Jaco
December 1st, 2007
This entry is devoted to Jaco Pastorius (December 1, 1951 - September 21, 1987).
He was born this day in 1951. He was 35 when he died. And he would’ve been 56 today.
His legendary solo album came out in 1976, and around that time he also joined the illustrious jazz group Weather Report.
To many musicians like myself, Jaco was a very big inspiration. His technique and musicianship on the fender fretless bass was phenomenal. He was revolutionary, and there won’t be another musician quite like him.
John Francis Anthony “Jaco” Pastorius III (December 1, 1951 – September 21, 1987) was an American jazz musician and composer widely acknowledged for his virtuosity of the fretless bass, as well as his command of varied musical styles.
His playing style was noteworthy for containing “dazzling solos in the higher register” and “fluid machine-gun-like passages that demanded attention,”often featuring his instrument in lead rather than rhythm section. His unique innovations also included the use of harmonics and the “singing” quality of his melodies. In 2006, Pastorius was voted “The Greatest Bass Player Who Has Ever Lived” by reader submissions in Bass Guitar Magazine.
Ah, Jaco! Such a big inspiration to me. It’s a tragedy how he died…
What then happened was clouded with discrepancy. After reportedly kicking in a glass door after being refused entrance to the club, he was engaged in a violent confrontation with the club bouncer, Luc Havan. Pastorius was hospitalized for multiple facial fractures and gruesome disfigurement to his face, including the probable loss of his right eye and right arm, and had sustained irreversible brain damage. He fell into a coma and was put on life support. There were initially encouraging signs that he would come out of his coma and recover, but a massive brain hemorrhage a few days later pointed to brain death. His family decided on a majority vote to remove him from life support, even though his second wife Ingrid was against the decision. Pastorius died on September 21, 1987, aged 35, at Broward General Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, his heart continuing to beat an agonizing three hours after the plug was pulled.
But his music and his virtuosity on the fretless bass will always be an inspiration to many musicians out there. Regardless if you play bass or not, his music, talent and creativity transcends and makes a musical connection to all at a highly musical level.
As a budding jazz musician in high school, I remember during senior year, getting into Weather Report’s “Black Market” jazz album. And Jaco was playing fretless bass on a couple of the tracks. On this album, Weather Report introduced us to Jaco Pastorius, and that’s how I was first introduced to his bass playing.
I remember really listening to the drummers on Black Market: Chester Thompson, Narada Michael Walden, and Alex Acuna. Being an aspiring jazz drummer, naturally I tried to listen to all the drummers I could, but Jaco bass was so unmistakable and his bass sound so new and revolutionary, how could anyone avoid it.
Then “Heavy Weather” came…
Jaco Pastorius performing with the likes of legendary jazz men, Mile Davis alumnus Wayne Shorter and Cannonball Adderley alumnus Joe Zawinul. But, the big difference was hearing Jaco’s creative influence shining bright on this album.
Jaco shared production and composer rights with Zawinul on Heavy Weather. Jaco even plays drums on one of his tunes, “Teen Town”, now a classic. And he even played Steel Drums on “Palladium”. And that amazing fretless bass guitar! So beautiful… and such a revolutionary sound. No one to this day can actually duplicate it nor come up with a more revolutionary bass guitar sound. Though, most bassists would have complete reverence to his sound.
I love the “Jaco” album because that was my introduction to him. I also think it is the one album that gives you a complete picture of him. It sounds to me like that album contains Jaco’s dreams from a child all the way up to when he recorded it in his twenties. I love “Heavy Weather” also. The combination of Jaco along with Wayne Shorter and Joe Zawinul is unbelievable. The sound of “Heavy Weather” is so sweet. The reverb on Jaco’s bass, the sound of Zawinul’s keyboards and Wayne’s beautiful, snaking tone on sax all together. —Marcus Miller
Thoughts On His First Solo Album
I actually didn’t buy his solo album until after I bought Heavy Weather and played that to death. Back then I had a really cheap turntable and my needle completely wore out that album. So, I had to go out and buy a second one and took better care of that.
But, searching for more music with Jaco’s bass playing, I quickly found out he had a solo album that came out before hearing him with Weather Report.
Jaco was exceptional in many areas of his life; as a musician and composer, as a visual artist, and as an athlete - but maybe his most enduring legacy rests with the four great kids that he brought into the world. —Pat Metheny
Back then, I remember listening to the first track, “Donna Lee”. And I confess, I never heard of that tune before buying this album. So, I didn’t understand it and Jaco’s playing was “all over the place”. I actually thought it was rather lame.
And the whole album seemed to not have a musical center or theme or concept. It just seemed like random tunes group together on a first solo album attempt.
Jaco’s music-making abilities and instincts defined an entire era in modern music. Jaco was a total musician: he could pick up any instrument and make music on it … and, if he didn’t have an instrument, he’d use his body for a percussion instrument while he sang! —Peter Erskine
After listening and studying later on, I was sadly mistaken. There is pure genius throughout this solo album. And over the years I’ve come to enjoy the album more and more… realizing that Jaco was just ahead of his time, and ahead of my understanding and appreciation for his music.
It amazes me when someone comes along and so visibly and powerfully effects the world and everything that happens in it after his arrival. We all effect the world in some way but not many have done it in the way that Jaco has. —Victor Wooten
Nowadays, I’m studying and listening to his album with earnest. And I can see the whole completeness of this great album. The musicianship is phenomenal. Jaco’s performances and writing are spectacular. He was a shining star throughout his illustrious career. And sadly, a falling star destined to fall hard.
But, his music and the man will always be remembered. His magic captured on record.
I now listen to “Dona Lee” and understand where he’s going with it. It’s not just playing any old notes he felt like… there is something magical as he solos over the changes of this complex and fast jazz classic.
And the entire album has a sense of cohesion and purpose. Back when I first bought it, I wasn’t ready to listen to it. Nowadays, I am…
And, I could listen to this album over and over again.
Your music will live on….
