Béla Fleck and the Flecktones are a genre-defying quartet known for their eclectic mix of jazz, bluegrass, rock, and more, all threaded together through the virtuosic banjo playing of the band's namesake, Béla Fleck. Formed in 1988, they quickly began to redefine the boundaries of American roots music with a blend of instrumental prowess and innovative compositions. Béla Fleck, already a recognized banjo player, is joined by the equally masterful Victor Wooten on bass, Roy "Future Man" Wooten on Drumitar, and Howard Levy, who played harmonica and keyboards until his departure in 1992, later rejoining in 2011. Jeff Coffin also contributed on saxophone from 1997 to 2010.

The band's discography is an ongoing testament to their adventurous spirit and musical innovation. Albums such as "Outbound" and "The Hidden Land" have received critical acclaim and Grammy awards, highlighting the group's ability to successfully merge unexpected harmonies with complex rhythms. The album "Rocket Science," their most recent collaboration with Howard Levy, is noted for its return to the band's original lineup and is celebrated for its intricate yet accessible compositions. With an education in traditional bluegrass, and an appetite for pushing the limits of their instruments and compositions, Béla Fleck and the Flecktones continue to be at the forefront of an ever-evolving musical landscape, offering an unclassifiable and infectious sound that defies conventional genre labels.

Genres

Jam Band

Progressive Bluegrass

Related Artists

Jerry Douglas

Edgar Meyer

Sam Bush

Victor Wooten

Chick Corea

Chris Thile

David Grisman

Tony Rice

Dave Matthews Band

Alison Krauss

Alison Brown

Cory Wong

Latest Release

Rocket Science

Béla Fleck and the Flecktones

Album - 12 Tracks - Released May 17, 2011