Jaco [Enhanced]

Amazon.com
If you look closely at this CD's cover photo of acoustic and electric bassist Brian Bromberg, you'll see that it's styled exactly like that of legendary bass player Jaco Pastorius's first solo recording from 1976. For Bromberg, who played with Stan Getz, Horace Silver, and Lee Ritenour, the magical and mercurial Pastorius was to the electric bass what Jimi Hendrix was to the guitar. On this tribute, with keyboardist Jeff Lorber, saxophonists Bob Mintzer and Eric Marienthal, and percussionist and (ex-Jaco bandmate) Alex Acuna, Bromberg extends and elaborates on Pastorius's unique blend of jazz fusion, world, and soul influences. Bromberg skillfully reinterprets Pastorius's brilliant bass lines on the acoustic and electric bass and changes up the groove on a number of his compositions. "Continuum" and "Three Views of a Secret" are redone with Afro-Caribbean tinges and a funky big-band feel. The two versions of "Teen Town" rock with hip-hop-friendly backbeats, while "The Chicken" and "Come On, Come Over" recall Pastorius's love for the rhythm & blues stars Sam & Dave. The tour de force of the CD is "Slang(ish)," a solo spotlight where Bromberg shows off advanced string-tapping skills that would have made his idol proud. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Jaco,Brian Bromberg,A440 Records,Fusion,Jazz,Jazz Music,Pop,Post-Bop

Average customer rating:

The Essential Jaco Pastorius Jaco Pastorius Manufacturer: Sony Legacy ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Trio of Doom Live The Essential John McLaughlin Pilgrimage Daydream Nation (Deluxe Edition) Sweet Warrior ASIN: B000QEIMAU Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

1. Donna Lee
2. Come On, Come Over
3. Continuum
4. Kuru/Speak Like a Child
5. Portrait Of Tracy
6. Opus Pocus
7. (Used To Be A) Cha-Cha
8. Bright Size Life
9. Barbary Coast
10. Hejira
11. Talk To Me
12. Birdland
13. A Remark You Made
14. Teen Town
15. Havona

Tracks:

1. River People
2. Punk Jazz
3. The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines
4. Dreamland
5. 4 A.M.
6. Teen Town (Live)
7. Slang
8. Port Of Entry
9. Soul Intro/The Chicken
10. Three Views Of a Secret
11. Liberty City
12. John And Mary

Average customer rating: Fretless Bass Master Jaco y Kuato Must have! It's obviously brilliant! but you must need to show patience. Landmark Recording

Jaco Pastorius Jaco Pastorius Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Heavy Weather Word of Mouth Bright Size Life Modern Electric Bass, Jaco Pastorius Jaco: The Extraordinary and Tragic Life of Jaco Pastorius ASIN: B00004VWA7 Release Date: 2000-08-01

Tracks:

1. Donna Lee
2. Come On, Come Over
3. Continuum
4. Kuru/Speak Like a Child
5. Portrait of Tracy
6. Opus Pocus
7. Okonkole Y Trompa
8. (Used To Be A) Cha-Cha
9. Forgotten Love
10. (Used To Be A) Cha-Cha (previously unreleased)
11. 6/4 Jam (previously unreleased)

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

Customer Reviews:

Fretless Bass Master.......2007-07-12

Finally, the master's first solo album on cd. Fantastic stuff from someone who left us way too early in his life. My favorite Portrait of Tracy, displays Jaco's amazing ability to use harmonics musically. Highly recomended to all bass players just starting out and even those that have been playing for years. Enjoy

Jaco y Kuato.......2007-06-12

a great man named Kuato once said: "Open your mind". This Album will do just that, especially for bass players. This remains one of my personal favorites. Please disregard any preconcieved notions you may have about Jaco and listen to the music, its solid. Buy this album and Bright Size Life, JACO LIVES!!!

Must have!.......2007-05-11

I wasn't sure at first, but after listening a dozen times, there's more subtle detail than I realized at first, both from Jaco himself and the collection of phenomenal musicians he got to collaborate with him. The bonus tracks are really great too - not just some "junk" they added to make it look good.

It's rare to find a CD with this much musical sense, and you can "hear" the musicians listening to one another and framing each other.

One of the best CDs I own.

It's obviously brilliant! but you must need to show patience........2006-07-14

May be, there is no body who denies this piece value.

But Be careful~! when do you evaluate & comment on it.

I think that, (as Pat Metheny said) "it is difficult for people who weren't around at the time of his emergence to fully weigh the impact of his contribution" except someone who has ever seen the jaco's debut and has been on the edge of changes in 'Bass' perfomance style and who run to bass playing.

People say that usually, "Jaco was the best bass player", "the best album ever I heard", "good~! very coo~~~l"

Don't conclude the album is good or bad on impulse.

What you should do, knowing the given condition at Jaco's debut.
For example, the change of a bass's role and sound in Fusion/jazz rock bands, on the contrary the role/sound like simple rhythm part in traditional bands.
And it is fantastic to look into the another bass players as compasred with Jaco. Stanley Clarke, Ron Carter, Scott Lafaro and more.

Jaco's playing is very different from another's. The different players had performed as perfoming the "instrument" but Jaco had perfomed like a singer~!.
Jaco has been singing a song with Fender Bass.

"Continuum" the track 3 contained the record is driving me crazy~!

Yeah~ I know, this is nothing but a impression.
The feeling of the piece varies from person to person.



But try to remember this~!
If you try to show patience, you must get it much more.

Landmark Recording.......2005-08-15

Jaco's first solo record proves to be the most important and influential recording in the history of the electric bass. I invite listeners from all other forms of music to try and find another bass player other than old jazz cats like Charles Mingus and Scott LaFaro who did more for the bass than Jaco has. He single-handedly showed us new directions we could take the instrument in. Modern players like Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, Flea, and Les Claypool owe an immense debt to Jaco Pastorius. This record holds even more weight, because it was recorded all the way back in 1976. Jaco totally revolutionized the electric bass.

'Donna Lee,' an arrangement of a Miles Davis song, is just about the closest you could get to a bassist who 'shreds' in the style of monster guitarists like Malmsteen and Vai. Every note is played clean and clear - Pastorius is a perfectionist and he makes no mistakes on this opening piece. This is followed by the only track with vocals, 'Come On, Come Over.' It features Sam and Dave on vocals, and I predict that one day Quentin Tarantino will use it in one of his movies.

Pastorius shows his versatility through his mastering of natural harmonics on the sublime 'Portrait of Tracy.' He also shows his versatility in playing slow using plenty of vibrato and slides in other tracks like 'Ocus Pocus' and 'Continuum.' Keep your ears open for elements that would sprout up in all forms of music from Rock to Rap to Hip-Hop to Country following this debute record.

In my opinion, the true highlight of this record is 'Used to be a Cha-Cha' which is another arrangment of Charlie Parker's 'Ah Leu Cha' which is also covered by Miles Davis on his ROUND BOUT MIDNIGHT lp. The track features Herbie Hancock and is a fusion barnburner full of solos from Hubert Laws, Hancock, and an hypnotic looping bass line from Jaco. The alternate take bonus track on this edition is a gem, with Hancock shining even more.

Listen to what I have to say about Pastorius and this record. If you don't believe me then look no further than Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Randy & Michael Brecker, all of which are featured on this pioneering release. If you are a bass player, or simply call yourself a fan of the instrument, then anything Jaco has ever done belongs in your collection, including his solo material, his work with Pat Metheny, and his late involvment with the fusion supergroup, Weather Report.

Average customer rating: huh? Poor sound quality, missing important tracks, yet, decent. Excellent!! But Where is the Third Disc?? good but not great, nor essential Buy it

Punk Jazz: The Jaco Pastorius Anthology Jaco Pastorius Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Jaco Pastorius Word of Mouth The Birthday Concert Jaco: The Extraordinary and Tragic Life of Jaco Pastorius Modern Electric Bass, Jaco Pastorius ASIN: B00008PRS8 Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

1. The Chicken (Home Recording)
2. Amelia (Live, 1972)
3. I Can Dig It Baby
4. Batterie
5. Continuum
6. Midwestern Nights Dream
7. Foreign Fun (Live, 1976)
8. Birdland
9. Nativity
10. Las Olas
11. Sunday
12. Layals
13. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat
14. The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines (Live, 1979)
15. Punk Jazz (Live, 1981)

Tracks:

1. 3 Views Of A Secret
2. Liberty City
3. Chromatic Fantasy
4. Blackbird
5. Word Of Mouth
6. John And Mary
7. Good Morning Anya
8. Invitation (Live, 1982)
9. Soul Intro./The Chicken (Live, 1982)
10. Amerika (Live, 1982)
11. Okonkole; Y Trompa (Live, 1982)
12. Mood Swings
13. Out Of The NIght

Amazon.com

Bassist Jaco Pastorius was the Jimi Hendrix of jazz. Before he left this world in 1987, he virtually created the fretless bass with an unorthodox playing style that turned that instrument into a highly tuned, electrified African talking drum. This long-overdue, two-CD compilation details the incredible, but incomplete arc of this artist's genius that encompassed the R&B, Caribbean, fusion, and jazz-rock idioms. Jaco-heads will revel in these legendary sides that made Pastorius famous. There's his solo rendition of Bach's "Chromatic Fantasy," his dreamy improvisations on "Midwestern Nights" with Pat Metheny, and, of course, the 1976 Weather Report megahit, "Birdland." There are also a few unreleased tracks including an early home recording of "The Chicken" and a live version of "Okonkole Y Trompa." Pastorius's sideman work with Joni Mitchell, which features a wicked take on Charles Mingus's "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," is also included. But Pastorius's own compositions steal the show: the West Indian-riffed big band number "Liberty City," and his expansive and exotic tone poem "John and Mary." This set will blow your mind and break your heart. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Album Description

The most comprehensive Jaco Pastorius retrospective ever released in the U.S. Features three tracks previously unavailable in commercial release. More than two dozen tracks, totaling over 2 1/2 hours of music, on two diverse, brilliant, career-spanning CDs! Rhino. 2003.

