Record Reviews

JACO PASTORIUS ~ THE BIRTHDAY CONCERT ATLANTIC 273671 ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1981 This excellent album was recorded on December 1st, 1981 during a performance of Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist with the Peter GravesFind albums by this artist orchestra, in which he played for many years before joining Weather ReportFind albums by this artist (see the great Jaco Pastorius Big Band albums recorded by the same orchestra). It was a celebration of Jaco’s 30th birthday and he returned to his native Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to play with his old buddies. The band was strengthened by soloist (Michael BreckerFind albums by this artist, Bob MintzerFind albums by this artist and Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist) and plays one hot streak of superb music like there is no tomorrow. This material was kept in the vaults for many years on was first released only in 1995. The sound quality is excellent for a live recording and of course the music is heavenly!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

JACO PASTORIUS BIG BAND ~ WORD OF MOUTH REVISITED HEADS UP 3078 ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2003 1st album by the Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist tribute Big Band, conducted and led by Peter GravesFind albums by this artist. Graves was the leader of the Big Band, in which Pastorius played for five years (1970-1975) and where he perfected his chops, before leaving to record his eponymous debut album and then joining Weather ReportFind albums by this artist, where he stayed for another five years (1976-1981). Pastorius revolutionized the way bass guitar would be played from his days onward and earned a momentous respect for the instrument, placing it alongside the leading instruments in any musical setting. He died in tragic circumstances in 1987. Graves collected some of the original Big Band members, added many superb contemporary players and invited the best bass players on the scene (Marcus MillerFind albums by this artist, Jimmy HaslipFind albums by this artist, Gerald VeasleyFind albums by this artist, Victor BaileyFind albums by this artist, and others) to create this tribute recording. The music includes tunes from the early Big Band days, Jaco’s solo albums and Weather Report albums. The band swings like hell, the bassists fly and soar and the music is exceptional all the way through. Between the music tracks there are inserts of Jaco’s spoken commentary during the recording sessions of his albums, which enhance the atmosphere and make this recording even more special. For any Pastorius or / and bass guitar fan this is a wet dream come true – an absolute must! This enhanced CD includes bonus material and a link to video clips documenting the recording session.

CD 1 Digipak Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend