Victor Wooten Interview on Sounding Off with Rick Beato

Victor Wooten is here with us today to Sound Off on being a musician, songwriter, author and educator.
Links for Victor:
www.victorwooten.com
victorwooten?lang=en
www.wootenwoods.com
vixcamps.com
Victor's Bio:
Victor Lemonte Wooten (born September 11, 1964) is an American bass player, composer, author, producer, educator, and recipient of five Grammy Awards.
Wooten has won the "Bass Player of the Year" award from Bass Player magazine three times and is the first person to win the award more than once. In 2011, he was named #10 in the "Top 10 Bassists of All Time" by Rolling Stone. In addition to a solo career and collaborations with various artists, Wooten has been the bassist for Béla Fleck and the Flecktones since the group's formation in 1988.
In 2008, Wooten joined Stanley Clarke and Marcus Miller to record an album. The trio of bassists, under the name SMV, released Thunder in August 2008 and began a supporting tour the same month.
Wooten has also written a novel titled "The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music". On his website he has stated that he is currently writing a sequel and intends to release at least three more books.
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www.nuryl.com

[@ssoouull]

Dad was born in 1930 and Mom in 1934. I remember when Regi taught us to play. Victor was two and I was 5. Imagine that...a 10 year old music teacher...Regi.

[@RickBeato]

That’s amazing! Thanks Regi!

[@prismavidamusic7226]

Nice. It's worth scrolling through the comments sometimes.

[@0okamino]

Talent and Ability are definitely not strangers to the Wooten family. Absolutely prodigious! Thanks for sharing it with the world. :)

[@DaveZula]

Victor has to be one of the nicest people on earth. I remember I met him once at the Blue Note in NYC, and he just started talking to me like we were old friends, about all his philosophies about life and music. I chatted with him for probably 20 minutes. I'm really enjoying Sounding Off! It's a beautiful thing you're doing here, Rick!

[@NautilusGuitars]

I had the Same experience. He's such a humble and kind guy.

[@daoyang223]

Victor Wooten played for Greg Howe right?

[@deadbeatstudios]

Victor is one of my most favorite humans on the planet. Such an amazing dude!

[@stevelundgren2938]

Yes, I agree. Victor did a bass clinic at a local music store in my city. It was amazing. He's the genuine article, and encourages others to be a person that contributes to making the world a better place above all else. He is an inspiration on many levels.

[@billbradleymusic]

Jayme Lewis - The Bassist likewise

[@george00719]

Love his outlook and philosophy cool talented man

[@chazzmccloud36]

I've only recently started listening to him, and he seems like a really genuine guy. I love his musical wisdom and insight, especially how he equates music to language.

[@user-zw7oe4jv3j]

Victor reminded me a quote Quincy Jones attributed to Nadia Boulanger(paraphrasing it): "Your music can only be as good as you are as a person. So go out and live a life worth talking about."

[@anwyllonmusic]

I love how organic this is....real to the core....interrupted by your daughter...and it is all good...unscripted sincerity.

[@WalyB01]

Yep, no ratings worries, no money pressure and suddenly quality content appears. Makes you think ;)

[@brandonlewisguitar]

Appreciate listening to these 2 amazing humans expressing their experiences. Thank you

[@jacekpaciorkowski8240]

Steve Vai, Victor Wooten... you are pretty much going down my legends list! Thank you so much Rick!

[@stringbenderbb]

Victor Wooten is such a lovely inspiring guy.

[@JakeRommer87]

Pat Metheny would be epic! Also a bit of Jacob Collier for some modern inspiration...his pitch recollection is pretty unbelievable....although hard to top Dylan :)

[@joelmedina1849]

I'm loving the sounding off series so much. Thank you Rick!

[@wil3630]

I love victor wooten. Not only is he an inspiration to me, but an inspiration to my favorite band, Animals as Leaders.

[@LivingImpressions]

this ^ hopefully you like my music too :)

[@lasagnasux4934]

@@LivingImpressions Just checked out your music, and I'm loving it dude, keep it up.

[@LivingImpressions]

@@lasagnasux4934 thank you pal. Damn 1 year already.. time flies

[@mikegallagher4388]

One thing that might be interesting is if you were to moderate a discussion between two ostensibly different musicians. For example a classical conductor and a jazz drummer. It would be fascinating to hear their perspectives on so many things - learning/development as a musician, practice, rehearsal, auditioning, etc.

