Across The Imaginary Divide

BÉLA FLECK & MARCUS ROBERTS: Across the Imaginary Divide
Rounder, 2012

FOLK-JAZZ – Béla Fleck sure gets around, but he’s no stranger to straight jazz settings. Here the banjo superstar joins forces with Marcus Roberts’ dynamic trio for an unpredictable set blending bits of folksy Americana, modern jazz, New Orleans blues, swing, and more. Their contrasting styles fit together really well and these tunes are delightful.

Fo’s Picks: 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11

1. 6:17 – chunky roll & stroll, then sweeping banjo solo & spiritual ending
2. 5:42 – sneaky New Orleans walk, laid-back and sly
3. 4:43 – propulsive glide: jabbing theme with a gorgeous dream in the middle
4. 4:55 – lazy backwoods air alternates with swift-flowing swing
5. 5:01 – nifty high-steppin’ jazz-grass blend with a bit of blues too, speeds up
6. 4:34 – light, upbeat samba feel; trips merrily along
7. 4:27 – soulful, low-key tune tiptoes forward, picks up deep harmonic shades
8. 5:58 – breezy bop, the trio dominates here but banjo has a good long solo
9. 6:22 – delicate solo banjo into a very light, airy, drifting tune; great sound
10. 5:37 – happy little bossa-tinged ditty, alternates with a solid swing
11. 5:08 – light and breezy, sounds like a standard, solos take gentle flight
12. 4:08 – a modernized ragtime sound, sashays until trio breaks it down

[ Fo ] - 7 July 2012