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Free Music Notes for Music for Two (Bonus DVD)Free Music Review: A virtuosic and virtuous disc. Hit: 5 Stars
Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer are the unequivocal masters of their respective instruments, the banjo and the string bass, and have been such close friends for so long that a colloborative effort seems like a natural evolution of their ouvre. Indeed, the beauty of this disc is that the music does not get bogged down under the weight of their combined musical genius. On Music for Two, a Sony Classical release, Fleck and Meyer weave intricate tapestries of sound, combining straight classical transcriptions of Bach (the original classical virtuoso and arguably the touchstone for all of western music) with improvised tunes from their own repertoire. "Bug-Tussle" and "Pile Up" are upbeat, catchy newgrass charts that are heavy on the improv. "Blue Spruce" is a new-agey Flecktune featuring Bela in a semi-rare performance on the six-string guitar and Edgar on piano. "Wrong Number" pulls a fast one on the live audience, as an interrupting cell phone becomes an elaborate gag that is worked into the song itself. And the Bach transcriptions are not only 100% faithful, but 100% flawless. The added DVD only enhances the listening experience, as you get to see fingers and hands in action, making the virtuosity of Fleck and Meyer even more apparent. In the end, "Music for Two" proves that sometimes when you combine two musical talents of this caliber, one plus one equals MUCH more than just two.
Free Music Review: Endlessly inventive Hit: 5 Stars
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.
Bela is uncanny in choices of excellent bassists. (Vic and Edgar) I heard that Victor joined Bela and Edgar for one of their concerts during their tour. I wish I had been there.
In concert, Bela and Edgar are consummate professionals. At times, their stirring music transported me of the concert hall and into a dreamlike state of memory-drenched bliss. Their music is at once amazingly ambitious, yet blessedly timeless. Here's hoping that they get together more often...
Free Music Review: An Extraordinary Album from Two Virtuosos Hit: 5 Stars
Anyone who appreciates quality music should own this album.This is one of those albums that from the first moment you listen to it, you will be immediately hooked. It combines selections from Bach and other classical composers with completely original compositions by both Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer. And, what makes the album really unique is the humorous interaction between the two musicians - and the audience! (Wait until you hear "Wrong Number".) However, you won't really appreciate the depth of the album until you watch the bonus DVD. It's a documentary on how the two musicians worked together to perfect one of the album's selections ("Canon"). The filmwork was high-quality as was the recording of the album itself. For the price, you won't find a better value in excellent musicianship and documentary. And, for the record you will be hardpressed to find two better musicians and composers living in this day and age.
Free Music Review: Give it time... Hit: 5 Stars
It took me a while to really get into this. It's a different beast than say "Skip, Hop, & Wobble," but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. There are several single items within this package that I would say are worth the price alone. One is the track "Palmyra." Wow! The second would be the opportunity to let this grow on you over time. The third would be the DVD. I highly recommend the DVD as a compliment to the audio. It brings you into the world that this recording was made in. There was pressure to get "Canon" down pat, but there is also the story of an amazing musical connection between Fleck and Meyer that causes things like "Palmyra" to happen without blinking an eye (for them). We see them push themselves to meet a deadline, but we also find that they so naturally work well together on more traditional tunes, like "The One I Left Behind."
Free Music Review: Virtuosity Knows No Musical Boundaries Hit: 5 Stars
Béla Fleck & Edgar Meyer are both extraordinarily accomplished musicians who spend much of their time in very different worlds: Fleck in his newgrass space and Meyer in a more classical mode. But each has travelled in the other's territory before, and on this CD they connect around more genres than you can shake a stick at. In addition to their own compositions they tackle many of their joint favorites. The affection shows in the passion of the playing and the obvious camaraderie. And the accompanying DVD is a treat. Don't miss this one.
More Free Music Notes: 1 2 3 4
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