The main stage at the Staller Center was set with an array of instruments and lit in a dim blue light as the smoke from the fog machines formed a thin cloud. The lights dimmed to black, and the crowd immediately erupted in cheers as Béla Fleck and the Flecktones took the stage.
The energy was palpable as the music exploded from the band’s instruments, and the lights shot an array of colors on stage. Béla Fleck, Howard Levy, Roy “Futureman” Wooten and Victor Wooten brought charisma and personality to their instruments. Their sporadic and creative style captured the attention of the packed audience, who wooed and cheered as the night progressed.
“We have seen them four times,” Lauri Last, mother of senior Harrison Last said. “Every time there have been people literally dancing in the aisles.” While the Staller Theater left little room for dancing, it did not stop the attendees from clapping, cheering and whistling as the band performed their skillful and fast-paced set.
The group has to be one of the “most eclectic mix of instruments and personalities,” as Stony Brook local Elise Sterman said. Similar to Dave Matthew’s Band in style, the Flecktones music was comprised of interjections from different instruments and complex melodies. At times, the band members would have a back and forth battle between each other, mimicking what the other was doing. An interesting way to play, considering they each had different instruments.
Fleck’s fast-fingered strumming on the banjo led the group, while Levy bounced between the harmonica and the piano continuously all night, even in the same song. Futureman, as he prefers to be called, provided percussion with the Drumitar, an instrument he invented that plays like a guitar but is connected to the drums, allowing him to stand at the front of the stage. Last but not least, his younger brother, Victor, strummed and slapped on the bass providing soul to the music and layering his own melodies as he played.
“They are as great as they ever were,” Donna Guarton said. Guarton has been following the band for many years and was excited to hear that Levy, who went on a personal hiatus in 1992, had returned, and the band would be performing again. “They have an incredible energy, interesting and complex,” Guarton added.
The band members were happy to be playing together again. Fleck talked about their time apart saying, “It’s very healthy for us to be with other people. It takes a lot of independence to be in the Flecktones.” According to the members they have each learned and progressed so much in their skill that it is exciting to be back together.
Futureman said that there is only forward thinking as everyone is getting better. The percussionist has written two symphonies in his time apart and is not the only one with major accomplishments. Fleck has been awarded five Grammies in various categories and has had a documentary made about him and his trip to Africa for musical research.
Throughout the night, each band member had their own solo to play, with each solo leaving the crowds hearts pumping and hands clapping. The crowd did not stop cheering throughout the entire show, erupting into applause in the middle of performances. As the Flecktones’ songs stretched on, the crowd went from cheering and clapping to listening intently as the mood of songs changed.
The songs played by the band were as eclectic and interesting as the band members themselves. They would vary in speed, intensity and volume. Songs would go from being bluesy and melodic to fast paced and loud. The members wailed on their instruments, shaking their heads and moving to the music to stay in rhythm. The crowd followed along with their intensity and moods following the energy of each note played.
“They are incredible,” Joe Simon, a local high school student said. “I listen to them all the time; their music is one of a kind.” The Flectones’ music is most certainly one of a kind. Each band member brought their own style to their instruments. “Our goal is to be creative as possible,” pianist Levy said. “We are open to anything.”
Fleck closed with saying that they are only scheduled to perform together until April. “We are having such a blast and will figure out what happens next.” As far as only having limited time, Fleck stated that, “it only makes us appreciate our time together.” The band is looking forward to the future and will continue to perform their energetic and fast paced music.
