4.5 of 5 stars
Though the concert featured three artists who are each influential in their fields, Sunday’s performance rose above their individual solos to create a unique listening experience.
While many came to see a particular performer, they left impressed with all three: banjoist Béla Fleck, bassist Edgar Meyer and tabla player Zakir Hussain.
The sold-out concert audience, composed of a mix of community residents and students, buzzed with excitement even before the show started.
Audience members were treated to a preview of sorts as they entered Memorial Hall for the Carolina Performing Arts show, where a group of musicians, including one on the tabla, played in the lobby.
The rhythm of the tabla synced with the rhythm of the feet of those who began to enter the auditorium.
You could immediately tell that these musicians cared immensely about their craft — you could see it in their eyes.
Throughout the performance there was constant eye contact between Hussain and Fleck, while Meyer kept his eyes closed in concentration most of the time.
From the fast riffs of Fleck to the grace with which Meyer played across the whole range of the bass to the speed with which Hussain’s fingers flew across the drumheads, their talent was undeniable.
Fleck played some fan favorites, including a song from his band the Flecktones. Though the song was familiar, it took on new sound because of the new combo of instruments.
He even had his own time to shine with a beautiful bluegrass solo on his banjo dubbed “Super 400 aka Excalibur.”
Many were especially impressed by Hussain’s talent at the tabla. The drums are played with all of the fingers on each hand, and by the slightest difference in touch, create a multitude of sounds.
Hussain made the audience laugh on many an occasion.
He even admitted, “I’m just fooling around,” as he was finishing up tuning. During toe-tapping drum solos, he played both the “Pink Panther” theme and the William Tell Overture at points.
Though the concert was very different, everyone could connect to the sound and could feel the rhythm within.
Contact the Arts Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu.
