Customer Reviews

Hidden Land

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

The band started to get carried away with guest appearances (Outbound, Little Worlds, etc.) that it was almost unbearable and overwhelming. Their compositions suffered because instead of something designed for specifically the Flecktones, other things came out of the woodworks (not to say that all of it or any of it was bad, but it was almost too much).

When I listen to this album, not only does it feel more original and fresher than anything I have heard Bela and the Flecktones do (at least after listening to their older albums for long spans of time), but this album just has a more intimate and naturally revealing side of the Flecktones. This is an album that will make you think, "Wow I was not expecting that! I kind of like it! Give me more!" and the more you listen to it, the more you feel like you are on the same page as them. This is a more mature album, not one for someone who does not already know how Bela Fleck speaks, so please do not listen to this as a novice listener, it sends a false first impression. The music is more jazz-like than before, and all of the songs flow together. The Flecktones take the listener on an epic adventure like none of the albums have really done before. With the major peaks (in my opinion) being the transition from Fugue to P'lod, Labyrinth, Weed Wacker>Couch Potato>Chennai, this album hits hard from the getgo.

I have always wondered, what will they do next? Bela plays guitar on here, Futureman plays a lot more acoustic drums (which is soooo refreshing), Jeff plays the flute quite a bit, and Victor is always amazing. This album keeps the Flecktones in my top five best bands of all time; The Hidden Land is indeed another album that leaves the listener wanting much more, just like the others. Although, I really like this style the most, I hope they produce more of this gold.

-Aaron

After several Flecktones albums (including 2003's ambitious triple CD Little Worlds that found the act collaborating with all-star guests including Derek Trucks, Branford Marsalis, and Bobby McFerrin), the group chose a back-to-basics approach for its latest release "The Hidden Land".
The disc solely features the Flecktones quartet, comprised of bassist Victor Wooten, percussionist Roy "Future Man" Wooten, and saxophonist Jeff Coffin. Together, the band expertly hones its trademark combination of bluegrass, jazz, funk, and rock influences within a more spacious and stripped-down environment.
The band has been together for 17 years, always trying to find the right next thing to do and not repeat themselves.
Having a lot of guests playing with them was an incredible amount of fun, but if they were to continue along that path,they would become very predictable.
Banjoist Bela Fleck hooks back up with his longtime backing group The Flecktones featuring longtime electric bass stalwart Victor Wooten. Their music is a mix of Americana, funk grooves and jazz and makes for pleasant if unchallenging listening. After opening with a brief Bach classical composition, the group moves into "P'lod in the House" which kicks the tempo up with pulsating electric bass and funky drum breaks. Wooten's bass is an active presence in almost every performance on this disc, especially on "Labyrinth" where it underpins pensive sounding flute and saxophone solos while scatted vocals bubble just underneath the surface.
There's a brief acoustic interlude on "Who's Got Three" with unamplified banjo (fingers scraping quite audibly on the fretboard) and clarinet taking center stage. Funky bass moves back into the forefront with the upbeat "Weed Whacker" with some quick pickin' and bouncy saxophone. "Subterfuge" gets a little more adventurous as the band jumps the rails of its comfort zone with an electric guitar solo, before ending things on a back-porch note, pickin' the banjo and tootin' on the flute for "The Whistle Song." Jam band fans will find a lit of grooves to like here, and while I found myself wishing that they took a few more chances, the album does make for pleasant if unchallenging background music.

I've been a big fan since seeing the flecktones live for two shows in Tucson, AZ back in 1996. My first album exposure was thru the amazing live double album "Live Art". Later I saw Bela on the tour for the Bluegrass sessions and the Flecktones again on the tour for "Outbound". This album is a brilliant addition to their studio catalog, it really shines. It's hard to pick a favorite, but this is a contender.

This is one the most positively surprising albums I've got recently. Its musical range goes from classical, to Jazz, to country music. The incredible thing is that this vast musical knowledge crossover happens seamlessly, full of soul and groove. There is nothing hermetic about it. Despite the musical complexity, it sounds simple when these guys are playing. Really fresh, creative and competent. I definitely recommend this CD.

What more can be said about this extraordinary group of musicians? Having seen the band perform much of this album live, I rushed quickly to get my copy. I was absolutely blown away by this disc. Every track is gorgeous and lush. "The Whistle Tune" gripped me with its beautiful, tender melody and Celtic undertones. "Weedwacker" is a non-stop assault, which twists, turns, and evolves, before it plops breathlessly into the laid-back "Couch Potato". "Misunderstood" and "Rococo" are some of my favorite tracks with their detached beauty and subtlety. The whole album makes for a very pleasant, groovy, and breathtaking experience.

Bela Fleck & the Flecktones never cease to amaze me with their talent and refreshing music. I truly enjoy this CD and stays in my car for any time I need my Bela fix! It will be forever a part of my CD collection and destined to become one of the classics I'll always reach for. Some of the true jazz greats!

This cd is amazing, but what is even more amazing is seeing Bela Fleck and the Flecktones perform live! If you have the chance, go see them, and you will be inspired for many months to come. I fortunately lucked upon a free ticket in Columbus, GA back during 2009. It was the most amazingly spiritual musical experience of my life when Victor Wooten played "Amazing Grace" on the bass. I also met all the band members of the show, where they all signed a Ugandan tree-bark hat that I bought from Ten Thousand Villages. They were all very nice and personable to all the visitors who came up to the stage after the concert.

Kudos to Bela Fleck and the Flecktones for an amazing performance.