Reviewer: Wayne Dent - "Incomparable Work of Art - A Gem in Jaco's Legacy!"
When Jaco burst upon the scene via his first solo album, there were questions from everyone regarding Jaco's prior whereabouts. How could someone be this good and yet, virtually unheard by the masses. This CD answers the questions engendered by that album, so many years ago. Masterfully blended with the music, are personal stories, recollections, and tributes by the people who were involved with Jaco throughout his career as it evolved. This is an emotional ride which will have you laughing and crying but above all, appreciating even more, the dedication and genius of this warm and memorable person. The attendant booklet is definitely worth the purchase price, alone. The greatness of this CD cannot be captured in the space provided here so, my only encouragement is to go out of your way to get this important release.

Reviewer: Harry Harbst - "A fantastic trip through the early years of a most important and loved artist."
From Jaco's own welcome at the opening, through his intimate vocal performance on Las Olas. You can't help but feel lucky that Bob Bobbing took the time and effort to share these clips with each of us. Hearing a young Jocko grow into Jaco is a pleasure only a few had until now. The use of narratives by Jaco's friends and family had me a little concerned prior to hearing POJ. I was afraid it would interfere with the music. I couldn't have been more wrong in my worries. The clips are perfectly applied throughout the collection and are a wonderful complement to the music. Honestly without it the collection would feel rather disjointed and could be misconstrued as "just another Jaco rehash" Well this is no rehash, and I'm glad to say I haven't been more pleased by a release in years. To sum it up… Joni remarks during the performance of Hejira that it was "as if I'd dreamed him" I know the feeling, but after hearing Portrait of Jaco… he never seemed more real.

Reviewer: Finally ... it's out! - "A Jaco music must have!!!"
This is the best retrospective of Jaco's formative years bar none! The quality of most of these recordings is way better than imagined and the photographs lend new insight into the atmosphere in which Jaco developed into the world's greatest bass player. I have already listened to each CD no less than three times and I still cannot get enough … remember … I only received this CD yesterday. I highly recommend this CD to anyone who wants to expand his or her ability to play music or anyone who wants to hear the incredible growth of one of the most influential musician's of the last quarter of the 20th century. I can go on about how great this package is, but I'd rather you buy it and find out for yourself. You won't be disappointed! However, there are a couple issues that are a bit subjective. First is the fact that some tunes are faded early for the spoken commentary. While all of the spoken vignettes are very powerful, I find myself fast forwarding through them on repeat listenings so I can hear the music. It makes me wish that the spoken words were on a third disc so the unheard music is never interrupted. After all, Jaco's music is the most powerful display of his greatness … it speaks for itself. The other small issue is the self-promotion throughout the package. Unbeknownst to himself, the guy that put this thing together did the world a great service by recording Jaco throughout the early years and that alone guarantees him a place in the history of Jaco's story. His name and Sony reel-to-reel are now immortalized. Why then do we need to know anything about his Honda motorcycle? With those two gripes aside (and I'm sure I will get plenty of slack for my thoughts), I hope that this retrospective helps to step Jaco's legacy up many notches. Just listen to his smoking solos on the Peter Graves Orchestra tracks! LOOK OUT!

Reviewer: Dan Smith - "This boxed set should be in everyone's collection."
I listened to this whole boxed set, and can think of only one thing to say. It is this: if you want to hear the unfolding of a beautiful, supremely creative and innovative soul, buy this without delay! This boxed set should be in everyone's collection.

Reviewer: Rick Suchow - "The light, once more."
Those of us who were fortunate enough to experience the incredible 'light' that eminated from Jaco's presence during the earlier days of his rise to fame will get that feeling again when listening to this CD set and reading through the companion booklet (with unbelievable photos). For all others, here's a chance to find out how the course of modern electric bass was changed in the mid-seventies by one man. I had an ear-to-ear grin listening to these recordings. Thank you, Bob Bobbing, for documenting history for us all.

Reviewer: Mark Lewis - "Wonderful!"
To Bob - thank you, thank you , THANK YOU! This piece of work just oozes love, admiration, and respect - which is the way I feel about Jaco. It's emotional, enlightening, inspirational. What else can I say? - I've waited a long time for this, and it's well worth the wait. Congratulations Bob, all your hard work was worth it. BUY THIS CD!!!

