2011 Readers’ Favorite Bassists – #1: Victor Wooten

Victor Wooten

One of the busiest bassists in the business, Victor Wooten was probably never busier than in 2011. Let’s run down the list:

The bassist announced his new label, Vix Records, during the Winter NAMM show in January.

That wasn’t Vic’s only announcement at NAMM. He also debuted the new Yin Yang Standard bass with Fodera, based on the company’s Victor Wooten Yin Yang Deluxe.

A couple of months after the announcement of Vix Records, Victor released A Show of Hands 15, a re-mastered version of his groundbreaking debut solo effort on the 15th anniversary of its original release.

Also in March, Victor announced along with his bandmates in the Flecktones that the original Flecktone lineup was reuniting for a new album and tour. The album, Rocket Science, was released in May, and the tour kicked off at the end of May, with new dates added later.

Somehow, Victor managed to fit in a spring tour with Stanley Clarke, in March as well. Victor teamed up with his brothers Regi and Joseph as well as drummer Derico Watson for the tour.

It was during this tour that we were able to snag some time with Victor for our exclusive interview, with questions submitted by No Treble readers.

Throughout the year, Victor’s music camps took place at Wooten Woods, including the final camps of 2011, in September.

In September, Victor released The Music Lesson Soundtrack, the first all-original release for his new label. The music was culled from the audio version of his book of the same title.

So, as you can see, earning the top slot in our reader favorites list was well earned.

Check out our complete Victor Wooten archive.

2011 Top 5 Most Viewed Victor Wooten-Focused Features:

Top Ten: The Most Popular Victor Wooten Videos

1. Top Ten: The Most Popular Victor Wooten Videos

Victor Wooten has consistently been among the reader favorites on No Treble (not to mention NT staffers). Looking at our past coverage – especially videos – we decided to pull out the 10 most popular ones we’ve covered here, based on reader views. We’re sure we’ve missed some out there, but that’s good news for…

Victor Wooten & JD Blair: Live at Blue Note Milan

2. Victor Wooten & JD Blair: Live at Blue Note Milan

Filmed from the audience two days ago, here’s Victor Wooten and JD Blair playing the tune, “U Can’t Hold No Groove…” as their finale. The tune is from the album A Show of Hands, recently re-released.

Carol Kaye, Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey Jam at NAMM

3. Carol Kaye, Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey Jam at NAMM

Old school meets new school in this clip from Winter NAMM 2000, where session legend Carol Kaye jams with bass virtuosos Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey on a blues. They may have different backgrounds, but one thing they all share is a groove that just won’t quit.

Victor Wooten Band: Hali Baba Live

4. Victor Wooten Band: Hali Baba Live

Victor Wooten took the stage with during Summer Camp 10 with his band and performed “Hali Baba”. As Victor says in the intro, he wrote this tune for his wife, though they haven’t recorded it yet.

An Interview with Victor Wooten

5. An Interview with Victor Wooten

Fifteen years ago, Victor Wooten released a solo electric bass album that inspired countless bassists to push themselves to new limits. Today, you’d be hard pressed to find a “best of” or “reader’s choice” list of top bassists without him. Victor is a busy bassist, teacher, and more recently, record label owner. We caught up…

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