G.P.G.D.S.

On Friday night after the Esperanza Spalding Trio show, we were treated to the second set of the Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad for some relentless vibes fortified with a rock steady sound. With a bowl full of sweet smelling groove of roots reggae and experimental dub, this very well could be some North American International Body Music. Giant Panda is honored to have shared bills with reggae greats Toots & The Maytals, The Wailers, Lee Scratch Perry, King Yellowman, Morgan Heritage, The Meditations, Mad Professor, and Edi Fitzroy. GPGDS has been joined on stage by members of John Brown’s Body, Brazilian Girls, Thievery Corporation, Umphrey’s McGee, and String Cheese Incident. Giant Panda continues to put on concerts in their hometown of Rochester, NY featuring other modern American powerhouses such as Dub Trio (in Madison on 2/25), and Toubab Krewe. The set was electrifying and a stream of soulful sound made for the get down to get DOWN.

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get on down w/GIANT PANDA

Esperanza Spalding Trio

There is a reason that Esperanza Spalding is usually smiling. Playing her music feels good- and it shows. An artist that goes about defining her music nightly with a voice of rhythm -n- blues jazz-scat painted with a distinct soul unique to Miss. Spalding. Her bass flirts with her vocals and creates a romantic sound captivating as it can be traditional at times, there was a sense of freedom both on the stage and in the crowd. The trio consisted of Mr. Leo Genovese on piano and Mr. Otis Brown III on percussion, and they were tight. From the moments Miss Spalding groove her way on stage, the happiness was contagious with layers of brilliance, beauty (both visual and auditory) and bold composition and arrangements and I would invite you to look into this artist who spends time playing bass for Herbie Hancock and drives her art down new unpaved paths that make her future one to keep an eye and ear on. Opening the evening off in the Wisconsin Union Theater was songstress and Gretchen Parlato with the wonderful guitarist and spirit, Mr. Lionel Loueke. The evening closed with a couple of pieces these unique artists collaborated on which showcased the openness of jazz music with an invitation for continual exploration. A stirring night of sound integration, just like the world palate presents us daily.

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Baghdad SCUBA Review..DIVE IN

Last night at the High Noon Saloon, Madison’s very own Baghdad SCUBA Review tucked the hump day goodnight with a rockin’ jam party of feel good energy (not only coming from the band itself, but the SCUBA Crew in the crowd had a true positive wave about it as well). This progressive sound is a match for listeners of cross-genre likings, as it mixes a potent blend of well crafted songs with a certain stage spark that fires up easily and burns well throughout the night. With six members on stage, the intersections of where sound meets is often exact and timeless, moving from jam to groove to rock without blinking an eye, this is certainly more than a “Jamband”, it is way more than a band that jams as well. It is Baghdad SCUBA Review, and you might want to catch the wave of positive energy and sound as I am sure this band will make its way to you in one way or another soon.

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Madison’s own Baghdad SCUBA Review

a WIND Supreme

Wind Chills of minus 25 cannot stop the arrow from turning green and free forming its way all over you. Here’s a tissue to clean off and see what you heard.

Together- Sammy Figueroa
Blusette- Hilario Duran & Perspectiva
La Concha- Daniel Mancero
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I Don’t need no Mary (Juana)- Andre Williams
Crooked- Keller Williams
Someday the Sun won’t Shine for you-Jethro Tull (live/acoustic)
the Runaway- Gentle Giant (live)
Message Stick- Xavier Rudd
Bongo Bong- Delta Nove
Buffalo- Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad
New Mexico Dub- Jah Wobble
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Coffee- Papa Mali
When I call Home- Honeytribe (demo)
Wine and Women- Pedro Arevalo
Freedom- SOL
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Koi Bole Ram Ram- Cheb i Sabbah
Chandalis Bliss- Jetsunma
Bounce Baby- Galactic w/Z Trip
Even Stranger- Baby Elephant
Wonders & Signs- Buckshot LeFonque
Shake Everything you got (live)- Maceo Parker
Chalky’s Back with Knife- Suite Crude Review
———————————————————————
Burning Love- Eric Sardinas and Big Motor
Cheddar- Mike Keneally and Beer for Dolphins
Purple Haze- Frank Zappa
Immigrant Song-Mike Keneally & Beer for Dolphins
Out @ 11- Baghdad Scuba Review
Ladies Man- Keith Kilgo

