 A Magical Revelation of Music Herself |
| Review Date: April 10, 2008 |
| Reviewer: T. Ransom, Woodstock, GA USA |
Before you read this book, open your mind to the possibility that the universe may be very different from your version of reality. This is not a book about music theory or how to play the bass. It is a wonderful and playful revelation about the relationship between Music and your life. Both will change for the better if you are willing to leave behind what you already think you know.
Victor weaves an unbelievably believable tale which unites ideas about space, time, numbers, and nature into a new view of Music as a living, breathing being. Fans of Richard Bach and Tom Brown, Jr., will enjoy this new perspective on their work.
Frankly, music players who are uncomfortable away from the written page of music will be uncomfortable with this book. Improvisors of all kinds will know you have come home. |
A Very Creative Way to Say It
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| Review Date: May 29, 2008 |
| Reviewer: W. Dent, Baltimore, MD |
I've read and reviewed a book by another musician, Kenny Werner, called 'Effortless Mastery'. Some of the things covered in that book are touched upon in Victor's book, The Music Lesson. However, I must say that Victor has certainly found a way to show us the intangibles of music while demystifying so much of what holds we musicians back from really playing. His treatise on music brings to the fore important elements not usually emphasized in a practicing musician's learning. I found the book to be extremely practical while completely engrossing. Victor's decided approach to the subject at hand is unique, clever, and enjoyable. Much like his character in the book (Victor Wooten), I can't remember the last time I had so much fun learning the 'abc's' of music and more to the point, life itself!
One last comment about the book which I am surprised no one else has mentioned (at least if they did I missed it), and that is the proximity of one Jaco Pastorius to the Michael character. I find myself wanting to ask, is Michael Jaco? I am amazed that that question doesn't seem to be answered at all in the book's pages (again, unless I missed it). Then again, maybe it is so obvious, it is I who am a fool for bringing it up.
Either way, I highly recommend this book for a really great read. |
A Practical Guide to Experiencing Music
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| Review Date: April 5, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Todd Flanders, Detroit, MI |
I was a bit turned off by the sub-title. I have very little interest in the spiritual perspective of the world's greatest bass player.
I was grateful that I could read the first chapter online, which sets the tone for the entire book.
The Music Lesson is a fun, entertaining exploration of music from a fictional perspective. There are many important lessons and ideas about music in each chapter. Many of these lessons trigger more questions than answers, which is Victor's way of expressing the importance of self-discovery and "finding your own voice".
I was blessed to attend one of Victor's Bass / Nature camps, so I was able to experience Victor's approach to inspiring others to experience music. I learned to get past my academic background of music theory and explore music with the mind of a child.
I still recommend learning theory, but also recommend this book as a fun read and an opportunity to think of music in a refreshing light.
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VICTOR WOOTEN FOREVER
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| Review Date: April 1, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Hamilton Hayes, |
I am honored to write the first Amazon.com review of this book (which is also my first Amazon.com review period).
It's not often that you find a man who is as selfless, genuine, and true as Victor Wooten.
Everything that makes him so special is reflected in his first book.
There are so many lessons and inventive/new ways to look at music (typical of Victor). The chapters in this book have not only helped me to become a better bassist but has helped restore in me the joy of self discovery as a musician, composer/arranger, and human being.
You will joyously find yourself picking up this "take to a desert island" book as you continue your growth as a musician and person.
This book is as top notch as everything else Victor puts his mind to.
Love You Victor!!!! |
Music + Love = Victor Wooten
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| Review Date: May 22, 2008 |
| Reviewer: J. Shortridge, Seattle, WA |
Victor Wooten weaves a lyrical yarn that is simple and pure in language and deep in the beautiful mystery of the spirit. Not just about music, this book reminds me of Richard Bach's classic "Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah." A must for musicians and artists, and those who like to think and explore and dig a little deeper into their souls.
Download the podcast of Victor's interview with Bob Edwards on XM radio for a great companion experience. |
Richard Bach straps on a 4-string.
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| Review Date: June 24, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Jeff Ross, Nashville, TN United States |
| Although he has shamelessly "borrowed" from Richard Bach's book, 'Illusions', Victor Wooten has written an inspiring reminder for us. He reminds us that what we wish to know we already know and that we only need to remember that. It's a very zen and easy read; also much funnier than I had imagined it would be. The sound of one hand slapping has never sounded so good. |
For Musicians Seeking a Higher Purpose
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| Review Date: July 2, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Abby E. Gross, Pittsburgh, PA USA |
As a music major and literature lover, the first section (and usually only) I visit at the book store is the music section. I was actually searching for another book that was no where to be found, and decided to just browse around. I accidentally stubled upon this book that had only two copies of itself. It seemed intruguing, and then upon seeing its author I definatly had to give it a chance. While leaving the store, I was hoping my money was well spent.
The character Mr. Wooten learns from in this book would most likely call my stumble upon it a sure act of fate. I was meant to pick up this book and it has now given me a new, liberating outlook on my music and developed love for the art better than anything I had ever experienced. Any musician or music appreciator can read this book and change their ability and enjoyment for music perminantly. I have even created a method of incorporating the book with my practice routine. No, I have actually created a new routine based on this book-It is THAT life changing.
Your life and your music are a unity, the same entity, and should be treated as so. This book will teach you to do this naturally, as if you were born with this knowlege. You will connect with Music in the perfect way for the rest of your life, and if you care about her, you will read this book! |
The Music Lesson Everyone Should Experience
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| Review Date: November 4, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Enigma Valdez, |
This book is truly worth the value. There are other comments about this book being "warmed over new age cliche", but Victor Wooten is a bassist and not a philosopher. This book is clearly intended for a wide range of people with varied backgrounds and belief systems.
This book is an easy read for anyone, high school kids, adults, musicians, virtuosos, fans, and so on.
I was very pleasantly surprised to find that Victor Wooten and I share many of the same spiritual values, but he also gives some valuable insight about musicianship.
For example, within the book you find the very reason why so many of us practice, practice and practice certain techniques for years and years but never really master them.
You'll discover the most important elements of Music that Music Theory leaves out and you'll learn the crucial elements to making any musician successful that is not taught in any school of music.
Victor also explains how some mediocre musicians are so successful and able to move the crowds. I've always thought that if I just learned to be the baddest player I would instantly be successful. That's not the case.
Don't let the simplicity of this book fool you, there are some very deep insights within the book that only come from many years of experience.
The book doesn't necessarily talk about anything new, but it does take you in another direction and can give you a new way of looking at things that you may not have had before. It can help you make those breakthroughs in your playing, practicing and performance.
It can even help you make breakthroughs in other areas of your life, because in reality, this whole universe is nothing but a symphonic of vibrations = Music.
Regards,
Enigma Valdez |
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