Customer Reviews:

huh?.......2006-01-05

Missing alot of good stuff on here, where is Portrait of Tracy??? Donna Lee?? 6-4 Jam????
This is an Okay overall image, but your missing alot and this is a horrible album to base your view on Jaco on. Get his self titled solo album.

Poor sound quality, missing important tracks, yet, decent........2004-06-02

The so-called "remastering" here is not noticeable to my ears; in fact, the one song taken from Jaco's eponymous masterpiece sounds worse than the Sony remaster from a few years back. And why is only a single song included from Jaco's work with Pat Metheny? Furthermore, there is nothing from Weather Report. This collection doesn't quite know what it is. As a long-overdue document of one of the greatest and most influencial bassists ever it both fails and succeeds (but mostly fails). And some of the songs, quite frankly, suck pretty bad, sounding like pre- new age music with sub-par production quality. I would suggest purchasing the remastered "Jaco Pastorius" CD w/ bonus tracks and Weather Report's remastered "Heavy Weather" and then just wait for something better to come out.

Excellent!! But Where is the Third Disc??.......2003-06-24

This anthology is long over due. Jaco Pastorious was and still is the greatest electric bass player these ears have ever heard. Bold, soulful, melodic and full of pure talent - he is the benchmark for modern bass players and his arranging skills cannot be overlooked in the big band arena. As a total musician, Jaco Pastorious was a Genius. He left us way too soon. Upfront, this anthology is a welcomed addition to my music collection. I have managed to purchase most of his recordings, including the imported "Twins" Japanese concert that was only partially released on the U.S. "Invitation" album. Jaco had a long list of valuable guest roles on other artists recordings that are well represented here.

From the very start, Jaco had massive groove and technique. Listen to the bass lines on "I can Dig It Baby" - his signature sound is well defined on that 1974 track. His horn arranging skills are already in full bloom on the 1968 version of "The Chicken" - wow! The first disc is full of suprises that might have escaped many Jaco fans - if not captured here on Anthology. The beautiful "Midwestern Nights Dream" with Pat Metheny, was my first exposue to Jaco and his sound has been with me ever since. "Foreign Fun" is a lovely open-rump that allows Jaco, Mouzon and Mangelsdorff to stretch out and improvise within a tight groove. "Nativity" and "Las Olas" captures Jaco in the Airto and Flora Purim camp - laying down that fat Florida bass sound that only Pastorious could produce. The two Michel Colombier tracks "Sunday" and "Layas" are classic late 70's fusion workouts - bold, brassy and fun. The two Joni Mitchell tracks capture some of Jaco's most vibrant playing from the 1979 "Mingus" period. Exceptional contributions by Jaco always added a breath of fresh air to other artists' sound. For Joni, Jaco was a soulmate. They blended well together and made music magic on three Joni recordings. You can see this band live on the brilliant "Shadows and Light" DVD being released June 24th. Jaco is in top form during that concert and is part of a super group that includes Michael Brecker and Pat Metheny. Jaco fans should not miss that one.

Disc Two focuses on Jaco's solo recordings including the 1981 "Word of Mouth" and the incomplete "Holiday For Twins" and the 1982 Japanese concert "Twins". This disc captured the essence of a masterful musician in full bloom. No matter the musical combinations, be it big band, trio or septet - Jaco made it work. His bass sound and tone were so unique that you would never mistaken him for another musician. He was an exception and gifted writer, arranger and bassist - and the 11 tracks captured here are jewels.

What is suprising here is there is only one track represented from his career defining landmark 1976 "Jaco Pastorious" recording. The one track "Continuum" is a masterpiece. When you look at the track selection of Anthology, it is a glaring omission not to have an additional two or three tracks from Jaco's first solo release. So where is the third disc? Hopefully it will follow in a year or two and also include other side roles Jaco played with Al Dimeola, Randy Bernsen and Brian Melvin's Nightfood. I would also suggest a couple of tracks from Joni Mitchell's "Hejira" and "Don Juan's Reckless Daughter" recordings. If you don't have these two, Jaco is upfront and awesome in Joni's band.

I am very pleased with the release of this perspective of Jaco's career - I am just left wanting more. His music will live forever. Thanks Rhino for pulling this double disc together. Now let's get cracking on volume II. Enjoy!!

good but not great, nor essential.......2003-06-17

While I do think a compilation of Jaco's complete works is well over-due, I think this cd could have been better. As soon as this disc came out I rushed out to buy it. I do enjoy the few tracks that were previously unreleased, I felt this was a poor rehash of all of his material.
The first disc is quite good, I felt the second disc is pretty uninpired. I have both his first album and Word Of Mouth already, and to be honest I do not need another copy of WOM, which is basically what the second disc is. Usually Rhino is really good at finding interesting alternate takes and such to put on these rereleases they are famous for. I just found this one fell short.

