Rocket Science (Deluxe Edition)

This is the first Flectones album in a very long time I've straight-up not liked. It just completely falls flat. The songs lack the beautiful, hooky melodies and the energy of recent albums. The whole thing is just tired. It sounds like run-of-the-mill smooth jazz with a banjo mixed in. That is not enough for a great album.

What a lovely sound! Banjo sort of leads the band… but probably what I love the most is the way all instruments delicately create a fine, nostalgically colored thread.

Bela Fleck is one of the most gifted musicians of this generation. Whatever ensemble he is leading, it is always creative and musical. While Jeff Coffin added a more "straight ahead" jazz feel with his awesome sax work, Howard Levy brings back the classic "Flecktones" sound that we all remember with his harmonica and keyboard talent. Anyone that remembers seeing them for the first time in 1990 on VH1 "New Visions" jazz program, saw the landmark, "Sinister Minister" video and remembers thinking, "what the heck is this music and.........I love it!". The new album "Rocket Science" takes you back to that innovative, experimental music where every track tells a different story. "Joyful Spring" going right into "Life in Eleven" is 8 minutes of perfect music. I can't wait to hear them "live" this summer at a concert, playing these songs mixed in with some of their tunes from the first 3 Flecktone CD's. Thanks to Bela, Victor, Futureman, Howard and also Jeff, for consistantly making the most interesting and challenging music on the planet.

What do I mean by that? If you listen to this "album" with headphones on, be prepared to make little noises out loud. You'll giggle when you hear the Flecktones "talking to each other" musically, and mumble "Oh Man" or "Wow" when you hear some insane run of notes or crazy time signature. People must have thought I was having a seizure. I was a little skepitcal about the absence of Jeff Coffin, but the return of Howard Levy brings the band back to that blu-bop sound that's been missing the past few albums. They MUST come to LA so I can hear them recreate this fantastic album onstage

These tunes definately have the compositional tinge of the original lineup. I was expecting more of a Outbound sound without Coffin, but this is great too. The interplay is more melodic and less dynamic but this album is definately the jazziest of all the flecktones stuff. Every track is really good, would highly recommend "Life in Eleven" if you want a taste of the whole album before you spend $10. Definitely worth every penny, its so nice to hear that piano again.

Most reviews have already stated the obvious, Howard Levy is back, and they sound great! Overall, it's a more mature sound than the early recordings, more musical to my ear and less chop flash....not that the chops aren't there. Anybody who suggests that this album is monotonous ought to have their hearing checked, multiple odd time meters, virtuosity unparalleled, creative approach, tight ensemble playing, and yet still utterly accessible. I do miss Jeff Coffin, but Left of Cool is my favorite flecktone album of all time. Definitely a keeper.

Well crafted, skilled musicianship. And oh yeah, its fun to listen to. Favorites are Prickly Pear and Falani.

This album is great! a scent of of familiar seasons of the past in the present, there is so much music between the music..I highly recommend picking this one up and add it to your collection of outstanding music

It sounds like jazz influenced bluegrass music. I found it to be too monotonous to enjoy. Sorry

This is an album I have been waiting on for a long time. You can't find the virtuosity of musicianship combined with the art of songwriting, with hooks anywhere else!