A Disappointing Decry of Modern Production

I loved "The Music Lesson" and eagerly downloaded the sequel when I saw it. After a prologue of heartwarming introductions and thanks, Wooten goes into a heartbreaking rant about how the reduction in fidelity and switch to more modern music production methods is "killing" music, resulting in a less "grand" experience for the listener. Unfortunately, I thoroughly disagree.

Modern Production methods, for one, have increased accessibility to music recording and publication dramatically. This has arguably only increased the diversity, opportunity, and quality of our radio. Second, Wooten argues a reduction in fidelity equals a reduction in quality, saying the experience of HiFi vinyl or a premium DAW cannot compare to the current mp3. Finally, Wooten began claiming the robotic timbres of auto tune out quantized rhythms were killing music. While I agree such tools might be used wrongly to try to simulate an amazing performance, they can also be used intentionally to create a grand performance, embraced especially by younger crowds. If T-pain was killing music, why do millions flock to his concerts or enjoy his music?

"The Spirit of Music" comes across as a bitter old man's rant against that racket those kids listen to these days. I was disappointed and heartbroken to hear one of my heros just trashing the grand and authentic musical experiences and culture being built in the 21st century. If you relate to these ideas, you may be tempted to listen to Victor Wooten's "Spirit of Music" and substantiate your hate for a blossoming evolution of music. I would caution you against it, and rather instead open yourself to these new trends and their merits.

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A rich exploration of our relationship to music

Victor Wooten has woven another rich tale about Music and what our relationship should be to Her. Every musician, every aspiring musician, and anyone who loves music should dive into The Spirit of Music, the sequel to Victor's celebrated first book, The Music Lesson.

This book describes the efforts of a group of friends who embark on a journey to save Music, who is dying, and the book asks us to join in the battle. The tale is full of humor on the one hand, and valuable lessons on the other, while wrapping it all up in a story that will please your ears, aided by snippets of music from Victor and other musicians throughout the book. And for those of you who have read the print version of The Spirit of Music, let me assure you that the audio version adds so much more richness to the story.

Those of you who have been to Vic's camps will likely find characters you know and hear references to incredible information you have been given, and I promise that the book will bring smiles to the faces of campers. I give this book five giraffes!

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Far Departure From The Music Lesson

Was a real fan of Wootens first book. It combined practical music tips with a story that held it together and strung the lessons together well.

In many ways, this book is the opposite of that. The book is 90% story and 10% tips on making better music.

The story is passable. It reminds me a lot of YA fiction I read in middle school. It follows a lot of tropes that you’d find in a Harry Potter book. The story and writing is probably passable for a book like that, but it’s not really what I wanted or expected.

This might be a good book to gift a niece or nephew interested in music, but if you’re a musician looking for a book that will help you improve your skills, this is not the book for you. The Music Lesson covers all of the lessons from this book and it does so in a more concise and straightforward manner.

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What if music told you she was dying?

At the end of his previous book, "The Music Lesson", music told Victor that she was sick and dying. Now, victor and a group of fellow musicians are called to save music, to fight for her life against forces that want music dead. It is a heroic battle in which love may do as much, if not more to save music than music itself!

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Victor is a gift to this world!

I have been close in his presence, but I have never personally met Victor Wooten. As far as I can tell, he is a world class HUMAN, gifted teacher, and brilliant PLAYER of music! His presence in the world is s as needed gift and the lessons in these books not only needed, but priceless! Strange-ass story...but as in the first book, you are transformed AND a better musician simply for reading it. Audio version rocks! Cheers to its success...and THANK YOU, Victor (and all involved) for all you are and do!

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Another great book by Victor Wooten.

I really hope he continues to write and record stories like this. An awesome book.

"Avengers: Endgame" for Musician: Too Chaotic.

Read this as I love Victor's first book. Michael, Uncle Clyde and Sam are so alive and relatable. While I managed to complete this book, it is certainly a let down.

I almost gave up at the chapter shortly after Jonathan disappeared.

Pro:
1) Ample of great music.
2) Insights are still more down to earth that most positivity feel-good books, relatable to those exposed to Native American / Ancient Indian / African native traditions.
3) An gallant attempt to wake readers up from the incessant distractions cultures, honoring sacredness of music, plus bringing the importance of consciously listening and not let our sense become dull by fast-food music.

Cons:
1) Unnecessarily long-winded story plot. Fragmented and unrelatable.
2) Unconvincing character developments. Spoiler: Love Michael and Uncle Clyde? Their characters' authenticity are pretty much destroyed in this book. Sifu I find mostly obnoxious.
3) Feels like a 432Hz to 440Hz debate.
4) Tried too hard to provide answer to all mysteries in the first book.
5) Musical insights - getting even more unrelatable and "up-there" than the 1st book.
6) Nature is dying? I can relate. Music is dying? Sorry, there are more pressing matters out there...

Unlike Victor's "The Music Lesson", this is a book I will not re-listen to.

Life changing

if you have wondered why you are attracted to music, then listen to this audiobook and be prepared to have your mind blown.

Story goes nowhere

Such a long, poorly written book with a story that goes nowhere. Such a disappointment. I kept listening and hoping that there was a point to this book, but I could not make it to the end.

Excellent story and over the top performance!

Highly recommend this book. The production is so creative and engaging. Gets better and better with each page.