Search - Pastorius Big Band :: Twins 1&2-Live in Japan82 (24bt)

The Curtain Began To Fall Quickly

Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 01/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bassist Jaco Pastorius formed this big band for a 1982 world tour, which had some magical performances and incredible frustrations away from the stage.



The band ultimately imploded due to the deteriorating health of Pastorius - who threw his bass into Hiroshima Bay, along with exhibiting other signs of self-destructive behavior. But these 13 selections released in Japan in 1983 - and in a condensed U.S. version, entitled, Invitation - highlights the triumph before the curtain abruptly fell 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 with 14 guest musicians appearing in the two September shows - compliments Jaco's tenacious leadership through his rapid, melodic bass runs.



Liberty City is a gem, with other top-flight cuts in the mix; Three Views of a Secret, Reza/Giant Steps/Reza and Pac-Man Blues (Fannie Mae). The music is even more electrifying and fresh some 25-plus years later through the digitally-remastering, which utilizes 24-bit technology. This is truly a gem that deserves to finally be heard in its entirety.



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