Pastorius, Jaco (John Francis)

Pastorius, Jaco (John Francis), jazz-fusion electric bassist who helped redefine bass in modern popular music; b. Norristown, Pa., Dec. 1, 1951; d. Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Sept. 21, 1987. He began playing electric bass in local bands in Fort Lauderdale, going on to back visiting stars such as the Suprêmes, the Temptations and Nancy Wilson. Soaking up both country and Caribbean music, he developed enormous technical skill and a distinctive gorgeous sound. He played with Blood, Sweat & Tears, Ira Sullivan, Paul Bley, Joni Mitchell and Pat Metheny, once sat in with Chick Corea’s Return to Forever, and played in Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters, taking Paul Jackson’s place for two or three weeks. He joined Weather Report in 1976; he played with them for several years and developed an international following for his playing and for writing such pieces as “Teen Town” and “Punk Jazz.” He then toured with his own group Word of Mouth from (1980–83), recording in 1984. At one point, he was interested in playing acoustic bass and asked George Mraz for lessons. Pastorius suffered from depression and endured several financial setbacks. He was assaulted by a club manager in Fort Lauderdale and hospitalized in a coma for nine days before he died.

Discography

J. (1974); J.P. (1976); The Birthday Concert (1981); Word of Mouth (1981); Holiday for Pans (1982); Twins I & II (1982); Invitation (1983); Blackbird (1984); Live in N.Y. City, Vols. 1–4 (1985); PDB (1986); Live in Italy (1986); Jazz Street (1986); Honestly: Solo Live (1986); Curtain Call (1986); Heavy N’ Jazz (1986). weather report:Black Market (1976); Italian Weather (1976); Heavy Weather (1977); Mr. Gone (1978); Live Weather (1978); 8:30 (1979); Night Passage (1980); Weather Report (1982). essence featuring j.p.:Last Flight (1984).

—Lewis Porter/Music Master Jazz and Blues Catalogue