I've never heard another musician like Bela on any instrument. He is so melodic, but can instantly go to the descendent. He understands that Western music doesn't own all scales and chords. His voicings are like none I have ever heard. I hate using terms like "Hybrid" but if the term ever applied, it certainly does here. Rhythmically, his understanding of time is also unmatched. He can seamlessly transition from East Indian music to American blues in 1/4 of a second. I think it starts with an immense amount of talent, but he put in the time to truly master his instrument and he must have the biggest ears ever. His retention of every musical nuance just boggles the mind.
Béla’s great, truly gifted, but it’s almost as though Mr Beato doesn’t understand how a banjo in open tuning sounds when played by someone with an adroit right hand. He very likely didn’t register the many nods to songs Béla has written and performed before (Rick calls him Bella). And Rick certainly treats his every fleeting emotion with breathless affectation and the need to hold a full court press. That’s what made him internet famous in the first place.
So here we are, Atlanta Arts Center is full to the brink for a 50th anniversary SHAKTI concert, every last one knows what´s coming and it will be better than that. And then there is an opener. One man comes in with his banjo (ok, two banjos), open shirt, jeans, sits down, one mic and just takes off and with him everyone (almost anyways apparently). What a blessing and privilege to witness this live and share with so many others here, to see/hear what incredible musical art is possible at the same time with equally incredible modesty and ease. Thank you Bela for doing what you do and how you do it! Anyone looking for a role model, well, here´s one.
"Just Bela and his banjos!" Yeah, and a bunch of people talking throughout as though a musician wasn't performing on stage. What the hell is wrong with people?
I've never heard another musician like Bela on any instrument. He is so melodic, but can instantly go to the descendent. He understands that Western music doesn't own all scales and chords. His voicings are like none I have ever heard. I hate using terms like "Hybrid" but if the term ever applied, it certainly does here. Rhythmically, his understanding of time is also unmatched. He can seamlessly transition from East Indian music to American blues in 1/4 of a second. I think it starts with an immense amount of talent, but he put in the time to truly master his instrument and he must have the biggest ears ever. His retention of every musical nuance just boggles the mind.
Thank you, well said. Couldn't agree more. He is such a unique and special human being.
His playing style and the sound he produces is so unique, it is easy to recognize his music.
Now i see what Rick was talking about! Daaamn!!
Rick was right. I've seen Bela before but never as free as he is here.
Béla’s great, truly gifted, but it’s almost as though Mr Beato doesn’t understand how a banjo in open tuning sounds when played by someone with an adroit right hand. He very likely didn’t register the many nods to songs Béla has written and performed before (Rick calls him Bella). And Rick certainly treats his every fleeting emotion with breathless affectation and the need to hold a full court press. That’s what made him internet famous in the first place.
thx 4 the upload
Been following Bela’s music for around 30 years, now….It’s good to see a new generation of musicians discovering him.
So here we are, Atlanta Arts Center is full to the brink for a 50th anniversary SHAKTI concert, every last one knows what´s coming and it will be better than that. And then there is an opener. One man comes in with his banjo (ok, two banjos), open shirt, jeans, sits down, one mic and just takes off and with him everyone (almost anyways apparently). What a blessing and privilege to witness this live and share with so many others here, to see/hear what incredible musical art is possible at the same time with equally incredible modesty and ease. Thank you Bela for doing what you do and how you do it! Anyone looking for a role model, well, here´s one.
OMG Bela is so cute as always.
😂😆
Excellent show ❤
Yes it was!
How could people talk during this?
Looking to get an external mic in hopes that future recordings will pickup less chatter.
Does anyone know the setlist for this show? I especially like that 3rd track.
Bela's been listening to the white album lately.
Getting Ravi Shankar vibes from a banjo player, cool
Check out Bela fleck and the flecktones if you never heard of his playing.
Regarding all the busy bodies in the crowd? I believe BRUCE HORNSBY stated it best that “That’s just the way it is…SOME THINGS WILL NEVER CHANGE.
Thanks for the comment. Good music transcends generations.
"Just Bela and his banjos!"
Yeah, and a bunch of people talking throughout as though a musician wasn't performing on stage. What the hell is wrong with people?
Looking to get an external mic. Hope to reduce the capture of crowd noises in the future.
The trouble isn’t your microphone, you have done an awesome job. It’s sadly the rude disrespectful few…
God who could ducking TALK while this man plays? Loose fecal matter in skull.