Search - Bela Fleck & Flecktones, Béla Fleck & the Flecktones :: Hidden Land

Back to the Future - Organic 'Tones

OH Packerfan | Cincinnati, OH United States | 02/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one for longtime Flecktones fans. The last few efforts have been so overladen with guest appearances that the 'tones themselves have been buried in the mix. While that approach yielded a few winners (eg, Hoedown from Outbound; Off the Top, a collaboration with Nickel Creek, from the 3 disk orgy that was Little Worlds), those disks were more typically characterized by their excess, filler, and some positively unlistenable tracks (more than half of Little Worlds). The worst aspect of each was that the 'tones themselves seemed nowhere to be found.



With The Hidden Land, the 'tones come a long way back to their roots, while still moving forward into new realms. This is an organic 'tones, with NO guest appearances. Everything you hear is the 'tones, & only the 'tones. The disk kicks off with the classical "Fugue...", and segues effortlessly into the more traditionally jazzy P'lod in the House without skipping a beat. "labyrinth" & "Kaleidescope" offer each of the members a chance to strut their stuff. Fleck has always been the most generous of leadmen, allowing all band members ample time in the spotlight. The quiet, sepia-tinged "Who's Got Three?" has been a staple of live shows for at least 7 years. "Weed Whacker" rocks out behind Victor's bass. "Chennai" follows the Flecktones longtime fascination with Eastern music, particularly the music of Mongolian throat singers. Here, both Futch & Jeff take a crack at throat singing, to great effect. A few of the tracks are mellow to the point that some might criticize them as modern elevator music (for me, most of Jeff Coffin's flute playing, e.g., Roccoco, comes off that way). The disk closes with Fleck's traditional bluegrass banjo playing on "whistle tune".



This disk probably will not win the Flecktones new fans, but for those of us who have been following them since their inception in 1990, and following Bela since 1979, this is a wonderful, if understated, return to form. Thanks, Bela."

Getting back in the drivers seat...

Bryan D. Kindt | Cleveland, Ohio | 02/15/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have been listening to the flecktones since the early 90's, following everything they did as a group and as individuals with other groups. I really became very disappointed with the quality of their music after the CD "Left of Cool". It was like they had just lost their "flavor"...trying to throw every ingredient into the pot and expecting it to come out good. Too many ingredients don't make a better stew.



This offering from the Flecktones seems to offer some of that older flavor they became known for creating, narrowing it down to just the quartet. First of all, I thank the Gods that singing took a back seat in this production. On this CD, you get the feeling that there was more effort put into the creation and final execution of each song, solo, bridge..etc. Each cut of this CD breathes better and takes on its own feeling much like their older music, which in turn, makes it much more enjoyable and listenable for myself. I thank them for this greatly!



This is some of the better quality playing I have heard from Future Man. He seems more refined and more open with his playing. Some of Vic's playing seems like he is more into this music with some nice grooves and tasty solos that aren't overly saturated with too many notes...although there is some good flashy stuff in there. Bela is Bela...always the professional and always solid. And Jeff Coffin, who I must admit hasn't been a moving force for me with the Flecktones, really does a nice job staying in his pocket and coming out when the music needs...my favorite CD with him in it yet.



Not to drag on, but this is a pretty solid offering by the Flecktones that I will be listening to again (like I did during their earlier years) to find something new in each song every time through. This CD so far has been enjoyable for me, and I would think, even more enjoyable for the Flecktones since it seems more like they are getting back to the roots of musicianship and away from trying to perform for the masses. It doesn't have the most experimental feeling of all their stuff, but it does (I think) aim them back down that road they seemed to have driven off long ago. I would have liked to have heard a bit more head-bobbing groove, but I will settle for this. A 5 star rating for me is an "Epic" recording. Although I wouldn't consider this CD epic, I would give this is a 3.5 to 4. I commend them for a nicely put together CD that will remain in my player for a while to come."

Another stellar offering from an endlessly creative group

Malcolm Res | 02/14/2006

(5 out of 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."