Courtesy of Victor Wooten Com
By Thomas Semioli
“Any good bassist’s first task is to help make your group sound better.”
He is considered the “Michael Jordan” of the instrument! An author, composer, educator, entrepreneur, recording artist, and founding member of the groundbreaking blu-bop (as in bluegrass and be-bop) ensemble Bela Fleck and the Flecktones- Victor Lemonte Wooten is recognized as one of the world’s preeminent electric bassists.
Inspired by Larry Graham, Bootsy, Stanley Clarke, and Willie Weeks – Wooten’s command of numerous bass techniques along with his signature double-thumb method is unparalleled.
Born to military parents who were constantly relocating during his youth, Victor’s siblings were all musicians – and they needed a bass player. Hence at the age of 2, young Victor was on the bandstand with his brothers before he could sit up straight in a chair. Wooten is quick to emphasize the diversity of 1960s radio stations, the support of his mom and dad, and his brothers ability to play music in a wide array of genres and styles to be among his most important influences.
In addition to his work as a performer and recording artist, Victor is a prolific educator. He founded Bass/Nature Camp in 2000, which morphed into Victor Wooten’s Center for Music and Nature. Wooten is also an instructor at the Victor Wooten/Berklee Summer Bass Workshops in Boston along with bassist Steve Bailey.
Victor favors Fodera basses, including his signature model. A multi-instrumentalist and upright player, Wooten is also a cellist and will occasionally perform on the instrument with the Flecktones.
Victor Wooten Sound & Vision:
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones:
With SMV (Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten) Live 2009 https://youtu.be/p2A1JuPUHlE
Solo Victor: