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Jaco Pastorius
"Jaco" was born John Francis Pastorius III, the first of three sons born to John Francis Pastorius II and Stephanie Katherine Haapala Pastorius. He had Finnish, German, Swedish, and Irish ancestry. Although "Jaco" was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, the family subsequently moved to Fort Lauderdale. Jaco went to elementary and middle school at St. Clement's Catholic School in Wilton Manors, and he was an altar boy at the adjoining church. He went to high school at Northeast High in Oakland Park. He was a talented athlete with skills in football, basketball, and baseball, and he picked up music at an early age. He took the name "Anthony" at his confirmation.
He loved basketball, and often watched basketball with his father, whose nickname was "Jack." Jaco's nickname was influenced by his love of sports and also by the umpire Jocko Conlan. He changed the spelling from "Jocko" to "Jaco" after the pianist Alex Darqui sent him a note. Darqui, who was French, assumed the name was spelled "Jaco"; "Jaco" liked the new spelling.
Originally a drummer, following in the footsteps of his father, stand-up drummer Jack Pastorius, "Jaco" switched to bass at age 15, after suffering an injury to his wrist. In about 1970, he began playing in a nine-piece horn band at the time called Las Olas Brass, which covered popular material of the day by Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, James Brown and the Tijuana Brass.
Influences
Musical influences included James Jamerson, James Brown, The Beatles, Miles Davis, and Stravinsky. Other musical influences include: Jimi Hendrix, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Paul Hindemith, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, The Band, Santana, Frank Zappa, Bob Marley, Rocco Prestia, Tommy Cogbill, Ray Charles, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Otis Redding, James T. Doggington, Cannonball Adderley and Jerry Jemmott.
Music career
He played music throughout his youth, drawing on influences like Jerry Jemmott, James Jamerson, Paul Chambers, Harvey Brooks and Tommy Cogbill and honing his skills and developing his songwriting prowess in bands like Wayne Cochran and The C.C. Riders. He also played on various local R&B and jazz records during that time such as Ira Sullivan's Quintet and Woodchuck. In 1974, he began playing with his friend and later famous jazz guitarist Pat Metheny. They recorded together, first with Paul Bley as leader and Bruce Ditmas on drums, then with drummer Bob Moses. Metheny and Jaco recorded a fusion album entitled Bright Size Life.
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We Revisit This Month Last Year With John Mclaughlin, Jaco Pastorius And Jeremy Green
![Read "We Revisit This Month Last Year With John Mclaughlin, Jaco Pastorius And Jeremy Green" reviewed by Len Davis](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
by Len Davis
Revisiting this week last year with John McLaughlin from The Montreaux Years, Jaco Pastorius from Live At Montreal, guitarist Mike Miller, The Trackers, bassist Lee Puckett and Spherical Agenda. Canadian guitarist Jeremy Green, Tim Miller and Kazumi Watanabe and his Electric Trio. Playlist John McLaughlin El Hombre Que Sabia" from The Montreaux Years (BMG) 00:00 Jaco Pastorius Bass Solo" from Live at Montreal Jazz Festival 1982 (Jazz Door) 06:11 Mike Miller Bipolar Bear" from Trust (Blue Canoe) 12:22 ...
read moreJaco Pastorius, Hiromi Uehara, Per Mathisen and Kazumi Watanabe
![Read "Jaco Pastorius, Hiromi Uehara, Per Mathisen and Kazumi Watanabe" reviewed by Len Davis](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
by Len Davis
Jaco Pastorius with a medley from Broadway Blues, Hiromi from Beyond Standard, Spherical Agenda, from Arcane Wisdom Bassist's Lee Puckett and Federico Malaman and a new release from Per Mathisen, plus Japanese fusion from Kazumi Watanabe. Playlist {Jaco Pastorius Medley+ Donna Lee from Broadway Blues & Teresa (Jazz Point) 00:00 Hiromi Caravan from Beyond Standard (Telarc) 05:51 Spherical Agenda Guts" from Arcane Wisdom (Lunar Signal) 11:41 Lee Puckett Master of Naan" from Lost Horizon (Self Produced) ...
read moreJohn McLaughlin, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, Chick Corea
![Read "John McLaughlin, Miles Davis, Jaco Pastorius, Chick Corea" reviewed by Len Davis](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
by Len Davis
Live recordings from John McLaughlin The Montreaux Years , Miles Davis Live At Vienne, Jaco Pastorius Live in Montreal, Al Di Meola Elegant Gypsy-Live and More, Chick Corea Live Under The Sky, Soft Machine Live at Baked Potato and Weather ReportLive in Offenbach. John McLaughlin Sing Me Softly Of the Blues" from The Montreux YearsBMG) 00:00 Miles Davis Amandla" from Live At Vienne (Warner) 07:18 Jaco Pastorius Bass Solo" from Live in Montreal (Jazz Door) 14:54 Al ...
