About Flagpole. (Athens, Ga.) 1987-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 10, 2011)
i < 1 j \ * f undreds of years ago, African slaves brought some early versions of the banjo to colonial America. The 19th and 20th centuries saw the instru ment become a fundamental aspect of folk and bluegrass music, with virtuoso players giving rise to an instantly recognizable, mile-a-min- ute picking style that continues to entrance people all over the world. Bela Fleck both exemplifies and defies the archetype of the virtuoso banjoist. Unlike many traditional bluegrass musicians, Fleck acknowledges no musical boundaries. He has been nominated in more categories than any other artist in Grammy history, tackling blue grass, classical, pop, jazz and several other genres with nothing more than his trusty banjo. "I don't think I was trying to defy any one," says Fleck, "in that there was no anger involved. But I liked the idea of an adventure, musically. And some of the music I was really curious about had no banjo in it. So, as I tried to learn, I was conscious of the fact that I was often breaking new ground. And I liked the feeling." The 2009 documentary (and album of the same name) Throw Down Your Heart shows Fleck breaking new ground as he travels to several African countries, using his modern, Americanized banjo to collaborate with tra ditional African musicians. "The trip to Africa was a truly broadening experience," says Fleck. "I get to have these experiences with people from different cultures or musical back grounds every year or so, and I try to allow as much influence as possible to happen, when I know I'm going to have this type of opportunity." Throw Down Your Heart is the most recent of Fleck's several solo albums, and now that he's back on the road with The Flecktones, the artist is tastefully playing off of that African experience to influence the experimental, pro gressive jazz sound of his longtime band. "There is one song that was influenced by an African piece I learned, but it doesn't sound African in [The Flecktones'] hands. I just really liked this one rhythm and built my own song around it called "Falani," after the tune that inspired it. Sometimes I find places to inject some of the African feel into our tunes in unexpected places." Fleck isn't the only renowned, virtuoso musician in his band. In fact, The Flecktones are comprised entirely of world-class, genre- defying artists. Victor Wooten has won five Grammys and has received Bass Player Magazine's "Bassist of the Year" award three times. Recently, a Rolling Stone read ers' poll ranked him among the "10 Greatest Bass Players of All Time." Wooten is widely idolized—local promoter/bassist/all-around great guy Rich Mullinax (who claims that this upcoming concert will be his 43rd Flecktones show) says simply: "Victor Wooten: we bass ists swoon at the very name!" Fleck is also joined by Roy "Future Man" Wooten on percus sion, Victor's brother and an innovative instru mentalist in his own right. In recent years, The Flecktones took some time off while the members pursued solo projects, only playing "holiday tours with the Flecktones every December" that "lasted a couple of weeks each" after the release of their 2008 holiday album. Jingle All the Way. "This is the first 'Flecktone year' in four years, and the first with Howard Levy in the band since 1992!" exclaims Fleck. "It's like a totally different band with Howard's incred ible harmonica and piano playing, and it is a return to the 'classic' sound of The Flecktones from the first three records. The band is on fire." Earlier this year, The Flecktones released Rocket Science, their first studio album since 2008. This most recent album is the first to feature the original*Flecktones lineup since 1992's UFO Tofu, much to Fleck's satisfaction: "It was very familiar and yet exciting, like something new. We knew what to do, and that was very satisfying to discover. I had lots of tunes saved up, so there was plenty to pick from in terms of material." This Flecktones show will be part of the Georgia Theatre's grand re-opening, and Fleck is excited to be returning to the venue. "I used to enjoy the relaxed and informal feel of the Georgia Theatre," he says. "We used to start our tours there to have an easy-going first show. Invariably, these would be great nights, 'cause no one was uptight." Fleck emphasizes that "there is much new for a Flecktone veteran from any version of the group," conveying great enthusiasm about reaching old fans in new ways and new fans in familiar ways. "Folks who have seen us with Jeff [Coffin, Flecktones saxophonist from 1998-2010] will see a very different show. Folks who saw us in the early '90s with Howard will see a very dif ferent but familiar show. Folks who have never seen us will see some pretty amazing and unique dudes doing what they love." Kevin Craig \ WHO: Bela Fleck and The Flecktones WHERE: The Georgia Theatre WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 10,9 p.m. HOW MUCH: $30 V ) apartments and townhomes AUGUST 10, 2011 -FLAGP0LE.COM 19
