Looks like plenty of people took my seat. Show was sold out before 8 pm. Music didn’t start until after 10 pm. Needless to say, I didn’t go. Maybe next time they will choose a bigger venue.
On Dec 1, 2005 7:45 PM, Anton said:
Béla Fleck (accented e) and the Flecktones are some of the most talented musicians around. I can hardley believe I never heard about one of my favorite musicians playing in Shanghai, and I’m kicking the walls right now in frustration that I missed him.
On Dec 2, 2005 8:12 AM, David in Ohio said:
You’re a lucky guy! Your reviews of these events is greatly appreciated. Fleck was in China and Mongolia once before, on his Asian tour, and got to meet players of the “sanxian” and similar Asian banjo-type instruments. I asked him a few years ago what it was like to meet these musicians and he told me he was disappointed; Fleck and his musicians were interested in learning about the Asian instruments, but the Asian musicians weren’t too interested in the American instruments, or bluegrass. I think he’ll have a better time this time, collaborating with Iz and the other Mongolian group.
On Dec 3, 2005 12:10 PM, Doug Waterman said:
Flipping awesome! It must ahve been an incredible night, and you are right. Bela Fleck is an amazing musician. He and the Flecktones put out great stuff. David in Ohio has some nice contacts to have those conversations with him!! ^o^
Bela may be a living legend - and I agree he is a great musician - but for my money give me Abby’s voice and sensitivity - truly otherworldly. And that hair!
On Dec 9, 2005 10:55 AM, David from NY said:
If I remember correctly (I grew up in Shanghai but lived in NY for too long), the consulate compound was once one of the estates of the Rong family, one of Shanghai’s richest families in 30’s/40’s and onward. Their fortune suffered a little after 1949, but one of their family members became the vice-president of China (in the early 90’s I believe).
You may try to verfiy that. In any case, it is very close to my old family home.
On Dec 15, 2005 12:23 PM, mcdean said:
I am very jealous. Bela Fleck is simply amazing, I wish I was in Shanghai to catch his gig. Though I wonder how the turnout was in Cotton Club - it seems to me that bluegrass a bright spot of American music which has yet to gained its fair share of Chinese appeal.
7 Comments
Looks like plenty of people took my seat. Show was sold out before 8 pm. Music didn’t start until after 10 pm. Needless to say, I didn’t go. Maybe next time they will choose a bigger venue.
Béla Fleck (accented e) and the Flecktones are some of the most talented musicians around. I can hardley believe I never heard about one of my favorite musicians playing in Shanghai, and I’m kicking the walls right now in frustration that I missed him.
You’re a lucky guy! Your reviews of these events is greatly appreciated. Fleck was in China and Mongolia once before, on his Asian tour, and got to meet players of the “sanxian” and similar Asian banjo-type instruments. I asked him a few years ago what it was like to meet these musicians and he told me he was disappointed; Fleck and his musicians were interested in learning about the Asian instruments, but the Asian musicians weren’t too interested in the American instruments, or bluegrass. I think he’ll have a better time this time, collaborating with Iz and the other Mongolian group.
Flipping awesome! It must ahve been an incredible night, and you are right. Bela Fleck is an amazing musician. He and the Flecktones put out great stuff. David in Ohio has some nice contacts to have those conversations with him!! ^o^
Keep up the great work Dan!
Bela may be a living legend - and I agree he is a great musician - but for my money give me Abby’s voice and sensitivity - truly otherworldly. And that hair!
If I remember correctly (I grew up in Shanghai but lived in NY for too long), the consulate compound was once one of the estates of the Rong family, one of Shanghai’s richest families in 30’s/40’s and onward. Their fortune suffered a little after 1949, but one of their family members became the vice-president of China (in the early 90’s I believe).
You may try to verfiy that. In any case, it is very close to my old family home.
I am very jealous. Bela Fleck is simply amazing, I wish I was in Shanghai to catch his gig. Though I wonder how the turnout was in Cotton Club - it seems to me that bluegrass a bright spot of American music which has yet to gained its fair share of Chinese appeal.