[@petergrifindor]

Come on, you have to be kidding. This has become my favorite channel on You Tube. The content here is insane. Just thank you.

[@tezzo55]

:-) Hey Rick, Victor is SO right in his final comments (and all the rest of them, of course) your son Dylan, is a phenomenon. I play the vid for all the museos that come into my studio, and he blows their minds. He IS raising the high-tide mark globally. Thanks for your musical Aladdin's cave, you're just the best my friend. tez

[@aaliyahserafina9366]

Amazing, thank you so much legends. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@Take5Geri]

Our time is valuable and we have to pick and choose how we use it. I must say time spent listening to Victor Wooten is well spent. When he speaks he informs, educates, shares and entertains and stimulates your mind. Thank you so much for the interview. I must add whatever comes out of his mouth i remember.

[@ricardotavares5544]

That was really cool Rick. Victor is a super nice guy, really down to earth. Thanks and keep 'em coming.

[@davidmeyer8756]

Rick, Happy to have just found your channel. I'm a cellist, and discovered you through the cello video you recently posted. You are a great interviewer. Clearly capable of speaking non stop by yourself, you are able to choose NOT to and let your guest speak. I really mean this as a complement because so many interviewers are there to show everyone how smart THEY are. We know you're smart. Thanks for what you do, Dave

[@jcmcclain57]

What a cool conversation! I attended Victor’s clinic in Chicago last week and it was a phenomenal experience. One of the most genuine people you will ever be able to meet. He is truly a gift and a treasure to this world for his spirit and music.

[@anthonyarnold1318]

I love he lives in the Nashville area my born and raised hometown. Seen him many times. He was playing with Bella Fleck and they opened for Chicago at Starwood Amphitheater in Nashville. He did a bass solo and got a standing ovation. Never seen that with an opening band.

[@thiagomassara]

Thanks for your work Rick. You are a wonderful guy and a great teacher. Much love your way

[@gitarmats]

This was great. Thank you for making these videos, Rick. Always looking forward to the next one!

[@gulbalagulba23]

wow this is what i ve been waiting for, a proffesor in music ,talking with all my hero, s and a wizard who knows everything !! i ll follow this channel till i die . tnx rick beato!!!

[@mainaknandy6636]

Thanks Rick for this "sounding off" episode. so so inspiring. specially Victor . so humble and genuine learning. pls do continue this guidance to the world of music...

[@mystorykim]

This series of interviews are some of the most important, valuable and interesting videos ever recorded. Thank you Rick

[@JulioARodriguez]

Awesome interview Rick! I'm so amazed of this serial of high level interviews. Thank you for all you are doing for the musician's community. Even when I'm a saxophone player I love Victor Wooten.

[@torrecalba]

Great job Mr. Beato, thanks a lot! This interview it`s a milestone! Maestro Wooten thanks for your wisdom and commitment with music and life! Cheers from a Venezuelan in Italy!

[@rosskolnikov]

Did you get to see him when he played Caracas in 1997 with the Flecktones? Ensemble Gurrifio opened up.

[@billbradleymusic]

Victor, a true inspirator. Thank you for sharing your story. Good stuff Rick!

[@destructiveeyeofdemi]

Yaaaay!!! Wonderful interview gentlemen. Thanks Rick!

[@BenjaminJay30]

This is an incredible interview ~ Thank you very much! - cheers from a music student in LA.

[@IraqCurrencyWatch]

Early in the morning and no coffee yet. I swear I thought this said Rick Soundo - BEATING OFF with Bassist Victor Wooten. Okay, coffee's ready.

[@jamminwithjambo7729]

Victor always finds what is meaningful to heart and soul. An accomplished musician who never witholds his wisdom that he feels was important to his own growth and the growth of others. He esteems others above and before him in high regard, yet can relate to others as an equal and one who loves life and music.🎶🔥♥️🔥🎶

[@ornleifs]

Sounding Off was Great as always - wonderful interview - thanks a lot guys.

[@luis_gmr]

legend... victor you are amazing! always inspiring, what a great interview!

[@tubosworld3018]

Wow, what a dream come true. GET THUNDERCAT NEXT!

