Jaco Pastorius, Pat Metheny, Bruce Ditmas & Paul Bley

The Profile

A mid-1970s quartet session led by pianist Paul Bley with young Jaco Pastorius and Pat Metheny, plus drummer Bruce Ditmas, captured in exploratory, free-leaning performances.

Recorded in 1974 and released on Paul Bley’s Improvising Artists label; includes Carla Bley’s composition Vashkar; often cited as early recordings of Jaco Pastorius and Pat Metheny.

A single, enthusiastic review spotlights Paul Bley’s leading role, the early presence of Jaco Pastorius and Pat Metheny, and the quartet’s free-leaning, electronic-tinged sessions. The write-up emphasizes four expansive improvisations and highlights tracks like Vashkar, Donkey, Vampira, and Batterie. Overall tone: cosmic, curious, and very positive.