2021 Reader Favorite Bassists – #5: Jaco Pastorius

Jaco Pastorius

Editor’s Note: At the end of each year, we tally up all the article and video views on No Treble to come up with a list of the top 10 most popular bassists. This is entirely based on readership, not on opinions, polls, or anything else. Just having some fun.

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. That included some rare recordings, a transcription of his solo on Ian Hunter’s “All American Alien Boy”, and “The Lost Tapes Documentary”.

As a result, Jaco returns to the Reader Favorite Bassists, at the #5 spot.

Jaco Pastorius Quintet: Donna Lee (1981)

Jaco Pastorius Quintet: Donna Lee (1981)

Here’s a live, rare, and unreleased clip of the Jaco Pastorius Quintet (with Michael Brecker, Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer, and Don Alias) performing “Donna Lee” in 1981. Thanks to Rick Suchow for recording/sharing this one!
Bass Transcription: Jaco Pastorius’s Solo on “All American Alien Boy”

Bass Transcription: Jaco Pastorius’s Solo on “All American Alien Boy”

Please help us welcome our newest contributor, Alex Lofoco! Alex’s first entry offers up a great analysis and transcription of Jaco Pastorius's bass solo on Ian Hunter’s “All American Alien Boy”.
Jaco Pastorius Quintet: “Three Views Of A Secret” Featuring Michael Brecker (Rare Live ’81)

Jaco Pastorius Quintet: “Three Views Of A Secret” Featuring Michael Brecker (Rare Live ’81)

Seventy years ago today, Jaco Pastorius was born. And today, thanks to Rick Suchow, we have something special to check out: A live recording of “Three Views Of A Secret”, featuring Michael Brecker, Peter Erskine, and others.
Jaco Pastorius: The Lost Tapes Documentary

Jaco Pastorius: The Lost Tapes Documentary

A group of people who go by “realcut” on Youtube released a “fan-film” documentary entitled, “Jaco Pastorius: The Lost Tapes”. Some of it includes footage they compiled from other sources while including some of their own interviews throughout.
Weather Report: “Birdland” Live in 1980 (Remastered)

Weather Report: “Birdland” Live in 1980 (Remastered)

I stumbled upon a newly remastered version of Weather Report’s live performance in Belgrade on October 31, 1980. Jaco Pastorius is on fretted bass on this one, with the band tearing through “Birdland”, with Jaco’s “Liberty City” in the mix.

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Leave a Reply to David Webb Cancel reply

  1. David Webb

    So Mr Ron Carter must be#1