BEE SPEED: Bee Speed

Bee Speed

Bee Speed

© 2004 bee speed (628740746424)

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Bee Speed is an instrumental trio featuring electric banjo, bass and drums. The debut album "fuses elements of jazz, bluegrass, and world music into a distinct and eclectic sound." (Modern Drummer)

tracks

1 Radio Bean
2 Gravelyard
3 Spain
4 Darlin Corey
5 Red Baron
6 The Visitor
7 Dusk
8 Blackberry Blossom
9 Ground Speed
10 Black Muddy River
11 Tropicalia
12 La Maddalena
13 Behold the Turtle
14 Southern Lights

notes

Electric banjo player Charles Butler, bassist Christian Grizzard and drummer Justin Amaral were all drawn to Nashville at different times by a search for better music. When the three eventually met and played together there was a connection from beat one, and Bee Speed was soon formed.

Having released a debut CD in early 2005, Bee Speed is currently playing around the Southeast and is gearing up to record a second CD in 2006. Fans and critics of almost every genre have been praising this genre-bending band, including Bassics, Modern Drummer and Banjo Newsletter magazines. Shake Magazine writes: "Bee Speed is unlike any other group out there. This interesting trio features electric banjo as lead instrument alongside a solid as stone rhythm section of Christian Grizzard on bass and Justin Amaral on drums. Charles Butler is moving the banjo into new territory not even traversed by the like of Bela Fleck. He plays electric guitar riffs and finds a multitude of different tonal approaches on banjo to an extent where the listener forgets what instrumentation is making this fine music."

reviews

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  • cool album
    author: Tony B.

    this album is cool because it's very experimental. the banjo playing is awesome. plus there is a solo bass track which is also very cool. i recomend

  • electric banjo bliss
    author: Shelly P. Murphy

    I don't know how this band arrived at their present sound, but it is something very special. How does a group go from an amazingly articulate version of Chick Corea's fusion classic "Spain" into a down and dirty version of the traditional bluegrass song "Darlin' Corey", and still make it sound like they belong on the same CD? That's one of the many ponderous questions spinning around in my mind about the music of Bee Speed. I wish I lived closer to Nashville so that I could see them perform this music live.

  • An amazing recording
    author: Lila Hennesy

    I first encountered Bee Speed at an art opening in Franklin, TN, where they were providing very tasteful background music for the event. Having been thoroughly impressed and intrigued by the music, I decided to pick up this CD. It is a very amazing recording. Turns out, what they had played live that day was just the tip of the iceberg. The CD features explorations of numerous styles including latin jazz, rock & roll and bluegrass, all of which sound completely organic and comfortable. This may be the most versatile band I have ever heard.

  • very interesting sound
    author: Danny Cuspicio

    I was amazed by two things about this CD: the fearless innovation and the astounding technique. Jazz, bluegrass and latin music are all seamlessly encompassed, and the thing rocks. Hopefully Bee Speed will continue on this very unique journey.

  • Blurring the lines of traditional bluegrass and jazz
    author: Ryan Westbrook

    After only one listen to Bee Speed's debut release, it is evident that this CD is only a glimpse into a very bright and longlasting future for a group of super-talented musicians. Not many bands can compile 14 tracks of genre- bending music in a manner cohesive enough to hold the listeners attention, especially on their first release, but Bee Speed has done it with exceptional grace and prowess. From the first track, "Radio Bean," its evident that these guys have thrown out the rulebook on Jazz and Bluegrass, marrying them with each other, while cross-polinating tradition with innovation and originality. Each player adds just the right amount of pollen to the honey without overindulging in their own sweetness (which each member is completely capable of doing, as showcased in various solo sections and instrumental tracks throughout the record). Bee Speed's interpretations of Billy Cobham's "Red Baron" and especially Chick Corea's "Spain" show that while doing things their own way, these guys have also done their homework on the roots of each style they incorporate. If you're a fan of non-traditional bluegrass or jazz, or even jam band music, you'll certainly find what you're looking for in this record. Buy it today. you won't be sorry!

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