SMV "Thunder Tour" Battles of Bass between Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten.

[Rawk4Life]

3:25 - you won't see any rock guitarist pull that off live.

[Rawk4Life]

I love how Stanley Clarke is all like "you might be the best in the world Victor. But remember, I held that title while you were still in diapers."

[andreking84]

did u see the look on victors face,lol he was like wtf????lol got to love it

[awesomezebra]

What kind of bass is that stanley clarke is playing??? does any1 know??

[bp42357]

@awesomezebra That is an Alembic bass. I believe it was custom made for Stanley but I'm not certain of that or whether they are still in business.Signed- an old school bass player.

[kult13]

@awesomezebra like bp42357 just said, it's an Alembic Stanley Clarke Signature, they are still in business, but you have to wait a long time before getting a new model. Signed-a lucky Alembic owner

[danicumbay]

Versus? Oh no no! cada uno con su talento! No menospreciemos a esos maestros!

From: Uruguay

[TheIllegalKind]

i think stanley iss the best

[oneone1onezero0]

Stanley (Loss) vs Victor (Win)

Marcus (Draw) vs Wictor (Draw)

SMV (Win) vs my speakers (Loss)

[rexardye]

@oneone1onezero0 LOL!!!

I guess in the last battle the first will always win, no matter whose speakers in the game ... lol

[ookamiroze94]

Bassist heaven is here

[BassFever74]

2:13 sounds like a couple ducks having a battle

[danicumbay]

No es duelo ni batalla... es suma de talentos!

[leoxavierjazz]

Só nao consigo gostar desse timbre do Stanley Clarke...terrivel!!

[leoxavierjazz]

Ahhh o Nico Assumpção ai no meio...vixxx!!!

[michaelspadaro6]

who the hell disliked this?

[teachingfeller]

Four of my all time favorite artists: Clarke, Miller, and Wooten... AND Derico Watson on the drums!

[swordmanblair]

A Harmonia é bem parecida com a musica " Bad do Michael Jackson " rsrsr

[Nicoderm1]

Victor Wooten is the best!

[slapthatbass97]

Ive met victor wooten and have seen the SMV tour twice :-0 it was absolutely mind blowing.

[MysteryFlameMonkey]

Victor Wooten!!!!!!!!!!!! Whoo!!!!!!!!!! I hope I can meet them someday. That would be so cool. I wonder if I'll ever be that good........

[flavioperazzo]

is victor getting bald?? LOL

[demeydson2010]

que trioooo. muito doido isso aê.... admiro cada um......

[AJ199721]

VICTOR WOOTEN! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO



[Rizilo]

I just love the way how they get into the music. Like at 4:14, Vic marchin' to the groove, Marcus and Stanley with those awesome bass faces.. It's just so awesome..

[lovekurt]

thanks for the post!! awesome!

[larrystarstruck]

This is very interesting to say the least Would have never expected this for the bass but love it.

[2005pik]

4:48 Amazing

[2005pik]

4:55 Amazing

[gvektor]

AMAZING !!!!

[KyleTheBassist123]

I bet they could do this with their pubes

[portoqwerty]

havent seen marcus miller but just saw victor and stanley just a few weeks ago... so amazing live if you can go see them... and stanley is sick on the upright... and Vitctor wooten is one of the most humble gracious musicians i have ever met. ... i shake his hand hoping some of his talent rubs off on me and he says "thanks for coming" im like jesus thank you for coming to mpls.

[dedebass7]

Só para quem pode!

[MrJuniorviola]

Os caras são uns monstros, eu particularmente, gosto do som do Stanley Clarke,

eu acho o improviso de dedo dele mais criativo e mais limpo, dá pra entender nota por nota, mas aqui no Brasil existil um baixista chamado Nico Assumpção, nada se compara a ele

[Galv1nBass]

Is wooten Balding? :o

[TheAdjectiveman]

im not a fan of how stanley does that whole 4 finger fingering thing when hes in a tight spot.

[gianfrancospagnulore]

MARK KING IS THE BEST !!!

[profix2345]

victor wooton is the best

[Brian19451]

Stanley Clarke look like a giant compared to Victor.

[MishuTaste]

Marcus Miller refuses to be upstaged!