[@spenserwilliams9167]

Saw Victor,Dennis and Bob in cambridge in 2017 and it was probably the best show I've ever seen. Absolutely amazing musicians and on top of that you could tell the were having a blast playing for us.Thanks for being amazing people and I hope to see you play again, it had a great effect on my life!

[@ScotClose]

I saw the Flecktones in Santa Cruz, CA and Victor and Roy is all I remember.

[@thomasmcgill6918]

Thank you again!

[@pintolagoma3042]

i love what you all do..good humans to learn from. thanks and keep going

[@andrefjbernardo]

This people are living treasures. Humble people that know a lot and still keep learning as much as they can, and share what they know in natural unpretentious creative ways. Thank you for this. May the force be with you. :)

[@coopercooper8406]

Respect and gratitude. Rick is all heart.

[@guitarmainiac80]

Awesome. Thx Rick and Vic! Inspiring

[@johnpick8336]

Thank you Rick and Victor for posting this excellent discussion !

[@daniellouis6665]

Possibly the best channel I've subscribed to in a long time

[@gregorymccasland2874]

What an amazing man. Such an inspiration. Completely humble and so cognizant of the world around him. So great.

[@ARGBlackCloud]

Excellent video as usually Rick , keep up the great work. Victor's message regarding music learning and conversation are highly insightful . It's the way most music needs to be taught.

[@Daniel-eo9gk]

Thanks for these videos.

[@saviogaikwad6869]

This is brilliant stuff Rick, thank you so much for doing this and sharing it, so much inspiration, simply fantastic to hear all these legends speak so candidly. I must add you always have great questions. Surely the best channel for musicians on YT, love and regards from India!

[@ilias4156]

Thankyou Rick and victor. So much admiration.

[@simonpaulengland7833]

pure brilliance in every way....so inspiring......................

[@kolobcanyon8920]

What!? You got Victor Wooten! I love your channel Rick. Thanks for everything you do for the music community. My life is dedicated to it.

[@Davebold-Guitarist]

Great interview. A round of applause to both you and Victor for talking, and for sharing it Rick. It's a long time since I've heard this much musical common sense.

[@daneguitarist1]

this was amazing, thank you rick, love you victor!

[@szymonchudy]

Thanks for your work Rick. Amazing!

[@briangoodvibes]

wonderful interview thank you!

[@zurckoni]

this is a great series. thanks and continued success.

[@biswadeepnath3984]

Thank you Rick!!!This was great....

[@andymelendez9757]

Such a stellar Man and talent. I was blessed to have some hang time with him.

[@KevinRussellSpaceSimSTEAMphony]

Love Victor. Combining the outdoors learning and music is so great. Reminds me of Aristotle and the Academy approach.

[@mtc918]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@peterkadarmusic9728]

What a killin' video, man. Thank you Rick for sharing all that you share, and for having special guests like VW to help guide us on our musical and personal journey.

[@kevc-69-]

I loved this converation.

[@derrylgabel]

Great interview! Victor thanks for doing this with Rick!

[@bryangregorysteele2544]

Hey Rick I have been a fan of your page and interviews and lessons. I have been a musician for 35 plus year's mostly guitar and have a lot of the same thought's and did many of the same thing's that you have shared. I played the Bass for year's along with Guitar in Band's, all through the year's we mostly had rehearsals at my place. Well that got me into play drum's then when they would notice something out of place or broken they would get on my case, so I ended up buying my own 13 piece Tama set with all Red Sabian Cymbals. So I continued to be the guitarist and bassist, never played drums in a band. So I am still playing all and been learning more about the keys and now have it all, and have so many original songs its a huge amount. I am the only one of the musicians I have played with who kept recordings of everything, along with the master tapes from most of the original music others were recorded and then sent certified mail to myself going back to the 80's and 90's. But I just saw the interview with Steve Via and I got the advice I needed. Not sure how to transfer the Master Tapes yet but maybe you have some idea's. Also for my question for today I agree with most of the people you have on your best list's, but I have some that I have yet to hear you talk about, just one for now and that's the story of John Sykes and how great I thought his playing and then his voice so powerful. I live just South of Baltimore Maryland so the old Hammerjacks was the place to see some of the greatest up close, KIX, GnR before their album was a hit, and many more. The best was "Blue Murder" and to see that three piece with John Sikes playing guitar and the lead vocals to one of my favorite albums ever, just wanted to get your take on the mess with Coverdale and the songs John wrote then Whitesnake goes out with a great set of guitarists Vandenberg and the rest all great, but John and David must have had some horrible split. Seeing John Live will always be in my best ever show's. Any thought's and insight into the true story? Thanks and keep up the great show's.... Bryan Steele

[@_TECHIECHAR]

Awesome interview Rick! 'Sounding Off' is a great series.

