These international musicians may have had individual fans who came out this night, but it was the amazing blending of the rhythms and the unique way each artist wove their musical influences throughout the night that made this evening special. 

The musicians in the original trio all come from a different base — bluegrass for Fleck, Indian classical music for Hussain, and Western classical music for Meyer. But they share an interest and proficiency in improvisation and the vision of making their music a conversation – with all the ease and flow they demonstrated this night. Adding to the enchantment of the evening was Rakesh Chaurasia, who Hussain knew and who the trio invited to join the group when they toured in India. 

“When we are performing on stage, in composing mode or creating mode, we are basically having a conversation,” says Hussain, of his bandmates, Fleck, Meyer, and Chaurasia. “So the music emerges as we speak.” This quote and the quote below from an earlier published interview was reinforced in comments on stage as well.  With the release of their album As We Speak in May, much of the music the ensemble performed was from the album, opening the second set with “Rickety Karma” written by the trio, “Owl’s Misfortune” written by Fleck, and “Motion” written by Meyer. 

All Photos ©Mark Sheldon  Words©2023 Lin Frauenhoff