Reviewer: Carlo Berto - "POJ should be in the cd collection of every Jaco fan!"
Portrait Of Jaco is finally here and it was well worth the wait. Bob Bobbing did an amazing job, through music and interviews, of bringing us closer to Jaco. Every time I listen to it, it gets better. And the pictures and insights contained in the booklet are incredible. I almost feel as if I had known Jaco. I want to publicly thank Bob Bobbing for producing this magnificent project. No Jaco fan should be without it.

Reviewer: Mateo - "This is a fantastic cd."
I commend Bob Bobbing and everyone involved for giving Jaco fans a look at him in a whole new experience! Thanks for the quick delivery cdbaby!

Reviewer: Swami - " As an ex-CC Rider...this is the Bomb!!! "
As we all remembered it back when. Thank you so much Bob!!! Love you, You are the Ming of Mings!! Swami (trumpet player with Wayne Cochran & the CC Riders)

Reviewer: Lionel - C'est un disque que tous les fans de Jaco devraient avoir.
Ce CD est un trésor, il contient des morceaux d'anthologie, inconnus du public jusqu'à ce jour, aux grooves délirants... et retrace l'évolution musicale du "Professeur" avec des commentaires de personnes qui l'ont entouré durant sa vie. Vraiment a must have !!!!

Reviewer: Chris B. Neuhaus - " The most important Jaco CD. Ever! "
This is so important to the history of the bass. To hear how he did the things he did and to listen to the stories of people who knew him is just amazing.

Reviewer: Tom McCooey - " Jaco was and still is the greatest! "
No one will ever match jaco and this box set is proof of this. A better job could not have been done of putting this together and it is very moving to hear peoples Jaco stories. I would recommend anyone to buy it as it's an essential part to anyone's music collection. The companion booklet was brilliant too and some of the pictures are brilliant. Thank you for such a lovely CD!

Reviewer: Brian Jorgensen ( BP for THE PROBLEM.) - " Previously unheard Jaco, a must have!!!! "
It took what seemed like an eternity to come out, but it was definitely not a let down. There is no other way to put it, if you like Jaco, you MUST get this set. It is an absolute gem!!!!

Reviewer: Patrick Pfeiffer - " What an inspiration! "
This CD is wonderful! It's great to hear the progress Jaco went through to reach the level of playing than made him Jaco. But what really comes through is his spirit. It's beyond just the music, and this CD captures it as only close friends could. Thanks to all of you!

Reviewer: Tracy - " A wonderful gift to the Pastorius famly..."
Portrait of Jaco is a wonderful gift to the Pastorius family. It's a beautiful way for our grandchildren ... and their children to get to know their extraordinary grandfather. I look forward to many hours of sharing it with them.

Reviewer: Tsuyoshi Araakii - " Sleepless nights."
WARNING!!! This 10 stars CD will make your lack of sleep from too much listening! Thank you, Jaco, Bob and many stars!!!

Reviewer: Rod Kruger - "POJ is well worth Waiting for! A 'Must-Own' Jaco CD set."
My appreciation for Jaco just keeps getting stronger. The POJ project is an incredible view of Jaco's development. I especially like the anecdotes by Jaco's musical associates. These recordings are a must have for any bass player and/or music aficionado. Thank you Bob Bobbing, Holiday Park and Jaco. This collection was well worth the wait.

Reviewer: Louis Lefrancois - " Excellent! "
This is a great set - it just totally blew me away!. I'd read about Jaco's previous bands in various publications, and it's terrific that we can actually hear Jaco in his formative bass playing years.

Reviewer: Mario - " Incredibly Important work."
Thank you Bob and all who contributed to this GEM. I Can Dig it (CD)Baby!!!!

Reviewer: Paul Sips - " Thank you, thank you, thank you..."
Words cannot even begin to express what's in stock for you on this album, standing back in awe is all we can do apart from immensely enjoying the beauty that's revealed here. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Reviewer: Randy Whitley - " Great music, skip the talking though."
The music on these CDs is breathtakingly magnificent, but the talking gets real old quick. Jaco shines throughout. The producer is very self-promoting which is why I gave this a rating of 4. The quality of the tunes is 5+, which balances out the 3 I would have given it for the talking that interrupts the wonderful music and the afore mentioned ego ramblings and writings of the producer.

Reviewer: angelo liziero (italy) - " better no words of mouth but only jaco's bass."
The portrait of jaco is a great opera but will be better only with the jaco music without word !!! sorry anyway thank you so mutch !

