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Victor Wooten

Victor Wooten redefines the word musician. Regaled as the most influential bassist since Jaco Pastorius, Victor is known for his solo recordings and tours, and as a member of the Grammy-winning supergroup, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones. He is an innovator on the bass guitar, as well as a talented composer, arranger, producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. But those gifts only begin to tell the tale of this Tennessee titan.

Victor is the loving husband and devoted father of four; the youngest sibling of the amazing Wooten brothers (Regi, Roy, Rudy and Joseph), and the bassist in their famed family band; the student in the martial art of Wing Chun and the nature survival skill of Tracking; the teacher of dozens of bass players at his acclaimed annual Bass & Nature camp; and the master magician.

Victor Lemonte Wooten got to music early, growing up in a military family in which his older brothers all played and sang. By the time he was 3, Victor was being taught bass by his oldest brother Regi, and at age 5 he was performing professionally with the Wooten Brothers Band. He recalls, “My parents and brothers were the foundation. They prepared me for anything by teaching me to keep my mind open and learn to adapt.” Working their way east from Sacramento, the band played countless clubs and eventually opened concerts for Curtis Mayfield and War.

Victor was influenced by bass mentors, Stanley Clarke, Larry Graham and Bootsy Collins, while learning about the music business at a wildly accelerated pace. By the early ’80s, with the family settled in Newport News, Virginia, the brothers became mainstays at Busch Gardens theme park in nearby Williamsburg, making numerous connections with musicians in Nashville and New York.

In 1988 Victor moved to Nashville, where he worked with singer Jonell Mosser and met New Grass Revival banjo ace Béla Fleck. A year later, Fleck enlisted Vic, his brother Roy (a.k.a. Future Man) and harmonica-playing keyboardist Howard Levy to perform with him, and the Flecktones were born. After three highly successful albums, Levy departed in 1993, and the band’s new trio format enabled Victor to develop and display a staggering array of fingerboard skills that turned him into a bass hero of Pastorian-proportions and helped earn the band a Grammy.

With the Flecktones in full flight, Victor set his sights on a solo career, first forming Bass Extremes with fellow low-end lord Steve Bailey (leading to an instructional book/CD and two CDs, to date), and finally releasing his critically-acclaimed solo debut, A Show of Hands, in 1996. Soon after, Vic took his solo show on the road with drummer J.D. Blair. Momentum and accolades built with successive tours and the release of What Did He Say? in 1997, the Grammy-nominated Yin-Yang in 1999 and the double CD, Live In America in 2001.

Wooten won two Nashville Music Awards for Bassist Of The Year and is the only three-time winner of Bass Player magazine’s Bass Player Of The Year. With the honors came sideman calls, leading to recordings and performances with artists like Branford Marsalis, Mike Stern, Bruce Hornsby, Chick Corea, Dave Matthews, Prince, Gov’t Mule, Susan Tedeschi, Vital Tech Tones (with Scott Henderson and Steve Smith), the Jaco Pastorius Word Of Mouth Big Band, and the soundtrack of the Disney film Country Bears.

Fresh off sold-out tours with the Flecktones and Bass Extremes (with Bailey, Watson and Oteil Burbridge) in 2004, Victor is re-focusing on his solo side in 2005 thanks to a remarkable new CD, his Vanguard Records debut, Soul Circus. A three-ring affair, the disc boasts such guests as the Wooten brothers, Bootsy Collins, Arrested Development rapper/vocalist Speech, Howard Levy, Dennis Chambers, Saundra Williams, J.D. Blair, Derico Watson, Flecktone Jeff Coffin, and a who’s-who of bassists, including Bailey, Burbridge, Will Lee, Rhonda Smith, Christian McBride, T.M. Stevens, Bill Dickens and Gary Grainger.

On Soul Circus, Victor performs his usual high-wire act on a bevy of basses, but the real ringmaster here is his collection of songs: The poignant “Prayer” and Prince-charged flipside “Natives” provide a thought-provoking look at our native Americans. The epic “Bass Tribute” pays homage to great thumpers past and present. “On and On” is an instant soul classic. “Cell Phone” makes a chuckle-filled, cutting-edge connection. “Higher Law” stands as a stadium-ready, rock-funk protest anthem in the best Sly Stone tradition. “Back to India” currys up simmering musical flavors. And the hip hop/jazz title track marks the sonic coming-out of the long-rumored eight-armed character seen on the CD’s cover and in the liner notes: Yes, Virginia (and the rest of the world), there is a funktopus!

