Béla Fleck — Big Country
Album: Left of CoolAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1765
Length: 5:29
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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Man, that bass playing is simply amazing
Had to climb down from the scaffolding and check the info, whether Bela was collaborating with mr. Metheny here. Nice! Second Bela Fleck today. (Didn’t know the bass player. Thanks for other listeners’ comments)
timmus wrote:
Yes I wondered the same.
A bit reminiscent of Pat Metheny Group - Last Train Home. Reminds me of some of the Weather Channel music of the late 1980s.
Yes I wondered the same.
timmus wrote:
Pat Metheny, Last Train Home, yes!!
A bit reminiscent of Pat Metheny Group - Last Train Home. Reminds me of some of the Weather Channel music of the late 1980s.
Pat Metheny, Last Train Home, yes!!
Don't forget: he did some crazy stuff with Branford Marsalis on tenor
"In 2020, he was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame as a member of New Grass Revival" - Only because there wasn't a "Bela Fleck" category?
I've been following this phenomenal musician as he has grown, for over 40 years, not a wasted moment! He should be far more acclaimed!
I've been following this phenomenal musician as he has grown, for over 40 years, not a wasted moment! He should be far more acclaimed!
Whoever made this poster clearly didn't hear about Mr. Fleck and what the possibilities are with this wonderful instrument 
Back in '91 my girlfriend wanted to see Chicago when they came to town. I went along being 50/50 in my interest. The opener was an odd group I'd never heard of with a banjo as the lead instrument. They must have been good because I remember aspects of the show 32 years later.
A most versatile musician. Equally adept with bluegrass, jazz, or with the Seattle symphony where I was fortunate to see him.
This would make a great road trip song!
Fuzak
I have seen Bela Fleck a few times, but never had the good fortune to see him
with Mr Wooten. Very naiiiice.
with Mr Wooten. Very naiiiice.
NameGoesHere wrote:
You Lucky Duck! I wish I was there!
Flectones and Béla always put on great sows. We got to see them in Cain Park (Cleveland Heights) the summer after this came out. Small venue with Mr. Fleck playing as walked through the crowd all the way to the back of the lawn seating. As with his more traditional bluegrass partners, Mr. Fleck gathers amazing talent around his own.
You Lucky Duck! I wish I was there!
Bass player is kicking it! Victor Wooten?
being left handed...left is always cool
Flectones and Béla always put on great sows. We got to see them in Cain Park (Cleveland Heights) the summer after this came out. Small venue with Mr. Fleck playing as walked through the crowd all the way to the back of the lawn seating. As with his more traditional bluegrass partners, Mr. Fleck gathers amazing talent around his own.
A bit reminiscent of Pat Metheny Group - Last Train Home. Reminds me of some of the Weather Channel music of the late 1980s.
love this music to dream away
ziakut wrote:
I Agree! It sounds like a fretless bass. Like Jaco.
Oh...that bass tone! Splendid! Mr. Wooten is an amazing bassist!
I Agree! It sounds like a fretless bass. Like Jaco.
This is a sweet song. I haven' t heard this is a long time. A friend gave me this CD and I played the heck out of it. Brings back nice memories.
Really enjoying this, more as it progresses. I love the banjo though and the sax and the bass...
Oh...that bass tone! Splendid! Mr. Wooten is an amazing bassist!
The more I hear this tune, the more I like it!! Thanx RP! PS: I had never heard it prior to RP.
SUPERB!!!
gazcon73 wrote:
Yes, I do this all the time. From Main to Rock to World and back again. Occasionally, I go to My Favorites when I need to remind myself what great taste in music I have : >
My god thats appalling , been a sketchy day from RP , switching stations ...
Yes, I do this all the time. From Main to Rock to World and back again. Occasionally, I go to My Favorites when I need to remind myself what great taste in music I have : >
Oof. I thought I'd called the bank and was on hold with muzak in the background ....
I hear "king of California"
secretsauce wrote:
Yes. It's pretty common for musicians (especially in jazz) to pay respect or acknowledgment to other musicians by quoting phrases or riffing on their styles.
Don't know why someone would criticize Victor Wooten for throwing in a little Jaco Pastorius quote in his bass solo. That's not only "allowed", it's applaudable ... a very good musician offering a small tribute to the shoulders he stands on. Kudos to Victor!
