Watch Ellen Alaverdyan Pay Tribute to Jaco Pastorius with a Fretless Bass Performance

At just 14 years old, Ellen Alaverdyan continues to impress us with her playing. Her latest video comes from her first headlining show at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood California, where she performed Jaco Pastorius’s “Portrait of Tracy” and her band Jaminai’s original tune, “13 Town.”

Playing a fretless bass built by Armen Blbulyan, Ellen delivers a beautiful tribute to Jaco. The fretless is a challenging instrument to master, but Ellen makes it look natural. She does justice to the classic tune while bringing her own touch to it.

What really stands out is how comfortable she looks on stage. There is a confidence and maturity in her playing that goes well beyond her years and it is a joy to watch.

The performance then moves into “13 Town,” from Jaminai’s debut album, Take Off. The song gives The tune gives Ellen a chance to explore her own musical voice, with fluid fretless lines and some inspired soloing.  The concert also featured Gregg Bissonette on drums, along with Ellen’s father, guitarist Hovak Alaverdyan, and other talented musicians.

We have been following Ellen’s progress for years and it is exciting to see her continue to grow as a musician. Taking on Jaco is no small task, and she handles it beautifully.

Check out the performance.