Buy it.......2003-06-05

This is awesome, it`s worth alone in the remastered WOM tracks. Any Jaco fans will be pleased!! Jaco is the PunkJazz GOD!!!

Average customer rating: One of the best

As We Speak Mark Egan , John Abercrombie , and Danny Gottlieb Manufacturer: Wavetone ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Third Quartet Pilgrimage Structures It Takes Two! Metheny / Mehldau ASIN: B000I6B8Z2 Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

1. Spirials
2. As We Speak
3. Vanishing Point
4. Mississippi Nights
5. Alone Together
6. Your Sweet Way
7. Three-way Mirror
8. Tone Poem For My Father

Tracks:

1. Shade and Shadows
2. Next Left
3. Dream Sequence
4. Depraw
5. Stiletto
6. Plane To the Trane
7. Time Out
8. Summer Sand

Product Description

Legendary bassist releases 2CD Super Trio recording! Wavetone records announces a new release from legendary bassist, composer, producer and arranger. This all-star trio recording, featuring John Abercrombie on guitar, and Danny Gottlieb on drums, showcases Mark in a highly creative electric jazz trio setting. This incredible 2 CD set contains that rare combination of stellar compositions, world class musicianship and virtuoso solos from some of the most influential improvising musicians in history. "As We Speak" is one of the most important bass and trio recordings of our time, and an absolute MUST for any creative musician. ....A daring, highly interactive trio outing from one of the premier electric bassists of contemporary jazz, a high water mark in his recording career... Bill Milkowski

Customer Reviews:

One of the best .......2007-02-20

The only reason this gets 5 stars is because there are not more to give.

This is a double CD, trio with Egan on fretless bass, John Abercrombie on guitar and Danny Gottlieb on drums.

The music is contemporary improvisational. No standards here. It is very much in the moment and it is a first class example of jazz musicianship at its best.

The tunes range from engaging, mid-tempo jazz grooves (do NOT read that as "smooth jazz") to highly interactive free form improv. Most of the compositions are Mark's.

The musicians are constantly interacting, trading ideas. (I've had the CD for months and every time I play it, it sounds new) Egan's fretless Pedulla sings. It is the hallmark of the recording but does not dominate it. In fact, blindfold you might mistake this for a John Abercrombie CD. John is clearly enjoying himself here and this could be some of his best trio work ever. The give and take is palpable. Gottlieb is subtle and creative. Not constantly pushing as he might in a quartet, but weaving in and out, supporting, driving, creating.

And to top it all off, the production and recording quality couldn't be better.

I just can't say enough about how good this recording and this music is. But because it is released on a small label, As We Speak will probably not garner any big awards. And that is a true shame because this is great music and a recording. Check Egan's site at [...]

Average customer rating: Unbelievable Jazz Compilation!! Trilogue!!

Trilogue Live! Albert Mangelsdorff Manufacturer: Pausa ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Avant Garde & Free Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Twins Live in Japan 1982 Word of Mouth The Word Is Out Live and Outrageous Invitation ASIN: B000793B8C Release Date: 2005-03-07

Tracks:

1. Trilogue
2. Zores Mores
3. Foreign Fun
4. Accidental Meeting
5. Ant Steps on an Elephant's Toe

Customer Reviews:

Unbelievable Jazz Compilation!!.......2005-09-17

If you are into jazz this album-cd rather is a must have especially if you are a Jaco Pastorius fan, Albert Mangelsdorff brings on Jaco and Alphonse Mouzon I believe is without a doubt one of the best drummers-percusionist I have ever heard they hit strides and grooves that are out of this world and a very enjoyable and relaxing cd to listen too. I was very pleased well worth the money paid for it. Fantastic cd!

Trilogue!!.......2005-04-16

This is a must-have for any fan of these three extraordinary musicians. Recorded while Jaco was still in his prime(late in 1976), this album is a rare oppurtunity to hear him in such a loose, improvisational environment. Jaco shines on all the five brilliant tracks, but his playing is extra exceptional on the track "Zores Mores", where he delivers a walking bass-line that is out of this world. In my opinion no other electric bass player tops him in this field. As if that wasn't enough he also delivers a bass-solo that is nothing short of spectacular. I can only imagine how surprised the audience must have been after having witnessed such speed and dynamic playing on the electric bass, something that had never been done before.

All the tracks are written by Albert Mangelsdorff, and his playing on the trombone is phenomenal(he can play six notes at the same time) but I really feel that Jaco steals the show. The fact that Alphonse Mouzon plays on the record only further contributes in making this an astonishing album. This record should belong in the record-collection of every Jaco-fan and all fans of great improvisational jazz.

Average customer rating: I love this album Arrangements and motifs hurt the ear.... Incredible and incredibly odd realization of jaco's compositional possibilities Word of Mouth, better then ever...

