Victor Wooten's Reunion Camp / F.U.N.K. Fest

August ended in a flurry of musical activity. Flecktones' bassist, Victor Wooten held a reunion camp for his annual "Bass and Nature Camp" students at Montgomery Bell State Park, near Burn, TN. Victor has a far reaching concept of combining elements of nature with music since of course "music is natural" He brings in trackers and survivalists as well as renown bassests' such as Chuck Rainey and Bob Babbit (Did you see standing in the Shadows of Motown?). I've been honored and privileged to be able to attend and sit in on percussion during jam sessions and some the bass nights where every bass player gets to jam with a band. This camp featured a "groove class" and the bassists' played with a band that consisted of brothers Reggie and Joe Wooten, JB Blair, Howard Levy, and myself. It was a really fun night of various styles and personalities and everyone was made to feel important. This is a key theme that runs through all of Victor's camps and one which I personally love. Also, after each player finished, Victor, Steve Bailey, Chuck Rainey, Bob Babbit and Howard Levy all gave constructive comments on what they liked and how to better fit with the groove. In the age of soloist bass playing, some players go for the icing and forget the cake. Players concentrated on making solid foundations that supported the band. Playing with professionals and having comments was a tremendous opportunity for all. Players chose the tune they wanted to play and styles where quite diverse.

F. U. N. K. Fest (Friends of Nature and Knowledge - Aug 26-28) was held in Blue Buckle, IN and was the ending of the camp as well as being an exciting, new concept for music festivals. It was held on a festival site made famous by Bill Monroe and was ready made for this type of event. This was the first festival that I have ever witnessed that attempted to combine music and nature activities on a broad scale. In addition to the a variety of artists that included the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Keller Williams, and Umphrey's McGee, participants could also go on a plant walk, learn about bio-fuel, do a blindfold rope walk and build a fire with a bow drill. Even in its first year, the festival helped create widespread awareness of our interdependence with nature and introduce many new musical talents as well.

My own experience included performing as a guest on Sunday with Roy "Futureman" Wooten of the Flecktones. The Futureman Project also includes Jeremiah Abel on keyboards and Robert Provine on guitar. Futureman combines elements of Americana in a web of poignant messages from sampled leaders and artists. He uses Miles Davis, rain forest, soul, gospel and atmospheric backdrop for virtuoso flurries. Roy has a way of combining and creating like few artists that I have seen or played with. It is exciting to witness and participate in his work as it continually unfolds. I'll try to review some of his past and future works at a later date.

After our show Sunday afternoon, we moved to the big stage to get ready for the all-star jam. Some of the campers participated as well as the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Victor Wooten, Anthony Wellington and others. Umphrey's McGee was to play immediately afterwards and thier percussionist graciously allowed me to use his set-up. It started out with Futureman playing a drum solo and after a few minutes, I joined him. Then more players and the jam was on. Finally, the Dirty Dozen came on stage it was a real hoot-in-anny. About midway thru, the stage lights went out but we kept blowing. Unfortunately, Hurricane Katrina hit New orleans later that night. Those guys were worried but seemed very happy to be that far north. Little did we know...

What a fun night. Then it was back to Nashville. A new type of festival has been born!