Artists & Bands

Jaco Pastorius | Tunes + Guitar Lessons

Jaco Pastorius redefined the electric bass with fearless innovation, breathtaking technique, and unmatched groove. A true jazz visionary, his legacy still shapes how bass is played today!

Video blocked due to privacy settings

[rcb-consent type=”change” tag=”link” text=”Change privacy settings”]

Jaco Pastorius: The Greatest Bass Player in the World

Jaco Pastorius, self-proclaimed as the best bass player in the world, is a claim few would challenge.

His musical journey began early when he landed his first teaching job in his early 20s. Interestingly, this was at the same university where Pat Metheny taught. The two would form a lasting bond, collaborating in bands and performing under each other’s names as solo artists.

1976 proved to be a monumental year for Jaco. He began by recording Bright Size Life, Pat Metheny’s debut album, which is widely regarded by many (including myself) as Pat’s finest work. While Jaco was initially not scheduled to play on the album—Pat had jazz musicians lined up—his mentor, after hearing Jaco’s friends play, encouraged him to stick with them, ultimately bringing Jaco into the fold.

That same year, Jaco recorded his self-titled debut solo album, produced by Bobby Colomby of Blood Sweat & Tears. This album has since become legendary, especially his rendition of Charlie Parker‘s Donna Lee, a track that continues to challenge and inspire bass players to this day.

Also in 1976, Jaco contributed to Hejira, the iconic album by Joni Mitchell, one of my personal favourites.

Jaco Pastorius: From Weather Report to Word Of Mouth

In 1976, Jaco Pastorius didn’t stop at becoming one of the most sought-after musicians in jazz. He also made his first appearance on a Weather Report album.

How did he land this gig? By walking right up to Joe Zawinul, the drummer and founder of the band, and introducing himself with bold confidence: “John Francis Pastorius III, I’m the greatest bass player in the world.”

Jaco’s momentum from this remarkable year carried him all the way until 1982, when he left Weather Report to focus on his own 21-piece band, Word of Mouth. It’s during this time we find his live cover of Pee Wee Ellis’s The Chicken, a track he had recorded earlier under the name Tommy Strand & The Upper Hand Featuring Jaco Pastorius.

However, as the Word of Mouth tour wore on, Jaco’s mental health began to deteriorate. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and unable to get proper treatment, he fell into homelessness. In 1987, after an altercation with a bouncer outside a nightclub, Jaco was beaten so severely that he succumbed to his injuries.

One statement Jaco made in his sole instructional video left a lasting impression on me: He said he used to play soul covers for six hours every night to get good, not from hours of practice. And in the history of music teaching, nothing has ever rung more true. My advice to you is: If you get a gig that intense—take it!