Word of Mouth Jaco Pastorius Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Jaco Pastorius The Birthday Concert Heavy Weather Invitation 8:30 ASIN: B000002KM3 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Crisis
2. 3 Views Of A Secret
3. Liberty City
4. Chromatic Fantasy
5. Blackbird
6. Word Of Mouth
7. John And Mary

Amazon.com

In 1981, while still with Weather Report, Jaco Pastorius amassed this unremitting, topnotch big band into which he threads anything that appealed to his vast jazz imagination--from the bell-clanging Caribbean to the burning soul of R&B to the jaunty European boulevards. On board are Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Peter Erskine, Jack DeJohnette, Michael Brecker, Don Alias, and others. The result is skirmishing, scurrying, all-in slabs of sound that suddenly give way to fluid quietude with chorus and strings and, most wonderfully weirdly, to harmonica features from Toots Thielemans. Pastorius is always close to the front, a fretless-bass phenom who out-guitared most guitarists. He also wrote and arranged well, taking care not to let vim and pepper do all the talking. --Peter Monaghan

Customer Reviews:

I love this album.......2007-02-20

I actually didn't buy the album because all of the tracks, except one (crisis) are found on the "punk jazz" Jaco's collection, which I do have.
I listened to those tracks once and put the CD aside. I completely ignored those tracks; It took me 3 years to finally give it another try! I came to a period maturity in my life; I just used to love tons of notes, played as fast as possible, crazy solos... and this album seemed boring and confussing. But now I just think it's brilient! Every note is right where it should, the musicians are second to non! I listen to it all the time now! I recomend it highly. You'll love it (sooner or later ;)

Arrangements and motifs hurt the ear...........2007-01-09

I found it hard to enjoy - I miss melody and don't care for strange arrangements and jazz motifs.

Incredible and incredibly odd.......2006-12-12

Jaco Pastorius, the self-proclaimed (and just about rightfully so) best bassist in the world, was a huge star in 1980, when this album was recorded, thanks to his tenure in Weather Report. Thus, the recording company saw fit to give him nearly unlimited resources to see what his imagination could come up with. The result is "Word of Mouth," one of the most bizarre yet oddly likable albums I have ever heard. There is no list of musicians on the project (very frustrating) but we do know that harmonica player Toots Thielmans was heavily involved, as was drummer Peter Erskine, and pianist Herbie Hancock (I'm about 90% sure of this), and there are also significant contributions from Wayne Shorter and Michael Brecker. In addition, there are probably about 25 other musicians in the orchestral role in various places, and not just traditional big band instrumentation; I can hear french horns, tubas, steel drums, some strings, and various other colors. Jaco clearly had the green light to go nuts, and he does.

The album begins with "Crisis," a five-minute journey into the avant-garde in a way I've never heard before. Jaco plays a pulsing, throbbing fast eighth note bass line and various other soloists enter, contributing single note lines. Both Shorter and Brecker are present. "Three Views of a Secret" is a beautiful Jaco tune of Weather Report fame (my favorite track on "Night Passage") treated here as an orchestral piece with harmonica lead. I personally don't like this version as much as the WR version (Thielmans plays the melody a LOT straighter than Zawinul and especially Shorter) but it still has some cool moments in orchestration. Next is "Liberty City," my favorite tune on the album. It begins with an absolutely kickin' ensemble statement by just the horns before Jaco comes in with one of his signature grooves. The tune feels really good in this happy groove and there is some great piano soloing between ensemble statements. Jaco would continue to play this tune with his working big band and it got tighter every time; check out the version on "The Birthday Concert" to hear Michael Brecker go nuts.

From there, the album takes a left turn into even more wacky experimentation. Jaco redoes Bach's "Chromatic Fantasy" in a brilliant show of bass technique before settling into a groove which segues into an almost country-sounding version of Lennon and McCartney's "Blackbird," which in turn transitions into the title tune, which alternates between Hendrix-inspired heavily distorted arena rock and uptempo swing. The last tune, "John and Mary," is long and has several parts, including a couple of interludes with strange vocal whispering. One part sounds very much like Weather Report world fusion but with about ten instruments fulfilling the role that Joe Zawinul's synthesizers would take on (shows you just how busy the guy was). About two thirds of the way through there is also some chanting and wordless singing in a carribean type of groove, and the ending is reminiscent of a dramatic film score reaching its climax in glory. An interesting trip to say the least.

