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Jaco Pastorius Archives

Jaco Pastorius: “So What” Bass Solo (Live in 1986)
Bass Videos

Jaco Pastorius: “So What” Bass Solo (Live in 1986)

The folks at Music Universe shared this video featuring Jaco Pastorius. This clip was recorded during a 1986 performance in Salzburg, Austria. Jaco solos over the classic Miles Davis tune, “So What,” backed by drummer Michael Kersting.

Jaco Pastorius: Three Bass Solos from 1977 Herbie Hancock Tour
Bass Videos

Jaco Pastorius: Three Bass Solos from 1977 Herbie Hancock Tour

For many years, I’ve loved the records of Jaco Pastorius during Herbie Hancock’s 1977 tour. Jaco was 25 at the time. Music Universe put together this video of three of Jaco’s solos during the tour, spanning three cities.

Unreleased Live Weather Report: Black Market
Bass Videos

Unreleased Live Weather Report: Black Market

Rick Suchow is such a good dude. For years, he’s shared some fantastic videos we otherwise might never have seen. He just dropped another unreleased clip from Weather Report’s 1978 Astor Theater performance, with the band playing “Black Market.”

Jaco Pastorius Word of Mouth Big Band: Live at the North Sea Jazz Festival (July 10, 1983)
Bass Videos

Jaco Pastorius Word of Mouth Big Band: Live at the North Sea Jazz Festival (July 10, 1983)

The folks at the Jaco Pastorius Archive sent us this digitally remastered clip of Jaco Pastorius and his Word of Mouth Big Band performing at the North Sea Jazz Festival on July 10, 1983. It sounds incredible.

Scott Devine: Breaking Down Jaco Pastorius’s “Modern Electric Bass” Opening Bass Riff
Bass Videos

Scott Devine: Breaking Down Jaco Pastorius’s “Modern Electric Bass” Opening Bass Riff

Most (if not all) of us have watched Jaco Pastorius’s “Modern Electric Bass” video with Jerry Jemmott. The riff Jaco plays in the opening credits is incredible. Scott Devine breaks it down in this video.

Bass Transcription: Jaco Pastorius’s “Amelia”
Transcriptions

Bass Transcription: Jaco Pastorius’s “Amelia”

Alex Lofoco returns with a new look at one of Jaco Pastorius’s earliest tunes: “Amelia,” which Jaco performed with Wayne Cochran & The CC Riders. Check out the story and transcription.

Jaco Pastorius Quintet: Invitation (1981)
Bass Videos

Jaco Pastorius Quintet: Invitation (1981)

We can always count on Rick Suchow to deliver the goods. In honor of Jaco Pastorius’s birthday today, Rick has made available a clip he recorded of Jaco’s quintet performing “Invitation” at Seventh Avenue South in April 1981. The lineup included Michael Brecker and Peter Erskine.

From the Bottom: Jaco Pastorius “Solo” on “Midwestern Nights Dream”
From the Bottom

From the Bottom: Jaco Pastorius “Solo” on “Midwestern Nights Dream”

In this episode of “From the Bottom,” Paul Thompson digs into one of his favorite and lesser-known Jaco Pastorius solos. This one focuses on “Midwestern Nights Dream” from Pat Metheny’s 1975 album, “Bright Size Life.”

Weather Report: Jaco Pastorius’s Isolated Bass on “Teen Town”
Bass Videos

Weather Report: Jaco Pastorius’s Isolated Bass on “Teen Town”

We can never get enough of Jaco Pastorius. In this isolated bass clip, Jaco plays this classic with a bit of his drumming in the mix. You can really hear that fretless growl!

Weather Report: The Pursuit Of The Woman With The Feathered Hat (Live at Lisner – 1978)
Bass Videos

Weather Report: The Pursuit Of The Woman With The Feathered Hat (Live at Lisner – 1978)

We can always count on Rick Suchow to unearth some true gems. Here’s one he just shared of Weather Report (with Jaco Pastorius) performing “The Pursuit Of The Woman With The Feathered Hat” in 1978.

Bass Transcription: Jaco Pastorius’ “Jam In E”
Transcriptions

Bass Transcription: Jaco Pastorius’ “Jam In E”

Today, Alex Lofoco is paying homage to the legendary Jaco Pastorius and the “Modern Electric Bass” educational video. Check out Alex’s transcription and analysis of Jaco’s “Jam In E”.

2021 Reader Favorite Bassists – #5: Jaco Pastorius
2021 Reader Favorites

2021 Reader Favorite Bassists – #5: Jaco Pastorius

The impact of Jaco Pastorius on the bass playing community is still strong, and in 2021, we had some special articles to share featuring him. As a result, Jaco returns to the Reader Favorite Bassists, at the #5 spot.