Palmystery cover

Palmystery

Victor Wooten · 2008

65 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz, bluegrass, and funk that showcases virtuosic bass lines and inventive melodies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Saw God — This track features an engaging dialogue between the bass and other instruments, creating a spiritual atmosphere that illustrates Wooten's ability to convey profound themes through music.
  • →
    The Lesson — A masterclass in groove and rhythm, this track combines intricate bass lines with compelling storytelling, highlighting Wooten's pedagogical influences and musical philosophy.
  • →
    Flex — With its upbeat tempo and dynamic arrangement, this track showcases Wooten's technical skill on the bass while inviting listeners to feel the joy and energy of the performance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album excels in composition and craft, showcasing Wooten's virtuosity and innovative style within jazz fusion.

What we noticed

  • Each track showcases a different instrumental focus, with bass lines often leading while other instruments weave intricate melodies around them.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • virtuosic bass-driven explorations
  • playful grooves for dancing
  • reflective moments of introspection
  • dynamic shifts in pacing
  • engaging narratives throughout tracks

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2008, Palmystery is Victor Wooten's fourth studio album, following his acclaimed record Soul Circus. At this point in his career, Wooten was solidifying his reputation not only as a skilled bassist but also as a composer and educator, blending genres to create a unique sound that challenged traditional musical boundaries.
Stylistic neighbors
Stanley Clarke· Marcus Miller· Michael Manring

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 2 Timers 4:51
  • 2 Cambo 5:25
  • 3 I Saw God 4:20
  • 4 The Lesson 5:55
  • 5 Left, Right, & Center 7:11
  • 6 Sifu 7:36
  • 7 Miss U 4:33
  • 8 Flex 6:37
  • 9 The Gospel 6:42
  • 10 Song for My Father 5:18
  • 11 Happy Song 4:23
  • 12 Us 2 2:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata