Written By Braddon S. Williams

Jaco Pastorius

Jaco Pastorius released his (self titled) first solo album in 1976. Helping Pastorius out were some heavy hitters in the jazz community, like Herbie Hancock, Lenny White, Hubert Laws, Don Arias, Wayne Shorter, Randy & Michael Brecker, Narada Michael Walden, and Sam & Dave, who contributed vocals on the funky and soulful Come On, Come Over.

The opening cut, Donna Lee (by Charlie Parker) displays Jaco’s flawless use of harmonics, and establishes his mastery of the electric bass. Jaco Pastorius is not just a collection of bass solos, though.

Jaco proves himself as a team player throughout; keeping a cavernous deep pocket and being subtle when needed, and stepping forward and displaying dizzying technique at the perfect times.

Even when other musicians are in the spotlight, Pastorius is a joy to listen to at all times. The man had such personality in his playing style, and his tone on the fretless bass was unmistakably his trademark.

There have been countless bass players (and musicians in gerneral) who have been influenced by Jaco, but he truly was one of a kind.