Yes. It's pretty common for musicians (especially in jazz) to pay respect or acknowledgment to other musicians by quoting phrases or riffing on their styles.
I like it. Some Pat Metheny in there?
Love RP
Stephan
Edweirdo wrote:
I want to like this, but I don't. I respect it, but it's nothing I would choose the listen to. #differentstrokes
I didn't want to like this, but I do.
I want to like this, but I don't. I respect it, but it's nothing I would choose the listen to. #differentstrokes
? Some sections remind me a lot of Dave Alvin "King of California"
Don't know why someone would criticize Victor Wooten for throwing in a little Jaco Pastorius quote in his bass solo. That's not only "allowed", it's applaudable ... a very good musician offering a small tribute to the shoulders he stands on. Kudos to Victor!
Gorgeous! Restrained, yet it flies.
Haters gonna hate, world class virtuoso' gonna...
... make you look silly!
Haters gonna hate, world class virtuoso' gonna...
... make you look silly!
I didn't want to like this, but I do.
When I say I can get wild, this is what I mean
gazcon73 wrote:
LOL! ... Idiot.
My god thats appalling , been a sketchy day from RP , switching stations ...
LOL! ... Idiot.
tseanburke wrote:
Victor Wooten on Bass!
Just saw him and his brothers, at the Telluride Jazz Festival, OUTSTANDING!
Just saw him and his brothers, at the Telluride Jazz Festival, OUTSTANDING!
Here's a wiki link to Jeff Coffin on the sax...
Muzak. Fuzak. BlueZak
Victor Wooten on Bass!
My god thats appalling , been a sketchy day from RP , switching stations ...
Love this! Downloading the album now!
Sounds like a cover to me - not one I like mind
jhorton wrote:
Shirley some sort of bluegrass Hell.
Prefers the glue factory to Bela...
This is on constant loop in every elevator in Kentucky.
Shirley some sort of bluegrass Hell.
Prefers the glue factory to Bela...
the only thing worse than this tune is the album cover
Dave Matthews Band without the vocals, but still terrible.
I dig it. Good for certain moods.
Sounds like Kenny G on a bender.
Hate the tune but love the other comments here!
Hate the tune but love the other comments here!
This is on constant loop in every elevator in Kentucky.
Theme from the TV movie "Cagney & Lacey in Scotland". 1975, I think. Or not. Instant PSD for me, sorry.
kcar wrote:
Maybe people would comment more if they could hear the original tune in this one. The "cover" aspect of this version is eluding me.
I should really like the Flecktones but they don't grab me by the lapels. A whole lot of noodling and not enough direction or attack. I'm sure they're all crack musicians though.
What makes you think "Big Country" is a cover of "In a Big Country"? Wouldn't the titles be the same if that were the case?
Maybe people would comment more if they could hear the original tune in this one. The "cover" aspect of this version is eluding me.
I should really like the Flecktones but they don't grab me by the lapels. A whole lot of noodling and not enough direction or attack. I'm sure they're all crack musicians though.
What makes you think "Big Country" is a cover of "In a Big Country"? Wouldn't the titles be the same if that were the case?
Keep this groove going. How about some New Grass Revival or Seldom Scene?
Decoy wrote:
The bridge sounds like King of California by Dave Alvin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZIkIydnsdE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZIkIydnsdE
I thought this was a version of King of California at first.
I was satisfied with just the banjo and the bass.
now THIS is awful. FuZak, complete with the whiny Kenny G sax
Play us some Scruggs, Country Gentleman, some JD Crowe. Not this crap.
Play us some Scruggs, Country Gentleman, some JD Crowe. Not this crap.
Two of my LEAST favorite instruments. And they don't belong anywhere near each other. But this is still an 8.
Oy, BlueZak! Make it stop
Agree!
brew3 wrote:
great song I haven't logged in in quite a while but that song was just what I needed thank you. :)
brew3 wrote:
great song I haven't logged in in quite a while but that song was just what I needed thank you. :)
great song I haven't logged in in quite a while but that song was just what I needed thank you. :)
kcar wrote:
Maybe people would comment more if they could hear the original tune in this one. The "cover" aspect of this version is eluding me.
I should really like the Flecktones but they don't grab me by the lapels. A whole lot of noodling and not enough direction or attack. I'm sure they're all crack musicians though.
Not sure if that guy was just having a laugh, but this song is not a cover of that or any other song.
Maybe people would comment more if they could hear the original tune in this one. The "cover" aspect of this version is eluding me.
I should really like the Flecktones but they don't grab me by the lapels. A whole lot of noodling and not enough direction or attack. I'm sure they're all crack musicians though.
Not sure if that guy was just having a laugh, but this song is not a cover of that or any other song.
Saw him many years ago with New Grass Revival. But the show was kind of dis-jointed.
The rumor was that Sam Bush (mandolin player extraordinaire) was doing too much coke.
The rumor was that Sam Bush (mandolin player extraordinaire) was doing too much coke.
ziakut wrote:
I had to check if it wasn't Jaco Pastorius on bass
Identical sound
Love that tone of the bass. Victor Wooten...you are amazing!
I had to check if it wasn't Jaco Pastorius on bass
Identical sound
Love that tone of the bass. Victor Wooten...you are amazing!
I feel like Kenny G just met some hillbillies and decided to play The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lommond (ye'll take the high road an' I'll take the low road ...)
bluedot wrote:
Maybe people would comment more if they could hear the original tune in this one. The "cover" aspect of this version is eluding me.
I should really like the Flecktones but they don't grab me by the lapels. A whole lot of noodling and not enough direction or attack. I'm sure they're all crack musicians though.
Béla Fleck is cool on the banjo and everything, but I think I prefer Big Country's version of (In a) Big Country, you know...that song with the bagpipe guitars?
Haven't seen anyone here comment on how this is a cover of that 1980's Big Country top 40 hit. I only looked at the first page, tho.
Anyway, check this out...interesting stuff:
Wikipedia...In a Big Country
Haven't seen anyone here comment on how this is a cover of that 1980's Big Country top 40 hit. I only looked at the first page, tho.
Anyway, check this out...interesting stuff:
Wikipedia...In a Big Country
Maybe people would comment more if they could hear the original tune in this one. The "cover" aspect of this version is eluding me.
I should really like the Flecktones but they don't grab me by the lapels. A whole lot of noodling and not enough direction or attack. I'm sure they're all crack musicians though.
The bridge sounds like King of California by Dave Alvin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZIkIydnsdE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZIkIydnsdE
Nice, for years I never knew that Bela Fleck toured with the Dave Matthews Band and opened a lot of his early shows. If you're open to new sounds, check out his triple CD, Little Worlds, from a 2004.
Sounds like "Here come the seventies" theme song to me.
Brestois wrote:
you must be the troll
OR
highly frustrated close-minded human being.
How terrible! It's the very first time, as far as I remember, that I hear such crap on Radio Paradise. 
That's what you might hear in the bright toilets of a petrol station on the highway, or the corridors of a cheap hotel, at night, at very low volume. 
That's what you might hear in the bright toilets of a petrol station on the highway, or the corridors of a cheap hotel, at night, at very low volume. you must be the troll
OR
highly frustrated close-minded human being.
Banjo - 8
Kenny-G like sax - 2
Heavy Pat Metheny group - type bass and melody -4
Kenny-G like sax - 2
Heavy Pat Metheny group - type bass and melody -4
this studio version pales in comparison to the live version from "Live at the Quick" - IMHO - in the studio version Jeff Coffin is still finding his niche in the band as replacement for Howard Levy. Better yet get the DVD version of "Live at the Quick" and watch the way these guys pass each other musical phrases the way the Harlem Globetrotters pass around a basketball. and icing on the cake is Paul McCandless' solo near the end of the live version.
This has a Kenny G/smooth jazz/just about the worst crap I've ever heard ring to it. Any ties?
Brestois wrote:
RP does mix it up. I like that fact. We have to put up with stuff we don't like. I put up with Jazz and Blues, and sometimes I am pleasantly surprised by the selections.
How terrible! It's the very first time, as far as I remember, that I hear such crap on Radio Paradise. That's what you might hear in the bright toilets of a petrol station on the highway, or the corridors of a cheap hotel, at night, at very low volume.
That's what you might hear in the bright toilets of a petrol station on the highway, or the corridors of a cheap hotel, at night, at very low volume. RP does mix it up. I like that fact. We have to put up with stuff we don't like. I put up with Jazz and Blues, and sometimes I am pleasantly surprised by the selections.
Béla Fleck is cool on the banjo and everything, but I think I prefer Big Country's version of (In a) Big Country, you know...that song with the bagpipe guitars?
