Concert Preview: SMV @ Wolf Trap
SMV, (l-r) Victor Wooten, Stanley Clarke, and Marcus Miller |
Wooten, who made his name playing with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, had a simple answer to these questions when he spoke with DCist earlier this week, just as the group was beginning rehearsals for a tour in support of the album. The trio will be performing tomorrow night at Wolf Trap.
"We all knew we had to make sure it was musical and not just a slap fest or whatever," he explained. "We also wanted to make sure the bass players were happy in getting enough bass, but the album had to sustain multiple listenings."
The seeds of the project were planted two years ago. Wooten and Miller, a successful bassist/bandleader/producer who gained recognition while playing with Miles Davis in the 80s, were at an event where they presented Clarke with a lifetime achievement award—a deserved recognition for someone who revolutionized both upright and electric bass playing when he burst onto the scene in the early 1970s. The three performed Clarke's fusion classic, "School Days", at the event.
On Thunder, each musician came into the studio with one tune prepared, and the remainder of the material was a collaboration. The album includes guest appearances by George Duke, Chick Corea, and others. The touring band will include the District's own keyboard whiz Federico Pena and drummer Derico Watson. While the album probably won't be considered a jazz classic, the songs are thoughtfully assembled and yield a pleasing listening experience.
As far as making the transition from album to stage, Wooten is confident the material will work.
"We have to figure out different parts and how to handle overdubs, but everybody is so musical we expect it to come together very easily," he said.
But for Wooten, the performance is only part of what drew him to this collaboration.
"I’m working with two of my idols. They are at the top of my list of favorite players and all of a sudden I’m on tour with these guys. That’s the biggest thing for me."
SMV will be performing on Saturday, Aug. 16 at Wolf Trap. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $22-$40.