No Treble’s 2024 Reader Favorite Bassists – #2: Why Jaco Pastorius Remains an Icon

Jaco Pastorius’s genius as a bassist continues to inspire generations, earning him the #2 spot on No Treble’s 2024 Reader Favorite Bassists list. From his groundbreaking solos to his unforgettable collaborations, Jaco’s music remains as vital today as ever.

This year brought incredible highlights for Jaco fans. The Jaco Pastorius Archive shared rare gems from his early career, and the new Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4 box set featured previously unheard recordings with Jaco. Alex Lofoco also offered an in-depth transcription of Jaco’s stunning solo on “The Days of Wine and Roses,” giving bassists a closer look at his unparalleled artistry.

Explore the articles below to rediscover why Jaco remains a cornerstone of bass history and a perennial favorite among our readers.

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.

Celebrating Jaco Pastorius: A Look Back at His Prolific First Year as a Recording Artist

Today is Jaco Pastorius's As usual, I spent the morning listening to his music. Sifting through my collection, I was reminded of the significance of 1976. Let's look back at his prolific first year as a recording artist.

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.

Tommy Strand & The Upper Hand (with Jaco Pastorius): Watermelon Man (1971)

The Jaco Pastorius Archive delivered big with this recording of Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man,” performed by Tommy Strand & The Upper Hand. Jaco was only 19 at the time.

Bass Transcription: Jaco Pastorius’s Bass Solo on “The Days Of Wine And Roses”

Alex Lofoco dives into Jaco Pastorius’s solo on “The Days Of Wine And Roses,” including the bass transcription and the background for the solo.

Joni Mitchell “Archives, Vol. 4” Features Previously Unheard Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, and More

Joni Mitchell’s archival releases have continued with Archives – Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980), which sheds light on the singer-songwriter’s jazzier phase of the last ’70s. The lineup includes bassists Jaco Pastorius, Charles Mingus, Rob Stoner, Max Bennett, Stanley Clarke, and Eddie Gomez.