Richard Bona Takes on Teen Town: A Live Tribute to Jaco Pastorius

Richard Bona’s appearance at the Leverkusener Jazztage is a full two hour journey through his wide ranging musical world. The set blends modern jazz, fusion, African rhythms, and deep groove, all delivered with the confidence and joy that have made Bona one of the most respected bassists of his generation.

Throughout the performance, Bona plays his signature Markbass bass and bass amp, delivering a clear and powerful tone that stays articulate even in the most demanding passages. His sound sits perfectly in the mix, supporting the band while remaining expressive and vocal, a hallmark of his approach to the instrument.

One standout moment in the long set comes when Bona covers Teen Town, the famously challenging tune written by Jaco Pastorius.  Bona reshapes the piece with his own phrasing and feel, balancing respect for the original with his unmistakable musical personality.

For bass players, this performance is a reminder that virtuosity and musicality do not have to compete. Bona demonstrates how deep groove, tone, and communication can elevate even the most iconic bass driven compositions into something personal and alive.