"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.