[wackyruss]

All this trio needs is Les Claypool and Larry Graham. That would be one bass-slappin' quintet!

[JazzFestLover]

@wackyruss The Electric Bass Orchestra! Strap the pantheon's pillars together because the with all that rumble the old building might crumble. And add Charnett Moffett to the stage for an irreverent but special treat.

[sambucaron]

@JazzFestLover Dont leave out James Genus

[cfredrics]

@JazzFestLover Also add Jaco.

[PwnageGravy]

@wackyruss Don't forget Stu Hamm!

[Brian19451]

@wackyruss Jeff Berlin as well!

[ozzballs100]

@wackyruss Although I agree Grahm and Claypool are Brilliant bass players, and this is coming from someone who's seen and met Victor, Stanley and Marcus on numerous ocassions, gee who's that in the picture with me,

NOBODY ELSE BELONGS ON THE STAGE WITH S.M.V.

[ozzballs100]

@wackyruss Claypool and Graham are great in their aspects and fields of music, but NOBODY ELSE BELONGS ON THE STAGE AT AN S.M.V. SHOW, EXCEPT WHO'S ALREADY UP THERE

[bertdorf4]

@wackyruss And Geddy Lee? SMV, Les, Graham, and Geddy are BEAST

[MrIKTPQ4life]

@wackyruss And Arif from protest the hero.

[TheAdjectiveman]

@wackyruss i dont really think les claypool belongs on that list

[DroneGrinder]

@wackyruss 

[Prettyflyforabassman]

@wackyruss

and flea and tm stevens :D

[mixedfunkiez]

@wackyruss no Les Claypool dude! hahaha just Larryy Graham is enough. Les Claypool doesnt have the same style w/ these guys do.

[TheIllegalKind]

@wackyruss - claypool 

[bobbyjones3421]

it is easy to see that "STANLEY CLARKE" is the best bass player in the world !!! in 1969 and now. This stage is missing "LOUIS JOHNSON' real bad. Louis is the greatest "thump and show" bass player to ever hit the stage! STANLEY CLARKE and LOUIS JOHNSON would be the greatest bass show on earth !!!

[Spunion19]

just had an eargasm...

[herefordopeness]

Those 3 under one roof could destroy a planet.

[maferreira1984]

Those are not battles, but amazing conversations.

[bemolable]

WHat a uggly bald has wooten! xD

[Lycanlord378]

I'd have killed to see Michael Manring and Stu Hamm get in on this mix. Although, 5 top-of-the-foodchain bass players? Might be the end of the rhythm section of the world as we know it.

[themakeree]

lol at the drummer at the background. "yea, just chillin. let 'em do their thing. Imma just chill"

[ant061093]

3 best bass players u will ever c in ur life they r incredible

[luvetohate]

iv always wanted to know why vic has a bald patch. is it cus of his religion or something? or is it just falling? yea i also love 1:19

[kalebker]

whoever this was did a good job at steadying the camera

[Skidhblanir]

it just got funky around 2:35 with a hint of jazz and hip hop

[ststephen909]

Damn.. Wooten and Miller go OFF!

[Skidhblanir]

@ststephen909 hell yeah they do and they are better than this it blows my mind

[pataflafla14]

I don't know about ya'll....but to me it seems like victor is ALWAYS holding back on everything he does.

[Drumminsince89]

This is more of a conversation than a match.

[catfishthecrown]

love Marcus Miller

amazing !!!!!! thanks

[wog3]

These 3 are like Dr. J, MJ and Kobe/Lebron of bass. While Victor may be technically advanced, his music writing is far less inferior of the three. His music is quite Hee Hawish. He sounds better when playing with others.

[DJMiniBurnie]

Id love to see these 3 have a proper battle... i think the world would end.

[guitarguy141]

it just seems to turn into a speed contest

[geankarlo22]

ojala que algun dia pasen por peru si lso veo csm!! puedo morir tranquilo csm!!! ojala algun dia espero ver aunque sea uno de ellos tocando solos pero csm como debe haber sido ver a eso tres MOUNSTROS ps tocando en un solo escenario ala mela gracias por colgar el video

[XSK8xD]

5:33 LOL

[individuo3]

!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hairman63]

Just 3 of the greatest bassplaying musicians, having loads of fun TOGETHER ... that's what makes it so interesting to watch!