Victor Wooten has the rare ability to continuously raise the bar, always growing as an artist, and he’s excited to have joined the Vanguard roster with the release of Soul Circus.
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Bela Fleck: Rhapsody In Blue

Read "Rhapsody In Blue" reviewed by Doug Collette

by Doug Collette
February 12, 2024

It's a long way from India to Broadway, but Bela Fleck makes the journey in high style for Rhapsody in Blue. It follows the altogether exotic As We Speak (Thirty Tigers, 2023), the combination of which further a case for the banjoist/composer/bandleader as an eclectic musical explorer comparable to Pat Metheny. Beginning in the slow-but-sure, occasionally fitful way this album's concept came together, “Rhapsody in Blue (grass)" features seemingly conventional banjo voicings alternated with George Gershwin's inimitable progressions. ...

Liner Notes

Bass Extremes: S'Low Down

by Chris Jisi
January 27, 2023

Thirty years ago, a simple pairing changed the trajectory of bass. Steve Bailey and Victor Wooten, bonded by their mutual fretboard wizardry, sharp wit, and teaching philosophies, formed Bass Extremes, and the instrument and its community were forever transformed. The concept was quite ambitious. Steve was a rapidly ascending anchor for Dizzy Gillespie, Paquito D'Rivera and the Rippingtons, who had found his voice on the 6-string fretless bass and was taking the instrument to uncharted heights, with a soon to ...

Album Review

Rob Silverman: Drumology Volume 3

Read "Drumology Volume 3" reviewed by Jim Worsley

by Jim Worsley
November 17, 2022

The beat goes on. Yes, that was a big hit for Sonny & Cher back in 1967. However, here it references the third volume of drummer Rob Silverman's Drumology series. The formula seems to be working, so why not keep pounding them out? Again all proceeds go to the Neil Peart Fund for brain cancer research at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. And the core band stays intact, with Silverman being joined by brother Michael Silverman on piano and keyboards, bassist Larry ...

Radio & Podcasts

Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, The Zawinul Syndicate, Sixun and Allan Holdsworth

by Len Davis
December 5, 2021

Victor Wooten Live In America, The Zawinul Syndicate, Sixun, Uzeb Live in Bracknell and Allan Holdsworth. Playlist Victor Wooten “Miller Time" fromLive In America (Compass) 00:00 The Zawinul Syndicate “King Hip" from Immigrants (Columbia) 08:04 Sixun “Ali Go Go" from Nomads Land (Universal) 15:54 Uzeb “New Funk" from Live In Bracknell (Norac) 23:44 Larry Coryell-Tom Coster-Steve Smith “Night Visitors" from Cause And Effect (Tone Centre) 31:50 CAB"Jaco Rocco Circus" from Theatre De Marionettes (Self Produced) 39:46 Allan Holdsworth ...

Book Review

The Spirit of Music: The Lesson Continues

by Doug Collette
July 3, 2021

The Spirit of Music: The Lesson Continues Victor Wooten 368 Pages ISBN: 978-0593081662 Vintage Books 2021 When he is on stage with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Victor Wooten radiates such an earnest persona, it's easy to forgive him for the flash and flamboyance he displays in his solo spots. Likewise when he writes, his passion so thoroughly infuses his somewhat fatuous concepts, it is only his execution that sometimes comes into ...

Live Review

The Victor Wooten Trio at The Ardmore Music Hall

by Mike Jacobs
March 14, 2017

The Victor Wooten Trio The Ardmore Music Hall Ardmore PA March 4, 2017 Bass innovator Victor Wooten may not quite be a household name, but he's pretty well known as instrumentalists go. This is attributable to his talents, yes, but also to the many different types of projects in which his talents have been presented over the years. From the unique crossover spacegrass / jazz / jam band appeal of Bela Fleck ...

Film Review

Victor Wooten and Carter Beauford: Making Music

by Anton Rasmussen
November 29, 2013

Victor Wooten & Carter Beauford Making Music Hudson Music 2002 One of my favorite VHS tapes in High School around 14 years ago was the Hudson Music recording called Making Music, featuring Carter Beauford and Victor Wooten. This recording is still available from Hudson Music and, as of 2002, the film contains over 90 minutes of bonus footage. When Carter Beauford was two, he started playing drums. He was so young that when ...

Performance / Tour

Jazz this week: The Thing, Denise Thimes, Charlie Hunter, Victor Wooten Trio, and more

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
March 21, 2018

This week's calendar of live jazz and creative music in St. Louis features several stellar singers; the local debut of an esteemed free jazz trio; some straight-up bebop; funky sounds from New Orleans, California, and beyond; and more. Let's go to the highlights... Wednesday, March 21 Singer Brian Owens will performs for the first of two nights at Jazz at the Bistro, revisiting some of the jazz material he did earlier in his career, with backing from pianist Adam Maness' ...
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Video / DVD

StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: Victor Wooten Trio's Trypnotyx

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
March 17, 2018

Today, let's check out some videos of the Victor Wooten Trio, who are coming to St. Louis to perform Tuesday, March 27 at the Old Rock House. Featuring Wooten on bass, Dennis Chambers on drums, and Bob Franceschini on tenor sax, the group is touring in support of their latest album Trypnotyx, which was released last September. The album feature 14 tracks of original material, with Wooten and Franceschini augmenting their instruments with various electronics to expand the sound, plus ...
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Video / DVD

StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: The Wooten Brothers keep it in the family

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
June 17, 2017

This week, let's check out some videos featuring the Wooten Brothers, who are coming to St. Louis to perform next Saturday, June 24 at the Chesterfield Jazz Festival, headlining a bill that also will include Bach to the Future with Tracy Silverman, Anita Jackson, Soul Cafe, and Kim Fuller & Maurice Carnes. The band includes bassist Victor Wooten, the youngest of the four brothers, and drummer Roy “Futureman" Wooten, who are best known as half of banjo player Béla Fleck's ...
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Performance / Tour

Jazz this week: Emmet Cohen, Madeleine Peyroux, Victor Wooten, and more

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
March 23, 2017

This week's calendar of jazz and creative music in St. Louis includes the local debut of a promising young pianist, a festival of student big bands, return appearances from a jazz-influenced singer and a virtuoso electric bassist, and more. Let's go to the highlights... Wednesday, March 22 The NYC-based pianist Emmet Cohen will perform at the Curtain Call Lounge with his trio, which customarily features bassist Russell Hall, of the house band on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and ...
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Festival

Mike Stern And Victor Wooten For Sligo Jazz Project, 16-21 July

Source: Ian Patterson
July 8, 2013

The Sligo Jazz Project returns for its eighth edition from the 16th to 21st July. The SJP is unique among jazz festivals in Ireland in that it combines a summer school and full festival programme. This year, SJP welcomes former Miles Davis guitarist Mike Stern, pianist Kenny Werner and two of the greatest contemporary electric bassists - Bela Fleck bass phenomenon Victor Wooten and Janek Gwizdala. Stern and Wooten combine in a mouthwatering fusion band on Tuesday 16th with saxophonist ...
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Performance / Tour

Victor Wooten, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks Coming in July to Old Rock House

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman
April 22, 2012

The Old Rock House on Friday announced two shows scheduled for July that may be of potential interest to local jazz listeners: Bassist Victor Wooten, who was just here last month to play the Sheldon with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, will perform at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 5 at ORH. Wooten's most recent CD as a leader, Palmystery, came out back in 2008. He last played St. Louis with his own group in 2009 at The Pageant. The following ...
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Education

Music.Nature Camps at Victor Wooten's Wooten Woods

Source: JamBase
August 23, 2011

FLECKTONES MAGICIAN EDUCATES NEXT GENERATION Five-time Grammy winning bassist Victor Wooten will continue hosting a series of educational music and nature camps in late summer and fall at his own Wooten Woods, which is located just an hour outside of Nashville. Wooten Woods is a newly built camp/retreat and private event center located in Only, TN, resting on 150 acres along the bank of the beautiful Duck River. The facility has multiple large buildings for special events and instruction, an1018 ...
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Education

Five-Time Grammy Award-Winning Bassist Victor Wooten Teams with Béla Fleck for Master Class at Berklee, April 6-8

Source: Berklee Public Relations
March 29, 2011

Teams with Béla Fleck for Master Class, April 6 Delivers Keynote at Berklee's 17th Annual Liberal Arts Symposium, April 8 Boston, MA—From April 6 to 8, five-time Grammy Award-winning bassist Victor Wooten will be in residence at Berklee College of Music. April 6, Wooten will team up with banjo great and Flecktones band mate Béla Fleck for a master class, and on April 8 he will deliver the keynote at Berklee's 17th Annual Liberal Arts Symposium. These events are not ...
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Education

Aguilar Amplification announces Bass Master Class with Anthony Wellington (Victor Wooten band)

Source: Marco Passarelli
January 28, 2011

Anthony Wellington (Victor Wooten band) will be returning to NYC for a second Aguilar Artist Series Master Class. Attendees will also get to play through the new Tone Hammer 500 amp and the SL 112 and SL 410 cabinets, which made a successful launch at this year's winter NAMM show. The class, to be held on Tuesday February 8th, 2011 at 7 pm, will feature Wellington in an intimate setting, sharing the knowledge that has made him one of the ...
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Performance / Tour

Victor Wooten - New CD & Book-Release Tour @ The Keswick Theatre on April 1, 2008

Source: All About Jazz
March 10, 2008

Touring in support of his forthcoming new album, Palmystery, Flecktones bass virtuoso VICTOR WOOTEN performs at Glenside's Keswick Theatre on the same day as the album's worldwide release, Tues., Apr. 1 @ 7:30 PM.

Regarded as one of the most influential bassists since Stanley Clarke and the late Jaco Pastorius, WOOTEN is known for his solo recordings and tours, and as a member of the GRAMMY-winning supergroup, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones. WOOTEN's sense of creative exploration has fueled a ...
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