read moreThe Montreux Years with John McLaughlin, Gary Husband with The Trackers
![Read "The Montreux Years with John McLaughlin, Gary Husband with The Trackers" reviewed by Len Davis](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
by Len Davis
Jaco Pastorius Live at Montreal, Stick Men, Jan Gunnar Hoff, and Mike Stern. Playlist Mahavishnu Orchestra Radio Activity" from The Montreaux Years ( BMG) 00:00 Jaco Pastorius Donna Lee" from Live at Montreal (Timeline) 07:19 Yang Words" from Designed For Disaster (Cuneiform) 14:48 Gary Husband -Alf Terje Hana All I Need" from The Trackers (Abstract Logix) 22:05 Stick Men Leonardo" from Prog Magazine Sampler (Moonjune) 29:28 Jan Gunnar Hoff City Z" from Jan Gunnar Hoff Group (Losen)36:48 Mike ...
read moreJaco Pastorius, John McLaughlin, John Scofield, Bill Evans-Randy Brecker and more
![Read "Jaco Pastorius, John McLaughlin, John Scofield, Bill Evans-Randy Brecker and more" reviewed by Len Davis](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
by Len Davis
Jaco Pastorius: The Criteria Sessions, John McLaughlin: The Heart Of things, John Scofield and much more. Playlist Jaco Pastorius Baloon Song" from Modern American Music: The Criteria Sessions (Omnivore) 00:00 Niacin Elbow Grease" from Time Crunch (Magna Carta) 08:31 John McLaughlin Healing Hands" from The Heart of Things (Verve) 16:50 John Scofield Protocol" from Pick Hits-Live (Gramavison) 25:10 Bill Evans / Randy Brecker Big Fun" from Soul Bop Band-Live (BHM) 33:35 John Patitucci Scophile" from Sketch Book (GRPl) ...
read moreJaco, Miles, Antoine Pierre and More
![Read "Jaco, Miles, Antoine Pierre and More" reviewed by Len Davis](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
by Len Davis
In the first part of this week's show, we pay tribute to two great musicians whose anniversary of the passing falls in late September, Jaco Pastorius (September 21st) and Miles Davis (September 28th). The show opens with a take on Miles' Bitches Brew recorded live in Brussels by Belgian drummer Antoine Pierre. Tune in for that and much more. Enjoy the show! Playlist Antoine Pierre You Nod But You Ain't" Suspended-Live at Flagey (Out Note Records) ...
read moreTruth, Liberty & Soul: Live in NYC The Complete 1982 Jazz Alive! Recording
![Read "Truth, Liberty & Soul: Live in NYC The Complete 1982 Jazz Alive! Recording" reviewed by Mario Calvitti](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/jacopastorius_truthlibertysoul_cmb.jpg)
by Mario Calvitti
Il 1982 doveva essere un anno speciale per Jaco Pastorius. Dopo essere stato riconosciuto come il più grande bassista del mondo (così come amava presentarsi a tutti quando era ancora un perfetto sconosciuto) nel corso dei suoi cinque anni di militanza appena conclusa con i Weather Report, era tempo di dimostrare che era molto più che un bassista. L'anno precedente era passato dalla Columbia alla Warner Bros, e per questa etichetta aveva realizzato il suo secondo disco da leader intitolato ...
read moreJazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jaco Pastorius' birthday today!
Jaco" was born John Francis Pastorius III, the first of three sons born to John Francis Pastorius II and Stephanie Katherine Haapala Pastorius. He had Finnish, German, Swedish, and Irish ancestry. Although Jaco" was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, the family subsequently moved to Fort Lauderdale. Jaco went to elementary and middle school at St. Clement's Catholic School in Wilton Manors, and he was an altar boy at the adjoining church. He ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jaco Pastorius' birthday today!
Jaco" was born John Francis Pastorius III, the first of three sons born to John Francis Pastorius II and Stephanie Katherine Haapala Pastorius. He had Finnish, German, Swedish, and Irish ancestry. Although Jaco" was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, the family subsequently moved to Fort Lauderdale. Jaco went to elementary and middle school at St. Clement's Catholic School in Wilton Manors, and he was an altar boy at the adjoining church. He ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jaco Pastorius' birthday today!
