Author Topic: Jaco circa 1985 with a JayDee (Read 384 times)

tomhug · « **on:** January 21, 2015, 02:29:05 PM »

Description:
Legendary bass player and bass pioneer, Jaco Pastorius talks about his process in this rare footage from Musicians Institute's vault. We're not sure the date, but it has to be mid 80s. Check out the jam at the end with Frank Gambale on guitar.

A bit more info here: http://www.bassplayer.com/artists/1171/mi-unearths-rare-video-of-jaco-pastorius-visit/50333

terryc · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2015, 02:59:03 AM »

You know it doesn't matter what bass Jaco uses, it always sounds like him, fretted or unfretted! I mean those JD Supernatural basses, they had bass, mid and treble active controls, they could be switched to passive if the battery dies and with double coil pick ups BUT the sound he gets is as far away from Mark King who put JD basses on the map as it gets.
That fluid playing and 'groove' tone is absolutely to die for, I have not heard anyone on this earth yet who can come close!
He makes playing 'Donna Lee' so easy, no 'building a shed' slapping or tapping, just straight forward fingerstyle. The world indeed lost a genius back in 87!

(Message edited by TerryC on January 22, 2015)

terryc · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2015, 03:08:11 AM »

removed double post
Terry C

(Message edited by TerryC on January 22, 2015)

sonicus · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2015, 04:29:19 PM »

Thanks for posting that Tom . It is always good to see and hear JACO ! I once had the opportunity to tryout a Jaydee Bass. I was really surprised at close inspection that it was really a set neck rather then a neck through instrument.

Wolf

terryc · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2015, 12:42:53 AM »

Sonicus, yeah they look neck through but as you say it is a glued set neck with the body lamininates mimicking the neck.
MArk King said in a lengthy interview that he bought his first one because it was very Alembic looking(which it is).
A friend of mine had one and it has it's own unique sound.

sonicus · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2015, 07:11:46 AM »

Terry , exactly to your description . One comes to the realization upon it's true construction when turned over with a look at the back.

Glynn · « **Reply #6 on:** January 26, 2015, 08:37:35 AM »

Still got my Jaydee that John Diggins made for me 1986. It is a custom between George Anderson and Mark King. Don't take it out now (use the Alembic Orion 4)but it did me well for many years. I liked the passive option as mentioned in case batteries died. Heavy old beast though.
Glynn

terryc · « **Reply #7 on:** February 01, 2015, 10:33:38 AM »

I never owned a JD but once borrowed one, nice bass it was(is), it was a Supernatural, lots of controls and very Alembic!
I remember John Diggins saying that before Mark King & Level 42 he was only selling a couple per month then all hell let loose when MK was using his and he had to hire extra people in to cope with the demand!. A good example how a single musician can boost the economy!

hankster · « **Reply #8 on:** February 03, 2015, 04:01:52 PM »

I was hoping it was a duet with Jaco and steeler Jay Dee Maness. That would be an unlikely pair!

bigredbass · « **Reply #9 on:** February 03, 2015, 09:59:24 PM »

I love me some JayDee Maness, terrific steel player. Nothing like a great steel in the proper band for it, almost fills space like a B3 would in a good rock band. Give me a good steel player and twin fiddles, I'm good to go.

Joey

hankster · « **Reply #10 on:** February 04, 2015, 02:43:59 PM »

He's a fine player and a very nice guy to boot. His steel solo on Ray Stevens' recording of Misty is likely the reason Ray won a Grammy for it. But we're off topic....

Enzo · « **Reply #11 on:** February 15, 2015, 01:14:53 PM »

I heard Jaco had an agreement with John Diggins for 3 brand new basses but he sadly died before john could deliver them. I know for sure that one of them was Fender looking, black body and unlined ebony board. No idea of the other 2.