I saw Futureman with his brother, Victor, and the Flecktones at the Boulder Theater c. 2015. We were in the first row and the show they put on was pure genius. Afterwords all the performers just hung out with those wishing to chat and I even got Victor to sign his book for me. A great evening I'll never forget.
I’d never heard of Bella Fleck and the ‘tones until I saw them live with zero expectations. Needless to say my mind was blown and face melted. I was going crazy trying to figure out where the dude on the kit was when it hit me. These brothers are on another level.
The first time I saw the Flecktones, I didn't realize it was as a Drumitar that FutureMan played. We showed up,front row seats, and there was no Drum Set. I thought "Oh no, where's Futureman?' My mind was blown.
"and they say you can also use them for furniture, so the guys and the ladies who really dig them, you know, if you don't play 'em you can set cups and stuff on 'em"
First saw them in 95 and I definitely thought by now people would be playing that instrument everywhere but it never took off but it was amazing to watch him I saw the Flecktones 3 times that year
That was about the time I saw him. Would like to have heard more about the design of this thing. It looks like a synth axe which has been altered. Synth Axe came out around 1981, I think.
I love love love love love Bela Fleck and the Flecktones! I’ve been a fan since the first time I saw a performance of them playing “Sinister Minister.” A friend had recorded them playing on some tv show. I think it was BET on Jazz. In the late 80’s/early 90’s that was about the only place to see jazz musicians performing live. So, I watched this video and the music was right up my alley; a little eclectic, but not too much, and the players could absolutely throw down. After Flecktones’ saxophonist Jeff Coffin was asked to join the Dave Matthews Band, there was a reunion of the original Flecktones, with the return of Howard Levy (harmonica, keys). Levy’s harmonica sound was a huge part of the band’s sound in general, so when he came back to record an album with his former band mates, I was super excited. (A lot of you probably know all this but I am going somewhere with this.) So, in 2011 Rocket Science was released. It’s an amazing album. Great compositions all the way through. As if things couldn’t get any better in the world of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, I found out that they were going to be playing at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville, TN, which is about an hour and a half drive from my house. My brother and I got our tickets and witnessed one of the best concerts ever. It was such a refreshing change from all the rock shows that we normally go to. I even bought a T-shirt. Fast forward a few years and I’m back in Nashville for a Dennis Chambers drum clinic! The guy is a monster. Afterward, I’m walking around checking out Dennis’ Pearl drums, which were sick, and I see the one and only Roy “Futureman” Wooten standing there taking to someone. I patiently waited until he was finished talking to the other people and then I went up to him and told him how big of a fan I am. I just happened to be wearing the T-shirt that I bought at their show a few years earlier. He liked that. So, I asked him what was going to be next for Bela and the Flecktones. His answer kind of took me by surprise to say the least. He said something along the line of, “Unless we do another reunion thing, this is it for us.” I didn’t know what to say. So I just started saying, “Bull. Bull. Bull.” I was smiling while I said that because I thought he was pulling my leg. I honestly can’t remember how our conversation ended. I just remember thinking to myself, “I just met Futureman and was kinda rude to him.” In hindsight I don’t think I was rude though. I do wish that I had been mindful enough to get an autograph or a picture. Oh well. If one of us had to be rude, I’m glad it was me.
notice that Futureman has got all his chops together. He could be playing Tupperware and still blow clowns like me off the map. But sadly, I don't think the Drumitar is going to sell. The visceral joy of watching a sweaty human being behind a kit will never be replaced by watching someone typing.
I think we need both. It's a helluva lot more interesting to watch someone type when you've seen sweaty drummers for the last 100 years. I'd hate it if it was all drumitars though
Thank you for the demonstration. until now, i've been intrigued with the group performances and your occasional solo. but this in depth explanation was mesmerizing.
Fantastic sounds and your ability to transfer to the new medium is awesome. I've been a fan since your early Bela Fleck recordings. Mr friend Chris DeHaas has mentioned your drumitar and some of its features. He is an electronics guy. I think you may know him. A great video.
As a drummer of almost 40yrs, I will say the last thing I need is an instrument I have to play hunched over. I gotta enough back problems. Saw this dude live at PASIC. Sickness!!!
:44 I love the fact that he basically encourages just having them around to set drinks on if nothing else. Too many people would try and make it about "disrespecting" the instrument.
what bothers me to know is: who drove who? Usually the older brother inspires the younger on to follow. And with the Wootens?! I think it is fair to say this one here is a right nutter - but in a fabulous way! I knew a drummer named David Haynes who set kind of new standards with his drum machine going as far as almost switching completely from a real drum set to the machine. Now "this one" here sets new standards again as far as I am concerned...
I think Victor worries about this guy.I didn't understand One single thing he was saying.To his credit, I've only been awake for an hour and one half. 😁👍👀👌be safe.