Haven't seen anyone here comment on how this is a cover of that 1980's Big Country top 40 hit. I only looked at the first page, tho.
Anyway, check this out...interesting stuff:
Wikipedia...In a Big Country
Haven't seen anyone here comment on how this is a cover of that 1980's Big Country top 40 hit. I only looked at the first page, tho.
Anyway, check this out...interesting stuff:
Wikipedia...In a Big Country
Yea... dunno bout that sax. It doesn't exactly ruin the song for me... but it doesn't make it great either.
Every time I hear this I go to give it a good rating and then the sax-ama-phone kicks in and ruins it. Yuk.
Oh well. I enjoyed this sound. Sitting here in West Cork chilling out on the headphones. Bela Fleck is in my estimation certainly a great banjo man but maybe a bit of a wild card...you don't always get what you might reckon on. But there you go...I enjoyed this...probably wouldn't buy this though! Brestois wrote:
How terrible! It's the very first time, as far as I remember, that I hear such crap on Radio Paradise. That's what you might hear in the bright toilets of a petrol station on the highway, or the corridors of a cheap hotel, at night, at very low volume.
That's what you might hear in the bright toilets of a petrol station on the highway, or the corridors of a cheap hotel, at night, at very low volume. How terrible! It's the very first time, as far as I remember, that I hear such crap on Radio Paradise. That's what you might hear in the bright toilets of a petrol station on the highway, or the corridors of a cheap hotel, at night, at very low volume.
That's what you might hear in the bright toilets of a petrol station on the highway, or the corridors of a cheap hotel, at night, at very low volume. papaman wrote:
I thought the same thing. Went to check to see if it was Pat Metheny playing.
This has a Pat Metheny ring to it. Any ties?
I thought the same thing. Went to check to see if it was Pat Metheny playing.
"golf course / coffee shop / life insurance advertisement licensing here we come!" - Béla Fleck
Ever heard of Felix Lajko?? I would be the happiest person on the world, if i could hear him on RP...
I thought for a second it was a much remastered version of "Pastures of Plenty." Though I was disappointed, it is still a nice change of pace.
dadsays wrote:
don't ever stop playing this song.
You should call Comcast Tech Support then...
don't ever stop playing this song.
gvan wrote:
Béla Fleck is the Kenny G of the banjo! I can bély stand it. Please stop pléying it.
lol. I love his virtuosity, cuts through the mediocrity like a laser. Superb accompanying musicians, also.
I know to be a fully formed music snob/aficionado I am supposed to like this, and believe me, I've tried. It sounds like elevator music, I can't get the headphones off fast enough.
Great live act. Though hurt by the departure of the amazing Howard Levy, these guys are all top-notch musicians and performers and a lot of fun to see and hear live. Vic is among the more amazing bassists around. Good stuff.
jwb wrote:
Normally I like this record but for some reason today the Golden Clarinet is ruining everything for me. It sounds like it was recorded on location in the produce section of a supermarket in order to cut out the middleman.
heehe. Comment made me laugh a little too loud at my cubicle, I don't exactly hate banjo/alto sax duets but i couldn't have described it better either.
This has a Pat Metheny ring to it. Any ties?
I feel at home... except we don't play this at home.
RP needs more good banjo.
I really have taken to this guy. Ever since I heard (& bought) his album with Chick Corea, I have to say... for a man that detests country music, I'm sold. Somehow, it has all the elements of country, but is assembled with so much more. 
Sounds like the theme music to Family Ties or some other eighties American sitcom.
this has to be one of my all time favorites
I don't mind the song. I usually like Mr. Fleck, and as a bassist, I have a lot of respect for Vic Wooten, much of which was just tarnished by his Jaco Pastorius 'quote' two thirds of the way through. I guess he's allowed, but it's still in bad taste. He's a good enough player to not have to rip off his idol.
wally42 wrote:
All this Kenny G talk is just plain stupid!!!
Jeff Coffin's have more talent than Kenny G. If all can think of when you hear an alto is Kenny G, then youe need to re-wire yourself and listen more Flecktones.
This stuff brilliant! 10
i am embarassed to have to correct you on this, but kenny g plays a soprano most of the time, not an alto..
OK, just had to downgrade from a 2 to a 1. Sucko-Barfo is right. Rubs me in all the wrong ways!
