http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9a4ThBNacY
(my edublogs site is currently messing around with embed codes so you have to click the link above).
Bass guitar is an instrument ideally suited for playing chord roots and helping the drummer keep time. But it’s nice to see someone think outside the box and take the instrument to new levels. I’ve seen Victor Wooten live and he strikes me as a very warm, genuine person who never met a stranger. No wonder he’s among the top dogs, not only in Nashville, but around the world.
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Man, that’s just very musical. A lot of guys that have athletic technical ability seem to only demonstrate prowess. I think that Jaco, when he came out, redefined the instrument. That doesn’t happen very often and, when it does, you see technically gifted players come along, one after another, that emulate the notion of breaking down the walls of the fortress with more chops.
I don’t get that from this guy. There are some serious things going on here. When he puts right hand on fretboard, he isn’t chasing faster triplets he’s using quartile harmony in the manner of Jim Hall, Bill Evans, DeBussy and the like.
Thanks for the comments; I’m glad you liked it. Victor’s brother is Futureman (drummer with Bela Fleck); there’s another person thinking outside the box…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFzZXvivo4c
(Clip is of Bela Fleck’s band w/ Victor on bass; — Roy “Futureman” Wooten plays a guitar-shaped percussion controller).
Years ago, my Nashville spies told me of The Wooten Brothers Band, and spoke highly of them. I know of at least one more brother that plays (guitar). Did you ever get to see them?
Yes, I saw all of them except for Futureman; he was out on another tour. Whole lotta improvising going on! It was a small club (3rd and Lindsley) in downtown Nashville…it was the best $5 cover I ever spent. Victor does an “Amazing Grace” rendition that knocked my socks off. You can really hear the gospel influence in his family. Regi Wooten plays guitar, Joseph Wooten plays keyboards, Rudy Wooten plays sax and they all sing. They’re all amazing.
That sounds right in line with what I heard there, J.
What can I say? I’ve always liked when the bass has audible notes instead of being just a low-end rumbling… Perhaps this is a little more than I typically want in a song though!
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