No other bassist lived such a controversial life or elicited such a bipolar response as Jaco Pastorius.
Listeners love him or hate him, alternately calling him the greatest
bass player who ever lived (as Jaco often called himself) or claiming
that he was not really a jazz player at all. Regardless of how he is
categorized, one fact is indisputable -- Jaco changed the way fretless
electric bass is performed. He brought the instrument to the
forefront, setting new standards for technique and range of tone on
the instrument. As a sideman, Pastorius displayed a deft sense of
melody and taste, recording classic albums with a range of artists
including Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny and Herbie Hancock. He also
served as an integral member of bands including Weather Report and
Word of Mouth. His self-titled debut (1976) sent many aspiring bassists
home to regroup; the album starts with a blistering version of
Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee" and never lets up. Unfortunately, Jaco's
partying ways and trash-talking proved to be his demise -- he was
beaten to death after trying to force his way into a nightclub in
1987.1. Bluma/Smoke on the water
2. The medley
3. Star spangled banner
4. Reza
5. Honestly
6. Invitation
7. Broadway blues
