The Béla Fleck Interview: The Journey of a Banjo Virtuoso

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Béla Fleck is a renowned American banjo player, often considered one of the most innovative and banjo players of all time. Born on July 10, 1958, in New York City, Fleck was named after the Hungarian composer Béla Bartók. He was drawn to the banjo at a young age, inspired by the television show "The Beverly Hillbillies."
Fleck's musical journey has been marked by his eclectic taste and a willingness to blend different genres. He began his professional career in the bluegrass world with the band New Grass Revival and later formed the genre-bending group Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, which combined jazz, bluegrass, rock, and more.
Over his career, Fleck has won numerous Grammy Awards across various categories, showcasing his versatility. His collaborations with artists across different genres, from classical to jazz to African music, have further cemented his status as a musical pioneer. Notable collaborations include his work with the Marcus Roberts Trio, Edgar Meyer, and Zakir Hussain.
Fleck's influence extends beyond his virtuosity on the banjo. He is celebrated for pushing the boundaries of the instrument, bringing it into new musical contexts, and inspiring a new generation of musicians. His albums, such as "Drive," "Throw Down Your Heart," and "The Impostor," display a vast range of musical exploration and creativity.
Béla Fleck continues to tour, record, and collaborate, constantly redefining the banjo's place in the world of music.
My Beato Club supporters:
Justin Scott
Terence Mark
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Jason Murray
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Rich Germano
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Пікірлер: 1 200

  • @duanehill4615
    @duanehill46155 ай бұрын

    Bela Fleck and Steve Morse in the same week!! We are not worthy...

  • @skpince

    @skpince

    5 ай бұрын

    Ha haa! Good one!

  • @DannyHauger

    @DannyHauger

    5 ай бұрын

    Incredible week to ring in the new year!!

  • @francescodefendi3201

    @francescodefendi3201

    5 ай бұрын

    @duanehill4615 of course we are… we are… subscribaaaahhh

  • @Rob-fd6si

    @Rob-fd6si

    5 ай бұрын

    Clearly!

  • @Rob-fd6si

    @Rob-fd6si

    5 ай бұрын

    ​@@adelbertomuggler372 well, you missed it

  • @stavfirst
    @stavfirst5 ай бұрын

    Love that you're interviewing people outside of the rock/guitar world 🔥 hearing from musicians who play different genres with other instruments is awesome

  • @israelrivers8280

    @israelrivers8280

    5 ай бұрын

    Best comment here, hope rick will see this and take the hint to give us more.

  • @bencurti7693

    @bencurti7693

    5 ай бұрын

    I agree 100%...the Jimmy Webb interview is one of my favorites!!

  • @richardg8542

    @richardg8542

    5 ай бұрын

    💯

  • @danielpalmer6266

    @danielpalmer6266

    5 ай бұрын

    Absolutely. By the way it seems you have never talk us about listenable electronic music, such as Kraftwerk, J-M Jarre, Daft Punk, and so on. 🙏

  • @o0m0j

    @o0m0j

    5 ай бұрын

    Agree completely. I'd personally love to see Rick interview a top-tier classical player like Ana Vidovic.

  • @stratfanstl
    @stratfanstl5 ай бұрын

    Watching Bela play his arrangement of Rhapsody in Blue was jaw dropping. The listening skill required to pick and choose from the original composition while preserving the entire vibe yet mapping it to the limitations of one instrument - ANY instrument - combined with the work ethic to master that performance is something very few on the planet can do.

  • @batmite3000

    @batmite3000

    4 ай бұрын

    Try it at 0.75 playback speed.

  • @Chris-sv8ty

    @Chris-sv8ty

    4 ай бұрын

    He made it sound like it was written for the banjo

  • @neomacchio4692

    @neomacchio4692

    4 ай бұрын

    Very well said!! What an incredible amount of focus, effort, and consistency over a long period it would take to do it. Maniacal precision with a seeming casualness.

  • @joelronningen9930

    @joelronningen9930

    4 ай бұрын

    Watch Tommy Emmanuel do his version of Classical Gas sometime!

  • @putinkhuylo

    @putinkhuylo

    4 ай бұрын

    Bela and Matteo Mancuso collaboration needed! Great interview, Rick. 👏. I heard Bela's Rhapsody in Blue(grass) the other night. After I picked up my jaw from the floor, I preordered the vinyl and patiently await it's arrival. Great music will never bow to auto-tune.

  • @donscott763
    @donscott7634 ай бұрын

    I have to say what is really amazing is how incredibly articulate Bela is.

