Pastorius / Metheny / Bley / Ditmas - "JACO" (1974) (1994)

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Pastorius / Metheny / Bley / Ditmas - "JACO" (1974) (1994)

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Although one often thinks of Jaco Pastorius' first solo album as being 1976's Jaco on Epic, producer/keyboardist Paul Bley actually gave Pastorius his first chance to lead a recording two years earlier. Coincidentally titled Jaco, this spontaneous set (which has been reissued on CD) is also significant for being among guitarist Pat Metheny's first recordings; completing the quartet are Bley on electric piano and drummer Bruce Ditmas. The music consists of three songs by Bley, five from Carla Bley, and "Blood" by Annette Peacock. Pastorius sounds quite powerful, but Metheny's tone is kind of bizarre, very distorted and not at all distinctive at this point. The recording quality is a bit shaky throughout the electronic set, and the group does not quite live up to its potential, but Pastorius shows that he was already an innovative player, making this a CD of historic interest.
The negative reviews on this page simply prove that many of the lovers of so-called "jazz-rock fusion" lack any sensitivity to the language of "jazz." Jaco was certainly one of the greats, but like others of his generation such as Stanley Clarke, Al Dimeola and others, he was frequently capable of degenerating into empty displays of abundant chops. His compositions ran the gamut from the sublimely inspired to the pedestrian. Most of the showcases of his virtuosity find him in the light fusion or instrumental pop settings of Joni Mitchell or late Weather Report. Can Jaco's fans broaden their ears beyond the same old versions of "Birdland," "Teen Town," "Blackbird" and bad Jimi Hendrix imitations? In my opinion, there are very few documents of Jaco actually using his electric bass to play in what I would consider a real jazz context, and this CD gives us such a rare opportunity. The compositions range from abstract but composed works by Carla Bley and Annette Peacock, to free blowing sessions. Although all the musicians on this date are virtuosos, neither Jaco or any of the other players are going to blow you over with chops here, this is a session in which the players weave organic compositions with great sensitivity and group interplay. On the other hand, they do take solos which are excellent and musical. Paul Bley has gone on record saying that he feels this was one the first recordings to blend the language of late 60s free-jazz with electric instruments. In this light, the recording is a masterpiece and has much to offer. Ignore the simple-minded comments - there is a huge amount to love and learn from this recording. It is one of the great unsung works of electric jazz.

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Pastorius / Metheny / Bley / Ditmas - "JACO" (1974) (1994)

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