Interview with the legendary bassist, Victor Wooten

Hey fellow Groovehacker, Scott here...
I'm on holiday with the family right now (and LOVING it!), but, I really didn't want to skip a week and not send you anything... so, I thought I'd treat you to something I usually keep only for members of the membership here at SBL.
And, if you're already a member at SBL I'm sure it's been a while since you watched this, so you're going to love it too...
Just over a year ago, Victor Wooten swung by SBL Towers... and obviously we grabbed a camera and filmed an entire interview with him while he was here!
As you'd expect, he dropped some serious knowledge bombs such as;
- How he picked up the bass aged two and was playing live at the ripe
old age of six!
- How he was tutored by his four brothers, particularly his guitar-
playing brother Regi.
- How he learned to tap by listening to Stanley Jordan.
- About his collaboration with Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller under
the moniker of SMV
- And much, much more…
As always, see you in the shed...
Scott :)
-----------
PS. Don't forget that we've got over 70 more awesome interviews over on SBL! If you wanna check them out, just click here: bit.ly/2tNiTcs
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[@ZlatoyarBass]

Victor is just a diamond of planet Earth. Not only a great musician, but great Human too.

[@f.demascio1857]

Zlatoyar Kobb For real! He's so kind & chill. Uber talented.

[@keltoibard]

Realest man on the planet. Just an amazing interview.

[@nicolaihansen9300]

I saw your piece of music called Sounds of Gratitude. And Im considering buying a 6string bubinba, how would you say it differs from the thumb 6?

[@nicolaihansen9300]

Btw, its a beautiful piece. Regards from Nicolai

[@ZlatoyarBass]

Nicolai Hansen thank you very much! Are you decided to buy bubinga Corvette or bubinga Thumb? Anyway Thumb will have his special voice with any body wood config. Corvette has another voice, more common/classic, but it is very cool too. You have to try them to understand =)

[@citizenshipp4152]

12:47 Victor, age 11, hears Jaco's "Portrait of Tracy," says to himself, "I'm going to learn it tonight." Stays up all night. Learns it.

[@jeffjacobson59]

I’d still be awake 30 years later!! Lol!

[@juanignaciopozzi7412]

Did the same and i'm 1000% certain i learned less thab the Man

[@gd-lockc7618]

I’d be awake till I’m dead 🤣

[@eda.4145]

Did the same, sometimes it moves you

[@DrNinjar]

To be fair, he'd been playing bass for more than 7 years at that point.

[@enricocampbell6995]

I am from Nashville and me and my drummer at the time were taking a break from being in a recording session. We went to a place called Slice of Life, this is the place Victor is talking about in the interview. We saw him come in and set his gear up while we were sitting there eating. Once he plugged his bass in and i'm a bass player myself, me and my drummer literally stop eating and looked at him like, what in the world are you doing in here with a fish ball for tips. It was incredible , so I asked him If he gave technique lessons and he said come on by the house. Great musician, humble and down to earth.

[@jamesvaughn1715]

Victor is one of the greatest of all time, not only as a Great Musician, but a genuine great humble person. I became friends with him ,following him several years ago, on one of his Musician Sites. I texted him several times, knowing that he probably wouldn't even read them, and certainly not respond back to me. But to my surprise, Victor responded back to me on everyone I sent him , and even asked me about my playing skills. Victor sits up high, but he doesn't look down low, he tries to pull you up with encouragement.

[@ShadowT23]

I went to rehab in Nashville!

[@dampersand]

Imagine that this interview is the only experience you have with Victor Wooten. You've never heard a single note of his music, but only heard him talk here for 50 minutes. It would still be incredibly obvious that he is a master musician. That's a true mark of greatness.

[@unfunnydave5485]

That is true for me. I never heard of this man

[@thealeons3179]

This is me exactly and I'm super excited to listen to him play though I know I've heard him play on countless recordings I'm sure of it period and long live the Dorian 6th

[@justinrensel8518]

This guys humility is truly something to be admired

[@alexandernartey2617]

Yes he is

[@thomascordery7951]

The world is a better place for people like Victor Wooten. Off topic: imagine if all our political leaders were as mindful, thoughtful, humble and generous as this what this world would be like. What's wrong with us that we don't choose and promote people like that, and how do we fix it?

[@nmonye01]

The way that Reggie plays guitar blew my mind. His family is incredible muisians.

[@SteveHermeyer]

I hear ya. I only saw one video of Reggie playing not knowing he was Victor’s brother, and he blew me away. I thought, my God, he plays like Victor Wooten. Then, Victor came on and introduced him as his brother. What an “ah-ha” moment. Insanely great talent.