  • @frankbartlett2947

    @frankbartlett2947

    4 ай бұрын

    Yeah this dude is one of the most fluid and clear conversationalist. If he isn't teaching he should be.

  • @melindamercier6811

    @melindamercier6811

    2 ай бұрын

    @@frankbartlett2947 He does master classes all over. Came to my college to in ‘07.

  • @tsho5934
    @tsho59345 ай бұрын

    I had the pleasure of working as a grunt engineer on a New Grass Revival album in the late 80s. I can still recall watching him practice in an iso booth while the other guys recorded their parts/overdubs...he practiced relentlessly despite the fact that he was already one of the best players on planet Earth. A true gentleman and wonderful human being. Great interview Rick!!

  • @MichaelMarkGuitar

    @MichaelMarkGuitar

    5 ай бұрын

    That's rad!! Which album did you work on? New Grass Revival has become my favorite band.

  • @veeeforvendetta

    @veeeforvendetta

    5 ай бұрын

    Omg.. John Cowan is a vocal god..his Angel Eyes is incredible.

  • @veeeforvendetta

    @veeeforvendetta

    5 ай бұрын

    I like how Sam Bush talks about auditioning John for the bass..John wants to sing a song..Sam says..will I'm the vocalist..but let's Sam (opps that's John) sing .. after he's done Sam says..will I was the vocalist.

  • @tommywilliamsjr.697

    @tommywilliamsjr.697

    5 ай бұрын

    The relentless practice is why he is one of the best. I read an interview about Tommy Emmanuel and the person said that after their show, Tommy went right back to his hotel room and he could hear him practicing in his room. They are both very driven people.

  • @justinguitarcia

    @justinguitarcia

    5 ай бұрын

    @@tommywilliamsjr.697no shortcut to being that good

  • @crd9191
    @crd91914 ай бұрын

    "Bach was the Earl Scruggs of harmony." Best line of the day

  • @bukealicious9146
    @bukealicious91464 ай бұрын

    Look at the Grammy's in the background! This guy is a legend!

  • @deltawing9

    @deltawing9

    3 ай бұрын

    He won 17 of those. And got nominated 39 times. And he well deserved it.

  • @Dianelee999
    @Dianelee9994 ай бұрын

    Rick and Bela are both national treasures. We are so fortunate to be included in this conversation. Thank you both! 💜

  • @Keverember
    @Keverember5 ай бұрын

    Rick, you deserve to be honored in the Rock and Roll hall of fame one day for your contributions to music overall, but especially these long-form interviews!

  • @clemclemson9259

    @clemclemson9259

    5 ай бұрын

    not to be a dick but the hall of fame is a joke far as artist selection and I think we all know that here . Very thoughtful comment though. an interesting place to visit for sure . Rick is in his own hall of fame and I admire and respect his work very much

  • @davidkopec9442

    @davidkopec9442

    5 ай бұрын

    You spelled “Hall of Lame” wrong.

  • @luisvillar8320
    @luisvillar83204 ай бұрын

    It happened again, I said to myself "This video is too long, I will watch just a little"... One hour later I was like "What? It ended so quick!" - These videos are just wonderful.

  • @terencecaldon8548
    @terencecaldon85484 ай бұрын

    I don’t know how Rick kept his composure during that “Rhapsody in Blue”. I would have fallen out of my chair. That was some amazing playing. Bela is a national treasure.

  • @ryanchrisxp
    @ryanchrisxp4 ай бұрын

    I saw Bela Fleck and the Flecktones at Berklee College of Music on the tour for the "UFO Tofu" album. Unreal - blew me away. I had gone with a friend who had discovered them a year earlier, but I had no idea who they were - never heard of them. I walked out of that hall with my universe expanded.

  • @rickdevlin4591
    @rickdevlin45915 ай бұрын

    As a banjo player and long-time Rick Beato fan, this interview was a little bit of heaven to me. Super interesting questions and it seemed Bela really opened up and enjoyed the interview, too. Thank you both!

  • @BurnsTennis
    @BurnsTennis5 ай бұрын

    Rick, so many legends in such a short space of time. Andy Summers, Steve Morse and now Bela Fleck, I can't keep up!! Great work! 👍

  • @Sadowsky46

    @Sadowsky46

    5 ай бұрын

    I fear we might run out of legends soon 😉

  • @markmcclelland5719
    @markmcclelland57194 ай бұрын

    When I listen to Béla, I can’t help but hear a little of Alex Lifeson in his manner of speech and just overall kindness and respect for the music.

