From the Bottom: Jaco Pastorius “Solo” on “Midwestern Nights Dream”
In this episode of “From the Bottom,” I’m digging into one of my favorite and lesser-known Jaco Pastorius solos. This one focuses on “Midwestern Nights Dream” from Pat Metheny’s 1975 album, Bright Size Life (ECM).
I’ll get into Jaco’s career surrounding this session, attempt to re-create and analyze the solo, and answer a question I’ve had for years: can we even consider this a solo? I’ll tell you why it’s one of the most important things Jaco ever played and how he got his signature sound on it.
Be sure to grab the transcription for this one.
Paul Thompson has been playing bass professionally for over 30 years, including recording and touring stints with trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and saxophonist Stanley Turrentine. Recent playing credits include Bob Reynolds, John Pizzarelli, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, and Bob James, among others. Currently, he can be seen playing in and around the Pittsburgh, PA area with the THOTH Trio, the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, and many other musicians in the city's rich Jazz community. An educator of over 25 years, Paul currently teaches Jazz Bass at Duquesne University, West Virginia University, and his alma mater, Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 Performing Arts School.
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