I thought I knew what to expect from Victor Wooten, the amazing bass player who coaxes notes from the strings that I have rarely heard from other bassists. I was wrong – Victor delivered a show that was mind-bending and better than any show of his I had seen. The sold-out audience at Regattabar was the lucky recipient of this goodness.

Victor Wooten

Appearing with groove master J.D. Blair, a percussionist/drummer who was unfamiliar to me, as well as Steve Bailey (chair of the bass department at the esteemed Berklee College of Music) on several numbers, they laid down grooves that astounded most of the audience.

J.D. Blair

I have seen Victor a number of times, both with his own bands and with The Flecktones, but this is the first time I have seen him as a duo. Victor and J.D. are completely in sync with each other.

Victor Wooten and J.D. Blair

During the first number, Victor noticed me bobbing my head and body to the beat and he decided to toy with me (as I told him, I LOVED it). He would stop playing to see how quickly I reacted, and then start up again just as unexpectedly. J.D. was able to follow his antics perfectly which showed me how attuned they are to each other. I hope Victor enjoyed it as much as I did.

Victor Wooten

J.D. added some vocals of sorts; not really scat singing the way I know it, but possibly the vocal percussion of beat boxing. It was a perfect foil to his drumming, as were his facial expressions.

J.D. Blair

Steve came to the stage about half way through the show. His six-string bass adds so much to the ensembles with which he performs, with its wider range of notes. I wish he played out more often! Maybe he does, but does it as a spur-of-the-moment addition to a band.

Steve Bailey

Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey

Victor is a versatile and extremely talented bass player. He is also one of the most engaging musicians I know, so I understand why he has been given a position (the name of which I cannot remember) at Berklee to lead a workshop for a week every month.

Victor Wooten, J.D. Blair, Steve Bailey

He puts every bit of himself into his music; in fact, he is the only bassist I have seen break a string! I will happily see him perform in whatever configuration he does. You should too.

Thanks to Regattabar for the ticket; all opinions are my own.