  • @mr.malapropismus1220

    @mr.malapropismus1220

    2 ай бұрын

    Wow I thought exactly the same after only a few minutes into the interview.

  • @robanderson6173

    @robanderson6173

    2 ай бұрын

    Now I have to find Alex Lifeson's interview. This interview has sent me down a rabbit hole of music that's going to take weeks of listening.

  • @stephanoppenheimer8179
    @stephanoppenheimer81794 ай бұрын

    What a class act. What I love as much as Bela's music is his thoughtful, articulate views - like his comments on the racial context of the banjo pre-transition to guitar. And so low key. I bumped into him between shows upstairs at the Blue Note years ago and he talked like we were next door neighbors. Funny as a guitar player to have him as maybe my favorite musician. Will never get enough of the Telluride Sessions, the Flecktones, Africa sessions...

  • @allanwalli2935

    @allanwalli2935

    4 ай бұрын

    Im right with you on all of that. Got my little stack of Bela cds in front of me, time to revisit them. Met Bela after a show in2013 I think, and he was such a gracious, unassuming guy. This interview was riveting. Could have been twice as long😢

  • @Andrew_M_Ward
    @Andrew_M_Ward5 ай бұрын

    I love that Béla thinks that Chick Corea is at a stature "above himself" Truly humble from a musical master

  • @gastonflatulenza1276
    @gastonflatulenza12765 ай бұрын

    I bought a cheap banjo in, I think, 1983 because Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners featured a (flat picked) banjo (by Billy Adams). At my first banjo lesson, my teacher put on a record by a group called Spectrum which featured a young Bela Fleck. She said, "This is how the banjo is supposed to be played!" So since then I have seen Bela over 25 times in all kinds of configurations, including New Grass Revival 6 times. Whenever I've met Bela after a show he's always been so kind and welcoming. I'm kind of a spaz and he's always answered all of my questions patiently and sincerely. It's not just the sound of his banjo that hooks me--it's his brain. Bela's thinking is always evident to me on everything he plays. After all these years Bela is still one of my greatest musical heroes. What a mensch!

  • @eweesplace
    @eweesplace4 ай бұрын

    I met Bela Fleck (and the Flecktones) at Stubbs BBQ after the show outside their bus around 2001 and asked him, "how can I be as good as you are?" He said, "Be the best that YOU can be, then you win." I'll never forget those words as long as I live.

  • @chrisbenson673
    @chrisbenson6735 ай бұрын

    If you’ve never heard his playing with New Grass Revival you need to check it out. Amazing!!

  • @JD-hh9io
    @JD-hh9io5 ай бұрын

    I'm calling it, best interview of 2024 on all of the internet.

  • @nickeads7601
    @nickeads76015 ай бұрын

    Bela was my late dad's favorite perfomer after I introduced him to the Flecktones years ago. Amazing performer and another fantastic interview!

  • @douglasalan5783
    @douglasalan57835 ай бұрын

    Bela is so humble when talking about McLaughlin and Shakti. It’s very charming considering what a virtuoso he is on the banjo. I’ve seen him with the Flecktones and with Chick Corea. He’s the maestro. Great interview, Rick. You always get your guests to open up about their process.

  • @jesusislukeskywalker4294

    @jesusislukeskywalker4294

    4 ай бұрын

    the guy is an absolute virtuoso

  • @bukealicious9146

    @bukealicious9146

    4 ай бұрын

    3 of my top live music experiences was watching Bela

  • @jasmadams
    @jasmadams4 ай бұрын

    I've seen Bela many times now. He's simply the greatest, as well as a ridiculously kind and humble man. I think my favourite performance was when he played with Chris Thile here in Virginia at a park. I kept thinking to myself, I'm probably hearing two of the greatest performers of all time on these instruments right now.

  • @cameronpatrickscott
    @cameronpatrickscott4 ай бұрын

    Bela describing himself as 'picky' is hilarious, what a player and what an enlightening chat, thankyou.

  • @housepianist
    @housepianist4 ай бұрын

    As a professional pianist, I’ve learned more about harmonizing and being inventive within my own instrument then I have from other pianists. Bela is a humble genius.

  • @rspturner
    @rspturner5 ай бұрын

    Excellent choice. Not only is Bela off the beaten path, but he is a musician's musician - the very top of his profession. He is an incredible player and great story teller.

