a few seconds every minute or so; it's full of blips and gaps. At several points on the second track the music just cuts off for a full 15 seconds. As for the parts which are actually still there, musically it's great, like everything else from this group; there are the expected odd time signatures, creative melodies, and impressive basslines, but this disc itself seems to be one of the most damaged I own, and it's brand new. You ripped me off, Amazon.

I scratched my first cd and quickly went out to buy another
This is one of the best CDs the Flecktones have put out.This has to be one of the most interesting mixes of musicians I have heard to date.Not only do they work well together, the music played on here stretches the boundaries of modern music with so many injections of different genres, some of which I wouldn't even know how to classify.
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Subjects:  1. Banjo    2. Bluegrass    3. Fusion    4. Jazz    5. Jazz Music    6. New Acoustic    7. Pop    8. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

When bluegrass banjo whiz Bela Fleck formed the Flecktones in 1990 with jazz pianist Howard Levy, funk bassist Victor Wooten, and electronic-drummer Roy Wooten, it seemed like just one more of those new-acoustic music bands that appear and disappear in Nashville with depressing regularity. There was something special about this quartet, though, for it used its peculiar instrumentation not as an end in itself but as a means to three albums of startling melodicism, improvisation, and feeling. At the end of 1992, Levy amicably departed to spend more time with his family and his own music. Rather than hire a new fourth member, Fleck and the Wootens have tried to compensate for his absence by an increased reliance on synthesizer sounds that they can trigger from their instruments and floor pedals. This has led to less emphasis on melody, harmony, and feeling and an increased emphasis on rhythm and showy virtuosity. --Read more

Reviews (11)

How It Started
Who else would have seen any common ground between bluegrass and jazz?That being said, among those few, who else would have seen a connection between bluegrass and not just jazz but electric, fusion-style jazz?
The Northern Exposure Halloween Song!
Northern Exposure, Season 3, Episode 5, "Jules et Joel".Throughout this episode a great song plays that I couldn't get out of my head.I did a search and found the name of the song, Flight of the Cosmic Hippo, on moosechick's site.I got the CD for that one song and now love every track.

Just a Great CD
Very different type of music, goes from songs like Half Moon Baby which is a gorgeous smooth song, with a good harmonica solo, to songs like Flipper which is just a funky type of song, really good album definately buy it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fusion    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Pop    5. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

Bela Fleck has completely transcended any and all expectations we have for the banjo. Having spent the better part of five previous years exploring a variety of formal and improvised designs with his virtuoso ensemble, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, this banjo innovator chose to celebrate a variety of musical friends and influences on this homey, elegant, immaculately recorded aural novella--one that clearly links him to such progressive jazz/fusion forebears as Return to Forever and Oregon (not to mention Bill Monroe & His Bluegrass Boys). While a manic hoe-down like "Cheeseballs in Cowtown" illustrates his command of post-modern bluegrass, his freeform duet "Bicyclops" (with mentor Chick Corea) is indicative of this great musician's astonishing technical and emotional range. Elsewhere tunes such as "Up and Running," "The Great Circle Route," and "System Seven" seem to reconcile his complex rhythmic inclinations with stately folkish themes, mixing traditional bluegrass instrumentation with the likes of electric bass, drums, piano, and oboe. And on extended forms such as "Circus of Regrets" and "Jayme Lynn," Fleck showcases his ever-expanding breadth and range as a modern composer.Read more

Reviews (17)

From Good to Great?
The songs on this album are memorable and powerful.It's hard not to appreciate the sheer originality of Fleck's work.
Deceiving
I love most of Bela's music. I'm more of a bluegrasser though, and was fooled by the "Acoustic Planet" title. There are electronic drum-pads being played in each song, which gives a hollow sound, despite some nice beats. The musicianship is great, but the songs lack drive. Each song seems to be drifting in limbo, with no direction and no focus.
Unbelievable collaboration
As a banjoist, this is my favorite Bela Fleck album that I own and frequently listen to.The music on this album is so unique that it cannot be classified within a single genre, but the most appropriate would probably be the umbrella genre of "jazz."My favorite tracks on this album are "Up and Running," "Three Bridges Home," "System Seven," and "Jayme Lynn."Many fusions of genres take place throughout this album with brilliant dynamics, emotion, and superb musicianship.The guests on this album are great, including Victor Wooten, Future Man, Edgar Meyer, Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, and Sam Bush.I also really enjoyed mandolinist Matt Mundy's playing on several tracks, whom I had never heard before.Bela takes all of his bluegrass buds and a couple of Flecktones along for this musical voyage.I think that these recordings capture some precious few moments of enlightened music and a significant event in the evolution of the banjo. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Fusion    3. Jazz    4. Jazz Music    5. Pop    6. Progressive Bluegrass   

Reviews (28)

Awful Waste of Money
Save your money on this one. It's SOOOOOOO bland- with no jams!
Like a fine wine...
At first I could see why some of the others gave this album low marks. It's a bit different from what you might expect from a SCI album - it stays fairly mellow and grounded (although "Swampy Water" rips along with a heavier sound) and has a steady mood throughout (with a couple exceptions, like "Rainbow Serpent"). But like a fine wine, it has gotten better with time and I have grown to love its smooth, relaxed overall sound. It is now one of my favorite albums. I appreciate that the album represents the bands democratic workings in that every member contributed - wrote and did lead vocals - on at least two songs. Their vocals have a noticable improvement on this album. The album should not be compared to their "live" style because I believe it's comparing "apples and oranges." However, I look forward to their upcoming tour because many of these songs will transition into excellent live versions. The album is refreshing and is best enjoyed laying outside on a warm spring day. The title track, is my favorite at the moment.

