Band no longer 'Hidden'

To call them the greatest band in the universe is an understatement. Before the release of The Hidden Land, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones decided to go on a one-year hiatus while individual members, each of whom holds more talent than almost anyone at their respective instrument, pursued solo projects. The almost completely instrumental album features 30 different types of sound producers, all giving Hidden a distinct flavor. These ingredients are enough to make the purchase of their first album in two and a half years worthwhile. \nThe album begins with a little warm-up melody, which is understandable considering they've been away from each other for a year. The second track, "P'lod In the House," fully reassures you that you've made a wonderful purchase. The track features some impressive electric banjo work by Bela, not to mention some funky licks from electric bass player Victor Wooten. \nUp next is "Rococo," which is in the some style of earlier Flecktones tunes. It features an overall slower pace than the previous track and adds in an eclectic mix of flute and keyboards. My favorite track on the album, "Who's Got Three?," can almost lull me to sleep -- but in a good way. It just meanders along as if it's got no real intended direction, but it knows where it's supposed to end up. The track also features nice melodic clarinet styling by Flecktones' wind player Jeff Coffin.\nThe longest track of the album, "Weed Hacker," clocking in at 7:44, is my second favorite song. The song opens with a pedal distorted bass intro by Wooten that ends up leading the song the whole way. The song reminds me quite a bit of "Off the Top," a song on their previous album, Little Worlds. \nIt is difficult to place a genre heading on a band like the Flecktones. In many ways they are jazz musicians. However, it would not be unreasonable to throw in fusion, bluegrass, bop, and blues into the list of influences. Whatever you might call them, I do know that I will continue to purchase any album that this band produces. The Hidden Land may not be a masterpiece for them, but it is a sensational album nonetheless.