Bela Fleck & The Flecktones In Montreal In 1998

The big news of the day thus far has been the return of Bela Fleck & The Flecktones. While the band has been on hiatus since 2012, they will perform at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in June. We’re hopeful more dates are in the works. This week’s Full Show Friday features a 1998 performance from the group in honor of their upcoming reunion.

It appears 2016 Bela Fleck & The Flecktones shows will find the banjoist joined by founding members Victor Wooten, Future Man and Howard Levy. The longest running lineup of the group featured Bela, Future Man, Victor and saxophonist Jeff Coffin. This incredible lineup performed at the Montreal Jazz Festival on July 4, 1998 and most of the set was aired on cable television. Bela Fleck & The Flecktones opened with a gorgeous version of perhaps their signature tune, “Big Country,” and the portion of the set broadcast also contained the foursome’s takes on “Sojourn Of Arjuna,” “Let Me Be The One,” “Flight Of The Cosmic Hippo” and “Sinister Minister.” Sure, the footage below isn’t a full show, but it’s close enough. Take a look:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSJX1maRPPg

Big Country, Sojourn Of Arjuna, Let Me Be The One, Flight Of The Cosmic Hippo, Sinister Minister