Customer Reviews

Live in New York 3: Promised Land

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This recording, like all the Live in NYC series, is a poor quality bootleg recording of some very informal live playing. If you know and love Jaco, it is fun to hear him groove along loosley on this disc. But this is not the Jaco that blew away the jazz world and singlehandedly revolutioned electric bass forever. This Jaco had sunk deeper into serious addiction and bipolar depression, was unable to find any legitimate studio or live gigs, and no longer had those mind-blowing chops. To hear that Jaco, listen to all of his solo recordings, collaborations with Joni Mitchell and Pat Metheney and the Weather Report repertoire. Then check this out for some perspective on how the king fell. I love Jaco so I still like this....but it's kinda of sad when you think of what could have been if he had had the will and the access to effective treatment for his problems. The king is dead...long live the king!

Jaco is playing like he always played: beautifully . Even though the quality of the recording isn't very good, the musicians make you forget about it. If you really like to listen to good music, you must buy this cd. And start listening to it with the Pastorius version of "Alfie", one of he most beautiful versions of this song.

Jaco Pastorius, bassist and revolutionary, reached lofty heights of greatness and virtuosity before plummeting from that peak. As Pastorius's life went on, he sank further and further into depression and his bipolar disorder, and his playing suffered notably. Alas, this bootleg recording from the waning days of Jaco is an example of just how far one can fall. In a loose, informal setting, Pastorius at at ease, and perhaps too much so. The musicians lack a tightness, and can seem almost sloppy at times. Pastorius is certainly not who he used to be. Yet, even so, there are gems - see this version of "Alfie," which easily ranks up there with the greatest.

There's not much more going on here than a tragic character study, but if one were looking to chart the rise and fall of Jaco Pastorius, this is certainly a milestone to keep.

It's too bad that the fine quality of Pastorius' play gets lost in the poor quality of the recording of this CD. The musicians featured on this recording all have great solo's, at least, that's what I think the audience at the time must have experienced. At home, playing this CD, you can only imagine what a thrilling night this must have been for Pastorius and his friends. But I'd rather hear it too.