When one thinks of the banjo, they don’t usually think of it
in association with an orchestra, especially one as renowned as the Buffalo
Philharmonic, but that is what will be seen tonight at 8:00 and tomorrow afternoon at
2:30 at Kleinhans Music Hall. Grammy winner Bela Fleck, who is perhaps the most famous
banjo player in the world, will be bringing his banjo concerto to Buffalo for a
unique performance. There’s only exists one other banjo and orchestra
performance so this is a rare event and with a legend like Bela Fleck no less.
Tickets range from $27 to $74.
I got a chance to conduct an interview through email with the artist ahead of his performance.
buffaBLOG: The banjo is an unconventional instrument to
make a career out of but you did it. What first got you into the banjo?
Bela Fleck: I first heard Earl
Scruggs playing on the Beverly Hillbillies TV sitcom. I grew up in New York
City, so it was a bit odd - but I fell headlong under the banjo's spell.
bB: You have crossed into many genres of music
and have the distinction of being nominated for the most number of different
categories at the Grammys. Is there a genre you haven’t done yet that you are
thinking about getting into?
BF: I don't think that way
actually - it's really not about musical world domination for me. I simply hear
music sometimes that turns me on and then I have to try to learn it to
understand what is going on in it. That's what led me to spend time learning so
much music that's not typically played on the banjo. If I love it, I want to
know how to play it. And there is so much
great music to love!
bB: This weekend you will
be performing a classical piece. Do you have any classical artists that
influenced you?
BF: This is a classical
piece that I composed. This is the first major composition for me, and it was
an important step in my evolution. I have been listening to Bach, Chopin,
Beethoven Bartok and so many others. I also am very inspired by Edgar Meyer,
who has been my friend and a strong influence for many years. He's my road into
the classical world, being the great bass virtuoso and composer that he is.
bB: You have gotten the
chance to play with many artists over your career. Did you ever get the chance to
perform with an artist who was an influence for you?
BF: Over and over I have had
the amazing experience of performing with my heroes. It started in the bluegrass
world and has continued into Jazz, African, Indian, and Celtic music. My next performances
after Buffalo are duet shows with Chick Corea - who was a massive influence for
me. Last week I played with Zakir Hussain, the Indian tabla icon. My life is impossibly
good!
bB: While you are here,
do you have any plans to check out some local sites or the local music scene?
BF: I'll just see what
develops. Mostly I'll be practicing for the performances, and preparing for the
next week with Chick Corea!