  • @lobster4501
    @lobster45015 ай бұрын

    Nobody cares what I say… But I’ve been playing guitar since 1965… I bought a banjo … Wow what a different instrument… Even though I’ve been using five strings on my guitars for 40 years and open tuning’s… It’s just a different beast… After a couple months, I got the hang of it and it was beautiful

  • @billrobinson198
    @billrobinson1985 ай бұрын

    After listening to his Rhapsody in Blue, nobody could ever doubt his abilities. Amazing.

  • @warthog57
    @warthog574 ай бұрын

    I had the pleasure of playing with Bela in 2019 when he performed his banjo concerto with our orchestra. He’s one of my heroes. I admire him for being an endlessly curious and creative musician. A true chameleon. Total professional.

  • @garywhitt98
    @garywhitt984 ай бұрын

    Wow. Bella has assimilated so wonderfully to the people of Earth. I wonder, though, if he ever misses his home galaxy. And it was so nice of him to bring along Bryan Sutton on the ship.

  • @josephestes9959

    @josephestes9959

    2 ай бұрын

    Yes and especially after receiving a Western Union that the “home boys” were so grateful to Bela (his musical vibrations ascended them to the 5th dimensional element of eternal calm) that he was humbly honored to learn that the planet was going to be renamed Bela Reticulii🪕👽

  • @reallyanti
    @reallyanti5 ай бұрын

    Really glad he took a moment to talk about the history of the instrument. Great interview

  • @secularZoo
    @secularZoo5 ай бұрын

    Vic Wooten, then Bela Fleck. Amazing job getting these interviews!

  • @goldbrick2563

    @goldbrick2563

    5 ай бұрын

    Its not that amazing, as rick has as many fans (in the form of subscribers) as they do! Rick has a legit audience, so why wouldn't the musicians say yes. For example, I will go look up bela fleck and check out his music because Rick has exposed him to me

  • @alvaroLguevara

    @alvaroLguevara

    5 ай бұрын

    ​@goldbrick2563 - You're in for treat, 40-50 years ago too.

  • @user-po3ir2tx5z
    @user-po3ir2tx5z4 ай бұрын

    Guitar player here and a Bela Fleck fan from 40 years ago. Wow, I just learned so many new details about the banjo, how harmony works on it, and his unique approach to the instrument. So many long-time questions answered about his incredible style! Just a gem of an interview. I'm noticing these interviews keep getting better and better because these legends have seen the importance of what Rick is doing. Each is "partnering" with Rick a bit more, showing up better prepared to offer up and articulate details of how they work.

  • @navasaband
    @navasaband5 ай бұрын

    He’s NAILING Rhapsody in Blue after mentioning he can’t read music and I’m like holy crap.

  • @shayneswenson
    @shayneswenson5 ай бұрын

    Bela Fleck and the Flecktones changed my life as a goofy fusion guitar obsessed high school kid in the 90’s. Fantastic stuff

  • @bbt3720
    @bbt37205 ай бұрын

    Oh man this an hour and eighteen minutes?! This is going to take me days to listen to in pieces. One hour and eighteen minutes (plus ads) later.... Wow, that was wonderful. Would love to see you talk with Edgar Meyer. He really impressed me as a modern day composer, but seems to not take himself too seriously either.

  • @marshallc3
    @marshallc34 ай бұрын

    It gave me the chills when he started Rhapsody In Blue.

  • @TheSlandis
    @TheSlandis3 ай бұрын

    Bela just won several more Grammys. Congratulations.

  • @stephenbouchelle7706
    @stephenbouchelle77064 ай бұрын

    Bela has so many clear and pertinent observations for musicians. I really appreciate the things he had to say about practice. The whole interview is a master class in music - not just banjo.

  • @MalcaratMartinez
    @MalcaratMartinez4 ай бұрын

    What Rick is doing for music is MONUMENTAL. This guy deserves a monument, and his work to be archived and stored in the Smithsonian. He has actualy created a new genre of artist interviews. There was no (serious) place before for famous artists to discuss their work , from a musician's perspective. Just think about the Sting interview, I never saw him discussing his songwriting anywhere else. I bet many artists are actually wishing to be contacted by Rick !

  • @evracer
    @evracer4 ай бұрын

    I was a low brass player in high school who played and loved playing in Jazz band. My cooler half was a rock bass player. I also had a passing interest in bluegrass. Then one night I was watching the Tonight Show and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones performed....and I was absolutely FLOORED. I was not only my intro to a fantastic unique group....but also to Victor Wooten....it was a good night!

  • @allanwalli2935

    @allanwalli2935

    4 ай бұрын

    Tonight Show? I missed that one! What a great intro! Mine was Sinister Minister. An instrumental that made it onto Much Music! Wow

  • @evracer

    @evracer

    4 ай бұрын

    @@allanwalli2935 They were on Arsenio, Carson twice, and Conan several times. The Arsenio performance in particular was great!