Reviewer: John S. - " Excellent! Worth the wait."
After many false starts and doubtlessly sleepless nights for Bob Bobbing, these cd's are here. They are well worth the wait-talking and all. The talking in fact, is wonderful and adds to the tunes. It does really provide a "Portrait" of the magic that I felt in first hearing about, and finally seeing Jaco during the mid-70's. As for the music, a great percentage of the recordings are brand new to my ears, and the sound quality and performances are where you'd want them to be. Excellent!

Reviewer: frank - " A huge emotional and musical experience."
After all the humbug that was said about jaco pastorius, this is the document we have been waiting for. it is THE way to get at least some understanding of how and why jaco did what he did; making such beautiful music. if you want to understand this, listen to it and again and again. it contains such rich and beautiful material and makes your pastorius collection complete. thanks to all who've done this enormous work! and thanks to cdbaby for 'hosting' this issue.

Reviewer: Antony from Cranford, NJ - " Wonderful! "
A great audio documentary on the rising star who went from being Jocko to Jaco. If you're a fan of Mr. Pastorius, you'll need this cd.

Reviewer: frank - (in dutch)
een enorme emotionele en muzikale ervaring na alle onzin die over jaco pastorius is geschreven, is dit een document waarop we hebben gewacht. deze cd is DE manier om tenminste iets te begrijpen van hoe en waarom jaco deed wat hij deed; zulke mooie muziek maken. als je dit wilt begrijpen, luister er dan naar, en opnieuw en weer. het bevat zulk rijk en prachtig materiaal en het maakt je pastorius collectie compleet. dank aan iedereen die betrokken was bij dit werk. en dank aan cdbaby voor het 'gastheer zijn' voor deze uitgave!

Reviewer: Rob Burchuk - " An enriching and uniquely informed musical."
POJ is an historical addition to Jaco's legacy. A phenomenal documentary that conveys Jaco's artistry and humanity through the words of childhood friends, family, collaborators and Jaco himself, all placed in the context of his musical legacy. Significantly more enriching than his musical recordings for the listener interested in his development and personhood.

Reviewer: Colin Neeson - " Oh hell! "
Stuff like this is why I play bass.

Reviewer: Martin Coles - " An essential document of considerable historical significance! "
Thanks Bob and everyone involved for bringing this release to our attention - fantastic music, which helps explain the mystery of how Jaco came to be.

Reviewer: Rudy Membiela - " If you dig Jaco, you'll dig this! "
For anyone that loved/loves Jaco, this completes the picture of what Jaco was doing in his formative years that lead him to become THE most influential electric bassist this side of James Jamerson. If you've read the Bill Milkowski book "JACO-The Extraordinary and Tragic Life of Jaco Pastorius 'The World's Greatest Bas Player'", this CD fills in many gaps and voids, not that there were many in the book, by having first hand interviews with Jaco's family and inner circle at the time he was becoming "The World's Greatest Bass Player". Kudos to Bob Bobbing for this comprehensive collection of intimacies so that we too can make it in to that "inner circle" of Jaco's friends and family.

Reviewer: Mark Mihalakis - " Wonderful! "
One could not ask for a better way to understand and learn about an artist. And being a musician myself (Bassist) it is a remarkable muse into the world and life of one of my mentors. Thank you, Mark.

Reviewer: John Laws - " Everything is here from start to finish, a must have for every musician."
I've waited a long time for this and it is well worth the wait. I have many other Jaco cds but this one takes the cake All of Jaco's thoughts and musicianship are contained within two well put together cds. A huge thank you to Bob Bobbing and everyone involved. Simply a must have for any musician and Jaco fans.

Reviewer: Pete - " Don't hesitate! Buy it! "

Reviewer: Stewart Gunyon from Montreal, Canada - " Was this ever worth the wait! "
Now, we get to hear first hand (and from Tracy no less!!!) what we knew all the time in our hearts about Jaco! Bob, thanks a million for your incredible and perfect effort!

Reviewer: Gary Doughman - " excellent presentation of jaco's early development."
hat's off to bob bobing and all who participated in this cd. the pic's are great, the audio is amazing concidering the circumstances and environment of the times. definely as stated by many others, worth the wait. thanks bob a million.

Reviewer: Kris Campbell - " A CD never to be in danger of collecting dust! "
Well worth the wait! You can really just sit back, close your eyes and enjoy the journey like Scrooge and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come,Thanks!