Jaco" was born John Francis Pastorius III, the first of three sons born to John Francis Pastorius II and Stephanie Katherine Haapala Pastorius. He had Finnish, German, Swedish, and Irish ancestry. Although Jaco" was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, the family subsequently moved to Fort Lauderdale. Jaco went to elementary and middle school at St. Clement's Catholic School in Wilton Manors, and he was an altar boy at the adjoining church. He ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jaco Pastorius' birthday today!
Jaco" was born John Francis Pastorius III, the first of three sons born to John Francis Pastorius II and Stephanie Katherine Haapala Pastorius. He had Finnish, German, Swedish, and Irish ancestry. Although Jaco" was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, the family subsequently moved to Fort Lauderdale. Jaco went to elementary and middle school at St. Clement\'s Catholic School in Wilton Manors... Read more.
Place our Musician of the Day widget on your ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jaco Pastorius' birthday today!
Jaco" was born John Francis Pastorius III, the first of three sons born to John Francis Pastorius II and Stephanie Katherine Haapala Pastorius. He had Finnish, German, Swedish, and Irish ancestry. Although Jaco" was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, the family subsequently moved to Fort Lauderdale. Jaco went to elementary and middle school at St. Clement\'s Catholic School in Wilton Manors... Read more.
Place our Musician of the Day widget on your ...
read more
Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jaco Pastorius' birthday today!
Jaco" was born John Francis Pastorius III, the first of three sons born to John Francis Pastorius II and Stephanie Katherine Haapala Pastorius. He had Finnish, German, Swedish, and Irish ancestry. Although Jaco" was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, the family subsequently moved to Fort Lauderdale. Jaco went to elementary and middle school at St. Clement\'s Catholic School in Wilton Manors... Read more.
Place our Musician of the Day widget on your ...
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Weekly Music Publishing Update: Inside The Ferrick, Lowery Pastorius Spotify Lawsuit
![Weekly Music Publishing Update: Inside The Ferrick, Lowery Pastorius Spotify Lawsuit](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
Source:
HypeBot
Ongoing in music industry news these days dwells the combined lawsuits of David Lowery, Melissa Ferrick and Jaco Pastorius. The plaintiffs combined forces to attempt a class action lawsuit against streaming services worldwide. Without judge approval for class action, their efforts narrowed toward Ferrick’s original focus: Spotify. Ferrick's accusations were made toward Spotify’s inconsistent obligation with the Harry Fox Agency, as well as its failure to file Notices of Intention (NOI’s) for mechanical licenses. Spotify took initiative to seek The ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jaco Pastorius' birthday today!
Jaco" was born John Francis Pastorius III, the first of three sons born to John Francis Pastorius II and Stephanie Katherine Haapala Pastorius. He had Finnish, German, Swedish, and Irish ancestry. Although Jaco" was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, the family subsequently moved to Fort Lauderdale. Jaco went to elementary and middle school at St. Clement\'s Catholic School in Wilton Manors... Read more.
Place our Musician of the Day widget on your ...
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Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius
![Jazz Musician of the Day: Jaco Pastorius](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
All About Jazz is celebrating Jaco Pastorius' birthday today! Jaco" was born John Francis Pastorius III, the first of three sons born to John Francis Pastorius II and Stephanie Katherine Haapala Pastorius. He had Finnish, German, Swedish, and Irish ancestry. Although Jaco" was born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, the family subsequently moved to Fort Lauderdale. Jaco went to elementary and middle school at St. Clement\'s Catholic School in Wilton Manors... Read more. Place our Musician of the Day widget on your ...
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Robert Trujillo Releases "JACO" The Exclusive DVD/Blu-Ray Available On Record Store Day Black Friday
![Robert Trujillo Releases "JACO" The Exclusive DVD/Blu-Ray Available On Record Store Day Black Friday](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/fa726fc489e0b45ab831c3833d657f85.jpg)
Source:
Cristina Parker
BLACK FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27TH, 2015 WILL SEE THE RELEASE OF THE EXCLUSIVE DVD/BLU-RAY JACO BY EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ROBERT TRUJILLO THE EXTRAORDINARY NEW FILM CHRONICLES THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF LEGENDARY BASSIST/COMPOSER JACO PASTORIUS Robert Trujillo, in association with Passion Pictures, has announced the official multi-platform release of the acclaimed new documentary, JACO. The film chronicles the brief but extraordinary life of the great American musician/composer Jaco Pastorius. JACO's official DVD/Blu-ray ...
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