  • @franktaylor3740
    @franktaylor37404 ай бұрын

    Bela Fleck gives the banjo a voice in music, unlike anyone else I've heard. I believe having him on your channel further helped this voice be heard and understood.

  • @rogerramjet6615
    @rogerramjet66155 ай бұрын

    The album 'Drive' blew my mind when I first heard it. Still one of my favourite Bluegrass albums. Bela is an astonishing talent.

  • @MontyCantsin5

    @MontyCantsin5

    5 ай бұрын

    ‘Down in the Swamp’ is unbelievably good.

  • @doublestrokeroll

    @doublestrokeroll

    5 ай бұрын

    @@MontyCantsin5 Yes! One of my favorite songs.

  • @MontyCantsin5

    @MontyCantsin5

    5 ай бұрын

    @@doublestrokeroll: Béla Fleck playing with Tony Rice, Sam Bush, Mark O'Connor, and Jerry Douglas is hands down the best bluegrass I've ever heard.

  • @SuperMrBlaze
    @SuperMrBlaze5 ай бұрын

    I haven't heard about this guy, but I thought Rick is gonna interview a Hungarian musician, since Béla is a Hungarian first name! But this guy is a 15 time Grammy Award winner banjo player from the US! I will check this interview later, but it is 00:25 A.M. now in Hungary and I have to go to bed now! 🙂🙃😉

  • @rwjazz1299
    @rwjazz12992 күн бұрын

    this is something every young aspiring musician needs to listen to. Bela is also a great educator along with Rick.

  • @ibmikebib
    @ibmikebib4 ай бұрын

    That was such a top notch interview Rick! I have loved Bela for many years, the dude is amazing period. One thing I love even more than his playing is how he can communicate about music period, his and others. He is a good soul and expresses it so well. Thank you for sharing, another one for the Beato books of musical greatness. 👍🏻❤️

  • @Bullroarer1750
    @Bullroarer17504 ай бұрын

    Nothing better than someone truly great who is also genuinely(almost innocently) humble. Beautiful person.

  • @vichikes
    @vichikes4 ай бұрын

    Fleck is incredible. Love the Flecktones song "Big Country"

  • @picksalot1
    @picksalot15 ай бұрын

    Bela certainly changed what I though the Banjo was or could be. Remarkably talented and creative musician. Maybe you could interview Dobro great Jerry Douglas. Another pioneering musician. Thanks

  • @jeffwolinski2659
    @jeffwolinski26595 ай бұрын

    I don't think I have ever seen Rick so pleasantly surprised before by a guest, some moments of pure bliss from Rick here watching Bela play, love it!!!

  • @IanPatton
    @IanPatton5 ай бұрын

    I've been a 5-string picker for over 50 years. I cried when I heard Béla play Rhapsody in Blue. Thanks for that man.

  • @resolaw

    @resolaw

    4 ай бұрын

    ME TOO. picked it up in 69. like you, my eyes actually watered. I feel guilty to mainly play squareneck now.

  • @bjs1130
    @bjs11305 ай бұрын

    Rhapsody in Blue! WOW! Was NOT expecting that today! LOVED IT!

  • @allthings2allmen
    @allthings2allmen3 ай бұрын

    First heard Béla Fleck 30 years ago. Absolutely mesmerized by his sound(s). Cheeseballs in Cowtown was always on my cd mix, especially for a road trip. Funny, he talks of noodling. If he released an album in which he just explored, as he says, it would be amazing! He could call it Béla Noodles! Absolutely love this guy!👍👍

  • @taylorw
    @taylorw5 ай бұрын

    Never heard of Bela until stumbling across the astonishing Transatlantic Sessions and watched him lead Jerry Douglas and other great musicians through “Big Country” in that stone house somewhere in Scotland. Watch many times. One of KZread’s great gifts of discovery, like finding Rick Beato. 😊

  • @octavioma1518
    @octavioma15185 ай бұрын

    Belá is a fantastic musician. I am a big fan.

  • @redriver6541
    @redriver65414 ай бұрын

    My mouth is so dry......from my jaw resting on my chest for over an hour. Thank you Rick.