Latin Reggae

Putumayo presents: Latin Reggae. When Bob Marley had gained the success crossing over in the 70’s, I don’t think the reggae world was expecting so many fusions of styles and cultures to make this music their own. Putumayo invites all of us into a “what a small world it is after all” album that magically blends Jamaican grooves and Latin rhythms with this fine compilation out now. The album includes both notable artists and some newbies onto the scene. A perfect blend. The socially conscious lyrics are in the forefront accompanied by the collision of Latin beats and a heavy Jamaican jam, which posses as much strength in form as they do substance. The album begins with Muchachito Bombo Infierno from Spain and ends with Sarazino from Ecuadorian/Canadian/Algerian roots. A favorite of mine is sandwiched in the as the 7th track, Ticklah (featuring Mayra Vega) combining many musical disciplines and wleding a new shape in our minds from sounds we only imagined existed. This collection is sure t make your minds open and your skin dance…..

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the Greyboy Allstars..YES!

I waited a long time to hit my first show of 2008 and man am i happy to say the first one may be the best one. The Greyboy Allstars were in town on a snowy cold Monday night and the funk didn’t stop until all the ears were drenched with a soulful satisfaction. Karl Denson brought a fire to the stage that was electric and immediate. There was two sets of old school funk that was heavy and filled with vibes that easily overtook those in attendance at the Majestic who were certainly ready to go. Karl’s fire lasted well into the night as snow fell, the Greyboy Allstars blanketed us with a down comfort of “feeling with a groove”, and for me it lasted well into the next day. Robert Walter was on keys and made finger magic which tickled that back of the house with a boogie meant just for Madison. If you are wondering which show you shouldn’t miss this year, I heavily suggest the Greyboy Allstars if they are nearby or a shorter long distance away…..it will complete your musical journey for the year early. I will be setting up a conversation with Karl sometime in the near future to discuss the tour, his new release on Bobby Ace Records, Lunar Orbit and some personal friends we share. Stay Tuned in with an open mind.

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the Greyboy Allstars’ Karl Denson 1/21/08

A Barrymore Celebration

Last night was spent hanging out in a setting that was G-RATE. (GREAT) The Barrymore Theatre had an invitation only party to celebrate many things including the PACKERS/GIANTS game on Sunday, so many folks were dressed in their Packer green & yellow. There was a pot luck of delicious treats that kept my insides warm and free beer, free good beer I should mention most of the night. There was a live DJ and equipment set up for people to jam together on stage and until 10pm, the young ones were allowed to run, jump and have fun there own chosen way. It was a great way to get connected up with some kind folks and certainly, the Barrymore is always a happenin’ spot regardless of the invite only or concert night status. The scene here is very fitting for the always changing chameleon that is greenarrowradio. A big thank you to Steve and his Barrymore staff for making it a night to set all other things aside and have a good time. THANKS!

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Top 30ish of 2007

This is never easy. This year was no exception.

