Palmystery

Victor Wooten | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 1, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Heads Up
• ASIN: B00132D86M
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,323 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #17 in Music > R&B > Funk > Jazz Funk
  • #63 in Music > Country > Bluegrass > Contemporary

Editorial Reviews

From the Artist

"It doesn't matter how you go about writing songs," says bassist Victor Wooten. "The music is coming from somewhere. If we think it's our brain, or some strictly intellectual source, I would say we're mistaken. Sometimes the songs show up quickly, almost completely. That's when you realize, `Wow, I didn't even write this song. It happened on its own.' But whether it comes together in 30 minutes or several months, it's coming from the same place. Call it what you want to - spirituality, mysticism, whatever - that energy is there. The musician is the conduit that enables that energy to enter the world."

Product Description

Bassist Victor Wooten makes his debut on Heads Up International with the worldwide release of "Palmystery" on April 1, 2008. In keeping with the ongoing philosophy of genre-bending eclecticism that has driven all of his solo work, "Palmystery" embraces a range of styles - jazz, funk, pop, soul, gospel, world music and more - and boasts a diverse guest list that includes Mike Stern, Richard Bona, Keb' Mo' and several others. The result is an amalgam of voices, styles and grooves, but one that never fails to hold together at its rock-solid core - in much the same way that Wooten's legions of devoted fans hail from all walks of life and all corners of the globe, yet share a common affinity for artistic diversity.

"Palmystery"'s April 1 release date is simultaneous with the release of "The Music Lesson," Wooten's new novel published by Berkley Trade Paperback (The Penguin Group USA). "The Music Lesson" is the story of a struggling young musician who is unexpectedly visited by a mysterious, seemingly mystic music teacher who guides him through a spiritual journey of higher education in both music and life.

The themes of spirituality and mysticism at the core of "The Music Lesson" dovetail perfectly with those of "Palmystery." A few of the twelve tracks on the album were written over the past couple years, and have since been road tested in Wooten's live shows. Others were written only recently. Whatever the time frame, Wooten maintains a great respect for the mystery of the creative process - something that is very real, yet can never be completely explained.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A beautifully crafted album with a sophisticated, subtle sound., April 9, 2008

By 

luc_doc7 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Palmystery (Audio CD)

"Victor Wooten's "Palmistry" comes closest to handling matters the best by giving him a fair amount of personal space even if surrounded by busy arrangements and African background voices. "The Lesson", for instance, is a duet that features only bass and a rhythm box along with hand claps".Pittzburg Tribune

Guest musicians on his new album are Mike Sternon guitar, Richard Bona on percussion and vocals, Karl Denson on tenor saxophone, Keb' Mo' and several others.

Just the very first spins of the first trach make clear his position as a top notch bass player (he is the veteran bassist of Béla Fleck & the Flecktones) and an excellent composer.

The tracks are all original compositions with the exception of Horace Silver's "Song For My Father".

The musincianschip is fantastic and Victor is on the top of the game.

This a an excellent mix of jazz fusion, blues, gospel, funk and world and the album is very enjoyable for both instrumentals and vocals.

My favourite tracks are : "2 Timers", the middle-eastern tinged "Combo", "I Saw God," which features Richard Bona among its vocalists and the Spanish rhythm flavoured "The Lesson".

Victor's fans will want this for their collections. It's one of his best CDs out there.

Who Let the Cats Out
Tiki
Marcus
The Toys of Men

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great album, April 6, 2008

By 

the thrilla in manilla (Long Island) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Palmystery (Audio CD)

Victor wooten is just an incredible person. He's talented beyond belief and still supremely humble and spiritual. He shines on this album. I had just gotten this album and was listening to it when some friends stopped by. They arent musicians and are more into top 40 stuff but they really got into this album. All of the tracks are great but I think the standout track is I saw god...Worth the buy...pick it up...if you're reading this you're probably a fan of his anyway...it's good....get it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Palms and Fingers, April 4, 2009

By 

Wayne D. Clark-elliott "zonker" (renton, wa United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Palmystery (Audio CD)

This man is a genius. He can play any genre and you will enjoy it. See him in person with his band or with Bella Fleck, you won't regret it.