Jaco Big Band
John Simley | Bentonville, Arkansas, United States | 06/08/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Until Birthday Concert came along, this was the only decent live recording of the big band that Jaco assembled for a world tour in 1982, after taking a permanent break from Weather Report. The only big name big band formed in the 1980s, its inclusion of non-traditional instruments shows the influence of Gil Evans' bands (and the exclusion of piano and guitar is really refreshing). This recording nearly masks the fact that Jaco was sinking deeply into manic depression, and losing some of his edge. Still, you get to hear a rare and excellent performance of Elegant People (not available on the truncated American release Invitation), and an interesting bass solo in the monumental Reza. Also included are live versions of Liberty City, Three Views, Okonkole, and Continuum, all notable for their arrangement and presentation by a very fine band. But Twins, named for his recently born twin boys, is so much banging and clanging. Entirely too much time is given to Toots Theilemans (assuming a harmonica is warranted for such a band, Jaco would have been better served by a gutbucket soul man). The recording suffers a bit from the polite Japanese audience, dutifully applauding, where any other audience would have screamed approval. The band collapsed after this tour, weighed down by expense and Jaco's mounting emotional difficulties. If you collect recordings by Jaco, this would be a good one to buy, after Jaco Pastorius and Word of Mouth."
This Recording is Fresh!
C. Baldwin | Colorado Springs, CO United States | 03/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I almost rated this recording a 4 because of the 20+ year old recording technology. But then I listened more seriously and was truly taken back with the fun roller coaster ride that Jaco and his 20 piece band took me on. With players like Don Alias on Percussion, Randy Brecker on Trumpet, Peter Erskine playing smoking drums and too many other heavyweights to mention I was taken to a really good place. From Jaco's incredible playing to Erskine, Brecker, french horns, tuba etc. this album goes where very few go even today. All I can say is buy it and hold on to your seat!"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1