Victor Wooten - Greatest solo of all time? (Live at the Quick)

Written By Jordi Esquerra

I’m perfectly aware that art is subjective, that there isn’t a standardized measure for greatness that allows us to compare how many units a solo contains in contrast with another one. But still, I truly think that this is the greatest solo of all-time, so if you know of a finest one please post in the comments and I’ll be glad to reconsider my position if that’s the case. 


Meanwhile, I’ll allow myself to insist on my claim because in my opinion this solo covers all the spectrum of talent and musicianship: sensitivity, intensity, unique signature technique, speed, pause, even delightful delicacy at high speed, presence, karma, groove, playfulness, melody, harmony, reharmonization, entertainment, fun, storytelling,... All that with just one single person at the stage. 

Anything better than a festival blending wine and world-renowned jazz artists for free?


I guess that we could say that any artist has a certain balance between art and chops. B.B. King would be an example of a musician with a moderate level of chops, but a tremendous level of art and talent. He could make your soul tremble with just a couple of notes. On the other hand, there are musicians that mostly stand out on the opposite side of the spectrum, virtuous with crazy technique, insane speed or very complex theoric knowledge. But only a few manage to reach extreme levels of both art and chops, and Victor Wooten is definitely one of them.


I was lucky enough to see him live at Vijazz Festival in 2014, and even managed to take a photo with him and his brother Reggie as me and my friend glimpsed them on the crowd during another show.

Disregarding that an artist’s career may naturally have different stages or phases, musicians like Victor are so inspiring that there will always remain a legacy, which in his case also encompasses his warm aura as a human being with a huge emphasis in love and respect for each other, very palpable in his contribution as an educator with his approach to music as a language and the philosophical and mystical component he also attached to his educational material.


Without further ado, I’ll leave you to it, enjoy!

Victor Wooten Amazing Grace

Victor Wooten - Bass Solo - Bela Fleck & The Flecktones Live At The Quick (Amazing Grace)

WHERE CAN YOU FIND IT:

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

Jordi Esquerra
Next

Ryan Whyman - Days Gone By