Bela Fleck Crossing The Tracks CD

So entrenched is banjoist Bela Fleck's reputation as one of bluegrass's most innovative and boundary-demolishing musicians that it's hard to be surprised now by the sounds on his 1979 debut CROSSING THE TRACKS. But taken in historical context, Fleck's first solo album sounded like nothing else on the bluegrass scene, or any other scene for that matter. With healthy doses of jazz, boogie, ballads, and pop all mixed in with old-timey bluegrass, Fleck and his superb acoustic ensemble set about deconstructing the very notion of bluegrass music, a process Fleck would continue for the rest of his career. That journey begins here, and the crisp sound on the 2005 CD reissue makes it all the more enjoyable to revisit.

So entrenched is banjoist Bela Fleck's reputation as one of bluegrass's most innovative and boundary-demolishing musicians that it's hard to be surprised now by the sounds on his 1979 debut CROSSING THE TRACKS. But taken in historical context, Fleck's first solo album sounded like nothing else on the bluegrass scene--or elsewhere, for that matter. With healthy doses of jazz, boogie, ballads, and pop all mixed in with old-timey bluegrass, Fleck and his superb acoustic ensemble set about deconstructing the very notion of bluegrass, a process Fleck would continue for the rest of his career. That journey begins here, and the crisp sound on the 2005 CD issue makes it all the more enjoyable to revisit.

Personnel: Bela Fleck (banjo); Pat Enright (vocals); Russ Barenberg (guitar); Jerry Douglas (dobro); Bob Applebaum (mandolin); Sam Bush, Randy Sabien (fiddle); Mark Schatz (upright bass).

Dirty Linen (p.45) - "This recording confirms just how innovative and spirited a player Fleck was in the process of becoming, and his song selection underscores his eclectic approach."

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