by 11 people |
Jaco Pastorius, the world's greatest bass player
Not only did Jaco forever change the role of the electric bass, he contributed many beautiful compositions and arrangements. Whether joining a band or sitting in on a recording session, Jaco always took the music - and the musicians he performed with - to new heights.
Sadly, Jaco was taken from us in 1987, at the age of 35. Fortunately for us, his music and legacy remain timeless.
Recent Jaco Pastorius Releases
Biography
Jaco: The Extraordinary and Tragic Life of Jaco Pastorius
The all-new, recently updated 10th anniversary edition of the Jaco biography (comes with a CD from Portrait of Jaco, the Early Years)
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/01/2009) 
Why "the greatest"?
Well, that's Jaco's line, not mine.
Jaco was a huge sports fan, and loved watching Muhammad Ali. Obviously impressed with Ali's "I am the greatest" routine, Jaco became the self-proclaimed "greatest bass player in the world".
He usually followed up with, "it ain't bragging, if you can back it up".
Of course, I've always believed him. He always backed it up.
Jaco on the web
- JacoPastorius.com: the official site
- JacoPastorius.com is the official site, run by Jaco's children. Jaco fans are pretty active in the Interact discussion boards, and you can spread the word on Jaco with some nifty ecards. Jaco's complete discography, interviews, and photos fill out the site.
- Portrait of Jaco, the early years
- The ultimate box set of Jaco's early years, produced by Jaco's longtime friend and audio biographer, Bob Bobbing. This landmark release features an 80 page companion booklet, a gem on its own, and two discs complete with interviews and never-before-heard music.
- Three Views
- An incredible collection of stories, live shows, and more.
- All Music's Guide to Jaco
- A complete and detailed list of Jaco's recording career.
Essential Jaco
These are five of my favorites. Vote for your favorites, or add your own here!
The Birthday Concert
An incredible big band recording that took place o more...2 points
Jaco Pastorius
The shot heard 'round the world: Jaco's debut solo more...0 points
Heavy Weather
The record that set the mark. Jaco brought Weather more...0 points
Your favorite Jaco projects
Jaco recorded with an amazing number of artists and groups in his short career. Vote for your favorite.
Jaco Pastorius Music & Collectibles
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Collector Links
Unreleased live recording resources for traders
- Jaco Pastorius Unissued Live Recordings
- Len Pogost's list is the biggest I've seen online, and very detailed and organized.
- Three Views Jaco Collection
- A collection that spans most of Jaco's career, including CC Riders, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Solo Shows, Joni Mitchell, Word of Mouth, studio work and his later years.
- Jaco Pastorius Recordings
- Joe Botto's collection, organized by group.
- Music Exchange Forum
- Discussion thread for people looking to trade.
Jaco Videography
Forecast: Tomorrow
This 3-disc box set includes a bonus DVD video of Weather Report in concert in 1978 (with Jaco, of course!)
Amazon Price: $29.47 (as of 12/01/2009)
Joni Mitchell - Shadows and Light
An all-star line up: Joni, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays, Don Alias, and of course, Jaco.
Amazon Price: $11.98 (as of 12/01/2009)
Modern Electric Bass, Jaco Pastorius
Jaco's instructional video, containing a jam session with John Scofield and Kenwood Dennard. Jaco is interviewed throughout by one of his inspirations, Jerry Jemmott.
Amazon Price: $35.99 (as of 12/01/2009)
Interact
Great discussion forums for Jaco fans
- The Early Years Discussions
- Hosted by Jaco audio biographer Bob Bobbing, this forum features many great early years stories, and is frequented by many who were there.
- Jaco Stories
- Fans discuss their favorite, first-hand Jaco experiences.
- Music Exchange
- Tape (CD) traders unite!
- Fans
- A place for Jaco fans to set up their own personal threads.
More Jaco
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Jaco Pastorius: The Discography
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In 1976, Jaco burst onto the scene with the release of Jaco Pastorius. Over the next ten years, Jaco contributed volumes to the world of music. This lens features many of Jaco's studio recordings and is in no way the complete discography. I've left ou...
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Jaco Pastorius: Live Performances
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A collection of live Jaco Pastorius performances over the years, including Word of Mouth big and small bands, Weather Report, Joni Mitchell and a few other gems.
Your thoughts on Jaco
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Reply
- Bumper-T-Shirtstickers Bumper-T-Shirtstickers Jan 18, 2008 @ 12:21 pm
- Great lens! I had the pleasure of knowing and playing with Jaco. I first mwt him when he played with Tommy Strand and the Upper Hand in Miami. Later we did a few gigs and I actually booked him to p[lay with Phylis Diller. (Imagine that). Anyway, an amazing player who left us way too soon. I believe the bartender who beat him was convicted of manslaughter. Great work!
by coreybrown
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