[tatittle]

I imagine there are a few Jaco fans here. I recently came across some live recordings of Jaco playing with Bobby Weir and Brian Melvin at the Stone in the 80's once Jaco began having more serious problems. Its not Jaco's best, but its still Jaco for sure. Jaco played with Jorma Kaukonen a bit in 1985 as well, though Jorma is not aware of any recordings of these collaborations.

This quote sums up the scene at the Stone nicely: " I was privileged to attend this show. I remember Bobby sitting on a stool with his arm still in a cast. The whole show was surreal -- as there was Jaco -- Jaco!!!!!!! -- playing in a band with Bob Weir and locals! I'll never forget Bobby singing Misty accompanied by a band including Jaco Pastorius -- Jaco fucking Pastorius!!!!!!!!!! It was a far cry from Word of Mouth at the Old Waldorf (the other time I saw Jaco) but, wow!!! There was Jaco playing a casual gig with Bob Weir at the Stone!
Listening to it now... OMG!!! Purple Haze > Jaco solo > Jam > Donna Lee Reprise (and fast as hell -- Jaco owned Donna Lee!) > Women Smarter!!! "


If you arent familiar with Jaco Pastorious you are in for a treat, especially if you have Southern soul and jazz in your wheelhouse. There is a biography by Milkowski and a documentary released in 2015 "Jaco" as well. Its hard to believe I probably saw Jaco raving about when I was hitting Washington Square as a middle schooler....and I later lived in Florida near his home, small world. Tragic story, but what a talent! As they say, there was electric bass before Jaco, and electric bass after Jaco...akin to electric guitar and Jimi Hendrix. They opened the door to new possibilities and the world rushed in after them (but one could never capture their unmatched SPIRIT!). What a character...offering up "Holiday fro Pans" to Warner Bros. instead of the "Rockit" they were hoping for! This guy made his own rules re: music. The story of him riding a motorcycle into a Tokyo hotel lobby, falling over and passing out, and the people trying to help him finding a dead squid under his shirt has to be the most "rock-n-roll" incident ever lol. The guy that killed Jaco was arrested again for assault just recently.

Jaco Pastorious Casual with Bob Weir and Brian Melvin group:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T0z9Xh6P2w

Jaco's killer:
http://florida.arrests.org/Arrests/Luc_Havan_16880336/

Jaco's Big Band, Weather Report, etc:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-TD_14T8KE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJfiYdQcQtc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAStPB57h1c

[tcsned]

That's really cool! I had no idea that Bobby ever jammed with Jaco. Thanks for posting this!

[tatittle]

I think Jaco wound up on stage/studio with Bobby (and then Jorma) via Melvin, who requested a club owner recruit Jaco for an album. But Bobby was not without experience with some heavyweight jazz greats previously...Billy Cobham played in his Midnites band if I recall correctly. I just remember that cliche 80's video LOL! Not either ones best work.

[tcsned]

I saw Bobby and the Midnites with Bill Cobham and Alphonso Johnson who I believe Jaco replaced in Weather Report at the Bayou in DC in 1985.

[tatittle]

Yep, yep. Johnson was ironically playing bass for Santana on the night Jaco was killed too. Jaco apparently went on stage during Johnsons bass solo that night and was soon escorted out by stagehands who likely didnt know who he was. I find it strange Santana et al didnt try and help Jaco that night, they were well acquinted/friends. But manic depression combined with alcohol is usually not a pretty sight. Most people cant deal with the discomfort involved with seeing someone suffering from it either, so compassion/help from others is rare and very difficult.

[awebb66]

Is this the gig where Bobby sings Hendrix songs? I have a tape with some Filler: "Bobby sings Hendrix" is all it says. Bobby singing If Six Was Nine. Cant tell if its live or studio. Sick guitar player.

[strumminsix]

But Bobby was not without experience with some heavyweight jazz greats previously... Billy Cobham played in his Midnites band if I recall correctly. I just remember that cliche 80's video LOL! Not either ones best work.

LOL! and Agreed. Bobby and Midnights was a powerful band. Pop music aside, this is fantastic show and related videos.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... es+1-26-83

Yep, yep. Johnson was ironically playing bass for Santana on the night Jaco was killed too. Jaco apparently went on stage during Johnsons bass solo that night and was soon escorted out by stagehands who likely didnt know who he was. I find it strange Santana et al didnt try and help Jaco that night, they were well acquinted/friends. But manic depression combined with alcohol is usually not a pretty sight. Most people cant deal with the discomfort involved with seeing someone suffering from it either, so compassion/help from others is rare and very difficult.

When dealing with mental illness and substance abuse, usually close friends and trusted cohorts have invested a lot of time trying to help ... Good efforts aren't always obvious and some people just aren't ready for help :(