Béla Fleck Redefines Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with Banjo

Béla Fleck, renowned for his mastery on the banjo, has taken the classic George Gershwin piece Rhapsody in Blue and reinterpreted it through the lens of his instrument. As Gershwin's work approaches its 100th anniversary, Fleck celebrates this milestone by releasing an album on February 12, coinciding with the centennial of the composition's original premiere at Aeolian Hall in New York City.

An Ambitious Trio of Interpretations

The album presents three distinct takes on Rhapsody in Blue: a bluegrass version '(Rhapsody in Blue(grass))', a blues interpretation '(Rhapsody in Blue(s))', and a classic orchestral rendition with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Eric Jacobson, where the piano is replaced with Fleck's banjo. Alongside these, the album offerings include Gershwin's Rialto Ripples and the recording debut of an unpublished Gershwin composition titled Unidentified Piece for Banjo, uncovered at the Library of Congress.

Exploring Ragtime and Blues

Fleck's initial skepticism about a bluegrass adaptation of Gershwin's piece turned into a creative challenge that resulted in a sound he is pleased with. For this, he collaborated with his Grammy-winning My Bluegrass Heart band members. The blues interpretation brought together his seasoned colleagues, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and Victor Wooten, adding further depth and variation to the project.

The extra track, Rialto Ripples, is a ragtime piece that Gershwin initially saw flop in 1916. Fleck's take on this lesser-known work exemplifies his skill and respects the original composition's spirit. He aims to pay tribute to Gershwin, hoping that the late composer would have appreciated the new dimension added to his creations.

banjo, Gershwin, centennial