Thanks for sharing!!!

[ShangoDC]

One thing I tremendously respect of Victor regarding his exchange with Stanley is although hes playing in area or style, which is much more compatible to Stanleys technical supremacy hes willing stand in there with Stanley and attempts to make good of it.

[jackhammer111]

@ShangoDC there is no area or style stanley can't play. he's simply the greatest bass player that ever lived. victor knows this.

if you ever get a chance to see stanley's hands up close you'll know why he is who he is. some people are born to do what they do. not that they don't have to work but they soak up everything.

[ShangoDC]

@jackhammer111 Your absolutely correct!

[MusicManDzatado]

I think Victor respects Stanley too much to even try to beat him in a battle, but I don´t think it´s a question of who´s better I think they´re just enyoing the moment.

[biffstudd]

I love how dueling bassist have to lean over right before they solo

[xpexmanx]

Correct me if I am wrong but I think that is Derico Watson on kit...

[bonoytheedgesonlaley]

yeah!!!

[bassguitarmethod]

Victor Wooten cannot be stopped

The man is simply the worlds greatest bass player alongside Billy Sheehan

[ShangoDC]

After honestly watching this clip with he and Stanley, how can you truthfully make that statement. I can understand if he's your personal favorite, but are we honestly watching the same video here. ...LOL.

[fefiss86]

pffff.. that was funny you made me laugh.. ty

[4strings4me]

@bassguitarmethod

Alex Al is the world greatest bassist. You better ask somebody! Bro!

[HWolfeIII]

@4strings4me That brother is great but is he badder than these 3?

[4strings4me]

@HWolfeIII

Bro, cats don't get it. Their is a difference between being a bass soloist and bassist (sideman). Marcus is great at both, Stanley is a great soloist but I can't see/ hear him backing up a vocalist playing R/B or Jazz on electric. He doesn't use standard tuning. Vic is a beast but more fireworks than groove. Alex Al is a beast. The difference is he hasn't cut a solo record . He can do it all and will KILL you on bass synth.

[HWolfeIII]

@4strings4me I feel you on Alex Al but I respecfully disagree with you about Stanley. If you can, get his album

"Let Me Know You" and his work with the Clarke / Duke Project. He's doing the backing bass and solo bass on all those recordings and he know's how to dial it in when necessary.

[Mumwup]

@4strings4me Finally somebody get it. Stanley and Victor are stylists. Yes, they've both filled the bass role in various ensembles. But each is a better stylist than bass player. I agree with you 4strings4me, Marcus is both!

[4strings4me]

@Mumwup

Very well said bruh

[MsBassLady2]

@4strings4me I agree with you. I am a FEMALE LEFTY, UP-SIDE DOWN player, and I LOVE THE FUNK, R&B, and POP. I really like ANYTHING that sounds good, but I'm sorry, I'm NOT into this style of playing!! This is "Showman Bass", it's not REALLY playing anything, it's just showing how fast you can hit strings and play notes..Not for me. I'm a GROOVE player, And I like PLAYING WITH OTHER MUSICIANS!! It's clear to me that these guys spend alot of time playing ALONE!!...

[andreking84]

@MsBassLady2 ok only a new player would talk like this all three of these guys are grammy award winning bass players,how many grammys do u have???lol not downing u are any thing but if these guys wanted to play triplet notes all thru the song the hell with it,lol by all means let the grammy award bass players do there thangs!LOL

[ARKfusion]

@MsBassLady2 I grew up around Nashville and in my later teens I went to see the Wooten Brothers play every Wednesday night. Victor wasn't there every time, but I assure you Victor is one of the best "groove" players you'll ever hear live. He can play with an ensemble just fine and in fact often takes them to a new level of creativity. 

[TheSalvationArmyChil]

stanley es muxo mejor en dijitacion q victor

[istefaobx]

yes love bass ohooooooo

[istefaobx]

the best off the best

[almirgomes]

stanley have more feeling

[tonejatoon]

Guys,6:15 tells us the truth.Stanley is the biggest player folowed by Marcus and Victor.I hope no1 stands on his equipment which could slightly ruin this investigation.I'm suddenly sad to say that cause I just love them all but u can't fight your

DNA.

