New - Fleck, Béla – As We Speak - LP

With Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer & Featuring Rakesh Chaurasia. 

"As We Speak" by Béla Fleck and the Flecktones is a genre-defying masterpiece that blends elements of jazz, bluegrass, funk, and world music into a singularly innovative sound. Released in 1988, this album marked a pivotal moment in instrumental music, showcasing the virtuosity and creativity of its acclaimed lineup: Béla Fleck on banjo, Howard Levy on harmonica and piano, Victor Wooten on bass, and Roy "Future Man" Wooten on drums and percussion.

The album opens with "Blu-Bop," a funky, groove-laden track that sets the tone for the Flecktones' unique musical journey. Throughout "As We Speak," listeners are treated to a diverse range of compositions that defy categorization, from the intricate melodies of "Flying Saucer Dudes" to the reflective beauty of "Turtle Rock."

At the heart of the album lies Béla Fleck's visionary approach to the banjo, expanding its traditional boundaries with technical mastery and inventive flair. Howard Levy's virtuosity on harmonica and piano adds layers of texture and melody, while Victor Wooten's bass playing and Roy Wooten's innovative percussion work create a rhythmic foundation that is both dynamic and exploratory.

"As We Speak" is not just a showcase of individual talent but a testament to the Flecktones' collective chemistry and improvisational prowess. The album's compositions are rich with intricate interplay and spontaneous creativity, inviting listeners on a sonic journey that is as exhilarating as it is thought-provoking.

For fans of instrumental music and those with a taste for innovation, "As We Speak" stands as a timeless classic that continues to inspire and captivate audiences with its boundless creativity, technical brilliance, and infectious energy.