...i was kind of getting into it until the soprano sax kicked in - shades of dave matthews band, and i mean that in a bad way...
This is a rather annoying piece of music - banjo and sax together, hmmmmm - bit like Guinness with lemonade 
sqqqrly wrote:
The Kenny G ending really ruined this...
It's not just the Kenny G ending that ruined it--it's also the Kenny G beginning and middle that ruined it.
All this Kenny G talk is just plain stupid!!!
Jeff Coffin's have more talent than Kenny G. If all can think of when you hear an alto is Kenny G, then youe need to re-wire yourself and listen more Flecktones.
This stuff brilliant! 10
The Kenny G ending really ruined this...
the absolute worst insipid crap.
if you like bluegrass, play bluegrass ferchrissakes,not fuzak with that godawful cliched whining kenny g style alto.
gvan wrote:
Béla Fleck is the Kenny G of the banjo! I can bély stand it. Please stop pléying it.
Hey I work in an area where Kenny G has a summer home and I hear this freak'n funny story about him hehehe
his place is on an island, his angry, beside himself cause his internet isn't working calls up his contractor and raises holy hell about them needing to get out to his island pronto and fix the line (which travels under the lake) or heads are gonna roll godammit!
so the contractor gets on the blower, calls this guy, who calls that guy, they move into action to get the repair dude out to the island by vehicle, then boat, all done as fast as possible
they get to his dock and he is bringing a tray of drinks down to his sweet heart who is sun bathing on the dock, she looks up at the guys pulling in ready to jump off and get this ultra important repair completed they have traveled about 200 miles
"honey tell them to go away I'm sunbathing"
equally belligerently "you get off my property right now I never want you coming around when I'm entertaining blah blah blah " jeesh Kenny lighten up!
they had to come back when the weekend was over.
siandbeth wrote:
I also find the KennyG comparisons impossible to separate from this song - and it DOES sound like something from the Produce aisle at Ralph's.
Has Kenny G ruined the sound of the alto sax to such a degree that ANY song with alto sax in it we shudder away from? FWIW, I kind like this song, but yeah, Kenny G, blacht
siandbeth wrote:
I also find the KennyG comparisons impossible to separate from this song - and it DOES sound like something from the Produce aisle at Ralph's.
We dont have Ralph's out here. But I was reminded of calling tech support:
'Your phone call is very important to us, please stay on the line' 'Say, did you know you can use our website for a lot of tasks? check out www...'
if anyone needs me, i'll be in the bathroom.
How about just letting this guy's sax playing ruin Kenny G for you.
prairiedogj wrote:
I support the "love it... but not the sax" party.
Heard and acknowledged!
I also find the KennyG comparisons impossible to separate from this song - and it DOES sound like something from the Produce aisle at Ralph's.
Béla Fleck is the Kenny G of the banjo! I can bély stand it. Please stop pléying it.
Normally I like this record but for some reason today the Golden Clarinet is ruining everything for me. It sounds like it was recorded on location in the produce section of a supermarket in order to cut out the middleman.
By the way, the sax is the amazing Jeff Coffin, who I had the pleasure of seeing at the Somerville Theater about 6 years ago, with the rest of the Flecktones. He's sort of the understated member of the band (that's his forehead on the album cover above). An amazingly talented player. Yes, this piece echoes of KennyG, to the detraction of all reed musicians everywhere, but if you can shelve the preconceptions of what non-wailing sax can sound like, this really is a remarkable piece, and Jeff is an amazing musician.
What a lovely song.. Up until the soprano sax.
And its the melody to "Loch Lomond" that drifts through it.
'me and my true love, we never more will rest...'
Listen to the live version of this song from Telluride 2000. It's vastly superior to the album version. And even though this is on my top 10 list of my favorite songs (mostly cause we played it every single day on my Bonnaroo road trip), I kind of agree that the sax is a bit much. But keep that bass and banjo rockin'!
(I can't believe you finally played this when I went to lunch on my last day of work! I hate myself. I should know better than to eat when there's a chance of Bela being played. damn!)
Does anyone hear "Peggy-O" going through this song? 
Kenny G has ruined the soprano sax for everyone. Even this song which I find quite nice, draws up nothing but comparisons to Kenny....
Kenny-G sax? I don't think so. That would be long sustained notes with quick flourishes here and there - all with overdone ambient effects.