  • @markkempton4579
    @markkempton45794 ай бұрын

    Oh my lord. As much as I've enjoyed your interviews of some of the all-time legends of jazz, I think Bela Fleck will someday be up there with them and this record will be looked on with reverence. Few musicians have been able to change the course of an instrument the way he has. It's great hearing his humility and awe in meeting and playing with other masters. I've been so fortunate to see him with the Flecktones, his Throw Down Your Heart tour and with Chick. All so very different and yet innovative and inspiring. My dream lineup was to hear him with Bruce Hornsby, but I was never able to catch one of those shows. I hope the see the reunited Flecktones some day, and I look forward to his latest release. Thank you, Rick!

  • @allanwalli2935

    @allanwalli2935

    4 ай бұрын

    Got a signed copy of Throw Down after a gig in Toronto 10 years ago. Would have loved to see him with Chick…..

  • @killingmyselftolive2526
    @killingmyselftolive25265 ай бұрын

    I saw Bela Fleck and the Flecktones for the first time in the late 90's on BET's 'Bet On Jazz', mind was blown..

  • @angelomorales1932
    @angelomorales19325 ай бұрын

    Rick continues to drop these gems🔥🔥🔥🔥would love a Paul Mccartney interview

  • @scraptheplanet4446
    @scraptheplanet44464 ай бұрын

    I am a longtime fan of Bela, and I have met him a handful of times. He is consistently one of the most inspiring figures to me in music. Always humble, and just a wealth of knowledge. Much respect to you Rick for stepping a little outside the rock/guitar world. If anyone isn't yet a fan of Mr. Fleck, just try anything in his extensive catalog - he has something for everyone.

  • @PNWJEEPER01
    @PNWJEEPER014 ай бұрын

    One of the absolute best live shows I've ever seen: Bela and The Flecktones Live at The Quick. If you've never seen it, find a recording and treat yourself to an ensemble display of absolute virtuosity from every musician on stage. Bela on banjo and guitar, Jeff Coffin playing every woodwind instrument including 2 saxes at the same time, an amazing prog jazz bassoonist, The Groovin Tuvan throat singer, Victor at the height of his chops, FutureMan right after he invented the Synthar/Drumaxe, and on and on.... The experience of that show left me both inspired and humbled.

  • @michaelmoore7975
    @michaelmoore79755 ай бұрын

    Quote of the new year. "When you play banjo, nobody expects you to be good....do something a little better than half-ass, and everybody thinks it's awesome." 2 things you learn quickly listening or playing _Rhapsody in Blue._ _Glissando and Rubato._

  • @alexposilkin9683
    @alexposilkin96834 ай бұрын

    Incredible interview! Didn’t realize how great Bela is in an interview setting. And Big Country is one of my favorite songs across all music.

  • @robmarchese
    @robmarchese4 ай бұрын

    It's not often you come across an accomplished genius who is this humble.

  • @marksmith7789
    @marksmith7789Ай бұрын

    I was lucky enough and honoured to see Bela along with Abigale on stage this week in St Catharines, Ontario. They were both amazing but Bela's talent is sublime, on a different level. His "Rhapsody in Blue" took my breath away. Thank you both for a wonderful show.

  • @yourlilbrudder5766
    @yourlilbrudder57665 ай бұрын

    Had the honor of playing Wayne Shorter with him this past summer. If it sounds odd to have banjo in jazz, it was also with 4 cellos. Truly an awesome experience

  • @oswjim
    @oswjim5 ай бұрын

    I had the pleasure of enjoying Bela and the flecktones live back in the 90s ... i was introduced to his music via Bruce Hornsby

  • @JS-TexanJeff
    @JS-TexanJeff4 ай бұрын

    I love Bela, and was surprised when even HE joked about the sound of a banjo not being pleasing to a lot of people. It reminded me of an old joke: "What is perfect pitch? When you throw a banjo into a dumpster and it hits a bagpipe" I love bagpipes too :)

  • @foto21
    @foto215 ай бұрын

    I bet Gershwin would burst out sobbing if he could have heard this rendition. The banjo really gives it a whole different emotional background, a real folk America before the technological century. Fantastic.

  • @jdfolbre
    @jdfolbre5 ай бұрын

    Flight of the Cosmic Hippo is one of my favorite albums. Victor Wooten & Howard Levy are amazing as well!

  • @jdfolbre

    @jdfolbre

    5 ай бұрын

    There is a video of the Flecktones playing Austin City Limits here on YT I highly recommend for any fans.

  • @jeffwolinski2659

    @jeffwolinski2659

    5 ай бұрын

    As great as Bela and the others are, the Flecktones were never quite the same without Levy!

  • @azcodemonkey
    @azcodemonkey5 ай бұрын

    I went to see Béla and Chick play at MiM in Arizona. It was a transcendent show. It was topped off by getting to meet Chick and Béla afterwards. A literal dream come true. Thank you, Rick.

