DATE=11/29/2002

TYPE=Music Programs Feature

NUMBER=7-400851

TITLE=Tribute To Jaco Pastorious

BYLINE=Doug Levine

TELEPHONE=619-2799

DATELINE=Washington

EDITOR=ecGursky

CONTENT=

(MUSIC, INSERTS & VOICED VERSION IN MUSIC LIBRARY)

INTRO: As a member of the 1970s jazz fusion groups Weather Report and Word Of Mouth, electric bassist Jaco Pastorious [JOCK-oh Pass-STOR-ree-us] composed, arranged and produced some of the era's most compelling music. He was best known for his flamboyant stage presence that included dancing, jumping and spinning while playing rapid-fire notes on the bass. Tragically, Jaco's life was cut short at the age of 35 in a fight outside a nightclub. VOA's Doug Levine tells us more about Jaco's legacy and a new tribute album by bassist Brian Bromberg.

TEXT: Brian Bromberg was originally a drummer who switched to acoustic bass while in high school. When he heard Jaco Pastorious play, Bromberg switched again to electric bass. He says "[Jaco's music] was unlike anything anybody had ever heard before."

TAPE: Cut 1 (CDJ-7420/3) "Teen Town" SNEAK TO :13; IN FULL TO :37 THEN FADE AND HOLD

TEXT: Jaco Pastorious' original version of "Teen Town" appeared on Weather Report's landmark album "Heavy Weather." Brian Bromberg blends a little funk with hip-hop on this arrangement of "Teen Town" for his album "Jaco."

TAPE: CUT 1 UP AT :48; IN FULL TO 1:13 THEN FADE

TEXT: Brian Bromberg paying tribute to the late Jaco Pastorious with "Teen Town" from "Jaco."

Jaco Pastorious first made a name for himself in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he played bass for various pop and R&B acts that came to town. He worked with guitarist Pat Metheny [Meth-THEE-nee] before joining Weather Report in 1976. In addition, he was a sought-after session player; released a critically-acclaimed solo album; and toured and recorded with his own group Word Of Mouth. Jaco's downfall came in the mid-1980s. His addiction to drugs and alcohol sometimes led to violent outbursts on stage and off. In 1987, he was beaten to death by a security guard who claimed Jaco was trying to break into a Florida nightclub.

TAPE: Cut 2 (CDJ-7420/8) "Tears" SNEAK TO :17; IN FULL TO :32 THEN FADE

TEXT: From "Jaco," Brian Bromberg, with "Tears," an original ballad dedicated to his musical hero Jaco Pastorious.

TAPE: Cut 3 - (CDJ-7420/1) "Come On, Come Over" IN FULL TO :05 THEN FADE AND HOLD

TEXT: Brian Bromberg also covers the Jaco Pastorious compositions "Continuum," "Three Views Of A Secret," "Portrait Of Tracy," and the funky "Come On, Come Over" which originally featured soul duo Sam and Dave on Jaco's debut album.

TAPE: Cut 3 - UP AT :22; IN FULL TO :38 THEN FADE

TEXT: Brian Bromberg with "Come On, Come Over," featuring Bill Champlain [sham-PLANE] and Bobby Kimball on vocals.

Bromberg plans to release four new albums in 2003: An all-acoustic follow-up to his 2001 album "Wood;" a jazz fusion album; an improvisational jazz CD featuring his quintet; and a smooth jazz recording titled "The Message Within."

From "Jaco," here's Brian Bromberg with one of Jaco Pastorious' earliest recordings, "The Chicken." (SIGNED)

TAPE: Cut 4 - (CDJ-7420/7) "The Chicken" IN FULL; TAGS AT 3:40