Mrs Wooten raised a household of geniuses.
Ain't that the truth all the way up to the inverted question mark head band.
I saw Futureman with his brother, Victor, and the Flecktones at the Boulder Theater c. 2015. We were in the first row and the show they put on was pure genius. Afterwords all the performers just hung out with those wishing to chat and I even got Victor to sign his book for me. A great evening I'll never forget.
You’re a lucky man, I’ve been following these guys for almost 40 years and never even got close to them
One of the most original dudes on the planet.
only matched by his brothers.
The Wootens are very intelligent and can articulate their craft very well.
Eh
@@Darthflips "Eh" - Ryan Locke, 2020
I’d never heard of Bella Fleck and the ‘tones until I saw them live with zero expectations. Needless to say my mind was blown and face melted. I was going crazy trying to figure out where the dude on the kit was when it hit me. These brothers are on another level.
This guy is cool as hell! Got to see him live with the Flecktones when I was in college and he killed it!
What a great perspective on drumming. I love the innovation and I love how he articulates the evolution of the drumitar. It really does make sense.
This dude is really the future!
You can hear and see the passion he has for drums,plus the wealth of knowledge.
He's from another universe.
Respect.
got to hangout with future man back in 94 - such a nice guy and a wealth of knowledge. nice to see he's still as cool as he was.
The first time I saw the Flecktones, I didn't realize it was as a Drumitar that FutureMan played. We showed up,front row seats, and there was no Drum Set. I thought "Oh no, where's Futureman?' My mind was blown.
"and they say you can also use them for furniture, so the guys and the ladies who really dig them, you know, if you don't play 'em you can set cups and stuff on 'em"
LOL!!!
Best quote!
This is as cool and innovative as anything I've ever seen. What an intelligent explanation of his invention.
hey it is a drum machine. it is not a spaceship.
Except it sounds like sh
Needed to know if he could do it.
The Wootens are all about getting the music on the inside, out to the outside.
I’m very happy the do.
Great musician, thinker, speaker and extremely cool cat!
There should be more drummers that play like Futureman. His inventions and techniques open up a lot of possibilities.
First saw them in 95 and I definitely thought by now people would be playing that instrument everywhere but it never took off but it was amazing to watch him I saw the Flecktones 3 times that year
That was about the time I saw him. Would like to have heard more about the design of this thing. It looks like a synth axe which has been altered. Synth Axe came out around 1981, I think.
I love love love love love Bela Fleck and the Flecktones! I’ve been a fan since the first time I saw a performance of them playing “Sinister Minister.” A friend had recorded them playing on some tv show. I think it was BET on Jazz. In the late 80’s/early 90’s that was about the only place to see jazz musicians performing live. So, I watched this video and the music was right up my alley; a little eclectic, but not too much, and the players could absolutely throw down.
After Flecktones’ saxophonist Jeff Coffin was asked to join the Dave Matthews Band, there was a reunion of the original Flecktones, with the return of Howard Levy (harmonica, keys). Levy’s harmonica sound was a huge part of the band’s sound in general, so when he came back to record an album with his former band mates, I was super excited. (A lot of you probably know all this but I am going somewhere with this.)
So, in 2011 Rocket Science was released. It’s an amazing album. Great compositions all the way through. As if things couldn’t get any better in the world of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, I found out that they were going to be playing at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville, TN, which is about an hour and a half drive from my house. My brother and I got our tickets and witnessed one of the best concerts ever. It was such a refreshing change from all the rock shows that we normally go to. I even bought a T-shirt.
Fast forward a few years and I’m back in Nashville for a Dennis Chambers drum clinic! The guy is a monster. Afterward, I’m walking around checking out Dennis’ Pearl drums, which were sick, and I see the one and only Roy “Futureman” Wooten standing there taking to someone. I patiently waited until he was finished talking to the other people and then I went up to him and told him how big of a fan I am. I just happened to be wearing the T-shirt that I bought at their show a few years earlier. He liked that. So, I asked him what was going to be next for Bela and the Flecktones. His answer kind of took me by surprise to say the least. He said something along the line of, “Unless we do another reunion thing, this is it for us.” I didn’t know what to say. So I just started saying, “Bull. Bull. Bull.” I was smiling while I said that because I thought he was pulling my leg. I honestly can’t remember how our conversation ended. I just remember thinking to myself, “I just met Futureman and was kinda rude to him.” In hindsight I don’t think I was rude though. I do wish that I had been mindful enough to get an autograph or a picture. Oh well. If one of us had to be rude, I’m glad it was me.
Cool story, man. Futureman seems like a super chill dude. Greetings from Memphis.
"Music is a language/communication that everybody can understand" - Victor Wooten
wootens are very talented family
notice that Futureman has got all his chops together. He could be playing Tupperware and still blow clowns like me off the map. But sadly, I don't think the Drumitar is going to sell. The visceral joy of watching a sweaty human being behind a kit will never be replaced by watching someone typing.
