Jaco Pastorius [Original recording reissued][Original recording remastered]

Jaco Pastorius

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 1, 2000)
• Original Release Date: August 1976
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00004VWA7
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,392 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #88 in	Music > Jazz > Jazz Fusion
  #90 in	Music > Jazz > Modern Postbebop
  #91 in	Music > Jazz > Smooth Jazz

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In 1976, the first 10 minutes of this eponymous disc took the listener on a jazz world cruise directed by the instrumentalist-composer Jaco Pastorius, who thus gave notice that there was a new sheriff in town and that narrow definitions of jazz would simply not do. More so even than his groundbreaking work as a member of Weather Report, Jaco's music on this, his debut album as a leader (and in a trio setting with his soulmate Pat Metheny on the guitarist's maiden voyage, Bright Size Life), defines his greatness, his outreach, and his ambition. Boppish changes à la Miles Davis come through with Jaco's incredible touch, tone phrasing, and rhythmic locomotion--as does the musical leap of faith from bebop to funky-butt R&B delivered with lyrical majesty on Jaco's aptly titled "Continuum."

This reissue greatly enhances the fidelity of Jaco Pastorius, particularly in the bassist's famous, elusive tone, from lightly chorused, vocal-tenorlike glissandos on "Continuum" and the bell-like harmonics of "Portrait of Tracy" to his percussive, hand-drumlike rhythmic cycles underneath Peter Gordon's august French horn on "Oknokole Y Trompa." Even more stunning are the manner in which Jaco deploys a steel drum choir underneath Wayne Shorter on "Opus Pocus" and the ferocious Latin-inflected groove Jaco, Lenny White, and Don Alias conjure under Herbie Hancock on two takes--one unissued until now--of "(Used to Be a) Cha-Cha." Pat Metheny contributes an extraordinary set of liner notes to this set, putting Jaco's contributions to jazz and the bass in sharp perspective. Still, a spirit of innovation and discovery suffuses every note on Jaco Pastorius, and it is startling how modern and engaging this music remains. --Chip Stern

Product Description

Japanese limited edition issue of the album classic in a deluxe, miniaturized LP sleeve replica of the original vinyl album artwork. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Father of fretless electric bass, August 14, 2000

By	Jeffrey Harris (South San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

At long last, the stunning debut album by Jaco Pastorius gets the royal treatment by the folks at Sony Legacy. Recorded in 1976 prior to joining Weather Report, it's clear from the first bar that this man is serious business!!! From the opening track, a cover of the Charlie Parker classic "Donna Lee"(written by Miles Davis) featuring Jaco only accompanied by a conga player to the final cut "Forgotten Love",it's very apparent that we're hearing something we've never heard before. Pastorius took the bass from being a support instrument, to front and center, without being tedious or overdone. Other highlights of this album include "Portrait of Tracy", and "Continuum". "Jaco Pastorius" features excellent support from the likes of Herbie Hancock, Hubert Laws, David Sanborn, Michael Brecker and Lenny White. This reissue also features two unreleased tracks that were not part of the original LP. The booklet features rare photos from the recording sessions and has great liner notes written by Pat Metheny. The 24-bit remaster is a tremendous sonic improvement over the original CD issue and the disc label even has the original orange Epic logo on the disc. A first class reissue of a fusion jazz classic.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "My name is John Francis Pastorius III..", February 19, 2004

By	spiral_mind (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

"..and I'm the greatest bass player in the world."

Big words, eh?

Jaco Pastorius didn't just make himself known by sharing the above statement with everyone who'd listen, however: he was (and remains) an unparalleled musical giant because it was quite simply the truth. The first track of his self-titled debut alone is a stunning jaw-dropper, a bare-bones rearrangement of Miles Davis's "Donna Lee" where Jaco's bass handles all the voices and harmonies in one unbelievable tasty dance of fretwork. (Maybe that's not the best word since his trademark bass had its frets removed, but nevermind.) Jaco's onmivorous musical mind meant that he wasn't content just to become a virtuoso player; he brought the bass to lead-instrument possibilities it had never seen before and his talents extended to brilliant composition & arrangements as well. Add to that the fact that he was 24 years old when this album saw the light of day, and.. the mind just boggles.

Besides that scorching opener, this disc offers a wildly colorful ride with a different face and mood for each track. "Come On, Come Over" is 70s soul/funk with Sam & Dave dropping in for the album's only vocals. "Continuum" and "Portrait of Tracy" are gorgeous ballads.. the former a small-band gem with the bass as lead voice, the latter a breathtaking solo. "Okonkole Y Trompa" is groovy and mysterious with perhaps a hint of some kind of black magic; "Opus Pocus" is a slow-bouncing tropical romp full of steel drums and some (perhaps dated) electric piano. "Cha-Cha" continues that feeling, replacing those tones with some sprite-like piccolo and flute that flit exuberantly all over the place, not to mention some brilliant Herbie Hancock piano work. "Forgotten Love" adds to the somewhat-overdone factor with a seventeen-piece string section backing Hancock (JP doesn't play), but it shows off Jaco's skills as a writer perhaps more than any other selection here. Through it all the bass playing is phenomenal and unmatched, whether he's blending with the crowd or coming out in front to let his instrumental voice soar.

The mood overall is largely tropical (there are plenty of congas), and the prevailing spirit is one of joy and playfulness. If its electric-piano tones and occasionally overdone strings might make it sound somewhat dated in spots, I for one don't hold that against it. The level of sheer creativity and brilliance that went into making this album.. not to mention the virtuosity to pull it all off and the collective straightforwardness to avoid sounding flashy or pretentious.. shouldn't be missed. If you want more of an electric fusion experience you can go for Word of Mouth or the Birthday Concert disc also, but if you want a variety-packed glimpse into the development of a musical genius and don't mind some decidedly 70s elements, pop for this CD and prepare to get carried away.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true musical genius., January 13, 2003

By	The Wickerman (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Jaco Pastorius was undoubtedly a brilliant musician, in every sense of the word. Not only was he an incredible bassist, but he was a gifted composer, who really knew how to get the most out of his instrument. This, his first solo album, is excellent from start to finish. There's plenty of diversity here, and a regular who's who of musicians backing him up. The list includes David Sanborn, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and many more. There are three drummers on here, Bobby Economou, Narada Michael Walden, and Lenny White. All three put on a great performance, but Lenny's is undoubtedly the most impressive.

As I mentioned before, this album is very diverse. There are two bass solo songs (only bass). The first, "Donna Lee", is the opening track, and is a prime example of Jaco's incredible prowess. The second, "Portrait of Tracy", is more laid-back, and shows that in addition to being a technical virtuoso, he had a great sense of melody as well. "Come On, Come Over" has more of a 70's funk feel, and is the only song on the album to feature vocals. "Opus Pocus" is a bit unusual, with odd complex bass work, and some cool steel drums to give it a bit of a tropical feel. "Forgotten Love" doesn't even have Jaco on it, and is perhaps the least interesting track here, but still a nice tranquil piano piece. "6/4 Jam" is a bit repetitive, but Lenny's jaw-dropping performance makes up for it.

The best songs, without a doubt, are "Kuru/Speak Like a Child" and "Used To Be a Cha Cha". Both feature some very fast and infectious basslines, and incredible piano from the great Herbie Hancock. Very technical and diverse songs, with great melody as well. At around 8 minutes each, both go by quite fast.

So there you have it, an excellent album from one of the best bassists of all time. Highly recommended to anyone with even the slightest interest in jazz. I haven't heard quite enough to say this accurately, but this is possibly one of the best albums of the genre. Definitely a must-have.