Jaco the Early Years

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Portrait of Jaco... the Early Years Guestbook

I understand that there has been mention of the Jaco tribute big band project with the Word of Mouth Big Band Revisited; Peter Graves director. In particular questions about a version of HAVONA, recorded originally for the first Jaco Pastorius recording on Columbia Records with Bobby Columby as the producer !

It was recently brought to my attention by Bob Bobbings, that
“ Bobby Columby makes mention. that he held back the out take of "Havona" from being included in Legacy's reissue of that 1st album, because he and Jaco made a collective decision not to include it on the original release, because it didn't measure up musically. He then went on to say that if it hadn't subsequently come out with Weather Report that he might have considered it. And then he went on to say that the “Word Of Mouth” version was better than Jaco's original version too! Then someone came right back with “Word of Mouth??? ”
“ Bobby quickly came back online to further clarify this, by stating, “Word Of Mouth - Revisited” your version Jimmy! He went on to say how great the album was and how the musicians on that album played their hearts out. “

So . . . First of all . . . . I am extremely flattered by these comments and I can only say that working on this tribute recording was truly an honor and total inspiration for me. I bow to the talents of Jaco and Bobby Columby . . . They made some of the most incredible music come to life and together presented it to the world . . . as a result it has impacted and changed the world !
It was a monumental recording as was the follow up “WORD OF MOUTH”.
I merely emulated what was there to start with . . . . . I can only thank Jaco for the legacy he’s left behind and of course, all the wonderful composition . . . . .
I’ve learned so much about playing through his recordings and as a result it has made me a better musician. I have an infinite amount of gratitude for Jaco and his music as in my opinion, he was a genius and creator of music beyond the scope of what anyone was trying to do. His composition and his musicianship are extreme examples of what is possible and he raised the bar for us all in a huge way.

I was overjoyed to work on Continuum and Havona, as it was a total and extreme challenge and I am humbled and grateful for bringing me back deeply into Jaco’s music again.

The bottom line is that it has helped to create a showcase for
his music and this kind of exposure is all important in keeping Jaco in view for all generations to come . . . . . I will always be in support of Jaco and his family !

My deepest thanks to Jaco for the continued inspiration !
Thanks to Bobby Columby and special thanks to Bob Bobbings for bringing us the PORTRAIT of JACO project . . . a most amazing tribute of all . . . . .

Peace and Harmony to the Pastorius children and family . . .

Jimmy Haslip

jimmy haslip (United States)
Saturday, September 24, 2005

Thank you for your testimony about this so genius musician. His life end and death was a terrific gaspillage of melodic inspiration and orchestration senses. He was with Miles Davis the last musical genius of the 20th century. May he rest in peace.
	Andre Roulleaux Dugage (France) Wednesday, September 21, 2005

18 years after he left us, and the emotions on this site, just like the music, are as fresh as ever. The first time I ever heard a Jaco tune was in 1985 - A Remark You Made. To say it for the millionth time on this site, "it changed everything". Mary's article is so brave and honest - just like her father's incredible music. Truly incredible. Great site - a fitting tribute to the master.
	Sean (United States) Saturday, September 17, 2005

I KNOW ONLY ONE BASSIST IN JACO THE LEGEND,WE CAN ONLY LEARN FROM HIM.
	KELVIN DAMONS (South Africa) Wednesday, September 07, 2005

J.P. is certainly one of the most influential musicians of all time. His sound and style are unmistakablely unique. I've witnessed him playing on an old fender jazz bass without the frets, through a little mouse amp in the center of Washington Sq. Park, when I was 12. I had no idea that this guy was the best bassist in the world. I did know that he was special, because he was able to express various feelings and emotions without speaking a word, it all came out of that little amp. I havent seen anyone quite like J.P. I now have a re-newed respect for Jaco Pastorius, since I started playing drums, I have been listening to a lot of his music and getting into all the people he 's played with.

I have yet to discover more about J.P. I'm sure "Portrait of Jaco" will cover some of the empty spaces in anyone's knowledge of J.P.

I recently listened to a recording of Jaco with Al DiMeola, and once again it was a pleasant suprise. I am sad that Jaco was taken from us, he life was cut short, and I can only dream of seeing him there on the fountain in the park playing Star Spangled Banner. I imagine we would cross paths again sometime, somewhere. I will draw inspiration J.P. and continue to learn. One can never stop learning.... Thank you Jaco.

PEACE.

Allan J. Weber (United States)
Wednesday, July 13, 2005

I wish that I had been around in jaco's time, his music has made me a whole different person. With only 1 year of playing, I would have been at a much lower level of skill if I hadn't heard jaco. If only i could thank him in person
	Michael Orabona (United States) Thursday, July 07, 2005

I started playing Bass in 1975 and of all the Bass players I ever heard who knocked me out then and now were Stanley Clarke, Percy Jones, and Jaco Pastorius. To this day these 3 are still the greatest, Jaco being my #1 favorite. The Fretless Bass has never sung so beautifully as it did when in Jaco's hands. I never met him, but I loved him and I miss him and his wonderful music. I hope that someday I will become 1/2 the Bass player he was. I wish his family the very best and I grieve with you over his loss even after all these years later. God Bless You.

Joe Hartka (United States)
Sunday, July 03, 2005

Hey... great site!!!!!!........the real deal. Bob ....we were there.... you've taken the awesome responsibility to" record" it in every way. Looking forward, honored, as we begin the second Jaco Big Band CD this summer. Peace......... Randy Bernsen
	Randy Bernsen (United States) Saturday, July 02, 2005

In the summer of 1967 I played bass with a band called Bartok's Mountain (formally the "Reasons"), with members, Bob Herzog (Zohn-lead vocal), Ken Gemmer (guitar), Tom Staley (Drums), and Bill Burke (B3 organ). It was the greatest summer of my life and I frequently saw Jaco with the Los Olas Brass. I remember Jaco and Kim (guitarist) doing steps together.
Bob & Bill have joined Jaco in that band in the sky but I'm still in touch with Ken and Tom. Ken's best memory of Jaco was how his energy could sort of "Rub Off" when jamming. He wouldn't discriminate re players not of his level and bring them up, like a contact high, you could kind of tune in a little to his trip.
....Jim McAllister

jim mcallister (United States)
Monday, June 20, 2005

I read somewhere once that "Jaco opened the door and we all just walked through it". I've made this my final statement whenever discussing the bass guitar with anyone of my fellow musicians. Jaco Pastorius was, is, and always will be a continued inspiration to me. Truly the "Worlds greatest bass player". Jaco, I miss you man!!!!!!
	Dan Agnone (United States) Sunday, June 12, 2005

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