Reviewer: Dave C. - " Too much! "
The CD is a welcome addition to the CD collection of any fan of Jaco or Jazz music in general. It gives a great background on Jaco's first musical influences, experiments and accomplishments. However, too much time is spent on narratives that could have been filled by more of the great music that is found on this CD. Great music, great hearing Jaco describe his style in his own words.

Reviewer: Ted Shumate - " OUTSTANDING !!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
Congratulations to Bob & all of Jaco's relatives & friends who made this important historical information & music available. Anybody who loves Jaco will not want to be without this!! It brought back a lot of magical times and memories when so much important music was going down. I love the reflections of people who touched Jaco's life. The companion booklet was outstanding!! The "World's Greatest Bass Player" would be proud!!!!!

Reviewer: Julius Pfalzgraf - " I couldn't be more satisfied."
Fans of Jaco will never get enough of this extraordinary artist's genius. This CD package provides an outstanding insight into Jaco's musical development. Hours of fascinating listening.

Reviewer: jason near nederland - " This is the closest thing to a living sculpture of the man."
Phenomenal! The integrity and love that were poured into the making of this CD shines through at every moment. I'd always felt that I'd been robbed of my opportunity to go see this great man play--now I just pop in my POJ CD and close my eyes. This isn't simply a musical experience--it's really Jaco's evolving conversation with those of us who care to listen. By the end of the CD, I got the feeling that Jaco was in heaven, elbowing God in the ribs and saying "Check THIS out!" Thanks, Mr. Bobbing, for the honesty. After all the polish and slick that's manufactured to enhance the appeal of modern "artists," these recordings are breath of fresh air.

Reviewer: Carlos Guzman - " Beautifully done. A must for Jacophiles! "
This is a wonderful way to understand Jaco. I have every single CD of his that has been available and this is amongst the most important. My only gripe, as other reviewers noted, is that the comments get in the way of the music. After listening to it a few times, you already know what they said, but you still want to come back and listen to the music over an over. It would be great if they could put out another CD with as much unpublished music as possible. We Jaco fans want it all!!! Thanks to Bob for such a great job. Patience pays!

Reviewer: Cliff Erickson - "Very satisfied, a must have for music aficionados."
I personally consider it a "Jaco treasure" and I am very glad that it exists. This compilation was obviously a labor of love and clearly shows me that Jaco "had it" early on. I enjoyed the photo booklet as well. Now do one on Alan Holdsworth!

Reviewer: Scott Riggi - " This package is Gold! "
The presentation, pictures, interviews the entire package shows the love and care that was put into this tribute. A bargain for what Mr. Bobbing put into this. He has blessed all of us with this look into the development of a genius, father and friend. Bob's labor is of perfection and of the caliber of the magnatude of Jaco himself as an artist. As Jaco himself said Thank you Jesus thank you God! Scott Schenectady,NY " God Bless Bob Bobbing for a fitting tribute to his friend!

Reviewer: bassbrad - This set fills in the early years so perfectly, Bob Bobbing kept us waiting but it was worth the wait.
Thanx to Bob Bobbing for this rare and essential look at Jaco.

Reviewer: Eric Young - " You Must Have This CD! "
POJ is nothing short of a masterly compiled and edited gem of entertainment and education about one of the greatest composers, arrangers and performers of the 20th century. My only wish is that it were 4 or 5 CD's, instead of 2! Inspiring, illuminating, invigorating and engaging, this menagerie manages to remain focused, yet comprehensive. A truly magical journey along the path of genius, hard work, and true love of one's vocation, perfectly embodied by the ever inimitable and endlessly talented Jaco Pastorius - the World's Greatest Bass Player.

Reviewer: April Pastorius Closson - " Excellent, insightful and intimate."
You can't help but smile when you hear Jaco's relatives and contemporaries reminisce about him. Nor can you help bobbing to the music when it's grooving. Thank you to everyone who put their time, energy, passion and money into this integral project. Get to know the greatest bass player that ever lived.

Reviewer: Jacofan - " Get This CD Right NOW!!! "
A wonderful presentation well worth the wait. Everyone here probably already knows this. What they don't know if they haven't heard it is the joy you'll get from these discs....Why wait any longer?!!! No Reason To Delay, Do Yourself A Favor Today!!