The video ended and I was like... 50 minutes already? felt like 5...

[@MegaTuang]

rémi kerhoas If I didn’t read the comments while I’m listening it would be me.

[@funkybasstrix]

That's how I felt... I was so into the interview, I lost track of time and I learned so much

[@sebastiandiaz8989]

Wow Victor Wooten saying his ability is limited, now I don´t know how to describe my playing without hurting myself hahaha

[@eddthrasher]

Sebastian Diaz It's a mark of an intelligent, and humble man! Knowing that there will always be boundaries, which as a musician you will need to move and break.

[@sawmaster6095]

He doesn't have the technical ability of Hadrien Feraud or MonoNeon, that's probably what he's getting out. But Wooten knows how to groove, that's for damn sure

[@MisterCaution]

sawmaster 609 ... Victor Wooten is more versatile than either of those guys, IMO. Feraud in particular is just a Jaco-wannabe.

[@rodtrues1]

Yes,, so humble,, and that’s the great thing to any one ,, just stay Humble,, that thing called being a STAR ain’t always it,,,,

[@WaxDat8800]

Victor is way too humble!

[@papanotsi6691]

I love it when he said "i used my limits to the fullest"

[@jorgeperez-duarte5418]

Scott you just dropped the most accurate questions. Great human being Victor Wooten and you too. Top notch interview!

[@jttaylor7682]

I really enjoyed the interview as well Victor is unbelievable so is Scott Scott's a great bassist too did you notice how many times Scott says yeah that's his favorite word yeah I really enjoyed great interview I'm in California it's 3:39 am.

[@mikaellagnebrant5062]

Thought so too! Scott is a surprisingly good interviewer! Wooten is one of those guys who brings back magic into the world.

[@profile2047]

@@mikaellagnebrant5062 He can be good. But responding with a string of “yeah” constantly implies some sort of awkward nervousness or lack of interest. Do that in a conversion where you’re asking questions and I think you’ll find most people aren’t as patient as Victor.

[@clydebermingham121]

Man ... who can not like ... even love Victor ... as a person ....?let alone as a musician & bassist 💥🙏🏽🤗👍🏽

[@SlendermanDefeated]

This was the most natural conversation ever; best hour I've spent on KZbin in ages. What a truly lovely couple of humans 🙏❤️

[@pierreluniere]

Saw Victor twice in concert with Bela & a third time in an airport, just sitting on his luggage waiting for a ride. We spoke for 15m about our destinations, him to a series of master-classes @ music stores & me to a QLD country music festival, shook hands & parted company like old friends. Amazingly humble, gentle person. This chat only confirms his philosophy of music as a language; to listen to him speak is lesson enough. Live Long & Prosper, Both of You! Thanks, Scott. Love, pierre

[@luifranco1457]

Victor Wooten went on his first tour at 6 years old with his brothers, supporting Curtis Mayfield during his Superfly tour. Motherf#$%ing WOW!

[@bomartin5204]

I Love how he says it's not practice. I just now realized that always been my mentality. It has never felt like practice. I just love playing!!! Even when I'm struggling through learning songs it's still playing. I love the feeling when you figure it out!

[@GlennTwiddle1]

I'd never heard of him, and Bela was on the bill at an event and Victor Wooten just stole the entire show, at least in my mind. Just an incredible human, musician and mentor !!

[@williamcarpenter4353]

Victor is one of my favorite people let alone PHENOMENAL bass guitarist in the world.

[@uryic000]

Wow, wow, wow. AWESOME interview. I am a 63 year old keyboardist/educator that at this station in life has decided I want to learn bass. I'm a subscriber to your channel Scott you have another amazing gift. And that is one of interviewing. You just let Victor talk, yet you posed just the right questions that I know I for one wanted to know. BEEN a fan of VW for years. Well done Scott, and Victor.

[@ivancarling]

Not sure how I missed this. Way back a long time ago I lived & worked in Nashville & was a contemporary of Vic`s. First met him at one of the impromptu jams in town & we got talking. A while later on I really found out just how much of a musician this guy is! We were both playing at a showcase night, me with my band The Beat Poets, Vic playing cello for a lady singer. He had bough the Cello a couple of weeks earlier. Sounded fantastic. You just can`t fail to respect a player of his ability, regardless of the instrument. And as everyone else has said, he`s a nice guy. HA HA I just got to the bit where he admits to playing cello "fairly well". :D

[@MbdslEst1964]

Met Victor twice, lovely man and very generous with his time.