30. Lipbone Redding – Hop the Fence & Una – One
29. Corey Harris – Zion Crossroads
28. Eccodek – Voices have Eyes
27. Going Home – A Tribute to Fats Domino
26. Marco Benevento – Live at Tonic
25. Guvna Dub – the Guvna Dub Sessions
24. Geoff Achison & the Souldiggers – Souldiggin’ live
23. the Greyboy Allstars – What Happened to T.V.?
22. Secretary – the Secret Life of Secretary
21. Slavic Soul Party – Technochek Collision
20. Anoushka Shankar/Karsh Kale – Breathing Under Water
19. Galactic – From the Corner to the Block
18. Charlie Hunter Trio – Mistico
17. Cashman – Texassippi Stomp & Rough Guide to Latin Funk
16. Baby Elephant – Turn my Teeth Up!
15. the Yardbirds – Live at BB King Blues Club
14. JJ Grey’s Mofro – Country Ghetto
13. Tinariwen – Aman Iman
12. the Budos Band – II
11. Bernie Worrell – Improvisczario
10. Skeebo Knight – Jekyll Island Nights
09. Healing the Divide – Concert for Peace/Reconciliation
08. Putumayo presents – a New Groove
07. Cameron Mizell – Life is Loud
06. Sharon Jones & the Dapkings – 100 days 100 nights
05. Desdamona – the Source & Sirsy – Revolution
04. Karl Denson Trio – Lunar Orbit
03. Pop Levi – the Return to Form Black Magick Party
02. A.K.A.C.O.D. – Happiness
01. Club d’Elf – Perhapsody Live

as you can tell, there are a couple of ties and if I were to try and do this again, along with pulling out most of my hair…it could come up a whole lot different. Thanks to all the fine artists that put out excellent releases in 2007. Looking forward to listening and sharing a whole new lot in 2008.

-G

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Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks

The High Noon Saloon was the spot for the Holidaze in Hicksville as Mr. Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks graced our Madison grounds with a true treat, as a matter of fact, this one goes down as a classic. Not only was it the season for holiday cheer as only Dan Hicks can share (I believe the one phrase in the show was lets get these Christmas songs out of the way, hey hey) , but it was also Mr. Hicks’ birthday. There was even a cake. Oh yeah there was a show. As expected except better, the show seemed to be more than a show, an experience. Folk swing is somewhat the style of the music, but man…..there was some kicked up blues riffs, so finely timed dance steps and a barrel, check that, a building filled with a humor so sincere to this night that you couldn’t go home without feeling connected. There were plenty of old classics to rejoice in….from I Scare Myself (which really blew the top off the place)and the nights closer of How can I Miss You When You Won’t go Away, but for me the stopper was the rendition of the Tom Waits song The Piano Has Been Drinking. While this show can be compared to others in the long and brilliant career of Dan Hicks, there was so many thrilled audience members that I would have sworn this was there first time witnessing the event that is Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks. I also noticed that while the room was filled up nicely, there was plenty of room for some younger ears, I really think that this music and the way it is presented to a crowd is something for the younger crowds to share in. Madison’s own Harmonious Wail and their Gypsy Swing music opened the show and was all that I have heard people say and more. Be sure to check them out also.

Listen to my first conversation with Dan here.

Listen to my second conversation with Dan here.

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Mr. Dan Hicks and MisterG 12/09/07

Youssou N’Dour in Madison

One of the most electrifying shows I have seen in a long time. Youssou N’Dour et le Super Etoile de Dakar brought West Africa, heck all cultures present together for an unforgettable night of dance, positive rhythms and shared spirit at the Wisconsin Union Theater. This was a few hours of community led by a powerful sermon by one of the most powerful voices on any continent. Carrying his storytelling and roots of Senegalese music, Youssou N’Dour does create a sound that is a force strong enough to combine all into one. The Griot Percussion mixed with Afro-Cuban arrangements is a sound that can flourish in any land, there is nostalgia in those songs and even I, who knows only a slight peek into the French dialect can feel it. It is a celebration.

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League of Crafty Guitarists

Robert Fripp perhaps best known for being the guitarist for, and only constant member of, the progressive rock band King Crimson. His work has spanned over four decades, encompasses a variety of musical styles. He was offered a teaching position at the American Society for Continuous Education in Claymont Court, West Virginia in 1984. He had been involved with the ASCE since 1978, eventually serving on its board of directors, and had long been considering the idea of teaching guitar. His course, Guitar Craft, was begun in 1985, one of the results of which was a performance group, “The League of Crafty Guitarists,” which has released several albums. And last night at the Majestic Theatre in Madison, there were 11 crafty acoustic guitars with their guitarists, and one Robert Fripp. There were moments were I felt like my skin was unzipped and my bones, muscles and tissue had a chance to prowl around under the night sky. There was music and sounds from other worlds, places I have not seen before. There was so much amazing timing, like that of a spacecraft taking off precisely at the most opportune moment where liftoff will only be successful. Mister Fripp must have taken a trip through outer space and recorded the sounds of space, as I have thought them to exist. There were explosive moments like a star being born and there were times where the Giant of the Woods was stomping through a tiny forest right onto my front porch. This ensemble or guitar orchestra is always something to behold and this night was one to remember, and to share with others. I hope all of you get a chance to experience the sound like Mister Fripp creates and it penetrates you with inquisition and a sense of where your space is. You are never-ending.

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Mister Robert Fripp

Jason Isbell with Cracker

They are calling it the Tornado Alley Tour 2007 and this was a billing that has smart written all over it. Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit kicked the room into overdrive from the first chorus. For the past six years, Jason was one of three frontmen for the Drive-By Truckers, and although fans may have been shocked by his leaving the band in April, when you fill your ears with his solo debut Sirens Of The Ditch it will only reassure you that his music has its own unique voice. His songs are written with intelligence that starts in the heart and for the set here in Madison, his group had all the intentions of making sure we knew that. Featuring many songs of the new album, there was a taste of Psycho Killer and Into the Mystic, just to keep us in check. I will see this band again and am ready for it. Then came Cracker. Now I will admit that I have not surrounded myself with a lot of their music over the years, but damn what a great live act. This band is a rock and roll wall, solid from the floor up and man, the songs I didn’t know were even better than those I recall. There is humor, endearment and most of all a satirical smartness about the songs, phrases that jump out at you and stick there for a while where many artists don’t get to take you. If your plate is ever with an empty section on it, fill it up with some CRACKER and see what sticks. The host of this event, the High Noon Saloon was a perfect venue to showcase true musicianship with artists that ooze of their appreciation for the audience and their songs. Where else but at a place that offers live event 7, that’s right, seven nights a week. So if you can, go there and support live music.

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Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit

ill chemistry with The New Congress

When Desdamona and Carnage the Executioner work their lyrical content and hand-woven catastrophe tapestry orally attached to beats the outcome is a dynamic being known as Ill Chemistry. The hip-hop heard when they collide is so damn raw and open that it makes a listener hit the refresh button on their minds. I was fortunate enough to catch the show here in Madison right at the University and man, was I overwhelmed with the power of beatbox and the rhythm of the rhymes. With loops in loop and mics in hand, Ill Chemistry brings meaning and life to words….you can see the actions and feel the chest rise in these words. Dez and Carnage worked the night with another Minneapolis product, The New Congress. The New Congress are the winners of the 2006 Minnesota Music Awards for Best R&B Artist/Group and R&B Album for their release “Everybody Gets Up“. They also earned two Los Angeles Music Awards in 2006 for Neosoul Artist of the Year and R&B Single of the Year for “Make You Move“. Once you take a listen to this band, you’ll be ready to vote in the New Congress.

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With one of my favs. Desdamona 11/3/07

Check out my previous conversation with Ms. Desdamona here.

The Nocturnal MULE in Mad-City

Vermont-based rock band Grace Potter and the Nocturnals opened up for Gov’t Mule on Tuesday night, this is where the story begins. Smart opening acts cannot be talked about enough. The stage was left on fire by Miss Potter & the Nocturnal ones with a rockin’ rhythmic percussion colliding with the roll of thunder from an appreciating audience. The approach to their music is as old fashioned as a proper root beer float but as timeless as those great songs are. Yeah, I said great. This is one act to catch, bring a glove or a paper sack, whatever it takes to make sure you don’t miss a set of musicians made to play music together. Speaking of…Man was Warren Haynes ON for this one. Did I mention that Gov’t Mule was visiting us here in Madison? It was a show that I will always remember being in attendance for. ” I was there when…” The energy was electric. As with any MULE show, there were the cool ones from others, CREEP was a nice seasonal choice… but really this was a show that was great from start to finish, the innovative drum solo of Matt Abts bring too many words to mind that I remain speechless. Overall and Under-some this was the place to be and I am grateful for the Barrymore Theatre for being a great stable for Mule and allowing me to pretend it was a Saturday night on a Tuesday.

