Left of Cool
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones · 1998
76 min · 15 tracks · bluegrass music · space rock · funk rock
A vibrant fusion of bluegrass, funk, and jazz that pushes the boundaries of acoustic music.
Why this album works
'Left of Cool' received critical acclaim, being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album. The album showcased the band's innovative approach to genre blending, influencing a generation of musicians eager to experiment with acoustic instrumentation in new contexts.
- Best for
- dynamic emotional journeys long immersive listening sessions gradual builds and payoffs
- Context
- By 1998, Béla Fleck and the Flecktones were already established as pioneers in blending genres, following their Grammy-winning album 'Flight of the Cosmic Hippo' in 1991. 'Left of Cool' marked a significant moment in their career as they further explored complex compositions and improvisational styles while solidifying their reputation in the progressive acoustic scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Prince· Phish· Lenny Kravitz
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Throwdown at the Hoedown Standout 5:09
- 2 Communication Standout 4:16
- 3 Big Country 5:31
- 4 Sojourn of Arjuna Standout 5:27
- 5 Let Me Be the One 4:38
- 6 Trane to Conamarra 6:48
- 7 Almost 12 3:15
- 8 Step Quiet 4:02
- 9 Oddity 5:32
- 10 Sleeping Dogs Lie 4:02
- 11 Trouble and Strife 5:15
- 12 Slow Walker 5:23
- 13 Shanti 5:12
- 14 The Big Blink 7:57
- 15 Prelude to Silence 3:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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