Jaco Pastorius

iconic jazz recording

Jaco Pastorius's self-titled album is nothing short of a jazz fusion masterpiece. From the moment the first notes resonate, you're transported into Pastorius's musical universe, where boundaries between genres blur and innovation reigns supreme. Each track is a testament to his virtuosity as a bassist and composer, showcasing his unparalleled ability to weave intricate melodies and rhythms with effortless grace. Whether it's the iconic fretless bass lines of "Portrait of Tracy" or the frenetic energy of "Come On, Come Over," every moment on this album is a revelation. Pastorius's pioneering approach to the bass guitar revolutionized the instrument and continues to inspire generations of musicians. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a newcomer to Pastorius's work, this album is essential listening for anyone who appreciates the art of music.

Jaco Pastorius' first solo LP is literally mindblowing. He starts by tugging on Charlie Parker's cape by covering Donna Lee, a Miles tune recorded by Bird when Miles was in his band. Then he brings in Sam and Dave to sing on an r&b number, Come On Come Over, in which the speed and precision of his 16th notes is remarkable. He starts "Continuum" with a triple-stop harmonic, just because he can, and Jaco wannabes (me included) have been playing this song continuously for the last 35 years. "A Portrait of Tracy" is a similar setpiece for bassists, a drop dead gorgeous piece (written for his first wife) which includes more harmonics than you thought were humanly possible. This CD and his other studio solo effort (Word of Mouth) are jaw droppers. Jaco died young so he didn't get to make much music, but his genius burned brightly (perhaps a little too brightly) for about 10 years. He gigged with Pat Metheny, Joni Mitchell, and Weather Report, which cut into the time he had to make his own records. Shamefully, Jaco's third solo album, Holiday for Pans, has never been released (though it has been bootlegged). Jaco's genius encompassed composition and arranging, and he produced a record which featured these two facets of his musicality-- but not a note of his bass playing. The suits thought he was nuts, but it wasn't madness. It was genius. "Jaco Pastorius" remains in Amazon's top 20 bestsellers for fusion jazz-- 35 years after it was released. Unfortunately Jaco did not get much of the financial reward. When he died his estate came to $600. In an ironic touch for a man who spent his last year homeless, living in a park in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale now has a park named after him, with two outsize wall murals of the great maestro. Jaco lives!

This is a great Jaco record to own, personally it lacks some excitement but it’s incredibly innovative.

You know who wouldn’t let me post my first review of a defective case. So I’m trying again without naming names. I see reviews here of others that have had a defective product but for some reason I can’t post about mine? Maybe I should just return my broken product.

El mejor de todos los tiempos

If you listen to the scope of what he was doing on this album, technically and musically, and at the age he recorded it, it is impressive beyond belief. If you then consider the innovations he made on his physical instrument, the way it was played, and that he did all of this on a four-string bass, it is almost too much to fathom. If you then put this into the context of what was typical for the electric bass time at the time this album was recorded, and begin to understand the influence it had on every bassist to come after him -- directly or indirectly -- it is too much to fathom. In my opinion, this is one of the truly great albums ever recorded in modern American music. It is rare to find a recording this vibrant and eclectic which can flat-out melt your face upon your first listening, while continuing to delight you with rich and beautiful subtlety upon your hundredth.

Not a big fan of Jazz necessarily, but knew enough to buy this for a friend who just started leaning the bass. Jaco was from SoFlo and has a park named for him in Oakland Park, FL. He was renound in the day and is highly regarded as one of the most influential bass guitar musicians of his time. A must buy for those who love the genre.