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First Set:
1. Slackjaw Jezebel
2. Thorazine Shuffle
3. Banks Of The Deep End
4. Empty Pages
5. Temporary Saint
6. Creep
7. Unring The Bell Shakedown Street Tease
8. About To Rage
9. Lola Leave Your Light On Lola Intro

Second Set:
1. Brighter Days
2. Like Flies
3. Reblow Your Mind Get Up, Stand Up Jam
4. Streamline Woman->
5. Drums
6. Brand New Angel
7. Many Rivers To Cross
8. Mule 3rd Stone From The Sun Jam
9. Into The Mystic

Atlantic Waves–explore music

Atlantic Waves, London International Festival of Exploratory Music, is getting bigger, better and more global. Innovative international collaborations and outstanding creative musicianship have been sought out for the 2007 program, which is based on world premieres. This year the much praised festival features 22 concerts within 8 days, with over 70 artists from around the world, including Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, Angola, Israel, Lithuania,Georgia, UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Finland, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Japan and Australia. A rather special program even for cosmopolitan London. This year’s festival includes the Grand Divas of Fado (at the Queen Elizabeth Hall), the Portuguese Guitar Masters (at St Giles Cripplegate), three Lusophone clubnights exploring soundclash, techno/electro and ghettotrash (all at Cargo), and three world class experimental audiovisual electronica nights at the ICA. With an extraordinary mix of new music for the “quench-ment” of all pallets ongoing between 1st and 11th November, the Atlantic Waves 2007 event promises an unmissable line-up of artists and genres.

Atlantic Waves info:
T: 020 7908 7622

file this one under “if I had me a magic carpet

Atlantic Waves--explore music

Respect what your guitar could do

When I got home from the Tommy Emmanuel show last night at the beautifully renovated Majestic Theater in Madison, I tucked my guitar away and asked it why, and how Tommy could think of those things he does with his very own guitars. I swear he has a couple of spiders or octopus attached to his own hands at times, my gosh can he make magic happen on the stage. When he starts a song, you can actually see the music form around his body as he presents it to the awe-struck people in attendance. When featuring his rendition of Somewhere over the Rainbow, I heard tears falling from the crowd…TEARS! In his storied career, including 16 recordings, Tommy has set sales records that have yet to be broken and performed with hundreds of musical legends including Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Keith Urban, Eric Clapton, Sir George Martin, Tina Turner, Joe Walsh, Stevie Wonder, Nokie Edwards (of the Ventures), Hank Marvin, the Lexington (Kentucky) Philharmonic, the Dortmund (Germany) Symphony, and the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra. Whenever and wherever you might get a chance to see or hear Tommy play or create his music, treat yourself to a feeling of “That’s Incredible” and stay for awhile. By the way, my guitar had no answers for me.

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A true class act:Mr. Tommy Emmanuel C.G.P.

Near New Orleans and looking…….

Looking for something to do on the 19th and 20th of October….go check out my friend Sara Wasserman live. On the 19th Sara will be at Blue Nile and on the 20th at Jayne Marie on Cross Lake. Sara is a singer-songwriter whose vocals have captivated audiences everywhere, accompanied by her father, Grammy-winning bassist Rob Wasserman and Los Angeles-based producer/pianist Randy Emata. New Orleans trumpet legend Irvin Mayfield will appear as a special guest. They will perform an evening of Sara’s original songs from her forthcoming debut CD of acoustic soul and blues, as well as classic standards and high moments of musical improvisation. Her upcoming release features collaborations with Aaron Neville, Lou Reed, Soulive, and Christian McBride, among others. Sara showcased at SXSW ’07, and her original song “You Got Me” was recently featured on ABC’s hit show “Falcon Beach.” I have a feeling that these are going to be the types of show not to be missed. If you happen to run into Sara or her father, tell them MisterG sent you their way.

