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How could anyone not like Victor Wooten?

#105
I don't doubt he's a great guy. I don't doubt he's a great player. But I'm not a fan at all. Sometimes I watch or listen to him and I say, "ok, we get it". Now, I'm not saying I'm not into the forward progression of the playing of the best instrument in the world! But as someone said on here, I find it too much at times. I don't expect a bassist to stick to root notes. I don't. But when it comes to Vic, I sometimes find myself saying "enough already." Sometimes live he comes off as kind of gimmicky, and I agree with other post on here. Is he a bassist? Or a motivational speaker? Or an act? Or genuine? Does he play melodies? Or just grooves all the time to a loop? Not my style at all. Kind of takes the fun out of playing for me to be honest.
 
#106
a lot of folks only know him from solo crops on youtube etc

of course they're posting the most dramatic (wanking) clips

pedroims said:
Victor Wooten is the the only great bassist that I havent find a song that I like, everytime I search for something of him in youtube the only thing that I get are videos of him playing solos, many time by himself and nobody else.

There are alot of pieces from Marcus, Jaco, Stanley Clark etc. that I enjoy but because the bass is a just another instrument in the band. I still have hope to find something that I like from him, if somebody can share some information where I can find something where Vic is playing a supportive role will be aprecciated.
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#108
Harper said:
Seriously, even if his music isn't your thing, does he ever not come off like someone you'd want to hang out with? I don't aspire to play like him at all, but every time I hear him talk about/play bass I pick up a little something for the tool box or gain a new way to think about the instrument.
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Victor is a cool guy, and a lot of people love him as a person. His playing style, however, is something of an acquired taste.

He's clearly got chops to burn, and it's a lot of fun to watch him and listen to him as he takes his chops out to play. But one can reach the point of overload - at which point it's just too much to process, yet still remain fun to hear. :eyebrow:

MM
 
#112
I am Soma said:
i still don't get it.
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Like I've said a number of times, there's no rule that anyone HAS to LIKE anything. Not my point. But I posted those links in response to the people who go on about how all Wooten does is slappity-tappity solos with no groove in them. IMO he still grooves even in his solos, but the point to those links is that he does play songs with a definite bass groove - the youtube solos are only part of his total work.
 
#114
ritz said:
For mediocre players (and many others) he is far too good and they realize they will never reach such level. The negative reactions on Victor show a kind of jealousy or feeling of inability.
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Very condescending, arrogant, and judgemental. I know I'll never "reach that level" nor do I aspire to. I just don't like his playing. It doesn't inspire me in any way. Why can't it be that simple? I like many other bassists I can't touch technically. Your statement holds no water.
 
#115
ritz said:
For mediocre players (and many others) he is far too good and they realize they will never reach such level. The negative reactions on Victor show a kind of jealousy or feeling of inability.
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I'm all :atoz: now.

Come on man, that's just silly. Tony Levin inspires me, Lee Sklar inspires me. I have absolutely no interest in being as 'good' as Victor Wooten, and that has no bearing on whether or not I respect his skills or what I think of him personally. :rolleyes: It just means I don't find his style inspiring. It's not my thing, nothing more, nothing less.
 
#116
Just an example of some of the quieter, groovier tracks from Vics solo stuff, check out Ari's Eyes, Sometimes I Laugh, My Life, or Don't Wanna Cry. His album "What Did He Say" specifically has several tracks that take a step back from the more complex stuff that hes known for.

Personally, I feel that he DOES play much more simple lines quite frequently, but the complex rapid fire stuff is SO beyond what 99% of others can do, its what hes known for. Therefore, when people think victor wooten they think the stuff that makes him unique from the other bassists, which in his case is the fast playing. People need to understand that there is quite a bit more than that, but you wont see that in youtube clips because it isn't what people focus on.
 
#119
hrodbert696 said:
Like I've said a number of times, there's no rule that anyone HAS to LIKE anything. Not my point. But I posted those links in response to the people who go on about how all Wooten does is slappity-tappity solos with no groove in them. IMO he still grooves even in his solos, but the point to those links is that he does play songs with a definite bass groove - the youtube solos are only part of his total work.
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this whole thread has confused me with both sides getting butt hurt. my ears dont like his playing but i can see why some people dig him. neither side should lose any sleep over it.
 
#120
It's interesting to see how this is coming out. Everyone's taste in music is different. It's cool to like other stuff and not like stuff if you don't want.

I've seen Victor play live several times and IME, his shows are worth the ticket price and I leave feeling inspired. At every show, I've seen Victor come out in the lobby after the show and hang out with the crowd to take pictures and sign autographs. He's patient and polite with everyone (not just the girls).

I've also had the privilege to chat with him in more than the "oooh can I have a picture with you" situation, and as another poster stated, he can really get into the discussion. He's curious, interested, well-read, and can hold an excellent conversation. Based on one of those little discussions, I also believe he's a lot more humble than people realize and/or give him credit for. Case in point, at one of the shows, someone brought his bass in to be signed. Victor signed it and took photos and the guy went home a happy man. One of the members of the opening band was hanging out in the discussion and asked Victor, "How does it make you feel when you sign a bass for a fan, and then you see it for sale on eBay or Craigslist with the price marked up just because you signed it? Does it bother you that other people are using your name to make money because of that signature?"

Vic's reply was, "Nah. I don't think about that. I'm not anyone famous, and my signature isn't worth a thing. I'm just a guy who loves music and I'm lucky enough to get to play it every day."
 

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