When several established musicians from different bands and projects come together, they form what is known as an “all-star band” or “supergroup.” Cory Wong and Joe Dart (both from Vulfpeck), Mark Lettieri (Snarky Puppy), and the incredible Nate Smith (known for his work on many projects), who came together to form The Fearless Flyers, perpetuate the supergroup concept inherited from the 1960s and have cultivated their own fan base that extends beyond simply the sum of their respective fans. They have already achieved remarkable longevity for this type of collaboration, which is often short-lived.
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Personally, I already listened to Vulfpeck and Snarky Puppy before discovering The Fearless Flyers, and now it’s The Fearless Flyers that I listen to the most! And I’m not the only one: they’ve racked up millions of streams, released six studio albums and a live album, played sold-out concerts, and, most importantly, developed a look, sound, and stage presence that are instantly recognizable. Their trademark? A streamlined efficiency that is as present in their music as it is in their stage set-up: two guitars and a bass guitar perfectly aligned, flanked by a minimalist drum kit. This visual precision, along with their identical outfits, serves as a reminder that sometimes the simplest formulae are the most effective. Exclusively instrumental, driven by razor-sharp rhythms and an irresistible groove, The Fearless Flyers’ music is upbeat and energetic, positive and playful, sprinkled here and there with musical references and nods to other artists’ work.
Although they’re not ones to take themselves too seriously, the four musicians have more than proved themselves as references on their respective instruments. Among them are Cory Wong, a master of funk who has enjoyed great success as a solo artist, and Nate Smith, one of my favorite drummers — often cited as one of the best examples of a “pocket drummer” — who prioritizes precision and consistency over speed, raw energy, and complexity. A “pocket drummer” focuses on the essence of a song’s rhythm and lays down a solid foundation that keeps the musicians together, letting the emotional elements of the music come to the fore. Here’s a little test for you: if, when listening to a song, you get an irresistible urge to bob your head to the music, chances are you’re listening to a drummer who is using this exact technique!
To better understand this concept of “pocket-drumming” — a central element of The Fearless Flyers’ music — I would recommend listening to Introducing the Fearless Flyers, one of the band’s biggest hits that soared them into the stratosphere of funk!
Another great example is the end of I lost my treble long ago, during which Nate Smith single-handedly electrifies the crowd who begins to sing the main bass melody over his seemingly simple beat.
I’ll finish by adding that the beauty of this highly effective approach to groove is that it allows talented musicians like these four to showcase the full extent of their technique and creativity with mind-blowing solos such as those we are treated to in this concert at the 2022 Jazz à la Villette festival.
Nate Smith – drum solos:
Joe Dart – bass guitar solos:
