Just when it seemed Victor Wooten had mastered every trick in the book, the bass virtuoso unveiled a surprising new tool in his arsenal: a humble 25-cent hair tie. “I have a hair tie around the nut of my bass, and I pull it up to the 17th fret while playing around the 8th fret. That makes some of the notes pop out with screaming harmonics,” Wooten explained, referencing tracks like Sword and Stone, Say Word, and It’s All Right.
Born on September 11, 1964, in Mountain Home, Idaho, Victor Lemonte Wooten has carved out a remarkable career. Not just a bassist, Wooten is a record company owner, songwriter, producer, author, magician, acrobat, and naturalist. His life has been a whirlwind of creativity and innovation.
Wooten’s debut solo album, A Show of Hands, recorded exclusively with a four-string bass, is a landmark in the bass community. Celebrated as a love letter to the instrument, it marked the beginning of his journey as one of the most influential figures in bass history.
Wooten continued to push boundaries with his 1997 album What Did He Say?, showcasing his mastery of techniques like double-thumbing and others he pioneered. However, his creative evolution didn’t stop there. In 2012, he ventured into the singer-songwriter realm with Words and Tones, one of two albums released simultaneously on his label, Vix Records.
Words and Tones features nine female vocalists performing a mix of original compositions and covers across genres such as funk, folk, pop, jazz, R&B, rap, and Latin music. Despite the diversity, the album maintains a cohesive and memorable sound.
The companion album, Sword and Stone, offers instrumental versions of the same songs, reimagined with Wooten’s unparalleled skill. The project’s 28 tracks highlight his ability to redefine the sonic capabilities of the bass guitar.
Wooten’s use of the hair tie is just one example of his inventive approach to the bass. On Sword and Stone, his solos frequently incorporate this technique, allowing him to create unique harmonics and tonal textures.
Whether through his groundbreaking albums, innovative playing techniques, or genre-spanning projects, Victor Wooten continues to redefine what it means to be a bassist. His boundless creativity and willingness to explore new frontiers ensure his status as a true legend in the world of music.
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