Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Zakir Hussain: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert From The Archives
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Published 2020-07-19
Watch Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Zakir Hussain’s Tiny Desk concert from 2010: www.npr.org/2010/07/26/128652297/bela-fleck-edgar-…
Felix Contreras | July 26, 2010
"Beyond category." That's what Duke Ellington used to call musicians who were simply the best at what they do. And that's certainly the case for Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Zakir Hussain. Individually, they're world-class masters of the banjo, the bass fiddle and the tabla, respectively. They conquered mere technical prowess long ago.
All three now are at a place where music truly becomes so intuitive that a simple rehearsal — as we got to see before this Tiny Desk Concert in the offices of NPR Music — is an exercise in wordless communication. Just before we rolled tape, the trio worked on a section of one of the songs that involved some unison playing, and I was caught off guard, thinking they didn't really nail it when they tried it three times in a row. Then, when it came time to perform for an audience, they, of course, performed it flawlessly.
Ellington had no idea that his words would eventually be applied to a banjo player, a bass fiddle player and an South Asian percussionist. But sit back and enjoy these two pieces from The Melody of Rhythm, and you'll see how right Ellington was.
Set List
"Bubbles"
"Bahar"
All Comments (21)
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I've never seen someone play a double bass like this. It is incredible! All three of them play beyond theory, practice and passion. They really live music
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Zakir is an absolute human metronome. Amazing chemistry between these three. I could listen to this for hours.
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Reminded of how a certain piece, once clearly heard, becomes a metaphysical place that is glad you have come by to visit, and wants to show you everything it has learned. Beautiful humans.
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Zakir Sir is almost 70 and still rocking like he did in his 20s
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I saw Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer live at a theatre in San Francisco in 2004, as part of our high school band field trip from So Cal (where we stayed over several days, rode the roller coasters at Great America theme park, played several concerts, and then I snuck away from the group at Fisherman's Wharf to spend an hour or so dropping coins in the coin pianos at Musee Mecanique hee hee hee). I'd never heard of these guys before but they were on our "to see" itinerary, so the entire band piled in the bus and then into the theatre. I remember being in the balcony, and nearly falling out of the balcony because I was so mesmerized by the absolute mastery both of these musicians have (I think Zakir Hussain either hadn't yet joined the duo, or maybe had another gig somewhere else). They played a tune, I think called "mastodon" (or "woolly mammoth"?) that was so fresh sounding, so contemporary and traditional at the same time, that I'm pretty sure it's shaped my subsequent ragtime composing and helped me nudge it in a newer direction. I also remember that probably 3/4 of the NHHS band were also stunned at this show, really dug it, and talking about these guys over and over again on the band bus, all the way back. (I suspect the 1/4 who weren't moved were those folks who joined the band "just for the social life" rather than the music ;) ) Years later, when Borders was going out of business, I used my Borders gift card to load up an armload of CDs from the music dept (while I still could), and discovered and snagged their CD "The Spirit of Rhythm" which has helped me get through at least one very long driving trip (probably another Nor Cal trip, funnily enough). Just great to hear some great, great music... and they make what they do (which is actually extremely difficult) look and sound so, so easy, effortless and a pure joy. Much love to NPR for having them on for a Tiny Desk show. Here's to many more!!!
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This dude on the tablas is absolute fire
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Saw this live in Europe. It was surreal. Changed the way I felt about making music. Pure and joyful! Also, those tablas hit like a truck on a massive PA.
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PANG!! Sweet Memories of a warm summer evening at a summer festival in the 90's, all sweaty, eating great snacks, letting everyone share our tarp and secret cocktail stash. Thanks for reminding me how great life can be Bela !!
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7 minutes in and they say they were "nervous". Lol. Some of the greatest musicians that ever lived... and they're "nervous". I guess that kind of care is what contributes to greatness. Bela Flec's new album "My Bluegrass heart" is an absolute masterpice by the way. Even if one is not a blue grass lover one should buy it. It's musical history!
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Edgar Meyer SLAYS THAT BASS!!!! It never dawned on me before the range of a stand up bass. He took it right off the board and I could've sworn I was listening to a violin!
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I’m a huge long term fan of Mr Fleck he has a knack for picking superb bass players victor wooden and Edgar Meyer both play in such an unconventional unique way . Bela has a far reaching appetite for great music from Jazz to rock to blue grass to classical to African traditional music to collaborations with Chick Corea He is a bright star in our time a true great !
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Symphonic, Indian jazz rythim, gypsy, Irish, bluegrass, mixed with a bit of phenomenal.
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Zakir is a monster!! I love so much music that these folks have done in so many different configurations over 50 years...thank you!!!
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OMG these guys take music to a whole new level, their awesomeness makes me shed tears <3
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OMG! Zakir, Edgar, Bela, and NPR just WON THE INTERNET!
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Had the privilege of watching Zakir quite a few times live and Bela twice. This trio is as magical as it can get.
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Got to see them a couple of years ago. Went primarily to see Edgar really, but Zakir blew me away. The chemistry of these guys is unbelievable
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I was fortunate enough to see Fleck and Meyer in concert in Ann Arbor over 20 years ago (it is 2024 now). One of the best performances I have ever witnessed, it was just something very special. I still think about it. Watching this now with Zakir Hussain is like icing on the cake.
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I was very fortunate enough to see these 3 beautifully talented musicians in Asheville for Trinumeral... whoosh
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Edgar's playing just really fits with Bela's in a way that can't really be described.
