Bass Player News
Jaco Pastorius: 25 Years Ago Today…
Jaco Pastorius: 25 Years Ago Today…
“In Wilton Manor, Fla., a tiny town near Fort Lauderdale, detectives describe the death of the former bass player for the jazz group Weather Report as a homicide,” read a local newspaper, reporting on the previous day’s murder of legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius on September 21, 1987.
Today quietly marks the 25th anniversary of that sad event, and is in marked contrast to the well-promoted celebration of Jaco’s life just five years ago on the occasion of the 20th anniversary. That tribute came about thanks to the tireless work of Jaco’s old friend Bob Bobbing, who organized a memorial concert in Florida with help from Peter Graves. It featured a spectacular performance by the Jaco Pastorius Big Band with many special guests, including Randy Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Gerald Veasley, Jimmy Haslip, Ira Sullivan, Alex Darqui and Jaco’s former Weather Report bandmates Peter Erskine and Bobby Thomas Jr. All four of the Pastorius kin were on hand as well, with Mary performing a beautiful duet on stage with bassist Tony Franklin. It was a wonderful night thanks mostly to the valiant effort by Bobbing, who also revealed an extended clip of his Jaco documentary-in-the-works on a giant screen above the stage as the concert began.
So here we are five years later, and things are noticeably more subdued on the Jaco front. His official website lays dormant as its former webmaster Corey Brown has since moved on and started his own bass site. The once-popular forum community on jacopastorius.com has been shut down for years. Bobbing has kept a low profile since releasing and promoting his intriguing collection of rare Pastorius recordings titled Portrait Of Jaco: The Early Years. Jaco’s second wife Ingrid, who ran her own much-visited tribute website to her late husband, passed away suddenly last November. The feuding that was at one time rampant among various Pastorius factions has been exposed for its triviality in the face of life’s quickly passing years. And as those years do indeed pass, the memory of Jaco fades ever more slightly. Curiously, new debates questioning Jaco’s greatness or validity seem to arise with regularity among a newer generation of bassists.
For those of us who were there when Jaco came on the scene, there was–and is–no debate. We witnessed his giant effect on our little bass world first hand; we knew there was electric bass before and electric bass after, and the two eras were not the same because of him. It was more than just his astounding technique that captured our collective imagination, and perhaps that is the point that may be lost on some younger players today. Jaco was larger than life; he brought an attitude and swagger to playing the bass that we had not seen before. He was absolutely audacious. It was that aspect of his personality that probably fueled so many of his groundbreaking ideas about how to approach his instrument, and in turn, his musical swagger became our musical swagger and we suddenly played our basses in new ways. I consider myself fortunate that I was able to see Jaco play quite a few times, and had the opportunity to meet him as well.
Last fall I had begun writing an article for this magazine, to be published on December 1st, commemorating Jaco’s legacy on what would have been his 60th birthday. I received much help from Peter Erskine, who contributed to the piece, and I had a few discussions and “mini-interview” with Ingrid Pastorius as well. She was quite busy at the time, partly due to her own annual honoring of Jaco on his birthday. She sent this message to me in late November:
“Hello Rick, my apologies. I have been so swamped, between teaching mornings and nights, personal going-ons, my sons being in town, haven’t seen Felix since last year. He’s on tour with Jeff Coffin, first time in Florida, as well as organizing two, perhaps three events for Jaco’s 60th, it’s been quite a marathon…. just to let you know, there will be a Jaco Celebration at the Zinc in NY on November 30th, and another one down here in Florida on December 4. Can’t wait, there is a B3 on stage! The third one is still formulating, I am trying to organize a jam for budding musicians, several schools are participating, I am psyched about this!” After briefly discussing a cover photo she was trying to help me with for Bass Musician, she wrote, “Thanks again for anything and everything you have done and are doing on behalf of Jaco’s legacy, looking forward to the issue. All the best, Ingrid.”
Ingrid never got to see any of those events she was planning; she died on November 29th of a heart attack. That e-mail was my final communication with her. It was sudden, shocking, out of the blue. And so perhaps it is appropriate, on this day that we remember Jaco, to share a few of Ingrid Pastorius’ final thoughts of her husband. Here is a brief excerpt of an interview I had done with her several weeks earlier:
What are some of the memories you have of watching Jaco play with Joni Mitchell?
Joni looked to Jaco for guidance and support. The way he responded is evident by how magical their sounds seem to stroke each other. It always felt like a dance to me, watching and listening to them play.
Though he’s known to be a jokester, when in the studio recording, an artist couldn’t be more on top of the situation and his game than Jaco. I remember Jaco being in charge of the editing/splicing during Weather Report’s mastering, he was impeccable.
There was that time when working on “Dry Cleaner” for Joni, in the middle of the session, Jaco suggested to add some horn parts. So that night at the Sunset Marquis, in natural wisdom mode, he stayed up until 5 AM writing out the parts in order to bring them in that day.
Joni was always gracious and generous to Jaco, as well did Jaco deeply respect Joni, there definitely was a love. It was the Shadows and Light tour that facilitated him to buy our home. Forever grateful.
Did he ever discuss her music with you, and did you ever hear him work on her music at home?
No, Jaco didn’t discuss the music. I don’t remember him working on Joni’s music at home, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t. If there is anyone able to do one-takers during recording sessions, and improvise, it’s Jaco. At home he mostly worked on his compositions, recorded himself, and practiced….aside from spending time with his children, juggling, beach, yard-work, cooking, playing baseball and basketball…to name a few.
In your opinion, if he had remained physically and mentally healthy and were still alive, what do you suppose life would be like for Jaco at 60 years old?
Jaco had several aspirations he still wanted to fulfill, aside from being a great Dad. He spoke of composing soundtracks for film, learning to play the oboe– as a matter of fact, perhaps all woodwinds. He was also keen on nature, recorded aspects of it. Who knows what would have emerged from that.
Jaco at 60, what a loaded thought….one thing is clear: life would be different, not only for his family and friends, but also for most musicians, bassists in particular. What and how would they be playing now?
Notes From An Artist Radio / Podcast hosts David C. Gross and Tomaso Semioli are letting the music do the talking! The two media personalities are releasing instrumental music that corresponds with works of art and film.
David C. Gross Presents Experiments in the Barn: A Fusion of Music and Experimental Film
Acclaimed bassist, composer, and music educator David C. Gross announces his latest 144 MUSIC project, Experiments in the Barn, an immersive exploration of sound and cinema. This unique series blends original music with experimental and silent films, creating a dialogue between visual imagery and auditory experience.
Experiments in the Barn invites audiences into a world where music and film intersect, challenging traditional storytelling and inspiring new ways to experience art. Drawing on decades of performance across jazz, rock, R&B, and avant-garde styles, Gross composes scores that amplify the emotional and narrative possibilities of the visual medium.
The series has been described as a meditative journey through soundscapes, a cinematic experience reimagined, and a testament to the power of music as a storytelling tool. Experiments in the Barn exemplifies Gross’s commitment to innovation, improvisation, and the transforma4ve poten4al of combining disciplines.
Tomaso Semioli Presents Ambient Sketches, Vol. 1 A Mélange of Music & NYC Art
On his decidedly D.I.Y. debut release, Tomaso Semioli fuses ambient, funk, dub, indie pop, and Nu Jazz with his MY #NYC photographic art collages throughout instrumental vignettes. Select tracks are available on Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, and most music streaming platforms.
Each song sketch/fragment complements a specific photographic art collage created by Tomaso Semioli for his #MY NYC collection. These collages are an inimitable kaleidoscopic interpretation of the way Tomaso experiences life in New York City!
The idea to create one-to-two-minute “mini operas” was inspired by Tomaso’s observation (and 4ming) of how long museum and gallery visitors actually gaze at artwork on average!
Ambient Sketches Video Playlist
PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
We’re thrilled to introduce VIBRATIONISTS, our exciting new band and upcoming album!
Suzy Starlite (bass, fife, piano, vocals)
Simon Campbell (guitars, vocals)
Dave Boyd (piano, bodhrán, percussion, vocals)
After three diverse studio albums as Starlite & Campbell, we felt the time was right to record an acoustic-based album, a long-held dream.
This journey began serendipitously when mutual friends connected us with Dave Boyd, a brilliant Northern Irish musician living surprisingly close by in Portugal. Our instant connection with Dave, a master of the traditional Irish bodhrán who also incorporates unique digital effects and a vast array of instruments, quickly evolved into forming a truly collaborative band—a first for us in a long time.
Our new sound, captured on the forthcoming VIBRATIONISTS album slated for early 2026, has grown far beyond our initial acoustic vision. We’ve embraced expansive soundscapes, integrating everything from Wurlitzer electric piano and synthesisers to drum machines and Moog Taurus bass pedals.
As songwriters who don’t stick to genres, we let each song guide us, resulting in a rich sonic tapestry of contemporary alt-folk, prog-rock, and blues. Our name, VIBRATIONISTS, reflects our belief that every atom vibrates, echoing the profound impact of sound in our world.
To give you a taste of our live sound and prepare for future tours, we’ve begun playing low-key warm-up shows and recording live video sessions at the Supertone Sonic Lab in Portugal.
Our first video, reimagining It Ain’t Right with Suzy on vocals, will be released soon on our new VIBRATIONISTS YouTube channel.