The first time I listened all the way through, I wasn't really paying attention, but then I listened a second time and found myself asking "what the..." every four minutes or so. I played it for about two weeks in my car at high volume levels and it began to give me symptoms of mild schizophrenia, but at the same time it grew on me. Actually none of my musician friends like it that much ("That's so weird, dude..."), even my Jaco-loving bass player, and once when I was playing it in the car on a long trip home at night, my dad woke up during "John and Mary" to comment "What is this? It sounds like Chinese birthday music!" Thus, I would not recommend this album to most people, especially beginners to jazz and to Jaco. Since the album concentrates more on Jaco's arranging and writing than on his playing, I wouldn't even necessarily recommend this to fans of Jaco's playing. Maybe I would recommend this to people who are extremely eclectic or perhaps a little insane. If this album does indeed sound interesting, check out the more accessible "Invitation" and "The Birthday Concert," Jaco's other big band projects. The latter in particular is a fantastic album and might shed some light on whatever it was Jaco was doing here. Don't get me wrong, I like this album a lot, but then I have strange taste. If you do too, go ahead and buy this for kicks.

realization of jaco's compositional possibilities.......2005-12-30

This is the expression of Jaco's musical talent at its best and under his own direction and with the best of sidemen.

"Crisis" is experimental, testing, and edgy. constructed around the forward charging, thumping bassline, the other musicians recorded seperately, each only able to hear the bassline. Can sound a bit abstract, but dont let this fool you. a very interesting way to hear the different ideas being expressed.

"Three Views of a Secret" is a masterpiece of Jazz composition. This is possibly Jaco's best compositon, and played here as it should be, with full accompaniment of a big band. simply excellent.

"Liberty City" is also another great composition, excellent dialogue between the band and jaco's bassline. clever use of inverted double stops.

"Chromatic Fantasy" Jaco's arrangement of Bach's Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue... A simply stunning and utterly beautiful display of Jaco's technical abilities on the bass. Perhaps even more impressive than his performance of "Donna Lee" Flows into Asian rhythms and orchestra work which flows directly into...

"Blackbird" Jaco's version of the Beatles song. Interesting dialogue between Jaco's bass and Thieleman's harmonica. First Jaco song I ever heard. needless to say, is special to me.

"Word of Mouth" raucous, wild, overdriven bass work. represents Jaco's Hendrix influence. a bit repetitive at times but is technically speaking nothing to shake a stick at.

"John and Mary" Beautiful composition with haunting piano, lyrical, dynamic and legato bass work, and an upbeat and fascinating theme. a gem.


Word of Mouth is an excellant display of Jaco's abilities as a musician. His wild side, his sensitive side, his incredible technical abilities, his wonderful compositional skills, all are represented well on thsi work. If you are a Jaco fan buy this album and give it many serious listenings. This is an incredible collection of music.

Word of Mouth, better then ever..........2005-12-09

Word of Mouth, Jaco Pastorius' second solo release from 1981, at the time was a eclectic collection of work that met with mixed reviews.
Since his untimely death, where the listeners at large have delved into his recorded past, live and in studio, to satisfy the obvious void of not having him here today, this collection of work has grown into its own and what was once eclectic or odd to one's ears is now commonplace and dare say, has become my genrrations jazz "standard".
Pastorius' background and influcences validate and solidfy this work. Jaco's big band original/arrangments such as Three Views of a Secret and Liberty City are direct products of his discovery and love for this style of music as a young boy listening to either tv show soundtracks and music as well as his Father's love for Sinatra's music growing up, to name a few. Combine that with his time periods Beatles, James Brown etc etc and one can understand "where he was coming from".
The jewel here is "Three Views of a Secret" , hands down the most beloved Pastorius original by his collegues, friends, family and fans, whether they are casual, one time or fulltime fans.
If there is once song to define where his career matured to or was heading, "Three Views" is it.
If you enjoy this tune then check out the 2 CD set called "Twins-The Jaco Pastorius Big Band Live in Japan", this is the completed unedited versions of the Big Band live. I highly recommend avoided the badly edited versions better known as the US release "Invitation".
"Twins" is worth its higher price tag and the search to find it.
Jack Frisch

Average customer rating: 4 1/2 stars? It's A Great CD Good Evening! Great CD The worlds greatest bass player

The Birthday Concert Jaco Pastorius Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Bebop & Post-Bop | Compilations | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Word of Mouth Jaco Pastorius Invitation Heavy Weather 8:30 ASIN: B000002MKA Release Date: 1995-09-26

Tracks:

1. Soul Intro/The Chicken
2. Continuum
3. Invitation
4. Three Views Of A Secret
5. Liberty City
6. Punk Jazz
7. Happy Birthday
8. Reza
9. Domingo
10. Band Intros
11. Amerika

Customer Reviews:

4 1/2 stars?.......2007-01-19

I don't understand the reviews of this album. Jaco was an amazing jazz bassist. But he is so overshadowed by all the brass instruments on this album that the end result is painful to listen to. I counted on the CD insert four trumpets, four sax, four trombones, plus a french horn or two. I doubt he was happy with the end result, I hope it didn't add to his life ending pain. Bill M.

It's A Great CD.......2007-01-04

This is a great CD if you like bass guitar playing. I have really enjoyed it!

Good Evening!.......2006-08-22

The live set celebrating the 30th birthday of Jaco Pastorius features band members from each part of his career.

