 "Live Art is Lively and Lovely" | 2007-07-03 |
| - Reviewed By User: AV95QA52A4DV |
| I expected to like this one, but I was truly pleased at how much I do. Heretofore my favorites have been UFO TOFU and Perpetual Motion, but Live Art is now my 3rd equal favorite. Its variety and numbers which allow the world's foremost banjo artist to display his own compositions and phenominal skill are a delight. |
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| "Bluegrass Fusion" | 2007-06-12 |
| - Reviewed By paulistanojim |
| I first discovered Bela Fleck when he was just a bluegrass virtuoso, but now with this live album of the best of the music with the Flecktones, he's so much more. Bringing bluegrass and jazz together is genius and doing so with the humor of many of the pieces just adds to the mix. Most important, none of the virtuosity of his or any of his bandmates has been lost. Great album. |
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| "Live Art" | 2007-05-31 |
| - Reviewed By User: AQXJWGNHH9XLO |
| The title about says it all. Just a wonderful experience to listen to. |
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| "Players from the highest realm" | 2007-02-12 |
| - Reviewed By User: A33AVUXIP2NKN9 |
| This album is INCREDIBLE. Start to finish, Bela & Company absolutely blow me away and make me realize that, as a musician, I will never reach the ability of the best I've ever heard. They, to me, are simply the best. And don't be shyed away by this praise, the music does not suffer because of their talent. Every song is original and the melodies are gorgeous. They showcase their genious on these two discs and this is a timeless classic for any bluegrass, jazz, classical, or rock fan. As close to perfect as an album gets. |
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| "You have got to hear this album!" | 2006-07-10 |
| - Reviewed By archie_w |
| This has to be the most incredible album I've heard in years. My introduction to Bela Fleck and the Flecktones was on a trip to the States from the UK in 1993 on business. I flicked on the TV in my hotel room and there was a music festival on. I watched the incredible wizardry of Victor Wooton on the bass and was transfixed. Never before had I heard a banjo sound so exciting as it was they way Bela Fleck played it. I had only a few minutes to listen before I had to leave, but that experience left its mark. Why then did it take me 13 years to try out a Flecktones album? God knows, but all I can say is BUY THIS ALBUM! Whatever musical vibe you're into, whether Jazz, Bluegrass, etc, I can guarantee you will LOVE this album. The music is sensational, and the incredible talent of all the musicians is something I find it hard to put in words. As you can tell, I'm now hooked on Bela Fleck and the Flecktones! And I suspect you will be too. |
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| "Really fun stuff !" | 2006-02-18 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1VS3M6G776SHX |
This has to be one of my favorite live CDs I have. It is really refreshing to hear this stuff live even if you own all of the studio CDs the Flecktones have made. Unlike many other bands, these guys always change things up during each live event. Each song during every concert is never played the same way...not only does that keep it fresh for the listener, I'm sure it also keeps it fresh for the Flecktones.
If you are interested in starting to listen to these guys, their first few CD's (which is what this CD encompasses) and this one are well worth their money if you are interested in unique music. They play beautifully during slower songs and absolutely jam during faster ones. There are plenty of odd time signatures to keep the people who like to count busy...always in sync with eachother through the most complicated passages.
I started out being a fan of bass guiter. Victor Wooten on here is absolutely mind boggling. This, I would have to say, is one of his better performances since he seems a little free to roam with the live environment letting it all hang out at points. There are also a few guest musicians scattered throughout the disc to keep the flavor changing. Really fun stuff!
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| ""Bigfoot" is one of the best pieces of music I've ever heard" | 2004-02-24 |
| - Reviewed By mttbsh2 |
First of all I believe Bela Fleck and the Flecktones are some of the best musicians playing today, and their live interaction on Live Art is almost telepathic.
For my peronal tastes though, their music tends to lean just a bit too much towards what I call "happy jazz" - in other words, despite being extremely well played, the music seems to just meander with little tension or bite. Not something you'd likely hear in an elevator - it does jam - but it does not rock.
The one real exception in my opinion is the 5th track "Bigfoot" which builds to an amazing level of intensity. It starts off with the most beautiful folk-celtic banjo line which returns throughout the song, but in between features excellent solos by everyone in the group, and believe me this track does rock. This is one of the best instrumental peices I have ever heard - I love it. Honestly, this is the only track I "listen" to on the recording, the rest I have play for background. I would have gladly bought "Libe Art" for Bigfoot alone.
Finally, the music is exceptionally well recorded despite the fact that it is live. I think that many people will find lots to enjoy on Live Art. |
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| "A little for everyone" | 2003-08-11 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1AF608LHDWO9S |
| Great stuff....There is a lot of energy and raw talent in this album. Some of his best live stuff. The aural dynamics are astounding. Get this even if you aren't a fan of the genre, you might be after this album. A definite buy. |
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| "For sure the best album I own" | 2003-07-02 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1IOU9Q643UT0M |
| A friend told me about bela fleck, so I picked up this album. They are all so unbelievable! The tunes are catchy as well as complex musically. Bela's solos are so smooth and connecting, and Victor's bass work can't be rivaled. Their feel for eachother is just a joy to listen to. I completely recommend it. |
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| "WOW" | 2003-04-01 |
| - Reviewed By User: APATD8VOTPIH8 |
| All I can say is BUY THIS DISC! Banjo prodigy does not begin to describe Fleck's skill. Couple this with true musicians, the Wooten brothers, and you have a recipe for excellent jazz-grass fusion. New South Africa and Stomping Grounds set the stage for inspired, improvisational magic. This disc will stay in your player for a while. Fleck's playing on sinister minister is so refreshing that one can't help but smile. If you are remotely interested in hearing true, exciting,inspired,fresh music, run..don't walk and order this disc. You will not regret it!! |
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