[@ikigai47]

Wow, he was insanely blessed being born to such a solid family. They made it impossible for him to fail. Scott should have interviewed the whole family

[@spacemanpope1805]

I have been teaching my son how to play bass, drums, and guitar since he could sit up. He is 2 now. All he loves to do is play his instruments. When Victor said he had the same upbringing, it gave me a vision on my son being able to play like him when he’s grown and it made me shed some tears. I am so proud of him. Thank you Teacher.

[@andrebritto]

Lesson for life. Not only music as Wooten says... Congratulations my friend

[@brendanevans1164]

when Victor came to Dublin withBella Fleck the place was Jam packed and the Gig was next to heavenly..much respect for Victor and tbh Scott ! you just moved up 3 levels in my book for sitting down with Victor..one love

[@f.demascio1857]

Most excellent. My son just spent a week with Victor, Reggie, Roy, Anthony Wellington and others at Victor's Music & Nature camp in TN. He learned SO MUCH in a week, and really enjoyed his time! Victor Rules!

[@ethano3099]

I met him when he was a judge at the JEN conference in New Orleans in January this year. Great guy.

[@Zsinthor]

As a member of the academy and a reader of Victor Wooten's music lesson book, this is a dream come true to see

[@AdrianMutu87]

I've been watching a lot of Wooten videos during this time of quarantined. I am impressed by Regi Wooten teaching his brothers how to play music, including Victor. And it is awesome to hear Victor in the first 10 minutes of this clip give credit to his brother Regi. Somehow Regi is an awesome musician (as one can see from youtube) yet has little recognition nor his own wikipedia page. The Wootens is a story of a family of geniuses, not just one virtuoso.

[@brycestevens4829]

Two of my favorite Bassist just kicking it. lol

[@canadianmohawk]

THANK YOU VICTOR AND SCOTT! You are both tremendous value to Bass.

[@gulbalagulba23]

scott, jou are asking the right questions!! that makes this interview with victor the best i ever heard! amazing !!

[@springy-2112]

What a gentleman, reassuring to see a gifted talent being so humble there's hope for us all 👍🎶🎵

[@jonathansefcik473]

Not just one of my favorite bassists but one of my favorite musical artists in general. His enthusiasm for music is so pure and innocent, he always puts a smile on my face.

[@IanHolwood]

This in depth interview with Victor Wooten is amazing. His positive attitude and "Just Play" ideology is so awesome! Thank you for doing this interview and thank you for your time!

[@Terrezio]

I wonder if after the interview, Victor invited Scott and crew to his gig down the road, as if they were new made friends. That would be beautiful and it really wouldn’t surprise me if Victor offered because he’s such a nice bloke.

[@johnnyfreeman1018]

This dude really is the man....

[@jeffengee2000]

Victor Wooten is an absolute master of the instrument. I've always been as amazed by his brilliant personality as well as his playing.

[@thondupandrugtsang]

This interview really made me understand the man behind the legend. What a humble and great person.

[@eltonpabon5725]

This guy is humble and super ,super talented amazing to watch

[@pierreandrewt1347]

this is so great, thank you Scott and Victor Wooten

[@thomasbarker7735]

I could listening to victor all day

[@morganvincent471]

He has a book on tape called the music lesson and it's awesome! Check it out!

[@thomasbarker7735]

Morgan Vincent thank you

[@nrich5127]

One of the gems that he said in this interview was " beware bassists - if you become known as a great soloist you won't get very many calls for regular bass studio work so beware ". Also he had a bass in his hands at age 1 1/2 and a brother to teach him so it's not difficult to understand how he got so good. He was on stage at age 6 with his brothers and constantly playing. And the kicker as everyone can see is he is so humble and friendly that you can't help but admire him as a human being.

[@inconnu4961]

The self-effacing humility is just amazing to behold! Doesnt he realize he is a hero to so many of us?

[@justifiedlife1595]

Victor is a very special guy, not only a great base player.

[@PilferMusic]

read his book... The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music. You can move to Canada Victor, we'd love to have ya :)

[@KennyDresden98]

He just came out with a new book in February called The Spirit of Music: The Lesson Continues.

