Jaco Pastorius
Punk Jazz - The Jaco Pastorius Anthology

THE REVIEW

"My name is John Francis Pastorius III and I am the greatest bass player in the world."

The habit of record companies to periodically release anthologies or posthumous CDs of artists who died tragically, around whom an aura of legend hovers (Jeff Buckley, Jimi Hendrix, etc.), is well-known.
This time it's Jaco Pastorius' turn.

Indeed, WB/Rhino has released an anthology dedicated to the "greatest bass player in the world," as he had declared himself in front of Joe Zawinul.
Not only was it true, but Jaco was also a composer capable of synthesizing different musical genres (Jazz, R&B, Rock, Reggae), transcending labels and standardizations.

In two CDs, the anthology attempts to summarize Jaco's musical journey: his solo career, successes with Joni Mitchell, collaborations with Pat Metheny, Michel Colombier, Mike Stern, Flora Purim.
However, the years spent with Weather Report find only a mention with the famous Birdland. Furthermore, the absence of one of the many duets with Bireli Lagrene stands out.

As with every well-thought-out operation, unreleased tracks and a meticulous attention to detail are not lacking: photographs, booklet, and cardboard packaging will delight sectorial fetishists.

Those who knew and loved the originality and beauty of Jaco Pastorius' sound have one more reason to miss him.
Those who have never heard him can be amazed at the virtuosity of "Continuum" or the transformation of "Blackbird," be moved by listening to "Midwestern Nights Dream," let themselves be carried away by "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," to finally assert, without fear of contradiction, that Jaco Pastorius was truly the greatest bass player in the world.