Has anyone had the pleasure of seeing Bela Fleck's tour in support of this album? I saw them last night at a surprisingly intimate (and sold-out) 600-seat venue*. The band was ridiculously good, with all-stars at every position: Edgar Meyer, Bryan Sutton, Stuart Duncan, Sam Bush and Jerry Douglas.
Mr. Meyer played a ton of arco, including some elegant, melodic solos that covered the entire fingerboard (and beyond, in a few instances). The arrangements were inventive and the pacing was excellent, with familiar material from Tony Rice, John Hartford and Bill Monroe mixed in with songs from the latest release. The encore included a song from Bela's days in New Grass Revival with Sam and Jerry.
As befits the age of the musicians, the onstage patter had strong Dad Joke vibes, but the music more than made up for any jokes that didn't land.
*Note to Arizonans: the relatively new Tempe Center for the Arts is legit. Great sound and sight lines.
Mr. Meyer played a ton of arco, including some elegant, melodic solos that covered the entire fingerboard (and beyond, in a few instances). The arrangements were inventive and the pacing was excellent, with familiar material from Tony Rice, John Hartford and Bill Monroe mixed in with songs from the latest release. The encore included a song from Bela's days in New Grass Revival with Sam and Jerry.
As befits the age of the musicians, the onstage patter had strong Dad Joke vibes, but the music more than made up for any jokes that didn't land.
*Note to Arizonans: the relatively new Tempe Center for the Arts is legit. Great sound and sight lines.
