Three Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest

by Dan CrossThose who have enjoyed earlier Béla Fleck & the Flecktones recordings will not be disappointed with Three Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest. The Flecktones have stuck with the formula that made their previous records successful: complex, tight grooves wrapped in a very musical, user-friendly package. The Flecktones still suffer from the departure of keyboardist/chromatic harmonica player Howard Levy, who provided the band with needed additional musical colors and textures. Guest appearances by Bruce Hornsby (no vocals) and Branford Marsalis help fill this void. As always, the musicianship is excellent, and all players involved have ample space with which to display their virtuosity.