So I caught the open rehearsal today with Bela Fleck and the Rollins Jazz Ensemble.
Fleck, as you might already know, is performing a solo concert at 7:30 tonight at the Tiedtke Concert Hall at Rollins. It’s an extremely intimate space (about 400 seats), so I’d advise arriving early to assure a seat at the free show.
In the afternoon session, Fleck offered insights for the musicians (and audience) about how he approaches his innovative music. A big challenge, especially for a guy with such technical ability, is dialing back a bit and allowing fewer notes to make an impact. That was an idea that Fleck tossed out to the 16-member student ensemble. He suggested building a solo around two or three notes and unearthing the melodic turns within that limited framework: "I’ve pulled it off a couple of times," Fleck told the students, "and I’ve been pretty proud of myself."
The afternoon session was heavy of blues-oriented jams: a minor-key piece in the gypsy spirit of Django Reinhardt and another more traditional swing number.
Another lesson that Fleck imparted: The importance of listening. He talked about his notion of long-distance hearing, which is as much mental as physical.
It’s like using "an extra-sensory part of your brain and you send it down the line." In such a way, musicians can overcome even tough logistical challenges, he said. "The idea is ‘Here I am today, how can I make good music in this setting.’ "
Check this link for details on Fleck’s performance tonight at Tiedtke Concert Hall.
