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Jaco Pastorius | Essential albums and listening guide
Explore Jaco Pastorius through Jaco Pastorius. Discover what to listen for and follow related styles to your next record.
Jaco Pastorius
Meet the artist
A groundbreaking bassist who turned the fretless bass into the main instrument. His performances with Weather Report revolutionized the concept of fusion bass music. His bass supplies singing melodies, harmony and percussive rhythm as well as low-end support.
Smooth pitch movement and a clear attack keep even rapid lines voice-like. Weather Report and his own recordings reveal accompanist, soloist and arranger in different proportions. Funk energy sits close to delicate lyricism, inviting listeners to hear bass as a leading force in the music's development.
Where to start listening
Alternate between hearing the bass as a melody instrument and as support for other players. Its changing role can transform how the whole band sounds.
1976Jaco Pastorius
Jaco Pastorius
Pastorius’s debut as a leader greatly expanded the expressive possibilities of the fretless bass, with guests including Herbie Hancock.
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1981Word of Mouth
Jaco Pastorius
Pastorius’s second and final leading work. A ambitious piece that featured a large ensemble, showcasing both his as a composer and arranger.
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Years follow the Atlas catalogue. Recording dates, original release dates and digital reissue dates may differ.