The gig is what one would expect from a band performing before an appreciative audience, and that is what it makes it so special. The solos are great and Jaco's range as a bassist is captured in the nearly 70 minutes of music.

My only criticisim is each song is separated as if recorded in a studio. A live set - especially on CD - should do its best not to edit the way the music was presented to - and the response from - the audience. But that falls on the record company.

The hot rendition of Jaco's classic, Liberty City, is worth the price of the CD. The music is as fresh today as it was back in 1981.

It truly was a good evening!

Great CD.......2005-08-28

Jaco Pastorius is one of the greatest bass players of all time and you would expect his birthday concert to be a great one. from the start you have bob mintzer "sole intro the chicken" (he goes nuts) through to the happy birthday song. This cd has it all

The worlds greatest bass player.......2004-04-09

This is one of my favorite CDs. I never tire of it. Ive loaned it to many friends who love jazz but have never heard of Jaco, without exception they are always amazed by the unique sound. This CD is worth every penny.

Average customer rating: Almost but not quite solid big band No way would he have done this abomination Multichannel recording?? Tending the Flame

The Word Is Out Jaco Pastorius Big Band Manufacturer: Heads Up ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Word of Mouth Revisited Twenty Five Paris Concert Jaco: The Extraordinary and Tragic Life of Jaco Pastorius The Ultimate Adventure ASIN: B000EGDB5Q Release Date: 2006-03-28

Tracks:

1. Dania
2. Las Olas
3. Sirabhorn
4. Beaver Patrol
5. Cannonball
6. Kuru / Speak Like A Child
7. Three Views Of A Secret
8. Blackbird / Word Of Mouth
9. Good Morning
10. River People
11. Reza

Amazon.com

This sequel to the 2003 tribute Word of Mouth Revisited showcases the compositions and arrangements of the legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius. It features Pastorius-influenced bassists, including Victor Wooten, Mark Egan, Gerald Veasley, and Marcus Miller, with a number of Pastorius' ex-sidemen, from trumpeters Randy Brecker and steel drummer Othello Molineaux to drummer Peter Erskine. Peter Graves--a bandmate of the flashy bassist when they both lived in Florida--leads this big band and sticks close to Pastorius' original conceptions, as evidenced by the Latin-tinged "Las Olas," guest-starring the Cuban bass giant Israel "Cachao" Lopez. The stirring rendition of "Kuru/Speak Like a Child" is propelled by Jimmy Haslip's bullet-like basslines, while Richard Bona's African-born, low-end frequencies are heard on the Beatles' chestnut "Blackbird." The anthemic closer "Reza" includes a sizzling Pastorius-sampled solo. Despite his "Hendrixian" life and tragic death, this CD focuses on the truly enduring gifts of this fallen star. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Almost but not quite.......2007-07-13

This 2006 Jaco Pastorius Big Band tribute is pretty good and it features some of my favourite people, like bassists Richard Bona, Jimmy Haslip and Will Lee (all of whom were reportedly influenced by Pastorius), drummer Peter Erskine, tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer and guitarist Mike Stern. Even Toots Thielemans makes an appearance as does Pastorius himself 'from the grave' so to speak, as a result of clever technology that blends a bass line he'd previously recorded with new added instrumentation.

All the tunes here are Pastorius compositions except for Pat Metheny's "Sirabhorn", Joe Zawinul's "Cannonball" and the Lennon & McCartney tune "Blackbird". It's an interesting collection, with some really good music (obviously) but the whole affair just comes across to me as a bit too cerebral. It just sounds too intellectual and seems to lack heart or emotion. I'm sure the musicians put their hearts into the project but I don't feel it. To me, it just feels like they were going through the motions; like they were doing a colour by numbers routine.

A case in point: On "River People", Will Lee does this cool 'question and answer' thing with the bass with the former coming out from one speaker and the latter from the other. It sounds really interesting, especially when listened to through a set of headphones but it doesn't really move me.

Other tunes I found interesting were "Las Olas", which featured Toots Thielemans on harmonica; "Cannonball", featuring Richard Bona on bass, Mike Stern on guitar, Mark Levine on piano, Ed Calle on tenor sax and Billy Ross on soprano sax; "Kuru/Speak Like A Child", which featured Jimmy Haslip on bass, Mark Levine on piano and Jason Carder on flugelhorn ("Speak Like A Child" is my favourite Hancock tune ever) and "Three Views Of A Secret", which is always fun to hear and here features Otell Brubridge & Jeff Carswell on bass, Ed Calle on soprano sax and Jason Carder on flugelhorn (I particularly like the intro bass solo by Brubridge).

But to be honest, I don't find any of the tunes here particularly exciting or memorable. Even the version of "Sirabhorn" pales in comparison to the original that Jaco actually played on (on Metheny's Bright Size Life). Maybe it's the production (by Peter Graves & Michael J. Hurzon). Maybe it's the big band conducting (by Peter Graves). Or maybe I just don't like big band. Whatever it is, I rate this 3.5 stars.

