Let me be the first to say that Victor Wooten is an amazing musician. And let me also be first to say that Victor Wooten's live act is a delight to see in person, emitting obvious talent and musicality along with the positive vibe that comes from seeing his family and friends supporting him on stage. But, these things aside, I cannot recommend this CD for anyone trying to get a good cross-section of Victor's sound.

Part of the problem is the CD's panoptic view of the Wootens' live set, rarely editing out the lengthy segues and in-betweens of some of the songs that are much more fun to watch than merely to hear. This comes especially true with Reggie Wooten's guitar work, which is a little unbearable if you can't watch him getting into it. Similarly, lots of the very interesting songs are divided into breaks and comments that quickly lose their charm, beginning with "Hormones in the Headphones" and lasting through much of the album.

The other problem, as mentioned with Reggie Wooten's playing, is that a lot of the Wooten brothers' live set is best enjoyed in person due to the highly visual nature of their stage performance. A lot of entertainment goes on on many levels; it is not merely a funk or jazz show. It is Victor Wooten's unique creative vision, and in this form it is hard to capture as a phantasmagoric live recording.

Ironically, the best piece on this double-disc album does not feature Victor, but friend and musical peer Marcus Miller, a highly esteemed bassist known for his work with Miles Davis and his prodigious solo recordings. (While we're mentioning Mr. Miller, check out HIS live CD, The Ozell Tapes. It is much more effective.) When talking to Victor at an open clinic, I asked him about the track, and he said it originated from a show in San Diego when Marcus walked into the concert hall carrying a bass and Victor ushered him on stage. So the funk medley is largely an improvised amalgam of the two players' talents (Victor plays with Marcus after a minute or so of the "Panther" intro). Amazing! This track is easily the greatest moment the album captures, outshining all of the other groove-laden pieces in its sheer virtuosity and novelty. How often do we get to see two of the greatest bass players duel out on stage--and with such transcendental results?

Finally, I want to make one thing very clear: Victor Wooten and his band can't be faulted for this album's seeming unwieldiness. That is, don't buy this and subsequently turn down tickets to a show. To the contrary, most of what's on this CD really seems more like the background idea to a Victor Wooten performance--the icing, but little cake. Perhaps in a few years we'll get to hear a better live release from Victor and his family.

I just recently saw Victor and his band on the Soul Circus tour and picked up this album on the way out. It was an awesome show, and this album does a pretty good job of capturing the band's upbeat energy and great grooves.

There's a lot to digest here, and the album isn't put together quite well enough to make it a seamlessly enjoyable listening experience. There are a number of excellent tracks on the first disc, mostly of the funk-groove variety. "Nobody Knows my Name," "Yinin' and Yangin'" and even "Hormones in the Headphones" all have great energy. Victor's solo spot on track seven is great, with the somberly captivating "Sacred Silence" leading into the tap-tastic "The Jam Man." Sadly, Regi Wooten's solo spot at the end of the disc doesn't translate quite right on the CD. This is unfortunate because his crazy guitar solo was one of the highlights from the Soul Circus show. Regi shines most in backup here, however.

Disc Two opens with one of the best recorded jam sessionsof all time, with Victor laying down the funk and Marcus Miller soloing seamlessly for upwards of ten minutes. There's more upbeat funk here, most notably "Imagine This." The second disc does drag a little in the middle with too much stage chatter. And did we really need to hear rapper Divinity playing bass?

This is a good album overall, there are just a few nagging problems that detract every time you hear them. Victor and his band are amazing, don't hesitate to check them out on tour now that the Flecktones are taking some time off.

there were some cheesy vocals on the cd however when marcus miller plays with victor on the track caalled panther that is worth the price of both the double cd set.

How could this swine get an actual job as a reviewer when he is so obviously totally ignorant of all things musical? He accused victor's brother's of not being virtuosic, and he apparently didn't listen too well, because Reggie Wooten(the ultimate guitar master) is the teacher, not victor. I have seen this album performed in person twice, and it is nothing to scoff at, believe me. Not only were they two of the most memorable concerts of the many I have had, but they were just damn good. And what was that quip about self indulgence.....?

I love this album! Victor is a wonderful musician. His older brothers Regi and Joseph taught him to play, particularly the thumb technique, employed by Regi on guitar. Victor doesn't "slap" the bass (like many bassists I've watched). Like Marcus Miller, he uses his thumb like a pick, which allows him to play fast 16th's and triplets effortlessly. Big brother and guitarist Regi Wooten uses that technique a lot, taught it to Victor, hence Victor's show of respect, "the Teacha". More than anything, this band grooves. Funk is party-dance music for regular people, not just musicians wanking off. When a band is grooving like this, there is an energy exchange between audience and musicians. Whis the music is happening everyone forgets about their problems and lives entirely "in the moment". Yeah!!

I've played electric bass for 20 years and recently switched to guitar. When I bought Victor's instructional video, my bass-playing progressed 200%. I just wish there was an instructional book or video by Regi Wooten. I love Regi's Funk playing, he grooves!