  • @WSS_the_OG
    @WSS_the_OG5 ай бұрын

    So, I'm 53, and I was that kid who saw Bela Flek and the Flektones at the first gig in Winnipeg at the Red River Exhibition. Mind blown. Then years later, saw them on Austin City Limits. Could not believe it. To see this now (as someone who has since learned a bit on the guitar and keyboard) is incredible. Thank you Rick, and Bela! Edit and PS: I saw Chick and Bela play together in Seattle not that many years ago. Not only did I make a great friend in the audience, but I finally got to hear my two heroes play together, live, in front of my very eyes. Amazing. Thank you to my ex wife for buying those tickets. :D

  • @natescape
    @natescape4 ай бұрын

    I love watching Rick almost off screen just shaking his head in amazement the entire interview, beautiful playing and great interview!

  • @ryankfields
    @ryankfields4 ай бұрын

    The amazing thing is that when he plays Rhapsody in Blue, it actually sounds like it was always meant to be played on banjo.

  • @daisymoses6812

    @daisymoses6812

    11 күн бұрын

    that was literally my first thought !

  • @camtron
    @camtron5 ай бұрын

    You did it. Fleck is the best there is. Well done...

  • @Mr1drumlover
    @Mr1drumlover5 ай бұрын

    I jumped on the opportunity to see Chick Corea and Belá Fleck play at Emory University in Atlanta a few years back. I have a treasured photograph of Chick taking a picture of me taking a picture of him. It was so amazing that the 2-hour concert seemed like 20 minutes and was just too short. That same dynamic happened when I saw Snarky Puppy in Atlanta that same year. Fascinating interview, thank you Belá and thank you Rick once again!☮️💚🎶

  • @davidf6959
    @davidf69594 ай бұрын

    I was lucky enough to see Bela' Fleck and the Flecktones clear back in 1998 at the Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre at the U of U, and I even got to shake hands with the band members, every one of whom is amazingly talented. Victor Wooten has to be among the most talented bass guitarists in the world. I've seen a few others that can do what Victor does, but the other bassist I've seen at Victor's level uses a five or 6-string bass. Victor does it all on a 4-string bass, much, much more complex. Victor played classical thump for us, a treat and a half. Bela' Fleck gets all the praise without even needing to be mentioned. Bela' is hands down the greatest banjo player ever to live. There may be a better one in the future, but Bela' clearly has set the bar and will hold it forever as the first of the greatest Banjo players.

  • @darkoanton5
    @darkoanton55 ай бұрын

    The story of how he got his first banjo is amazing. His grandfather getting a used one and just giving it to him because he played the guitar. A moment like that sets off such a career. Im not a banjo historian, but he has to one of the two most important banjo players in history and has taken the instrument where no obe thought possible.

  • @spetersonmusic
    @spetersonmusic4 ай бұрын

    What an absolute masterclass from Bela across a massive range of banjo topics that I never knew I wanted to learn. And that's in addition to the playing, which is insane.

  • @michaelknight4041
    @michaelknight40414 ай бұрын

    Its guys like this that are proof that no instrument is ever dead or spent from a creative standpoint. I still hear people say things like "guitar has ran its course" or "its all been done on guitar" You can imagine how alot of people felt hearing Bela Fleck for the first time taking the banjo out of its "box" and doing all these fresh new things incorporating classical, jazz, even Indian elements on an instrument that's so intrinsically associated with one genre. It just goes to show that the imagination and ones own willingness are the only limitations when it comes to creating music on any instrument.

  • @Richard-wz7bu
    @Richard-wz7bu4 ай бұрын

    Great interview. I have been listening to Bela for over thirty years. A friend introduced me to his music and his work on covering classical Bach concertos and others. Bela's bluegrass tracks are great as well. Good to see that the banjo is getting respect again as an instrument that is suited for more genres than just folk and bluegrass. Bela's wife, Abigail Washburn, is accomplished as well.

  • @DamnHellfestPaddy
    @DamnHellfestPaddy4 ай бұрын

    It might show me up as a novice regarding his abilities and history, but the place I first heard of him was the banjo solo on Dave Matthews Band 'Spoon'. It utterly mesmerised me when I first heard it. How the banjo could conjure up the kind of emotions i usually got listening to Satriani and the like. Fan ever since.

  • @brianschoner3350
    @brianschoner33505 ай бұрын

    What a brilliant musician, and an absolute gent.

