Bela Fleck & Flecktones, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones - Hidden Land
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Free Music Notes for Hidden Land
Free Music Review: Fresh, Innovative, Fleck
Hit: 5 Stars
The band started to get carried away with guest appearances (Outbound, Little Worlds, etc.) that it was almost unbearable and overwhelming. Their compositions suffered because instead of something designed for specifically the Flecktones, other things came out of the woodworks (not to say that all of it or any of it was bad, but it was almost too much).
When I listen to this album, not only does it feel more original and fresher than anything I have heard Bela and the Flecktones do (at least after listening to their older albums for long spans of time), but this album just has a more intimate and naturally revealing side of the Flecktones. This is an album that will make you think, "Wow I was not expecting that! I kind of like it! Give me more!" and the more you listen to it, the more you feel like you are on the same page as them. This is a more mature album, not one for someone who does not already know how Bela Fleck speaks, so please do not listen to this as a novice listener, it sends a false first impression. The music is more jazz-like than before, and all of the songs flow together. The Flecktones take the listener on an epic adventure like none of the albums have really done before. With the major peaks (in my opinion) being the transition from Fugue to P'lod, Labyrinth, Weed Wacker>Couch Potato>Chennai, this album hits hard from the getgo.
I have always wondered, what will they do next? Bela plays guitar on here, Futureman plays a lot more acoustic drums (which is soooo refreshing), Jeff plays the flute quite a bit, and Victor is always amazing. This album keeps the Flecktones in my top five best bands of all time; The Hidden Land is indeed another album that leaves the listener wanting much more, just like the others. Although, I really like this style the most, I hope they produce more of this gold.
-Aaron
Free Music Review: Another stellar offering from an endlessly creative group
Hit: 5 Stars
After a year-long tour hiatus, Bela Fleck and his talented group (Jeff Coffin on sax, Vic Wooten on bass and Futureman on synthaxe drumitar) are now returning to touring. The "Hidden Land" album ushers in this touring schedule and is the first guest-less release from the Flecktones since before Jeff Coffin joined the band 8 years ago.
The album features some excellent song-writing and, as always, superb musical chops. I was also pleasantly surprised by the lack of "filler" songs (which were rife and distracting on "Little Worlds".) This disc has a crisp and well-produced sound that meshes well with the more minimalist approach of the quartet.
Another welcome surprise is Futureman's playing, which is more acoustic and "real" sounding than on past albums.
My favorite track is "The Whistle Tune" (#13). It is a blindingly beautiful jazz "ballad" that is a bit reminiscient of "Sunset Road" or "Big Country". Chennai (#9) once again demonstrates the Flecktones' skill at reinventing and bringing new contours to the world music genre.
The Flecktones remain part of a burgeoning vanguard of creative instrumental musicians (I include Charlie Hunter, Roy Hargrove, Chris Thile and Robert Randolph in this group) that cross trite genres and formulas to create accessible, fun and challenging music. "The Hidden Land" is further evidence of the Flecktones' facility in this role.
Free Music Review: Amazing
Hit: 5 Stars
This cd is amazing, but what is even more amazing is seeing Bela Fleck and the Flecktones perform live! If you have the chance, go see them, and you will be inspired for many months to come. I fortunately lucked upon a free ticket in Columbus, GA back during 2009. It was the most amazingly spiritual musical experience of my life when Victor Wooten played "Amazing Grace" on the bass. I also met all the band members of the show, where they all signed a Ugandan tree-bark hat that I bought from Ten Thousand Villages. They were all very nice and personable to all the visitors who came up to the stage after the concert.
Kudos to Bela Fleck and the Flecktones for an amazing performance.
Free Music Review: One of their best and most well-rounded offerings
Hit: 5 Stars
What more can be said about this extraordinary group of musicians? Having seen the band perform much of this album live, I rushed quickly to get my copy. I was absolutely blown away by this disc. Every track is gorgeous and lush. "The Whistle Tune" gripped me with its beautiful, tender melody and Celtic undertones. "Weedwacker" is a non-stop assault, which twists, turns, and evolves, before it plops breathlessly into the laid-back "Couch Potato". "Misunderstood" and "Rococo" are some of my favorite tracks with their detached beauty and subtlety. The whole album makes for a very pleasant, groovy, and breathtaking experience.Free Music Review: Pleasant (newly defined) mix of genres
Hit: 5 Stars
This was my introduction to Béla Fleck and it served me very well. It's supposed to be very different than previous albums (more jazzy) and this is absolutely well done. I find it magnificient! You should have a (at least small) taste for jazz sounds, otherwise, "Hidden Land" won't work for you.
Not all songs are good, but what do you expect? I like most: Rococco, Kaleidoscope, Weed Whacker and The Whistle Tune.
Buttom line: In my view, Béla Fleck's sound and melodies have evolved for the better in the past years. It's getting more unique every time. I like it!