Jaco Pastorius was a revolutionary American jazz bassist, composer, and arranger known for his virtuosic command of the electric bass. Born John Francis Anthony Pastorius III on December 1, 1951, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Jaco redefined the role of the bass in modern jazz music with his fretless bass technique and innovative use of harmonics. His unique sound and style made him one of the most influential electric bassists of all time.

Pastorius rose to prominence in the 1970s, becoming a member of the influential jazz fusion group Weather Report, where he played alongside Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter. With Weather Report and as a solo artist, he was known for pushing musical boundaries and blending jazz with elements of funk, R&B, and world music. His groundbreaking self-titled album, "Jaco Pastorius" (1976), showcased his prodigious talent and is considered a milestone in jazz bass playing. Tragically, his life was marred by personal struggles, and he passed away at the young age of 35 on September 21, 1987. Even after his death, live recordings and previously unreleased sessions, such as "Truth, Liberty & Soul" and "The Birthday Concert," continue to be discovered and released, cementing his enduring legacy in the world of music.

Genres

Contemporary Post-bop

Electric Bass

Jazz

Jazz Funk

Jazz Fusion

Related Artists

Herbie Hancock

Weather Report

Pat Metheny

Stanley Clarke

Victor Wooten

Marcus Miller

John Patitucci

Return To Forever

Sting

Tony Williams

Stan Getz

Joni Mitchell

Latest Release

Havona

Jaco Pastorius

Single - Released December 2, 2020