Béla Fleck Shares Live “Strider” with Sierra Hull and Molly Tuttle in Conjunction with Release of ‘Live Heart: My Bluegrass Heart at the Ryman’

Béla Fleck has officially released a live recording titled 'Live Heart: My Bluegrass Heart at the Ryman,' capturing a vibrant January 2022 performance at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium. This triple-vinyl set documents a concert that brought together a stellar lineup of bluegrass musicians, many of whom contributed to Fleck’s celebrated studio album 'My Bluegrass Heart.' This album had previously earned the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album, underscoring the significance of the live performance.

The concert featured an ensemble of prominent artists from the bluegrass and acoustic music scene. Among those sharing the stage were mandolin virtuoso Sam Bush, fiddler Michael Cleveland, Dobro master Jerry Douglas, and fiddle legend Stuart Duncan. Vocalist and mandolin player Sierra Hull and guitarist Molly Tuttle also joined Fleck for the event, contributing to the dynamic interplay that characterized the evening. Other notable musicians included bassist Edgar Meyer, multi-instrumentalist Justin Moses, bassist Mark Schatz, guitar phenom Billy Strings, guitarist Bryan Sutton, and banjo player Tony Trischka.

Though Chris Thile was unable to attend due to severe weather conditions on the East Coast, the rest of the ensemble managed to convene and deliver an energetic and memorable performance. This gathering of accomplished artists highlighted the collaborative spirit that defines Fleck’s work and the broader bluegrass community.

To complement the album release, Fleck has shared a live video of his original tune "Strider," featuring vocal and instrumental contributions from Sierra Hull and Molly Tuttle. This performance offers fans a glimpse into the chemistry and musicianship that defined the Ryman concert.

In addition to this release, Béla Fleck is actively touring with the My Bluegrass Heart band. The schedule includes a noteworthy upcoming date at New York’s Carnegie Hall on December 3, where Fleck will perform alongside renowned soprano Renée Fleming and singer Aoife O’Donovan. This event supports their collaborative project 'The Fiddle and the Drum,' showcasing Fleck’s versatility across musical genres.

The tour itinerary also spans a variety of venues across the United States and Canada, reflecting Fleck’s ongoing commitment to live performance and grassroots engagement. Early November dates include stops in Stoughton, Wisconsin; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Indianapolis, Indiana; Royal Oak, Michigan; and Toronto, Ontario. Mid-November and December shows are scheduled in Philadelphia, Charlottesville, Northampton, Ithaca, and Munhall, Pennsylvania, among others.

'Live Heart: My Bluegrass Heart at the Ryman' not only documents a significant moment in Fleck’s career but also serves as a testament to the collaborative energy and technical brilliance that define contemporary bluegrass music. The album captures a live experience where established artists converge to reinterpret and breathe new life into Fleck’s compositions, providing listeners with a rich, authentic musical journey.

This release adds another chapter to Béla Fleck’s extensive and innovative career, highlighting his role in bridging traditional bluegrass with broader musical explorations. The live recording is now available for audiences eager to experience the synergy of these accomplished musicians in a historic performance setting.