Description
'Across the Imaginary Divide' is a compelling collaboration between banjo player Bela Fleck and the Marcus Roberts Trio. Bela Fleck is regarded as one of the most innovative and technically proficient banjo players in the world and has made dozens of recordings ranging from bluegrass, folk, classical, jazz to world music. This outing however, is definitely a jazz album - it may be difficult to imagine a swinging banjo, but Fleck really makes it happen on all 12 of the tracks written by Marcus Roberts and himself.
The project came together following a chance meeting at the Savannah Music Festival that Bela was attending as a fan of Marcus. He was soon invited on stage and following a successful jam, a concert at the same festival was arranged a year later and that progressed into a recording session and 'Across the Imaginary Divide'.
The Marcus Roberts Trio is known for its virtuosic style - a style that is strongly rhythmic, melodic, and filled with dynamic contrast. The group was founded in 1995, and they are known around the world for their signature trio style. Béla Fleck is often considered the premier banjo player in the world. He has virtually reinvented the image and the sound of the banjo through a remarkable performing and recording career that has taken him all over the musical map and on a range of solo projects and collaborations.
Personnel: Béla Fleck (banjo), Marcus Roberts (piano), Rodney Jordan (bass), Jason Marsalis (drums)