.....
explain DJs
I think we need both. It's a helluva lot more interesting to watch someone type when you've seen sweaty drummers for the last 100 years. I'd hate it if it was all drumitars though
He's been at it with this thing for 30plus years now, I suspect he knows it's not gonna take of f
@@snoopdoggdankkush9285 people good at picking up other people's music
I could listen to this guy talk about music for hours.
Just got into Bela Fleck and The Flecktones and I love Futureman!!!
Thank you for the demonstration. until now, i've been intrigued with the group performances and your occasional solo. but this in depth explanation was mesmerizing.
Had the chance to talk to the guy a few weeks ago. He blew my mind on so many levels.
So much raw talent.
Love the purple Zendrum in the background :)
love this guy
Fantastic sounds and your ability to transfer to the new medium is awesome. I've been a fan since your early Bela Fleck recordings. Mr friend Chris DeHaas has mentioned your drumitar and some of its features. He is an electronics guy. I think you may know him. A great video.
Pure Magic. This is a gift. Thank you for sharing. The masculine and the feminine is Pendulum Distinction.
pure genius & beauty..................
CAJON , THE BOX , ITS FROM PERU , WE PLAY AFRO-PERUVIAN MUSIC AND SPANISH-PERUVIAN WALTZ WITH IT ...........THEN THE WORLD IS HAPPIER
As a drummer of almost 40yrs, I will say the last thing I need is an instrument I have to play hunched over. I gotta enough back problems. Saw this dude live at PASIC. Sickness!!!
The future picture of next level.
Very cool, "Futureman"... Listen to Roy Wooten playing with, Bela Fleck and The Flecktones!
This man is GENIUS!!!!
Amazing
Amazing talent
All of the Wooten brothers are GENIUSES!!!
Very unique Drummer!
Its a transmission line speaker that extends the low end.
what a cooool dude...
my thoughts exactly. when he mentioned the mind meld that was it. another like :)
So Cool!
yeah - this guy is really something - Ive thought so since the hippo took flight
Damn now that's the definition of a contraption. Very cool.
I did what he's doing on my desk all throughout high school lol, everyone hated it
a genius
Freaking amazing !
Sweet!!! That’s drum guitar is koolio
The image of ST:TOS' "The Way to Eden" episode popped into my mind, when character "Adam" says, "We reach!" :)
Yo I saw him play with the Mu'tet (Jeff Coffin and Felix Pastorious) at the JENN conference in Dallas. Blew my fucking mind.
I'd love to see him and Alan Holdsworth together on stage, both playing SynthAxes but in a completely different manner.
love it!!
I'm convinced he really is from the future.
Genius!!!!
Very cool
:44 I love the fact that he basically encourages just having them around to set drinks on if nothing else. Too many people would try and make it about "disrespecting" the instrument.
Saw them in 99
Awesome
Es un genio
Amazing guy
Genius!
Interesting guy
GENIO
that looks like a highly customizes Synth Axe
You would be correct about that, good sir
You might say that it’s a one of a kind synth axe.
wow that looks so damn hard
SynthAxe plus electric drum pads. Noice!
That is exactly what I was just thinking. It just took me decades to discover the synth axe. Or, who knows. Maybe I knew this and just forgot.
Has a lot in common with what some DJ's are doing with their launch pads, really cool!
Very contributory comment.
What In Drums
original!
WTH (heck)?????????? At 5:38 to play Tony Williams like it was “nothing” ???????. It will be the year 3071 before we understand this guy.
Holy crap, tis guy has Hendrix fingers.
Is this victors brother?
Correct
I've never viewed my hands that way,what's wrong with me?
there is nothing wrong with you
The Wootens make ya say F the Jacksons..lol
oooohhh aren't music-creeps the best creeps? i'd love to meet him
MOMA DADI MOMA DADI
Any relation to Victor the first class bassist
brother
CAJON PERUANO!
I vote he makes first contact with the aliens
ok................
what bothers me to know is: who drove who? Usually the older brother inspires the younger on to follow. And with the Wootens?! I think it is fair to say this one here is a right nutter - but in a fabulous way! I knew a drummer named David Haynes who set kind of new standards with his drum machine going as far as almost switching completely from a real drum set to the machine. Now "this one" here sets new standards again as far as I am concerned...
Not half as much about "marching to the beat of a different drummer," as "forged his own beat."
"and if you don't play 'em, you can actually set cups and stuff on 'em..."
.....Roy "Futureman" Wooten
move over gene krupa, move over.
I think Victor worries about this guy.I didn't understand One single thing he was saying.To his credit, I've only been awake for an hour and one half. 😁👍👀👌be safe.
Now he just needs to get some better samples into that thing.