Product Description

Beyond the droll title there indeed lies some of the finestmaterial these jazz-bluegrass cross-pollinators have ever recorded. This compilation documents the Bela Fleck & The Flecktones from their start as a trio in 1990 up to their expanded lineup on 1998's LEFT OF COOL, culling the cream of the albums in between. The avant-banjo virtuoso himself sheds some light on the inspiration for each song by including track-by-track annotations in the booklet.
GREATEST HITS begins on the same auspicious note as did the band's popularity, with the Grammy-winning instrumental "The Sinister Minister". It's a mysterious, quirky tune that creeps and crawls to Howard Levy's haunting harmonica playing. Two previously unissued tracks are included, with "Shocktime" surely being one of the more mind-blowing examples of the musicianship at hand. Originally intended to be on THREE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'SNEST, this cut shines a welcome spotlight on Victor Wooten's ebullient, jaw-dropping bass pyrotechnics. "Road House Blues" funks from the Mississippi Delta to the Big Apple with adown-home combo of Bela Fleck on slide-banjo and Jeff Coffin's alto sax grooves.

Track Listing

1. Sinister Minister
2. Stomping Grounds
3. Flights Of The Cosmic Hippo
4. Shocktime
5. Sex Is A Pun
6. Yee Haw Factor
7. Road House Blues
8. Vix 9
9. Communication
10. Big Country
11. Sunset Road

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #88306 in Music
• Released on: 1999-11-29
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

Great Compilation of an Amazingly Talented Band
Ok... a brazilian listener, writing a review to an american band's record, on a U.K. website. I think this may be somewhat appropriate, since we're talking about such an eclectic band. Banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck and his fellow musicians make some of the best music I have ever heard, and on this compilation you'll be able to appreciate each and every one of their skills.

Right on the first track, Victor Wooten's funky bassline will drag you into a whole new musical world as the band plays "The Sinister Minister". Also... you can't really tell just by listening the CD, but the percussionist of the band is not an usual drummer. Future Man (Roy Wooten) plays a customized, one-of-a-kind instrument, the 'synth-axe drumitar' (a cross between a drum kit and a guitar). On the following song, a rocking live version of "Stomping Grounds", you'll be amazed with their abilities to improvise over beautiful harmonies without losing 1% in precision or synchronicity. Other great songs from their "old days" (back when harmonica/keyboards virtuoso Howard Levy was still on the band) are "Vix 9", "Flight of The Cosmic Hippo", and the catchy "The Yee-Haw Factor".

Pay attention to the track "Communication" (and welcome the 4th Flecktone from the new era, saxophone wizard Jeff Coffin): beyond the great riff and the beautiful lyrics you'll find a surprise: yes, that's Dave Matthews - the charismatic singer/guitarist/songwriter - doing some nice backing vocals. Another fine example of the Flecktones' latest material is "Big Country", a beautiful ballad with a country/bluegrass flavor. The album also includes two previously unreleased songs, "Shocktime" and "Roadhouse Blues".

If you haven't had the opportunity to listen to the Flecktones' music, this CD is a perfect introduction. You'll discover a band who can travel through each and every musical style, always adding their very own touch to it. Jazz, Bluegrass, Rock, Blu-bop, Blues, Country, or even Alternative. Call it anything you want to call it.... just don't miss them.