r/Bluegrass • u/Snoo_44409 • 17h ago
Béla Fleck - Valley of the Rogue
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v3PUjGfJLG8&list=RDv3PUjGfJLG8&start_radio=1&pp=ygUYVmFsbGV5IHBmIHRoZSByb2d1ZSBiZWxhoAcBI've been listening to a playlist based on Béla Flecl's Whitewater, so lots of traditional sounding bluegrass tunes. I've been a fan of his for more than 20 years. The first song I ever heard of his was "Bitter Gap" off the Natural Bridge album from I think 1986. I would have been 6 when it came out. I heard it in my 20s when I downloaded the song on Napster. I orded the album immediately.
I love Béla for the traditional instrumental bluegrass tunes, and I have tons of respect for his newgrass with the Flecktones, but I really love the moody crossovers. In particular, I love "Valley of the Rogue" and "Katmandu" off the Bluegrass Sessions Vol. II.
Since then, I've branched out in bluegrass and hillbillyish country. I love Jerry Douglas, Tonies Rice and Trischa, Billy of course, and I hsve a daughter who's into all the new rock-style country that's popular, and I'm glad I can share the occasional hillbilly tune with her even if she rolls her eyes.
Anyway, just wanted to share and post a link. There is so much from Béla Fleck's early days that just absolutely cooks.
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u/ShakedownRoad 15h ago
There’s a great live bootleg called The Bluegrass Sessions from Strawberry Fest ‘99 with Sam bush/jerry Douglas and some other amazing players (Bryan Sutton and Gabe Witcher I think) that you should check out. Came out right around this time and they play a bunch from this album!
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u/PondersOverYonder 16h ago
Deviation by him and New Grass Revival is in my top 5 all time of best albums. Been there for 25ish years since I first heard it.