PS. It's definitely not a lack of love for Jaco or a lack of understanding of his music, as my next review will hopefully clearly demonstrate...

solid big band.......2007-07-09

I'm a fan of Jaco Pastorius and the musical production was on point. It was a solid jazz big band performance of Pastorius greats.

No way would he have done this abomination.......2007-06-09

This is terrible music, if you can call it that.

Yes, perfectly performed but unfortunately there is no soul and nothing of the spirit that Jaco had.

And even though I love Richard Bona he butchered Blackbird.

Don't buy it if you're into music!

Multichannel recording??.......2007-01-21

Can any owner of this disc confirm if it is an SACD (multichannel recording)? Widescreen review magazine reviewed an SACD version of this disc, and I cannot determine if this version is a CD or SACD. Thanks.

Tending the Flame.......2006-05-04

These guys are great! I have been a Jaco fan for 30 years, and I'm completely blown away by the ongoing efforts of Peter Graves and company on this and the equally excellent "WoM Revisted" albums. These devotees and former Pastorius sideman manage to communicate the same joyful, sunny, funky vibe that was Jaco in his absence. The playing is awesome, the sound is great....these records are a treat for anyone who loves Jaco, anyone who loves jazz, anyone who loves great music. My sincere thanks to Peter Graves & Co. for sending out the groove yet again!!!

Average customer rating: One of this band's best. Great CD to add to any collection. Jaco's best live album

Invitation Jaco Pastorius Manufacturer: Wea/Warner Special Marketing ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Contemporary Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Word of Mouth The Birthday Concert Jaco Pastorius Night Passage Modern Electric Bass, Jaco Pastorius ASIN: B000056P05 Release Date: 2001-01-29

Tracks:

1. Invitation
2. Amerika
3. Soul Intro/The Chicken
4. Continuum
5. Liberty City
6. Sophisticated Lady
7. Reza/Giant Steps/Reza (Reprise)
8. Fannie Mae
9. Eleven

Album Description

Mid-price remastered digipak. This live album was originally released in 1983 and features 9 tracks including, 'Amerika', 'Liberty City', 'Reza' & 'Eleven'.

Album Details

Remastered from Original Analogue Tapes.

Customer Reviews:

One of this band's best........2005-02-04

This live recording is one of WoM's best -- the sound is good, and the blowing is excellent. I'm not that thrilled by Toots chromatic harmonica, and while there is some on this record, there's not a lot. I wish someone would put out a 2 CD set of the best of the live WoM, but until that happens, I'll be happy with this.

Great CD to add to any collection........2004-04-29

This is a quality Jaco recording. The Bass is indeed way up front, but you'll get no arguments from me. I sincerely disbelieve that Jaco was meant to be heard in perfectly mixed and mastered environments. It's raw, but aside from the mixing the sound quality is great. The big band and Jaco are very tight - it's very reminiscent of some of Jaco's live performances with Birelli Lagrene although he doesn't make an appearance on this slbum.

Jaco's best live album.......2001-12-08

I've had this since its original release in 1983. It is completly superior to the birthday concert cd and all of the NYC and Punk Jazz discs. It features a large band, that is well rehearsed. And the material is treated to well structured arrangements. It is focused but still contains some great improvisation. Tracks that stand out are; reza, invitation, and one of his better renditions of continuum.

Average customer rating: Genius & Loops The World's Greatest Bassist in his prime!

Honestly: Solo Live Jaco Pastorius Manufacturer: Jazzpoint ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Word of Mouth ASIN: B000001P43 Release Date: 1992-02-29

Customer Reviews:

Genius & Loops.......2006-01-03

This was one of the first times I'd really sat down and experienced what Jaco was all about, and it blew away every notion I'd previously held about the Bass, or any solo instrument! As long ago as the mid 70's he was harnessing the deep funk and harboring mysterious grooves with that loop during his 'Slang' solo spot @ Weather Report's live gigs.

One might get frustrated with the fact that many themes and licks are repeated throughout, but that's just not the case with Jaco. S'like hearing 5 takes of 'Ko Ko' by Bird. Every take is played and approached differently, showing the immense capacity for spontaneous improv that the likes of these genuis's can yeild.

Your breath is literally taken away at some moments. If anyone was in any doubt about Jaco's faculties at this fragile stage of his life, it certainly did not show in his playing, which is as good here as anything he's ever done.

The World's Greatest Bassist in his prime!.......2002-03-19

From start to finish , Jaco unleashes a whole battery of his most famous licks and grooves and he does it all alone this time. Each track is without titles for a reason, Jaco is jamming and he never really displays more than a glimmer that lies within his vast repetior. He glides anywhere from Bach to Hendrix to his very own Continuum and Portrait of Tracy without any hesitation. Also, something that I thought was exciting was his use of the newfangled loop track. He constructs these bizarre and intriguing loops to solo and groove over that are almost dreamlike. In 1986, he had all of the freedom in the world and it's truly evident on this hard to find classic.

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