BORN TO PLAY

INTERNATIONAL BASS STALWART VICTOR WOOTEN SAYS THAT MUSIC IS JUST ANOTHER LANGUAGE THAT CAME TO HIM NATURALLY

US-based Grammy-winning bass player Victor Wooten will be performing at GD Birla Sabhagar on April 7, as part of a four-city tour of India with a fusion ensemble. He speaks to t2 about his expectations from the trip, finding a place for bass in Indian classical sound and being born into a musical family.

What are you looking forward to on your India tour?

This will be my first trip to India, so I am really looking forward to visiting your country. I’ve heard many wonderful things and am excited to experience them for myself. I love the music, food, culture, and people, and am looking forward to making some new friends.

What are your expectations from Calcutta listeners?

So far, I have no expectations from the audience. I will just do my best and hope to make them happy.

You have been working with Indian classical musicians for a while now. Your maiden India tour is primarily with a fusion set-up, with classical percussionists along with (Chennai-based guitarist) Prasanna. How did this project come about?

I have Prasanna to thank for this visit. He has been trying to get me to India for many years now. I’m very happy that it is finally happening. He put the musicians together for the concerts. I hope I can keep up.

How do you approach the bass in an Indian classical context?

From my understanding, there is not usually any bass in Indian classical music. So, I just use my understanding and experience of listening to tell what to play. I also know that the other musicians will let me know if I am playing something that doesn’t work. But, because this is a blend of cultures, I expect to add something a bit different to the mixture of sounds.

What inspired you to pick up the bass as an instrument?

I am the youngest of five musical brothers. When I was born, they realised that they needed a bass player in the family to complete the band. That became my role immediately.

Was there any defining moment when you knew that you would be playing music for the rest of your life?

No, not really. I’ve been playing for so long that it has always felt natural. I can’t really remember when I knew I would never have to do anything else to make a living. I don’t think that I ever thought of it that way. Music, to me, is a language, and speaking it is a natural part of my life, just like speaking English. I’m fortunate to be able to travel the world making people happy with my music.

Who are your biggest influences?

My parents and brother have always been my biggest influences in music and life.

What is the secret of your signature tone?

Like our speaking voice, there is no secret to it except that we didn’t have to try to get it. We’ve always had our voice and have developed it over time — without much effort. Music is the same. Just play naturally and eventually everyone will realise his or her natural voice. Play well and everyone else will appreciate it and ask how you got it.

What is the most important quality a bass player should possess?

A good groove!

What do you look for in musicians you’re playing with?

I like playing with any musician who is a good listener. That is what is needed to make other musicians feel comfortable. I also like a drummer who doesn’t over play, has good time and plays tastefully.

Who are your favourite bass players and drummers in contemporary music?
There are many, many wonderful bass players on the scene. Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Oteil Burbridge, Carles Benavant, Janek Gwizdala, and many more. Dennis Chambers, J.D. Blair, Derico Watson, Will Kennedy, Steve Smith, and Roy Wooten are just a few of the many drummers that I like.

What projects do you have planned?

I recently finished an audio version of my book The Music Lesson. I hope to release it in the very near future. It was a very big project to complete with lots of readers and musicians. And yes, I also hope to record another solo project in the near future as well as continue teaching, sharing, and running camps in Tennessee.

ARKA DAS 
As appeared in t2, The Telegraph, March 26, 2010