Merry Christmas To Me

I've received some stunningly thoughtful and delightful Christmas gifts this year. With that said, as the end of December rolls around I like to do something for that special man in my life --- namely, moi.

I've always figured Foderas were the bass equivalent of Collings guitars --- all the sound of the cheaper alternatives, at just twice (or three times, or five times) the price. This past April, however, while I was at Arthur's in New York for two Wednesday nights in a row, I noticed that Alyson Williams' bass player had changed to a Fodera Monarch from his Fender Jazz. I also noticed that his sound improved noticeably. Make no mistake, this guy could out-play me with a "First Act" from Toys R Us but he really did groove harder with the Fodera and when I questioned him extensively after the second set he admitted that it had really made a difference for him.

So which Fodera to get? Obviously the Victor Wooten one. A few days ago I noticed that Jody Miller, formerly of Bass Club Chicago, was selling his Yin Yang, so we made a deal and I picked it up this evening. I'm pleased to inform you that I am totally nailing James Jamerson's part in "I Want You Back". This bass really is better than the alternatives. It's like the best worn-in, totally-relic'ed Fender you ever played, but it also looks and feels brand new.

Instead of making you watch a video of me mis-playing my new Fodera, here's one video of Jody playing a Yin Yang, and one of Mr. Wooten himself, okay? Happy holidays to all of you. We'll return on Sunday or Monday with a few long-form things I've been working on.

Victor with his best-known solo piece, in Nashville:

And here's Victor with... Lou Rawls?