  • @charlesfaucher6518
    @charlesfaucher65185 ай бұрын

    I’m saying this again, like a broken record. Each new interview you post is a wonderful and amazing new surprise. I love Bela’s music and his exploration of his passion of various musical directions. Thank you…I can’t wait to see what’s next on your channel. Cheers!

  • @davidcox8945

    @davidcox8945

    4 ай бұрын

    We get to be involved personally….the net is the best thing that has happened to civilization

  • @Paul-zm1hb
    @Paul-zm1hb5 ай бұрын

    Rhapsody in Blue? Worth the price of admission. Yay, Bela! Yay Rick!

  • @kevindudley9617
    @kevindudley96175 ай бұрын

    Every time a new Rick Beato interview drops instantly makes my day much better. As a bass player, I discovered Bela Fleck in the mid 90's due to becoming aware of Victor Wooten. What Bela is able to do with a banjo is just pure musical magic and always is fresh. This interview could have been 3 hours!

  • @blucy10

    @blucy10

    5 ай бұрын

    The Wooten’s were part of that thing that was the Flecktones.

  • @ridgerunner9072

    @ridgerunner9072

    4 ай бұрын

    Victor Wooten is from another Galaxy

  • @blucy10

    @blucy10

    4 ай бұрын

    Well, his brother is from the future.

  • @BassByTheBay
    @BassByTheBay5 ай бұрын

    I admittedly don't think about Bela much, yet every time I hear him, I'm struck by how great he sounds and how articulate and interesting he is. Rhapsody in Bluegrass?? 😄 It sounded *fantastic.* Rick, please live forever so you can just keep documenting amazing musicians like this. You're my favorite interviewer because you ask great questions and then stay appropriately quiet 😊.

  • @MichaelJohnson-184
    @MichaelJohnson-184Ай бұрын

    Live Art, Left of Cool and Outbound are in rotation for me. This is the era I grew up to know and love. So happy that Rick got to interview Bela. Legend.

  • @mccrispy
    @mccrispy5 ай бұрын

    FINALLY! An interview with somebody that speaks my language! What a great interview, thank you Rick and thank you Bela. Man, I'm so happy right now.

  • @ra0363
    @ra03635 ай бұрын

    I've watched all of Rick's interviews, and the consistent theme is one of continuous learning - regardless of the age or experience of the musician. The motivation and drive of these professionals to continue exploring, never resting on their laurels and accomplishments is simply amazing.

  • @stevepower1372
    @stevepower13725 ай бұрын

    Saw Bela and Sierra Hull playing a few years ago. What a magical night.

  • @rlb3255
    @rlb32555 ай бұрын

    I've had the good fortune to see and hear Bela make music in all iterations at least 15-16 times ; Flecktones, various Bluegrass bands as well as My Bluegrass Heart. I can honestly say that I've never heard anything better. Superior musician and musicianship.

  • @thomasmartinscott
    @thomasmartinscott4 ай бұрын

    I met Bela in Telluride in '99, during the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. He was a very warm and friendly person. I have been a fan since the 1st time I ever heard him. He was playing solo under a tent when I got to talk with him. Great Interview, Rick.

  • @Norweeg
    @Norweeg5 ай бұрын

    I’ve seen him live more times than I can count. What a fantastic musician and person!

  • @andrewmcdonough6710
    @andrewmcdonough67105 ай бұрын

    Rick, you are knocking out of the park with these interviews! Bela is awesome. His wife Abigail Washburn is a great banjoist too!

  • @VikramDravid
    @VikramDravid3 ай бұрын

    I heard Bela Fleck and the Flecktones for the first time back in the early 90s while in medical school in India. He is so gracious to acknowledge the mastery of McLaughlin and Zakir Hussein.

  • @johnmeskis
    @johnmeskis5 ай бұрын

    Curiosity ,Humility , talent, intelligence , experience… we could listen to Bela for hours , talking or playing. Holy moly another tap into the mind of a musician that is primarily a life long student.

  • @bananabob2185
    @bananabob21855 ай бұрын

    I love Bela’s sound… and talent.

  • @Dunnowhatimdoing
    @Dunnowhatimdoing4 ай бұрын

    Saw the flecktones in Toronto years ago and the concert exceeded all expectations. Met everyone afterwards and such down to earth, classy fellas. Bela Fleck is not only an unreal talent, but just a quality human! Great on you for interviewing him!

  • @brianrodman1033

    @brianrodman1033

    4 ай бұрын

    What venue did they play at? Great memories from seeing concerts there the last time I visited (much too long ago).

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