Ellen Alaverdyan Tackles Jaco Pastorius’s “Teen Town” with a Fretless 5-String

Taking on Teen Town is a tough job for anyone. Jaco Pastorius wrote a bass part that is fast, exposed, and unforgiving, and it has become a long standing benchmark for players who want to test their control, time, and musical nerve.

That is what makes this performance from Ellen Alaverdyan stand out. She tackles the tune on a five string fretless bass, adding an extra layer of difficulty to an already demanding piece. The intonation has nowhere to hide, especially at this tempo, yet she moves through the line with confidence.

Considering how young she is, the performance is even more impressive. This is not a novelty take or a simplified run through. It is a serious attempt at a Jaco classic, played with respect and control, and it shows just how far ahead of the curve she already is.