[MrsStange09]

I don't think any of these guys are really anymore superior than the other. Clarke is a very lyrical/chordal player with unsurpassed clarity. Wooten is very versatile all round, but gets muddy with his sound sometimes. Marcus can slap and thump cleaner than just about anybody.

I'm just gonna sit back and enjoy the collective greatness.

p.s. nobody tears up an upright like Clarke though.

[walleva69]

@ MrsStrange09

you are spot on! i agree 100%

[jazzgtrplayer]

@MrsStange09 From what I've read, part of the reason Clarke's playing is so clear is because he uses a keyboard amp setup. You can tell his tone is different from the others. Obviously, his technique is great, but I've read he purposely avoids the deep, "muddy" bass sound in favor of a more guitar or keyboard treble sound.

[lukis94s]

Victor Wooten, Victor, Victor!!!

[seandeeify]

Oh to see this live I would go blind!!!  The trading beats between Marcus and Victor at around 4:40 is hilarious and next to impossible for us down here without the bass in our blood.

[SunburstFender18]

Vic is totally holding back and thats very honorable of him. The student has surpassed the teacher.

[ShangoDC]

If Stanley is the teacher your talking about then Victor has not surpassed that teacher...lol. Are "really" listening to the first interchange Stanley and Victor. Victor is struggling to play with clarity the notes Stanley's producing. I can understand if Victor is personal favorite, but we've to be real to what where hearing and seeing...lol.

[ShangoDC]

There's two exchanges where Victor had to decline the interplay...lol.

[lafontaine1469]

Thanks for this awesome post! I'd never go as far and describe this as a "VS" thing ... and I definitely don't think they're trying to 'out-do' each other - they're just havin' a ball jammin' off each other. There are no "winners". WE ARE THE WINNERS for being able to experience this. Such a treat. Loved Victor Lamont's reaction at 1:19 - priceless - he was probably thinking, "um, what do I do now?" Of the three, Victor's philosophy resonates most with me. Read "The Music Lesson" - it's great!

[JazzFestLover]

Definitely agree. The "VS" is meant to be playful... They were having much fun and it was contagious for the audience.  Love to catch this concert again...Even as the music is shaking the marrow out your bones, you can't help but grin the entire time.

[mulechick]

Just watched for the first time, I've seen Victor and Stanley, never Marcus,,,I don't believe anyone is holding back!!1

[laneygator]

Talking about these monsters up here, I think Stanley is the bass revolutionary of the three, because he was playing all the bass that you can imagine when he was 25 years old !!!! (same as Jaco). They were the masters that vic and marcus are now (and they are in the 40).

Vic has been playing the bass since he was 4, how can he not play like that when he's 40?.

Marcus is as good as vic and he's been playing since 13 years old. Marcus is a damn virtuoso.

[underfreakful]

victor wooten winner

[invizo28]

vic is cool man, but the hair lol

[cresfresh552]

it shouldnt even be fair to have that much talent on stage at the same time

[GDT1124]

I love how all of these comments say "Vic is the man" when he clearly can't play several things that Stanley and Marcus play.

[Bassupfront]

Man, are you crazy? You base your conclusion on this video? I know em all, but Vic is holdin back big time. He is that humble. He was playing Stanley's songs as a pre-teen kid, and has been playin since he was 4. He is the youngest in SMV and has the smallest ego. He is gracious because the others came before him. That's why he's holdin' back - but it's about the music!

[ShangoDC]

All of them are holding back not just Vic. Stanley's, is really holding back there's so much more he can show than what's on these clips!

[Atomsoppen95]

@ShangoDC

no one is holding back.

its something called feeling.

it doesnt always fit into the song that youre playing fast and difficoult

[emailconfermationftl]

the fact this only has 11k views makes me sad =(

[FANEIAM]

Vic is the MAN! He got tone, feel, groove, melody like nobody else.

[nadiavarela83]

M.miller U Good But, victor is GOD of Bass.

[bargeanimal]

That is just fuckin awful shite. What are they trying to prove? Total up yer arse showing off bollicks.

[madagascarjenkins]

I wish I had a Fodera bass like Wooten's. I want to slap like Miller does too.

[jackhammer111]

clarke is the greatest and not just because he's the fastest, but victor belongs in the same class. miller as well.

that said, they are in awe of stanley.

[Emanual0607]

I love Clarke, but Victor is being humble. He could have really ripped it up if he wanted to. Check out Vic's videos. I'm sure you have. I love all of them however. God Bless.

[ShangoDC]

On the clip with Stanley, there's nothing Vic can do with his fingering style that can match with Stanley. He will need to play in his own to match Stanley.

[Emanual0607]

ShangoDC: I agree with you 100 percent. To think of it, Vic will have to play in his own style to match Stanley. Thanks man for making me realize that. May God Bless.

[ShangoDC]

Emanual10607: I really like Victor's playing style alot I think his probably the best of "his" generation. I've been a great Stanley fan since 73 or 74 when he first hit the seen publicly. I appreciate your response back to me very much. PEACE

[JlawTheBoss]

But isnt it just as easy to say there's nothin Stanley can do to match Vic's thumb? It doesnt mean one is better than the other. Im positive they dont even look at it that way.

[6BassPower6]

clarke is my fucking idol!

[margix]

Stanley Clarke BY FAR He is the Van Halen of bass guitar .

He is THE bass!

[ShangoDC]

I give Victor much credit in the first clip with Stanley, because he's standing next to the greatest bassist of all times trying to match him (Stanley) at his own style.

[charvelmod3]

I'd love to see these guys jam with any Satriani G3 combo...different styles ..yes Awesome I can only imagine!

[ascott4003]

its a matter of taste as far as who is better. Stanley, Marcus then Victor for me as far as who is my favorite. Marcus's articulation is a lot cleaner than Victor. However, Victor is more "technical" than marcus.

[JOHNNYQUESTCHOKEHOLD]

whos the best out of smv?

hmmm.....

victor?

[ShangoDC]

Lyrically and melodically there has not been a bassist who has been as original (tone, technique, chops etc.) as Stanley. Victor and Marcus are among the very best at their instrument, but they have not eclipsed the master. In general, much of the Youtube generation never saw Stanley before the SMV tour so the Victors were all they really saw during the mid 90s. Although this is only a friendly melodic exchange of riffs you can see and hear Victors not able to play Stanley stuff.

[toofpick151]

I agree with alot of this. Stanley shows the wisdom.

[ShangoDC]

Yeah, thanks for your response. Dont get me wrong Victor and Marcus are doing things that 95% of bassist cant come close to comprehending, but between the "Big Three" its still a pretty big difference from Stanleys musicology, instrumental communication and phrasing than the other two. Although Marcus and Victor dont play acoustic bass publicly thats when you can really see the vastness between the talent by Stanley.

[arthurdias86]

Definitely Victor Wooten..

[spiderbass65]

I think it's funny that people call this a "battle" like they're going to bash each over over the head (a-la Sid Vicious)...hahaha! They look to this observer like they're enjoying each other's company.

[JazzFestLover]

Think of the term as in "Battle of the Bands" not "Battle of Bull Run"

[spiderbass65]

I get it, I've been in a few Battle of the Bands.

I just think it's an odd term. They should call it "BASS GOD SMACK DOWN" and have a steel cage death match like Thunderdome.

That would be cool.

[JazzFestLover]

And these guys would bring a whole new meaning to "Let's Get Ready to Rumble!" . As in you can feel that rumble down in the bone marrow..

[jackhammer111]

@spiderbass65 sure they are, but make no mistake, this is a pissing contest. when i saw stanley on tour with his band long ago his last encore existed of inviting bass player in the audience to come up and jam with him, and the best bass players in town always show up at his shows. the cool thing was not seeing stanley polish them all off as much as it was seeing them with *hit eating grins on their faces as they played better then they had ever played because he brought it out of them.

[ShangoDC]

Stanley's style and ability is iconic. A true bass revolutionary! SMV are beyond great....

[zfouchard]

ah yeah!

There comin' to my town soon!

[ejlarsonstratford]

yo, grits was written by marcus.

[JazzFestLover]

Thanx...changed it.