Natural Bridge

Bela Fleck

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 8, 2000)
• Original Release Date: 1982
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rounder / Umgd
• ASIN: B00004C4PU
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #204,572 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Country > Bluegrass > Bluegrass Jam Bands

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Béla Fleck's 1999 return to acoustic planet reminded us all that he has few peers as a banjo player, but perhaps more significantly, how inventive his original bluegrass-oriented songs can be. Those talents seemed to be in place as far back as 1982, the year this superb album was recorded. On this, only his second solo affair, Fleck shows full command of his instrument as well as a supreme gift for composing fresh and compelling tunes based in, but not beholden to, the bluegrass style. Backed by the usual stellar assortment of "newgrass" virtuosi, Fleck puts forth traditional-style tunes full of energy and flair; modal-jazz vamps ripe with improvisational possibilities; delicate, charming lullabies; quirky waltzes; and classically influenced passages. Throughout, his banjo work is incredibly versatile, strikingly unique, and impressively intricate yet utterly poised and effortless all the same. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Now I understand all the fuss over Bela Fleck!, June 21, 2000

By A Customer

This is far and away his best CD, from what I've seen/heard. The music litrally transcends, it's absolutely wonderful and of that high impact. This is probably the 4th Bela Fleck CD I've bought and own, based on recommendations of friends and because I always hear people say how great Bela Fleck is. Up to now I've liked them, maybe to the tune of 3 stars. This is purely instrumental, no Flecktones at all, and it puts his other CDs to shame. I'm a convert, and am so glad this was remastered so that I thought I was buying a new CD, when in fact I was buying core artistry. Several people who have heard me play have gone out to buy it, nobody has been disapointed yet.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sophmore effort for the ages, November 27, 2001

By	Scott Anderson (Music City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is Bela's second solo album and it is absolutely unbelievable. He composed and arranged all of these tunes while in his early 20's and received help from basically a who's who in the bluegrass/newgrass community for this recording. Every time I listen to Natural Bridge I am blown away. I am amazed at just how great Bela was on his 5 string at this stage in his career. There are progressive bluegrass songs, a banjo/dobro duet, a waltz, two straight up jazz pieces, and definitely some tunes where the Dawg's influence is prevalent. After all, Grisman himself along with several members of the early David Grisman Quintet make their presence known on this recording. Mark O'Connor, who most people associate with virtuoso fiddle work, is the primary flat-picker for the album and does an awesome job. Finally, the last song, which is a two part suite, is one gorgeous tune that somehow incorporates all of the above mentioned styles into a work, that never fails to fill me with joy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous experience!, December 9, 2005

By	Hiram Gomez Pardo (Valencia, Venezuela) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I knew about this ensemble five years ago, thanks to a melomaniac friend: Pavlov. From the first bars I engaged with his admirable expressiveness and wondrous lyricism. The country taste and enraptured rhythms make of this album one of the best choices for you.

Bela has expanded his musical sphere and now constitutes a reference pattern at the moment you wish to enjoy the freshness and captivating bewitch of this notable country folk musician.

The album is simply sumptuous: buy it and you will never regret it.