We invite you to explore more on our website, where you can sign up for updates!
Fused Frequencies is a bold new Bay Area jazz fusion collective—Mads Tolling, Paul Hanson, Frank Martin, Farida Nelson, and Deszon Claiborne—crafting original, genre-defying music through fearless interplay and masterful production. This dynamic ensemble blends jazz, rock, classical, and world music into a sound that’s cinematic, groove-rich, and built equally for the stage and the screen.
Each member of Fused Frequencies is a celebrated artist in their own right, with deep roots in innovation, education, and international performance. Together, they form a powerhouse of creative energy, performing all-original compositions that are as intricate as they are emotionally resonant.
At the heart of the band’s sound is the electric interplay between violinist Mads Tolling and Paul Hanson on electric bassoon and saxophones—a fierce yet lyrical dialogue that fuses classical precision with untamed sonic exploration. Frank Martin layers rich textures on piano and synthesizer, moving seamlessly from ambient landscapes to fiery solos. Farida Nelson anchors the low end with a blend of bass guitar and keytar, while Deszon Claiborne drives the rhythm with nuance, power, and versatility.
This is music without borders. Drawing from jazz, funk, classical, prog rock, and electronic traditions, Fused Frequencies creates a sound that defies genre yet feels instantly recognizable— bold, cinematic, and relentlessly inventive.
Whether reimagining familiar themes or presenting bold new originals, Fused Frequencies delivers an electrifying live experience. Every performance is a journey into the unexpected, fearless, genre-blurring, and unmistakably alive.
Photo courtesy of InnoTech Representatives / Photographer, Bob Hakins
Spector Bass Welcomes Megadeth Bassist James LoMenzo as Newest Brand Ambassador…
Spector Bass is proud to announce the addition of legendary bassist James LoMenzo of Megadeth to its esteemed roster of artists. With a career spanning decades and a reputation as one of rock and metal’s most formidable bassists, LoMenzo brings his signature style and energy to the Spector family.
“I’m immensely proud and excited to have the opportunity to be a new brand ambassador for one of my favorite basses of all time, Spector,” said LoMenzo. “I was first made aware of these amazing basses when I was starting out in the clubs in NYC in the early ’80s. They were THE top-end basses made in my hometown Brooklyn. Back then one hit song after another featuring the aggressive up-front sound of these basses played on the radio. Looking back, I can’t believe I never picked up one of these basses for my collection—their recorded legacy alone speaks for itself!”
LoMenzo’s journey with Spector came full circle during the recording of Megadeth’s latest album. “While prepping for our latest Megadeth record, our co-producer/engineer Chris Rakestraw told me about his most recent bass acquisition—a new Spector Euro CST. I had the opportunity to try it out when I got together with the guys at our studio in Tennessee and was blown away. Great to play, amazing in-your-face tone—I just kept it strapped on and recorded the entire album with it. Since I couldn’t convince Chris to sell me his, I had to get my own.”
Fans can catch James LoMenzo live on tour with Megadeth, where he’ll be wielding his Spector bass on stages around the world. “Come on out and see me rip it up with Megadeth and my very own Spector bass out on The Killing Road!”
Spector Bass is thrilled to support LoMenzo’s continued musical journey and looks forward to the powerful performances and recordings to come.
Learn more about Spector at www.spectorbass.com
Bass Player News
Justin Emord Joined NAMM’s Washington DC Advocacy Fly-In to Support Federal Funding for Music Education
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Justin Emord joined a delegation of NAMM Members, music and arts advocates, and industry partners to speak with Members of Congress to request continued support for federal funding for quality, sequential music education as part of the school day for more than 50 million public school students. The 19th NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In welcomed new and returning advocates from all over the U.S. This included 94 music business leaders and professionals representing all 50 states.
“For me, music education has helped develop and shape me into the person I am today. I wouldn’t be who I am or experienced the things that I have without my music teacher in elementary school. The connection from the classroom to touring and being a voting member of the Recording Academy is about as clear and defined as it possibly can be.”
To kick off NAMM’s Advocacy Fly-In, The NAMM Foundation hosted a “Network With the Pros” event on Monday, May 5th, where music industry professionals met with students at Eastern Senior High School to share all the various career paths outlined in The NAMM Foundation’s Careers in Music initiative.
Follow Justin on IG @justin_emord and FB @justinemord16
Gear News: Fender Unveils Highly Anticipated Vintera III Series
New Music: Oteil Burbridge & Lamar Williams Jr. New Single, Hush
Interview With Bassist Virginia Franks
Nathan East, Echoes of a Lineage – April/May 2026 Issue
Gear Review: Italia Leather Straps
Mar 2 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
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Mar 16 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram
Mar 23 Edition – This Week’s Top 10 Basses on Instagram