[@bjb48336]

More often than not, the kids from a military family are really decent human beings and Victor is a great example of that. Besides being a world class instrumentalist! Thank you for this great channel Rick.

[@ronniewrong1539]

Amazing interview and a rarity in that Rick is talking with an innovative educator like himself. I like Victor's observation that the bar had been raised with Dylan's skill and the training that provided. Great interview. Wished there was a Part II. They really ought to do something.

[@sylvainjazz]

Hello to Mr. Beato! I discovered this great channel, like many before, through the viral video of Dylan shared by Montreal's excellent jazz musicians on FB. I discovered the amazing bassist Wooten fairly recently through Scott Henderson and their incredible CD: VVT2 ( I still didn't find the time to listen to the first VTT, but I will). I discovered the so great guitarist, musician, composer, teacher, blogger and human, Scott Henderson, and his Tribal Tech (too lately in my life) that I really love so much since, by the internet bias while doing research on Holdsworth's music; it's fun to see all these links. Thanks for all the innumerable links that Mr. Rick Beato create hisself. Among other great videos on this channel I loved a lot also the interviews of Dennis Chambers and Steve Vai; thanks again! I'm born in 1963 (and have a kid of 8 years old and an half ;) ) I love many kind of music, from classical to jazz, passing through pop currents and film's music (and I love Prokoviev very much among others too) so I feel especially in phase or related to the stories told and lived by the two protagonists here in this interview and in other videos on this excellent channel. ;)

[@stephencoxbass]

I learned so much at his camp! Such a cool experience!

[@kennethdriver9531]

Rick, thank you. You're a blessing.

[@Riddlemewalker]

Inspiring! Thank you.

[@007mikelynn]

An amazing human being, an incredible musician and bass player, and a real inspiration. Thank you, it gave me a chance to spend 47 minutes listening to something really interesting and learn a bit more about music, about how a why we (should) play it and more. M&M

[@GOTRAVlogs]

Thanks Rick! 👌👍✊️ That was one amazing hour of my life. Wooten‘ s a legend💪🏿

[@yocraigst]

I can listen to Victor Wooten all day long. He seems so ....REAL!

[@rossbarkley4884]

So cool. Thanks for calling him up!

[@hearsay1546]

In the spring of 1988 I was considering moving to Nashville (for business, not music reasons) and the night before I was flying home I thought that since I'm in "Music City" I should probably go hear some music! In driving to my appointments that week I had driven by the Bluebird on Hillsboro. (This was before the Bluebird was "THE BLUEBIRD") So looking through the Scene for what shows were out there that night I saw someone was playing at the Bluebird and since I knew how to get there, that's where I went. Figured I was going to see some country music (Nashville after all!!!), I walked into see whatever Jonell Mosser was about - decidedly not country :) Learned to love Jonell that night and saw her many times after moving to Nashville, but the most eye popping thing was watching her bass player. Victor's playing, and especially his solo that night definitely changed my understanding of what Nashville is to music, and still thankfully is. Bottom line - I love that Vic moved to Nashville and just humbly dug in, paid his dues, and let his talent speak for him. Thanks for this interview, Rick.

[@patrickryan7199]

What a great interview! When you and Victor spoke of technological changes through the generations and how those changes impact our experiences of, and ways in which we create music, it was quite thought provoking... provoking, in fact, this thought: that your Sounding Off channel brings us all together, we who live, speak, and breath music. I feel that I know Victor Wooten now, well at least I've had an authentic and deep experience of his thinking mind, beyond his recordings. And Victor is but one example. The interviews provide context, and we hear vocal inflections and see facial expressions along with apprehending the words which in an earlier time we might only have been reading... so inherent in this format is the new context that is brought to life by three things: technological development (internet, video/camera phones, software); your incredible initiative to bring this to life, that is, put it out there so it has become noticed in only a period of a few months; and three, the recognition of a bright burning intelligence, like a Victor, or an Aydin, to engage with you, using this new medium and format, which in essence brings the entire musical community together and in effect "raises the bar", as Victor said, lifting us all up. A great antidote for a musically ailing culture and the pessimism created by that phenomenon... so I find the interviews strangely healing. Thank you Rick!