[@Basis213]

It,s really interesting when he talks about what music he listens to and that he likes the „solid“ bass players. Begins at about 38:40 . And that he loves to play „real bass lines and enjoys when he got booked not (only) for the soloing stuff. My first contact with Victor was with the Bela Fleck album „Ufo Tofu“ which I highly recommend just like the other Flecktones albums. And the first thing that really hit me was the sound. This deep, full and rich sound of the bass. Like you hear all frequencies equally good... and the awesome musicality. It was more about the tone and not or not only because of his virtuos technical ability... so I feel exactly what he says. Don’t get me wrong. I really like his solo albums and listen to it but as he himself said: It’s not always about technique things. Music is something to feel, and there is no need to fill in a hundred notes in 10 seconds just for a show off. Not all the time. It depends on the music or better said, the groove you are heading for. Playing less but in the right time by minding the sound(+tone) while keeping the groove in the pocket, is way better than fast, only technical rundown the fretboard with no groove and feel. It’s good to learn something new and taking a challenge sometimes to upskill a little bit. But never forget the roots and the primarily intention of a bass (or any instrument)... That is my resumee after 22 years of playing bass.. Supercool Interview btw. I really enjoyed it. ;) thank you

[@virdesire]

Can't stop smiling with that interview!

[@vincenzooliverio6588]

The way he talks about himself is wonderful. He is recognized as the best by so many of the greats yet you'll never hear him say it.

[@jerryedwards543]

this guys a salt of the earth! so humble for such a great musician...Jaco Pastorius and Stanley Clarke made me pick up the Bass but this guy has shifted my approach to learning the Bass all together!

[@nathanhales]

You left him hanging man!

[@lincolnadams83]

Just two of the most personable down to earth musicians you'd ever want to meet. Scott's the kind of guy it seems that you'd want to go hang out with just to hang. And then you end up in the shed just running through a wall cause he's so easy to learn from and be inspired by!

[@darrenmt76]

I have been lucky enough to meet and chat with Victor almost 20 years ago while he was on tour with Bella Fleck in Singapore. A true legend and a humble one at that.

[@BARTFUNKBASS]

I could listen to Victor all day long!

[@musicwins894]

victor speaks so calmly and lightly.. there´s big music wisdom in that interview

[@kickbiker7920]

The quality & lighting is so good it feels like one is in the same room listening to this.

[@lewisjcoops]

No one can hold my interest for 50 minutes like victor wooten. 🙌🏼

[@merlinoner]

Beautiful. Victor is a philosopher musician and Scott you're a good listener, thank you very much.

[@henryfreeman7748]

This interview is awesome I can totally feel and identify with the love and passion Victor has for music. To study and jam with him, is a bucket list dream, to be that great is prayer.

[@thatdude4257]

Scott was like a little kid on Christmas, who wouldn't be 🤣

[@MaartenFranken]

Next to being a great musician, he's such a wonderful person

[@EnricoGaletta]

One of the best interview I ever seen, interesting, fun and motivating. Very good job Scott!

[@N0b1s]

He describes his bass playing as "Limited" Holy shit who even qualifies above him

[@YOULOOTWESHOOT101]

Humble man !! 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 Saw him live in NewYorkCity .

[@shelmn]

Watching him speak just makes me so happy. What a beautiful person.

[@BigDawgCleveland]

Victor is a great and humble man. He is real and down to earth. Even though he is a great, world class bass player, He doesn't try to make himself above others, but instead encourages others.

[@josefeliciano9418]

wow this guy is incredibly inspiring

[@andredelemosfreixo1975]

Remember the name of the bass player mentioned: Michael "Pipoquinha" Lima, from Brazil... unbelievable bass player!

[@lucios5834]

André De Lemos oque ele disse do pipoquinha

[@andredelemosfreixo1975]

Lucios ele disse que ele é um dos grandes baixistas, daqueles que o impressionaram muito, mas que ele, exatamente por isso, está numa situação complicada. Por que? Porque ele se tornou conhecido como baixista fenômeno e virtuoso. Para o Wooten não há nada de errado nisso, mas pode se tornar um problema. Para ele, o baixista deve saber e gostar de ser baixista. Fazer base, acompanhar, executar apenas o que a música exige. Ele pensa que baixistas como o Pipoquinha, e ele tb., às vezes ficam marcados como baixistas que só fazem peripécias no baixo, e por isso perdem oportunidades de gigs para apenas acompanhar. Ele diz que isso é um problemão pq estigmatiza o baixista. E como baixistas para acompanhamento são basicamente 99% das oportunidades que aparecem, se tornar desde cedo um baixista virtuoso ou associado a isso, pode não ser o melhor caminho. Mas ele não fez uma crítica ao Pipoquinha, ok? Ele foi só elogios ao nosso garoto prodígio. Apenas observou algo que ele pensa ser relevante, e talvez mesmo tenha um pingo de autocrítica dele, uma vez que ele próprio contribuiu muito para difundir essa coisa de Bass extravaganza.

[@lucios5834]

André De Lemos entendo... muito obrigado.

[@mongofan1]

Thank you! I was trying to find it based on what I THOUGHT he had said ... People Kenya, hahahaha. So, thanks.

[@andredelemosfreixo1975]

No sweat, mate! keep it groovy! ;)

[@platupla]

My takeaway: The key to developing natural talent is creating opportunities to play music. Great interview!

[@firestorm996]

Total legend, and such a nice guy.

[@intothecountry74]

Had no idea who this guy was a when my dad took me to see the Flecktones back in early 90s, but was totally stunned by the play of this Victor Wooten, never forgot it

[@viddev1442]

Fucking shit Victor is inspiring. He makes me feel like I too have a shot at becoming good.

[@jas_bataille]

... Anyone have a "shot", that's called Life. Most people just never fire it ;)

[@jerryedwards543]

that's what great teachers do!

[@JoshuaDb_The_Witness]

Victor Wooten is the Buddha of bass! Sifu of groove! And one of the most generous and authentic human beings I have ever met. All right I'm good… Much love much respect

[@devinebass]

🧡🧡🧡

[@MikeVanWhalen]

WooHoo 2 of my favorite Bass Players hanging out together!

[@lrblouie]

So much wisdom and humility out of Victor Wooten!!! Just a great interview too, Scott!

[@pacovl46]

The word he‘s looking for in regards to how he learned to play is assimilation!. What an amazing and fascinating person!

[@BazzTriton]

PacoVL46 yes, yes Paco. You right

[@2006HUGO]

Very Honest, straightforward humble guy

[@wernerhaider2338]

What Vic is saying is why I switched from E-Bass to the Tuba for the solo thing. Its about feeling and how to convey it to the audience. thanks for the interview and greetings from Vienna!

[@simplyputviewstv5655]

Great interview for young players and seasoned greats💯👊

[@WazzupDoc69]

Victor Wooten's great guy 😌👍🎶

[@brentp201]

This video is my practice motivation... struggling to get it right takes its toll but videos like this keep me motivated to keep making progress and moving forward. Thanks!

[@LEVALmusic]

15:30 - 15:52 the realist statement for life in general. "I use my limits to the fullest"

[@jonki1980]

Scott - Victor Wooten is a legend. I was lucky enough to see him in my home town with Antony Wellington and his brother and others. Awesome guy and even spoke with him. Truly awesome.

[@bob6230]

the denzel washington of musicians ,honest , humble and above all interesting,time flew by .Thanks Scot Thanks Victor totally enjoyable

[@rominabelda5661]

Scott is looking at him with such admiration! ❤‍🔥

[@anthonygrossi1299]

Great wisdom. Beautiful approach to making music. Thank you !

[@thebadgerno.1872]

Amazing interview Scott…Victor, what a chilled out easy going cool 😎 man. He must have or in the process of writing his life story & tales on the road. Brilliant 🤩

[@neilmoran9988]

Thank you for that, Wooten is a awesome person, of course a great bassist, but just a humble modest man and that also helped to put him in the spotlight. Its one thing to play great, and another to be a good person. Loved watching this, thank you Scott.

[@balumartins8054]

Victor is such a humble human being. May God bless his soul. I hope id see him one day aor perform with him one day.

[@gregcon57]

I can listen to Vic, all day, every day!

[@Adipsia1]

One of the best interviews I've ever seen... of anyone. Thanks Scott and Victor.

[@McLaughification]

I've never seen a musician of such renown be so humble. He constantly talks about his siblings and other musicians, never crediting anything to himself. Great example of knowing where his roots are, and yet the tenacity of never giving up trying to learn new stuff. Never picks up a bass in this whole interview and yet I smile every time he talks about music.

[@zenmasterutube]

Absolutely fabulous! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@triathlonSDhsp]

Blown away with his live shows back in the day. Was hoping to hear him play through that beautiful red cab!

[@tenayaadrean8697]

Love this interview!

[@ChrisSmithBass]

Just did Vic's Bass/Nature Camp this year. Got back a week ago. It is incredibly life changing. You enter wanting to be a better bass player and you leave wanting to be a better person... with some amazing new ideas planted to sprout growth in both aspects.

[@ja773r]

Another great interview. Love these. Thank you

[@Smoot11]

Love this. Thank you, Scott and Victor.

[@dirkjanklijn9949]

What a great interview and what a nice man to listen to.

[@clydebermingham121]

AMAZINGLY SIMPLE & WONDERFUL .... Victor is just so nice & honorable

[@LocoCocoPops]

I was six years old when I was the opening act for Curtis Mayfield... mic 🎤 drop.