Paul Simon famously traveled to South Africa to record “Graceland,” the Grammy-winning conflation of his song stylings with that of the country’s pre-eminent musicians.
Lesser known musician Bela Fleck, a banjo virtuoso and Grammy winner in his own right, charts a similar course in the new documentary “Bela Fleck: Throw Down Your Heart.”
The film, out Nov. 3 on DVD, tracks Fleck as he travels to several African countries.
People may think the banjo hails from the south, but his cherished instrument actually hails from an Africa instrument.
But Fleck’s journey ultimately feels more like a remarkable home movie rather than an illuminating peek into the countries to which he pays a visit.
Bela Fleck (pronounced BAYla) packed up some musical equipment and a modest entourage to visit musicians in Uganda, Tanzania, The Gambia, and Mali.
We’re treated to some wonderful jam sessions, organic and spirited affairs which find Fleck blending smoothly with musicians whose work appears nothing like his own.
The African artists quickly open up to their guest, brimming with selfless joy at the chance to share their gifts with others.
That warmth and generosity is a far cry from the images we normally get from the continent – where headlines about civil war, AIDS and greed overwhelm more positive narratives.
But afte we’ve absorbed the beautiful backdrops and watched Fleck blend in with his musical peers, the documentary loses focus. Fleck, for all his musical talent and warm intentions, is a bit bland to anchor the film.
Director Sascha Paladino might have served us better by expanding into the area’s conflicts in order to deepen our understanding – and appreciation – of their music.
Still, many of the musical sequences are unlike any you’ve seen before, and the way the disparate music forms merge proves an unabashed triumph.
(Photo: Banjo player Bela Fleck traveled to Africa to play with the country’s best musicians in “Bela Fleck: Throw Down Your Heart.”/Argot Pictures)
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Anyone who shares their gift of music to others has a true love for music and is generous as well.