[@earlhoag6987]

Patrick Ryan ;7

[@chadwaller6072]

Great stuff Rick. Thanks

[@PV155]

Wow great video Rick, so much great information, I find your channel very inspiring, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with all of us, and also these sound off videos are amazing, thanks again! These interviews are so great and full of great information!

[@SteveSam66]

Rick, Awesome inspiring interview. Not only is Victor super talented. He is also a very decent human being

[@MrMnchstr]

I have heard of Victor Wooten but I had no idea what he was about. I am very impressed with his wisdom and I'm looking forward to discovering his music, it can't be anything less than outstanding.

[@MrLevent79]

Thanks Rick.... Yes, we would love to see Guthrie here.. Love your work. Thanks for all you do for us.

[@jamesstewart656]

Great interview! I was reminded that, "Youth and enthusiasm can always be overcome by age and treachery."

[@image30p]

Great interview. And I haven't even seen it. I just know it's great because of Vic.

[@MakeWeirdMusic]

Great interview, Rick! Really enjoying your channel.

[@edvesan]

Deep stuff in this interview. Loved it!

[@thumbthump]

Victor always has thought through everything he does. He knows the "why". No mindless activities or mindless music.

lovely stuff

[@JakeRommer87]

Amazing interview. "A very succulent time for music" being my favorite :)

[@TheOfficialTLM]

Really appreciated this interview

[@vaister]

This absolutely inspiring

[@TheMrericmichel]

This makes total sense to me. Bass players definitely need life skills coaching! learning how to use fire, walk properly, tie their own shoes, change their strings... So great, that finally they are getting the special attention they require, bless their simple, little hearts. So glad to hear there are places, where bassists could be taught to fend for themselves, well done guys!

[@zadvitskyguitarpedalsandam4466]

Very cool. There are many of many interview with Wooten out there and most of them are very identical. Your one is very interesting to listen many new things. Thanks a lot.

[@davebelcherguitar]

Dude, Rick. AWESOME video. I've seen Victor several times in concert-including once with his bros. in Nashville at 3rd and Lindsley and another at Tower Records in Nashville (up close and personal) with Bela Fleck. Such an incredible musician. Also a great person. If you haven't seen his brother Reggie play guitar he's simply amazing. In fact, the Wooten Bros. at 3rd and Lindsley playing Prince covers is one of the greatest musical things to witness live. Just astonishing.

[@woggleboggle]

Hey I live in Sacramento! That was cool to hear to that Victor lived there for some time growing up.

[@thetwelvemiracles4u714]

incredible channel!! i love all the videos thanks you got me with steve vai:) and the interview series in general new sub wish all the best.. and keep up the good work!

[@malachimclean3638]

Dang, Rick, these interviews are amazing! You're making a bass player super happy with all these fantastic educators (VW and Adam Neely esp.) If you had Janek Gwizdala on too, that'd be the greatest!

[@StompL7]

Malachi McLean yes please invite Janek Rick !

[@StompL7]

Malachi McLean yes please invite Janek Rick !

[@maximiliano1761]

Get Scott!

[@prismavidamusic7226]

This guy is spot on about life being #1 inspiration. I've met too many musicians who just get lost in the vocabulary and forget about the subject they're writing about.

[@benjaminkibler5944]

Amazing. Love this interview and channel. Please consider Bill Frisell...one of the great American treasures in the world today.

[@RickBeato]

Love Bill's playing! I've seen him play many times and always great.

[@antonpetrenko1687]

Benjamin Kibler I just wanted to ask the same! Bill is my all-time favorite and is a very inspiring composer!

[@JakeRommer87]

Bill would be awesome!

[@flatrounds]

Anton Petrenko of course the

[@tomek9966]

Boys, you are both great. Thanks for this vid