Reviewer: David J, Lis - "Brilliant and inspiring."
This CD is a virtual audio documentry. It has all the ingredients to better understand the pure musical genious that made to create Jaco Pastorius for what he did in the past that still intrigues and even allures us to this day even after his death. From the early years of singing with Jaco's father, Jack and the discussions and recordings with the old bands, Woodchuck, Wayne Cochran and the CC Rider's, Ira Sullivan, Little Beaver, the Peter Graves Orchestra, to Pat Metheny and Joni Mitchell and finally Weather Report. The things that each artist said about Jaco was said with so much passion from deep within the hearts and souls of everyone. And for me, it was very moving and was able to better understand Jaco's complex personality, kindness and compassion back in the early days. Jaco is not dead, just listen to his music around you! His spirit is here and always will be. His music is here and always will be. Jaco has come and gone but for what The Worlds Greatest Bass Player did for music and especially the electric bass, will be here with us for all eternity.....Just listen! Thank you Bob Bobbing.

Reviewer: Steve (The Real Deal) Wargo - " Being a jaco fan his whole career this was a real treat! "
To hear the evolution of Jaco puts things all together for me. Being one year older than Jaco, I too played R&B in the late 60"S and early 70"S. I remember the first time I heard Jaco play on his solo record and thinking what the hell am I going to do now? I did like all the Jaco fans and tried to learn as many of Jaco tunes I could and to this day I am still working on them.

Reviewer: Tim - " Excellent in all regards."
Moving and revealing coverage of John Pastorius in his early to middle stages of development. This is a one of a kind gem that profiles the unique historic background and musical spectrum of this colorful and gifted character.

Reviewer: Orjan - " Great! "
I like it a lot! I also enjoy the spoken words from people that was around those days, Charlie Brent, Wayne Cochran and not the least Tracy. Wish I'd been around! And CD Baby was veeeeeery fast, two days from US to Sweden...?...faster than lightning. But on the other hand, there was a little Superman on the cover right! Thank you.

Reviewer: Sandin Wilson - "This CD ... is essential for all bassists, musicians and jazz lovers."
I put it on, and couldn't believe what has been kept from us for so long, Thank you!!! Jaco is why we play the way we do today. he changed the rules...

Reviewer: Eric Veras - " The new way for the public to remember Jaco, the right way."
It's evident that this collection was put together with the same care as a mother nursing her young. I'm so very happy to have this healthy point of view of Jaco, as oppossed to the bar room stories going around. It is truly a fitting tribute by friends. Bob Bobbing has done well.

Reviewer: Marc Reynolds - " Essential listening for all musicians."
I`ve been waiting for this CD for what seems like an eternity, since I read an interview with Bob Bobbing, and to say it was worth the wait wouldn`t do it justice. This facinating insight into the development of the worlds greatest bassist is essential listening for all musicians, regardless of what instrument they play. Every track is a gem, and the inclusion of interviews with the music is a real bonus I wasn`t expecting. Bob Bobbing deserves every bit of praise for this labour of love - thank you for this truly wonderful collection of Jaco`s early work.

Reviewer: Hans - "At last, a Jaco CD that´s show his magic as a musician! "
A CD worth waiting for! As I can´t stand to hear the tragic bootlegs (who can???), it´s fantastic to finally get some never heard Jaco stuff with "THE REAL JACO" . And the spoken words of Zawinul says it all!! Bob, a million thanks for a great documentation! Also, never had a CD that fast in the mailbox (3 days!) Everybody, spread the word about this CD!!!!!

Reviewer: Nick - " A Great CD! "
I listened to it on a long car ride. Wish the song clips would've been longer though, would love to hear the full songs.

Reviewer: Don Morales - "Waiting is over, the cd is perfect! "
If your a jaco fan you must have this cd of the Greatest Bass Player in The World!

Reviewer: Solid Air - "A 'must have' for all bassists and music educators."
Beautiful job!

Reviewer: Russ Howard - "Portrait of Jaco' was destined to be."
Bob, I truly believe things in life happen for a reason, and why you were there to chronicle Jaco's incredible journey can only be attributed to fate.

Reviewer: Nick - " Simply phenomenal! "
A labor of love indeed...worth all the waiting. I spoke to Bob Bobbing on the phone once last year and you can feel the passion behind his work. The timeline is excellent and the packaging is second to none. The Zawinul interview alone is worth the price of admission!

Reviewer: Wajdi http://www.cdbaby.com/wajdi - " A great album."
This CD is a must for every musician and serious listener. Jaco is the best bassists for ever!

Reviewer: Simon Deppeler - " Absolutely inspirational! Just get it!! NOW! "
Portrait of Jaco has not been out of my CD player since it arrived. Absolutely inspirational! To say he was ahead of his time is an understatement of course, but I never really realized to what extent before.