Béla Fleck & Flecktones + Oregon Symphony
The first time I had the privilege of seeing Béla Fleck & Flecktones, I immediately appreciated their talent. Unfortunately, I was behind the stage at the old Capitol Center (i never liked the name US Air Arena). From that vantage point, I don't think I grasped the vastness of their abilities. As they say, they are a Supergroup.
When I was informed of the Flecktones scheduled performance with the Oregon Symphony, I leaped at the chance to see the show. Three performances were scheduled as part of the PDX Jazz Festival. Lucky for me, a Sunday matinée was on the bill. Tickets were only $15! As soon as I could, I went downtown to purchase a pair.
Yesterday, the wait was over. Teresa and I drove downtown to see the show. I was excited, but I wasn't sure what to expect. First, I've never seen a symphony band live collaboration. The idea intrigued me. So much talent on a single stage. Second, the performance was held at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. It was exciting to visit a new venue; one with so much history.
We entered the hall from the South Park Blocks. An array of attendees filed through the door. I'm not going to lie; many were senior citizens. I figured as much. It was a Sunday afternoon! The Schnitz is immaculate. A well maintained theater. It features decorative moldings, elegant woodwork and picturesque details. If you've been in the likes of the Beacon Theatre, you can understand the interior.
We found our seats stage right about 20 rows back. I was surprised at the quality of seats for the price. Our seats were on the first level. There is a single balcony, and I thought we'd be far underneath it. Basically, we sat at the edge of the overhang. Awesome seats.
I began reading the program. I knew the band was oozing with talent. With a lineup like Béla Fleck, Future Man, Jeff Coffin and Victor Wooten, you're gonna be nasty. Did you know Béla has not only won Grammys with the Flecktones, but been nominated in eight other categories? He is the only musician with that honor. Future Man is an amazing spectacle. He is a scientist who creates his own instruments and can drum better with one hand then most can with two. Jeff Coffin is an accomplished musician. He has shared the stage and studio with numerous bands like Dave Matthews Band and Phish. He's also played with musicians like Branford Marsalis, Van Morrison and Jon Scofield. And then there is Victor Wooten. This man doesn't need a huge introduction. Just this: he IS the most important bassist alive.
The show began with the Oregon Symphony. They'd been on the stage since we took our seats. Their first piece was The Cowboy Overture. Its an enjoyable piece with recognizable harmonies and melodies. At the conclusion of the piece, the conductor, Gregory Vajda explained the selection. He said the Cowboy theme complimented Béla's choice instrument: the banjo. At this point, he also introduced the Flecktones. Vajda couldn't say enough about their talent and the honor of performing with these musicians.
The Flecktones took the stage, and the symphony remained. The Flecktones stage setup was directly in front of the symphony. A plexiglass divider separated the two groups of musicians. The divider was about chest height and presumably controlled the sound of the stage. The Flecktone's first couple of jams didn't include the symphony. Future Man was the standout. He backed the songs with strong percussion by mostly playing a small drum kit with one arm. Impressive.
I was roused by the individual performances of the Flecktones and the Oregon Symphony. I was itching for a group performance. After a few pieces, Béla stepped up to the microphone to announce it was time for the Flecktones versus the symphony. Everyone in the hall laughed. I believe, the name of the piece they performed was An American Treasure. I am not quite sure, but it was awesome. You could tell the high level of joy felt by each musician. As you looked across the stage from band to symphony, smiles abounded. At the conclusion of the first combined piece, Béla announced, "Everyone won." Que another hearty laugh from the crowd.
A short intermission split the concert into two parts. The second leg consisted more of a Flecktones only concert. It was the time for each band member to showcase their vast talents. From our somewhat close seats, we could see fingers move with such speed. It was a treat. At some points, I couldn't tell where or how Future Man created his sound. He'd switch from Jazz drummer to Rock drummer with the change of a chord. Jeff Coffin and Béla shared the center of the stage. During a few songs, they rambled back and forth. They'd copy each other riff for riff. They even played each other's instruments. Jeff would show Béla where to hold his fingers on the sax; then Jeff would blow into the instrument. Béla showed Jeff where to hold his banjo strings on the fretboard; then he'd strum and pluck a few bars. It was a very interesting display. Jeff even played two saxes at one time. With two saxes strapped to his shoulders, he'd belt out a soprano riff then a tenor riff. Victor Wooten didn't disappoint. It is astonishing to watch him play. He crafts amazing bass lines that provide a rich and full sound. Listening to his music is only half of enjoying his music. I can't accurately describe his technique. His fingers push the boundaries of the fret board. He can jam notes fast or slow, and your equally dazzled. Béla's picking skills are just nasty. He plays the banjo at light speed. His sound is mind bending. He switched between electric and acoustic. I'm not sure which I liked better, but he is the best banjo player I've ever seen.
Toward the end of the concert, both groups performed together for the last time. At the close of the performance, everyone in the hall was cheering and clapping. The Flecktones showed their appreciation for the Oregon Symphony. The Symphony showed their appreciation for Béla Fleck & Flecktones. All the concert goers rose from their seats for a standing ovation. Fortunately for us, the show wasn't completely finished. The Flecktones did perform a single encore to wrap up an amazing afternoon.
This show was one to remember. It was my first Pops experience, and I hope it wasn't my last. The Oregon Symphony is very talented. I had a good impression from their conductor, Gregory Vajda. He directed an excellent group of players. Of course, Béla Fleck & Flecktones wowed everyone in the room. I don't think their sound can be categorized. It is just plain good. The entire event was a treat.
