As I approached the doors to the Beachland Ballroom on Saturday, November 4th, I saw the tell tale signs of a sold out show. Despite the show having started a few minutes prior to my late arrival, there was still a loosely gathered crowd outside the door—hoping they would find that person with an extra, unclaimed ticket and straining their ears to catch glimpses of the sound passing through the doors.
Upon entry into the Beachland Ballroom, I wove myself through the entranced audience to get a glimpse of the trio creating the intoxicating sound filling the venue. Victor Wooten (bass), Dennis Chambers (drums), and Bob Franceschini (sax) were weaving their musical brilliance, undoubtedly from note number one.
In less than ten minutes, they had captured the unwavering attention of each member of the audience in an establishment with every seat taken and every inch of standing room occupied. There was an appreciation and a kindness in the audience, not always found in similar situations—as if every one there knew we were witnessing a masterpiece in the making and were unified in mutual respect and admiration.
Victor Wooten led this devoted crowd on a musical journey through the vastness of technique, style, method and sound that characterizes his art. He interacted with his audience and his fellow musicians with familiarity and humor; sharing stories about his own process as a musician, interacting with Chambers and Franceschini with an authenticity that made you feel like you were part of a casual jam session, and effortlessly creating laughter throughout.
Touring in support of their new album, TRYPNOTYX, the trio echoed the personality of their recorded works on stage as they presented a vast array of music in an almost improvisational style.
They covered the arenas of jazz, rock and funk while exploring everything in between, and then stretching beyond. They pulled their audience into mellow and emotional endeavors, then fueled frenetic explorations of body and mind. The trio highlighted the musical mastery each one of them possess, working together and in solo sessions to deliver intense intricacies of playing and sound. All three of these musicians are true artisans of their craft—and when left to the devices of live performance, they unquestionably reveal their love and devotion to their art.
When Victor Wooten took to the stage without his compatriots present, he spun a web of musical mastery that played on the heart, mind and ears of all listening. 
As he worked his way through the four variations of basses he had on stage you could hear the appreciation and awe flow through the audience. When he took to pulling the notes from his bass with a bow, I felt the strings in my own heart pulling tears to my eyes. 
Wooten showcased the expansive world of the bass by revealing the breadth of expression, style and sound capable from one man, on one stage with one type of instrument. As the rest of his trio returned to the stage, I would be surprised if there was anybody left standing without a new appreciation for this instrument and this man, especially when paired together.
The Victor Wooten Trio definitely left an impact on the shores of Lake Erie this past weekend. I know I will be eagerly awaiting the return of this musical genius and look forward to my next lesson in where music can take us.
Truly enjoyed this, looking forward to more!