Béla Fleck Instagram – Here are some “ReFlecktions” Jen Hughes sent me after the show at @carnegiehall.
• The way Béla met Bruce Hornsby and dove deep together into the depths of “The Way It Is” and danced with each other to bring it into a life of its own: a way it has never been played before. It was stunning. It sounded so good; I practically wept. So amazing to see two soulmates create before one’s very eyes – – and with such a beautiful tune.
• Similarly, with Zakir Hussain – a Béla brother from another mother. Those two have such a great connection; it just shines and resonates. When they were trading “riffs” with each other, it was so fun for the audience, but also jaw-dropping. Again, witnessing masters at work – – but, also, at play because it appears they so enjoy playing with each other.
• The clarinetist! Anat Cohen, for crying out-loud! What a find and such a great executed idea to have her play with you. She is cut from the same cloth – – a rare thing! Her on Juno, in particular, was pure joy in action.
• Rhapsody. Rapt: the whole hall! I knew I would love it. I had not seen it live before: just some pieces during some of Béla’s solos, never with a symphony. It was striking how much I loved hearing it live with a symphony. It was powerful, riveting, and perfectly delightful! And, absolutely masterful during the part where the symphony fell away and Béla played virtually all of their parts on his banjo alone. Literally breathtaking. Bravo. Also, the talent of those Jacobsen brothers. And, how uplifting to see Edgar Meyer’s son in the orchestra. I suspect Béla has known him all his life. Sweet. Awesome that Béla wore that jacket for the Rhapsody segment of the show. That jacket is the best.
• My Bluegrass Heart. I will never get enough of it. Legendary playing by all. Slippery Eel. Whoa! I think I broke a sweat it was moving so fast. Béla slayed it. Rhapsody in Blue(grass) was to die for. The ever-beautiful Big Country. The addition of Zakir’s percussion was phenomenal, and every time Michael Cleveland played the part that I always think of as when the angels sing or the eagles soar my heart skipped a few beats. | Posted on 10/May/2024 03:03:42