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Follow Sara’s voice to feel that smile you needed.

Check out my conversation with Sara a bit ago here.

…and my conversation with her father Rob Wasserman here.

Solo Songs for 6 & 12 string Guitars

Glenn Jones: Against Which the Sea Continually Beats released on the Strange Attractors label is instantly gets across the sounds that are sensitive yet firm, a raw power only found in nature rises off the strings. Beautifully rolling melodies, like a hike through the Maine wilderness, personify the musical trail with the feeling of being there. Since 1989, Glenn Jones has led Boston‘s (go SOX!) “avant-garage” instrumental rock band Cul de Sac, whose musical adventures are documented on nine albums to date. Against Which the Sea Continually Beats, Jones’s second album, is a triumph of acoustic guitar composition, an innovative welding of sound and form. Recorded in Martha’s Vineyard, the peaceful, seafaring setting of this island community inspired these recording sessions, lending an air of tranquility that served as a perfect fit to create such art. The eleven tunes on Against Which the Sea Continually Beats travel from Delta to Appalachia, from classical to a cinematic sort of folk sound in a language that is purely imbued in the artist’s own musical vernacular.

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Anoushka Shankar in Madison

To experience the Anoushka Shankar Project is to open yourself up to the wonders of mental movement. For this project, Anoushka is joined onstage by: Tanmoy Bose– tabla, Ravichandra Kulur– flute, Leo Dombecki– piano, and Jesse Charnow– drum kit. In 2007 the tour consists of new, acoustic versions of select pieces from Anoushka´s album Rise, new and as yet unrecorded compositions by her, and a showcase of some of her father Ravi Shankar´s finest Raga creations. The fusion of traditional Indian Classical and masterfully arranged audio interpretations featuring a blend of instrumentation, consumes your senses in a timeless moment of rapture. This project is certainly a step into the modern musical times with a strong sense of understanding where people have been drawn in in the past. There is a vision to this music. As with her father Ravi Shankar, the ability to listen and hear have in my humble opinion, placed Anoushka in a position to shape and invent within the structure of music, and create new boundaries for others to gain inspiration from. With a mixing of perspective, reflection and exploration, that magic of the Sitar should aptly be the choice to create these new stories. Sometimes it’s hard to turn the page, but in this case…..who KNOWS what’ll be next….SPEAKING OF…..

I invite you to check out a new project that features Miss Shankar and Karsh Kale.

Also, take a moment and re-visit my conversation with Anoushka about one year ago….ENJOY

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..with Anoushka Shankar 10/5/07

re-FLECK-ting on the Flecktones show.

What can be said that hasn’t been….for me, the show usually begins when Victor Wooten gets his bass some “alone time” on stage. Not to disappoint, this bass space was far-reaching, oft-exploratory and bone-a-fide funky at times. Jeff Coffin kept reminding me why sax is so damn good. Just imagine the Flecktones without it. Yeah, I agree. Where o’ Where are you tonight….Futureman is one cool cat (check out my past interview with Roy Wooten) with his unique blending of percussive magic from this world and beyond I found myself happily lost from thoughts other than “the moment” while he worked his art in front of our eyes. Speaking of right in front of our eyes, Bela Fleck can make his fingers appear like they wiggle and jive right in front of you, wherever you sit or stand at a show. He not only uses those banjo strings to play to us, but thankfully has found a way to use those strings to bring us to the music…with so much to take out of a Flecktones show, I really got a kick out of the rendition of the BeatlesCome Together“, just so perfectly true on that night.

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