Customer Reviews

Jaco Pastorius -- Modern Electric Bass (DVD with Overpack)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This instructional book gives many exercises from Jaco himself. It has a cd that comes with it that helps out. It covers harmonics (has a chart) and ways to improve your left hand speed, precision, and clarity. The book itself is clear enough that you can use it to teach yourself. Though the book goes with the video (of the same name) so it's good to get both. Also, on the cd is a jam session with jaco and an interview. All in all it's a great value and no jaco collection is complete without it.

First of all, I'm not a die-hard Jaco fan. Hell, he isn't even in my personal top 10 list. So my reason for giving this 5 stars is not "because it's Jaco"; it's because this package contains a WEALTH of bass knowledge and exercises designed for the non-beginner, jam packed into a 36 page book and single CD.

The contents of this book/CD package were directly taken from the video edition of the same title. But the book/CD stands alone as a separate product; you DO NOT need the video to make sense of it. In fact after I bought this, it was still years before I got to see the video.

The book starts off with a quick review of the scales and modes, and the rest consists of transcriptions of all the exercises and solo pieces found on the CD. One thing that sets some of these excercises apart from other books is that they're fun and musical, not boring and mechanical. You may have learned all your scales and modes before, but these exercises have you practicing and playing them in new ways and in new position. Jaco also covers the use of chords, harmonics, playing in odd beat divisions, and plays a few solo songs that really put it all together with groove. All of the exercises are GREAT for helping you think-out-side-the-box.

Aside from the exercises, the CD also contains some of the band-performed music found on the video and interview clips. Jaco talks about subjects like the importance of reading sheet music (a good reason why this book contains no tablature), how he became a bass player, and playing different musical styles.

Considering this book/CD set has pretty much everything from the video and costs half as much, I'd actually recommend this product over the video itself.

You don't have to like Jaco to get something out of this video. Jaco approached technique differently. His chops were impressive and he had a cool way of practicing technique musically. His insight and examples got me to think about different ways to approach scales, intervals, and modes, and challenged me to earn a better understanding of the fingerboard and theory. He was strictly fingerstyle, but I believe if you develop good chops and musicality with fingerstyle, other techniques will benefit. The interview is cool, to listen to Jaco and Jerry Jemmott talk bass is something any bass player can benefit from. Jerry is one of the greats whether you know it or not!

One problem I have with technique books is that they work on the physicality of playing, i.e., hand strength and dexterity, but they aren't necessarily musical. For example, there maybe an exercise that plays a semi chromatic scale in one position, keeping one finger on each fret as you switch strings, but skip certain notes so that you stay in the same position. This isn't musical. When you play a chromatic scale in music, you don't get to skip notes, so why practice something that doesn't translate into real playing? Jaco's techniques were musical and bridged this gap between technical development and musicality.

After I got the video, I ordered the book with the examples off ebay (I paid 2.99 plus shipping for the book only, used without the CD). It was refreshing to see that there is no tab in the book, it is all bass clef. While I think Jaco's approach and understanding were PhD level, anyone at any level can execute many of the exercises and see why Jaco was different. That is the beauty of Jaco and this video, he took new ideas and made them economical and executable for anyone willing to put the effort it.

The "DVD with overpack" is nothing special. It is simply the DVD case in a large cardboard frame that allows it to be stacked with magazines. There is no special material or anything that doesn't show up on the regular DVD, so go with the best deal.

Modern electric bass . Revised edition . Jaco Pastorious . A must have for serious bass players .Very informative and interesting . The exercises are very musicial , and not boring , makes you want to practice all day ! A fun way to practice Jaco's technique and theory ! One of the best books and CD I have ever purchased . I am a professional musician and found this book and CD to be a great inspiration , It has brought a freshness to my playing! Jaco shares his knowledge , secrets and experiences with you in mind . I highly recommend Jaco's Modern Electric bass revised edition book and CD, Buy it you will not be sorry, it will add a new dimension to your musicianship ! Joe Castle