Now I understand all the fuss over Bela Fleck!
06/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is far and away his best CD, from what I've seen/heard. The music litrally transcends, it's absolutely wonderful and of that high impact. This is probably the 4th Bela Fleck CD I've bought and own, based on recommendations of friends and because I always hear people say how great Bela Fleck is. Up to now I've liked them, maybe to the tune of 3 stars. This is purely instrumental, no Flecktones at all, and it puts his other CDs to shame. I'm a convert, and am so glad this was remastered so that I thought I was buying a new CD, when in fact I was buying core artistry. Several people who have heard me play have gone out to buy it, nobody has been disapointed yet."
A sophmore effort for the ages
Scott Anderson | Music City | 11/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is Bela's second solo album and it is absolutely unbelievable. He composed and arranged all of these tunes while in his early 20's and received help from basically a who's who in the bluegrass/newgrass community for this recording. Every time I listen to Natural Bridge I am blown away. I am amazed at just how great Bela was on his 5 string at this stage in his career. There are progressive bluegrass songs, a banjo/dobro duet, a waltz, two straight up jazz pieces, and definitely some tunes where the Dawg's influence is prevalent. After all, Grisman himself along with several members of the early David Grisman Quintet make their presence known on this recording. Mark O'Connor, who most people associate with virtuoso fiddle work, is the primary flat-picker for the album and does an awesome job. Finally, the last song, which is a two part suite, is one gorgeous tune that somehow incorporates all of the above mentioned styles into a work, that never fails to fill me with joy."
A fabulous experience!
Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 12/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I knew about this ensemble five years ago, thanks to a melomaniac friend: Pavlov. From the first bars I engaged with his admirable expressiveness and wondrous lyricism. The country taste and enraptured rhythms make of this album one of the best choices for you.
Bela has expanded his musical sphere and now constitutes a reference pattern at the moment you wish to enjoy the freshness and captivating bewitch of this notable country folk musician.
The album is simply sumptuous: buy it and you will never regret it.
"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1