The Birthday Concert

Performer: Jaco Pastorius
Artist: Michael Brecker; Bob Mintzer; Othello Molineaux; Peter Erskine; Peter Gordon
Engineer: Peter Yainolos
Producer: Peter Erskine
Distributor: WEA (Distributor)

Notes: Personnel includes: Jaco Pastorius (bass); Bob Mintzer (soprano & tenor saxophones, bass clarinet); Michael Brecker (tenor saxophone); Randy Emerick (baritone saxophone); Dan Bonsanti, Neal Bonsanti, Gary Lindsay (saxophone, woodwinds); Brian O'Flaherty, Ken Faulk, Brett Murphey, Melton Mustafa (trumpet); Russ Freeland, Mike Katz (trombone); Dave Bargeron (trombone, tuba); Randy Emerick (bass trombone); Peter Gordon, Jerry Peel, Steve Roitstein (French horn); Peter Erskine (drums); Don Alias, Othello Molineaux, Paul Hornmuller (steel drums); Bobby Thomas, Jr. (congas); Oscar Salas (percussion). Recorded live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1981. Includes liner notes by Peter Erskine. On an irregular basis in the early '80s, the innovative electric bassist Jaco Pastorius led a big band that he called Word of Mouth. This excellent CD documents Pastorius' 30th birthday party, a concert at which he was joined by the Peter Graves Orchestra (consisting of 14 horns, two steel drums, and two percussionists) plus drummer Peter Erskine, Don Alias on conga, and both Michael Brecker and Bob Mintzer on tenors. Brecker co-stars with Pastorius on a strong program that is highlighted by "The Chicken," a burning rendition of "Invitation," and "Liberty City." The music is full of spirit and joy, featuring Pastorius at the peak of his powers just before his tragic decline. ~ Scott Yanow

In his brief, blazing career, Jaco Pastorius proved he could do almost everything--except handle the fame that his talent brought him. His stunning 1976 debut album put the electric bass in an entirely new light, and soon he became a superstar as a member of Weather Report. He then left the group to lead his own band, in which Jaco's powerful groove and relentless flair brought together jazz, soul, calypso, Latin, rock, and other sounds. A tragic downward spiral led to his death in 1987, but he will long be remembered as a soloist, composer, accompanist, and outrageous showman without equal.

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