BÉLA FLECK — #Rock?et > Sci?ence? (review)

BÉLA FLECK — #Rock?et > Sci?ence? album cover Album · 2011 · World Fusion Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
RBlak054
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones returned in 2011 with Rocket Science, one of their best and most consistent albums in several years. Rocket Science contains the signature experimentation, instrumental prowess, and cocktail of styles that have made the Flecktones successful in the past and is a nice addition to the band's discography.

This album features the talents of Bela Fleck on banjo, Victor Wooten on bass, and Future Man on drumitar and other percussion instruments. While sax man Jeff Coffin is no longer part of the lineup due to commitments with the Dave Matthews Band, founding member Howard Levy steps back into the spotlight with his harmonica and piano playing. Despite not being on a Flecktones studio album in almost twenty years, Levy seems to be right at home and his presence appears to have revitalized the band.

Versatility has always been a key feature of the Flecktones' music in the past, and this material is no exception. The music on this album touches on and explores all kinds of genres, from bluegrass to jazz to funk to rock to classical to pretty much anything else you can imagine, making for some very unique and progressive music. While for the most part the Flecktones seamlessly incorporate these styles into their compositions, there are a few moments when it feels forced and perhaps slightly out of place.

The group also enjoys playing around with rhythm and meter on this release. From the odd-metered Grammy-winning track "Life in Eleven" (which is, as the name implies, in 11/8) to the rhythmic shifts in the Hungarian minor piece "Sweet Pomegranates", the Flecktones always keep things interesting.

Virtuoso is not a word I throw around lightly, but when dealing with each of the members of the Flecktones it's an accurate description. Along with being able to keep up with the aforementioned versatility and rhythmic challenges, these guys are fierce improvisers. Special mention goes to bassist Victor Wooten, who never fails to captivate with his great bass work and tone. My only gripe in this department is that Levy's harmonica playing can be quite abrasive at times.

The Flecktones have always struck me as an incredibly creative group, and this album proves that even after twenty years these guys still have it. Rocket Science is not perfect, but it's a great album with solid songwriting that is backed up by world-class musicians. If you have yet to check these guys out and are an open-minded listener, I highly recommend giving them a try... And this album is a good place to start!

(Originally published on progarchives.com)
Share this review
more

Review Comments

Post a public comment below | Send private message to the reviewer
Please login to post a shout
No shouts posted yet. Be the first member to do so above!

Review Index

Member Zone

Username:
Password:
Stay signed in

Jazz Subgenres

Artists Alpha-index

JMA TOP 5 Jazz ALBUMS

Rating by members, ranked by custom algorithm
Albums with 30 ratings and more
A Love Supreme Post Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners
Kind of Blue Cool Jazz
MILES DAVIS
Buy this album from our partners
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady Progressive Big Band
CHARLES MINGUS
Buy this album from our partners
Blue Train Hard Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners
My Favorite Things Hard Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners

New Jazz Artists

New Jazz Releases

Cecil Taylor Unit : Live At Fat Tuesdays, February 9, 1980 First Visit Avant-Garde Jazz
CECIL TAYLOR
Buy this album from MMA partners
Solo Bern 1984 - First Visit Avant-Garde Jazz
ANTHONY BRAXTON
Buy this album from MMA partners
Ernesto Rodrigues, Bruno Parrinha & Johannes von Buttlar : Whispers and Reveries Jazz Related Improv/Composition
ERNESTO RODRIGUES
Buy this album from MMA partners
Ernesto Rodrigues, Nuno Torres & Johannes von Buttlar : Cosmic Collision Jazz Related Improv/Composition
ERNESTO RODRIGUES
Buy this album from MMA partners
Ernesto Rodrigues, Carlos Bechegas, João Madeira & Monsieur Trinité : Free to Open Jazz Related Improv/Composition
ERNESTO RODRIGUES
Buy this album from MMA partners
More new releases

New Jazz Online Videos

Songs My Mom Liked EPK - Anthony Branker
ANTHONY BRANKER
js· 1 day ago
“INFLUENCES” by Jared Hall, trumpeter & composer
JARED HALL
js· 1 day ago
Jean-Pierre (feat. Darryl Jones)
BILL EVANS (SAX)
snobb· 1 day ago
Magic Box
CHRISTOPHE MARGUET
snobb· 1 day ago
The Peacocks
ANTOINE DRYE
js· 1 day ago
More videos

New JMA Jazz Forum Topics

More in the forums

New Site interactions

More...

Latest Jazz News

members-submitted

More in the forums

Social Media

Follow us
Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook fan RSS Feed