natural progression through cheese
This is an album that features Keith on vocals more so than in the past, which is awesome because he is a great vocalist in addition to being on bass.Just because Les C. is the most different bassist ever doesn't mean Keith can't Rockit on the bass Cheesy style (hint hint....new cover song to play). The Cheese does the Chameleon and they gotta do the Rockit!!!.Of course we all know Mike, Travis, Kyle, and Bill are great vocalists / players as always.I'm still listening to the Hann because I am a piano player and mostly focus in on Kyle's notes.I'm sure if him and Travis did some Hart & Kreutzmann style drum duos, that would also certainly Rockit!
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Subjects:  1. Jam Bands    2. Neo-Psychedelia    3. Pop    4. Progressive Bluegrass    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Features

• Live

Reviews (39)

Awesome
I don't have much to say about this CD.This is an awesome live SCI cd.This is the second SCI cd that i own but it is by far the best, after listening to this cd i then proceeded to order Live at the Filmore.I highly, HIGHLY recommend this CD to anyone who is looking for a awesome jam band.

SCI!!!
I've seen posts on here about how they don't understand on how or why people can listen to SCI...
A String Cheese Incident
This is an incredible album!I had it for a long time but it wasnt until about after 6 months of having it that I realized how great of an album it truely is.This is a perfect album to buy if you are looking to purchase some SCI music and dont know what album to buy.
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Subjects:  1. Jam Bands    2. Neo-Psychedelia    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Progressive Bluegrass    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (19)

It's Funk, its Bluegrass, it's Latin, It's Folk, It's Afro.. It's String Cheese
Most eclectic lineup of songs I've heard in a while. They really prove their range of musical influences on this album. It's as if every member of the band liked a different style of music and each got to create their own track.

Best mix of music on the planet is placed inside this cd!!!
WOW!!!That's all that can be said for the best CD on the planet.Let me explain:'Round The Wheel blasts into the groovin' scene with "Come As You Are".This track pushes funk latin beats to the limit as the band floods you with an awesome jam.Then comes the Bluegrass, which can only be described as "Finger-Slapping".But, don't worry...SCI delivers their aroma of funk with "Galactic" and "Got What He Wanted".A pure latin rush comes in from "MLT", as the drums slam their way through this fast paced song.My personal favorite is "'Round The Wheel", because it starts with the relaxed 6 feel.Suddenly charges into a quick 4 feel with incredible feel and power.SCI leaves off with their trademark Bluegrass feel in "Good Times Around the Bend", which lets you relax for a second after being hit with the best music your ears have ever heard.This is the best CD in my whole collection.Buy it now!

Excellent album Best of SCI
I can say it is the best studio album thus far, i got this album in 2001, being introduced to the SCI in 2000. All the tracks on this album are different yet appetizing to the ear and get the body grooving in a funky sort of way. Nershi decides to play a folkish role in some tracks and they merge into a unique blend of both jazzy bluegrass and electric progressions. After seeing the SCI the energy produced live is amazing, but this album is a "laid-back" energetic rush of flavor for both the ears and the feet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jam Bands    2. Neo-Psychedelia    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Progressive Bluegrass    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

The compositions on Béla Fleck and the Flecktones' three-CD set Read more

Features

• Limited Edition

Reviews (39)

ha!
Bela fleck is one of the greatest musicians AND all of the flecktones cds and bela fleck's cds are the greatest CDs. And imagine that- the only person who disagreed with EVERYONES opinion that bela fleck is the best called bela fleck a "her." oy, I have seen the flecktones 3 times , bela fleck trio and the acoustic trio and NOT ONCEhas bela fleck nor his band members have ceased to impress nad amaze me. BEla fleck is AMAZING.

Accessible Genius
Once again, the Flecktones show that they can command whatever style of music suits their fancy, and that musical barriers mean little to a group of such high musical skill and precision. With multifaceted compositions that somehow always remain listenable, the Flecktones demonstrate with Little Worlds that genius may just be the ability to say something exceedingly profound with simple language.
What happened to the Flecktones
Listening through this set of CDs was downright depressing for me.I discovered these guys back in the early 90's.Every CD they put out was awe-inspiring and so neatly put together.It seemed every time I would pop in one of the older Flecktone CD's, I would find something different from when I listened the last time.
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Subjects:  1. Crossover Jazz    2. Fusion    3. Jazz    4. Jazz-Pop    5. New Acoustic    6. Pop    7. Progressive Bluegrass   

Editorial Review

Béla Fleck and the Flecktones emit joy, exuberance, and stylistic outreach routinely when playing live. That reach opens their Read more

Reviews (48)

Béla Fleck & The Flecktones
"Outbound" contains almost eclectic tracks, with "A Moment So Close" and "Zona Mona" appearing back to back.For more catchy vocals, including all the instrumentals expected, try "A Moment So Close" or "Something She Said."For that awesome banjo without a hint of bluegrass, as well as so many other instruments, try "Zona Mona," and "Shuba Yatra."I feel like a lot of this music is on the edge of being boring, yet somehow it's not.Sometimes it sounds like a fun jam session, and other times it sounds like the film score to a Kathleen Turner film.Either way, I'm a fan and you should be too.Pick up a copy and you'll see why.

Will someone tell Futureman the experiment is over - real drums rule
I love Bela fleck and all he has done to bring the banjo to the mainstream music listener. That said, he has to put futureman to rest. Vocals aren't too bad, but that tingy, hollow sound that comes from his electronic drumkit ruins what is otherwise beautiful music. And don't get me started on the live records. Futureman, do us all a favor and listen to Billy Cobham, Max Roach, Dennis Chambers, anyone!
Bela Fleck & the Flecktones
My introduction to the Flecktones. A perfect introduction; well, almost.