Until Birthday Concert came along, this was the exclusively decent alive recording of the large band that Jaco assembled for a Blue Planet tour inward 1982, after taking a permanent intermission from Weather Report. The exclusively large holler large band formed inward the 1980s, its inclusion of non-traditional instruments shows the influence of Gil Evans' bands (and the exclusion of pianoforte in addition to guitar is actually refreshing). This recording nearly masks the fact that Jaco was sinking deeply into manic depression, in addition to losing but about of his edge. Still, yous teach to hear a rare in addition to fantabulous functioning of Elegant People (not available on the truncated American unloose Invitation), in addition to an interesting bass solo inward the monumental Reza. Also included are alive versions of Liberty City, Three Views, Okonkole, in addition to Continuum, all notable for their organisation in addition to presentation past times a rattling fine band. But Twins, named for his late born twin boys, is hence much banging in addition to clanging. Entirely every bit good much fourth dimension is given to Toots Theilemans (assuming a harmonica is warranted for such a band, Jaco would take away keep been amend served past times a gutbucket mortal man). The recording suffers a fleck from the polite Japanese audience, dutifully applauding, where whatever other audience would take away keep screamed approval. The band collapsed after this tour, weighed downward past times expense in addition to Jaco's mounting emotional difficulties. If yous collect recordings past times Jaco, this would live a practiced 1 to buy, after Jaco Pastorius in addition to Word of Mouth.
I virtually rated this recording a iv because of the 20+ yr former recording technology. But in addition to hence I listened to a greater extent than seriously in addition to was genuinely taken dorsum amongst the fun roller coaster ride that Jaco in addition to his xx slice band took me on. With players similar Don Alias on Percussion, Randy Brecker on Trumpet, Peter Erskine playing smoking drums in addition to every bit good many other heavyweights to get upward I was taken to a actually practiced place. From Jaco's incredible playing to Erskine, Brecker, french horns, tuba etc. this album goes where rattling few become fifty-fifty today. All I tin tell is purchase it in addition to concur on to your seat!
I take away keep Jaco's studio recordings in addition to I similar them a lot, but these alive renditions bring out an fifty-fifty greater depth to Jaco's abilities every bit a author in addition to arranger of large band music. It's hard to believe he was on the verge of consummate breakdown when this music was beingness made.
Jaco's Genius for Modern Big Band is on total display inward this straightaway classic early on 80s recording. Interesting that it has been repackaged every bit the Jaco Pastorius Big Band when inward fact it was called the Word of Mouth Big Band (or Orchestra). Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 truthful all-star matter that Jaco was rightfully proud of. Big Band funk? "You got it." Among his many contributions to contemporary music in addition to jazz, his large band arrangements are fresh in addition to glowing amongst vitality. One tin exclusively wonder how far in addition to how high he powerfulness take away keep climbed every bit he breathed novel life into a cast that had non seen much motion inward decades. ANYONE who loves Jaco, or is a large band fan (on the modern tip) volition live thrilled past times these performances. Only 1 other authorized recording showcases this detail side of his genius: The Birthday Concert on WB records. Fortunately for all of us, that unforgettable even out (Jaco threw a birthday concert for himself inward Ft. Lauderdale in addition to brought the entire Word of Mouth Big Band inward for the occasion) was recorded in addition to lastly released.
Bassist Jaco Pastorius formed this large band for a 1982 Blue Planet tour, which had but about magical performances in addition to incredible frustrations away from the stage.
The band ultimately imploded due to the deteriorating wellness of Pastorius - who threw his bass into Hiroshima Bay, along amongst exhibiting other signs of self-destructive behavior. But these thirteen selections released inward Nippon inward 1983 - in addition to inward a condensed US of America version, entitled, Invitation - highlights the triumph earlier the drapery abruptly savage on Jaco's remarkable career.
The textured layers of instruments - the Word of Mouth Big Band lineup of Don Alias (per), Randy Brecker (tr), Peter Erskine (d), Bobby Mintzer (sax), Othello Molineaux (steel dr), Toots Thielemans (har), along amongst fourteen invitee musicians appearing inward the 2 September shows - compliments Jaco's tenacious leadership through his rapid, melodic bass runs.
Liberty City is a gem, amongst other top-flight cuts inward the mix; Three Views of a Secret, Reza/Giant Steps/Reza in addition to Pac-Man Blues (Fannie Mae). The music is fifty-fifty to a greater extent than electrifying in addition to fresh but about 25-plus years afterward through the digitally-remastering, which utilizes 24-bit technology. This is genuinely a precious rock that deserves to lastly live heard inward its entirety.
Track listing:
1 Invitation 8:30
2 Soul Intro. / The Chicken 6:47
3 Continuum 4:30
4 Liberty City 11:32
5 Three Views Of Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Secret 5:55
6 Sophisticated Lady 7:05
Personnel:
Jaco Pastorius: Electric Bass
Don Alias: Percussion
Randy Brecker: Trumpet
Peter Erskine: Drums, Timpani
Bobby Mintzer: Tenor & Soprano Saxophone, Bass Clarinet
Othello Molineaux: Steel Drums
Toots Thielemans: Harmonica
Jon Faddis: Lead Trumpet
Elmer Brown: Trumpet
Forrest Buchtel: Trumpet
Ron Tooley: Trumpet
Wayne Andre: Lead Trombone
David Bargeron: Trombone, Tuba
Peter Graves: Bass Trombone, Co-Conductor
Bill Reichenbach: Bass Trombone
Mario Cruz: Tenor & Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Alto Flute
Randy Emerick: Baritone Sax, Clarinet, Alto Flute
Alex Foster: Tenor, Alto & Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Piccolo
Paul McCandliss: Tenor Sax, Oboe, English linguistic communication Horn
Peter Gordon: French Horn
Brad Warnaar: French Horn
EmoticonEmoticon