The Hippo Suite - Belá Fleck and the Flecktones Homage

[jcub]

I saw Belá Fleck and the Flecktones last week for an incredible show - I have been a fan for decades. The reason I even heard of the Zendrum and started playing it was due to Roy “Futureman” Wooten.

Victor Wooten is a generally inspiring musician and teaches, and one of the best bass players of all time.

Howard Levy (keyboards/harmonica) sadly did not tour this time due to health issues (Jeff Coffin a former member played saxophone).

Sierra Hull also made a guest appearance on mandolin and was amazing.

Belá Fleck has redefined the banjo - last year I saw him play Rhapsody in Blue on a four string violin from beginning to end.

These pieces were inspired by the show. I used virtual banjo and bass (a Fodera sample library) played in real time on LinnStrument, piano, and Zendrum. The Hippo reference comes from their album/song Flight of the Cosmic Hippo.

https://soundcloud.com/jeremycubert/the-hippo-tenus

https://soundcloud.com/jeremycubert/hippo-campus

[wagtunes]

Listened to the first one. Wow, that's one in your face mix. I love it. What synths and/or keyboards, guitars, etc. did you use for this track?

[jcub]

Thanks! The banjo is Evolution Bluegrass Banjo from Orange Tree Samples (played on LinnStrument). The bass is from Ample Sound (AY Bass) which is sampled from a Fodera Ying Yang. Piano is Modarrt Pianoteq 9 - a custom Yamaha preset. The drums are from Toontrack’s relatively new Jazz SDX - it has really nice cymbal samples. The drums were played on a Zendrum.

[aaron aardvark]

jcub,
Listening to Hippo-tenus: I have heard of the Flecktones, but not very familiar with them. Banjo sounds pretty real; not sure I have heard banjo in a song with this style of jazz (not counting Dixieland or New Orleans-type jazz). The nice sounding piano gives it the jazzy sound for me; my favorite part of the song. Sounds like you put a lot of time into this. Nice song and recording! I will be posting a song before long; perhaps you can check it out.

[enroe]

Indeed, the banjo takes center stage. It fits in perfectly. Crucially for the groove,
I notice the relatively even bass playing. A beautiful, melodic, and inspiring almost
polyphonic song!

[jcub]

jcub,
Listening to Hippo-tenus: I have heard of the Flecktones, but not very familiar with them. Banjo sounds pretty real; not sure I have heard banjo in a song with this style of jazz (not counting Dixieland or New Orleans-type jazz). The nice sounding piano gives it the jazzy sound for me; my favorite part of the song. Sounds like you put a lot of time into this. Nice song and recording! I will be posting a song before long; perhaps you can check it out.

Thanks for the listen. The Flecktones are worth checking out - crazy talented with a sense of humor. Stylistically, they cover a lot of ground from rock to jazz to classical and bluegrass.

[jcub]

Indeed, the banjo takes center stage. It fits in perfectly. Crucially for the groove,
I notice the relatively even bass playing. A beautiful, melodic, and inspiring almost
polyphonic song!

Thank you! I tried to keep some elements more “locked in” than others.

[CrystalWizard]

I have seen them at least 20 times. They often did 4 nite runs at the Bottom Line or simiiar spots, Always great.
This tune really has the flavor. Sometimes they were busier. Either way i liked it.

[jcub]

I have seen them at least 20 times. They often did 4 nite runs at the Bottom Line or simiiar spots, Always great.
This tune really has the flavor. Sometimes they were busier. Either way i liked it.

They are amazing live - I have probably seen them the same number of times over the years.

[jwnicholson]

I love Bela Fleck and I fell like you captured their essence. Love the jazzy chord progressions.
jeff

[ecamburn]

I've only seen them twice, but agree with others that you've captured the flavor nicely. Even Victor Wooten's deep, growly meandering bass. I really dug the part starting around 1:40 where things get a little jammy. Dug it

[jcub]

I love Bela Fleck and I fell like you captured their essence. Love the jazzy chord progressions.
jeff

Thank you! They are very inspirational.

[jcub]

I've only seen them twice, but agree with others that you've captured the flavor nicely. Even Victor Wooten's deep, growly meandering bass. I really dug the part starting around 1:40 where things get a little jammy. Dug it

Thank you! I played the part (mostly improvised) on the LinnStrument using an Ample Sound Fodera bass sample library. I have an NS Stick and Harpejji bass but the sample library got closer to his sound. My bass player buddy just bought a Fodera and I am looking forward to checking it out in person.