Today marks the return of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (BFF) with the release of their new album Rocket Science. Bela Fleck is my favorite musician on the planet. He has revolutionized how the banjo is played and how the banjo is viewed by others. I first discovered Bela Fleck while watching Late Night with Conan O’Brien in October of 1993. Bela Fleck and the Flecktones were on supporting their new album Three Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. I watched in amazement as four musicians dazzled me with a blend of jazz, bluegrass, and funk for three minutes. I don’t even remember what song they played on that show, but it was enough for me to go buy the CD the very next day. Within the week, I had the 3 other discs from the Flecktones.

Shortly after I started listening to BFF, i learned that original member Howard Levy left the band to spend more time with his family. Howard was the fingers behind the piano and the air behind the harmonica that rocked through these 4 discs. I was sad to hear of his departure, but I found that BFF would continue as a trio. They continued to record and tour with three members: Bela Fleck (banjo), Victor Lamonte Wooten (bass) and FutureMan (Synthax Drumitar). I was able to see them live during this period and the show was amazing! In 1997, saxophonist extrordinaire Jeff Coffin joined the band and brought an entireley new sound to BFF. They continued to bring fresh new music for the next decade winning Grammys almost every year. Jeff left BFF in 2009 to fill the slot of Le’Roi Moore in Dave Matthews Band after his tragic death in 2008. I will miss Jeff and his amazing saxophone.

Now we are in 2011. Howard Levy has re-joined BFF to record and tour with Rocket Science. I am still listening to it for the first time through Rdio. The opening licks have transported me back to the early ‘90s when I first started listening to BFF. I absolutely love that the cover is reminiscent of the original three covers with Levy in the fold. Hearing Levy’s piano and harmonica has brought Bela Fleck and the Flecktones full circle…a circle that has taken 20 years to complete. I hope that Levy stays around for a few years to see just how good the Flecktones can really be.