I should mention at the onset that, although I don't really play much anymore, I've always been a bass player. For me Jaco Pastorius is one of those legendary musicians. Getting to see this performance at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 1982 is a pleasure.

Pastorius was arguably past his prime here. He had a number of mental health challenges as time went on, and those would lead to his death five years later. Given that his peak was behind him at this point, this is really a testament to just how impressive his skills were.

The music here is sort of typical fusion, but for me Pastorius is what makes it all gel. The band bears his name, but it is a group effort. It's just that his playing really is the shining beacon here. Watching him play, I'm impressed by how easy he made it look. There is a reason the man is a bass legend. While I know there are better performances from him, this one is exceptionally strong, and I highly recommend this video.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2022  Volume 3. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2022.