Record Reviews

JACO PASTORIUS ~ WORD OF MOUTH ATLANTIC 248246 (Barcode: 093624824626) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1980 Released: 2000 2nd album. Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist was one of the most tragic stars on the jazz firmament – a musical genius, whose life was wasted by a combination of mental illness and drug abuse. I am talking about a man who single-handedly re-defined the statue and the technique of the bass in jazz, a brilliant performer and immensely gifted composer and arranger. Tragically Pastorius recorded only three albums as a leader in the decade and a half he was active (all other albums are live recordings, which were never meant to be released). Following his eponymous self titled debut from 1976, he devised this album as a showcase of modern Big Band with the bass as a lead instrument. The recording involved over 70 musicians (a list of which reads like the Encyclopedia Britannica of Jazz) and was done in several studios around the world. The result is an absolutely brilliant album, which sounds as fresh today as it was when I heard it for the first time 25 years ago. Most of the material in penned by Pastorius, with the exceptions being a BeatlesFind albums by this artist tune (Blackbird – one of their best) and a classical theme by Bach. There is plenty of superb solos by the participating musicians, including Pastorius himself, but the aim of the recording is not to highlight individual players but to present the Big Band as an extended instrument in the hands of the composer / arranger (very much as other famous jazz orchestras have been earlier – Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist for example). Absolutely essential!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

JACO PASTORIUS BIG BAND ~ WORD OF MOUTH REVISITED HEADS UP 3078 ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2003 1st album by the Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist tribute Big Band, conducted and led by Peter GravesFind albums by this artist. Graves was the leader of the Big Band, in which Pastorius played for five years (1970-1975) and where he perfected his chops, before leaving to record his eponymous debut album and then joining Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, where he stayed for another five years (1976-1981). Pastorius revolutionized the way bass guitar would be played from his days onward and earned a momentous respect for the instrument, placing it alongside the leading instruments in any musical setting. He died in tragic circumstances in 1987. Graves collected some of the original Big Band members, added many superb contemporary players and invited the best bass players on the scene (Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, Jimmy HaslipFind albums by this artist, Gerald VeasleyFind albums by this artist, Victor BaileyFind albums by this artist, and others) to create this tribute recording. The music includes tunes from the early Big Band days, Jaco’s solo albums and Weather Report albums. The band swings like hell, the bassists fly and soar and the music is exceptional all the way through. Between the music tracks there are inserts of Jaco’s spoken commentary during the recording sessions of his albums, which enhance the atmosphere and make this recording even more special. For any Pastorius or / and bass guitar fan this is a wet dream come true – an absolute must! This enhanced CD includes bonus material and a link to video clips documenting the recording session.

CD 1 Digipak Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend