Search - Various Artists :: Who Loves You: Tribute to Jaco Pastorius

I think Jaco would've dug it

Jan P. Dennis | Monument, CO USA | 06/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my favorite kind of tribute album: honoring, but not slavishly so; evoking the spirit of the tributee, but not necessarily sounding all that much like him; filled with former playing partners, but also including some ringers.



It was smart to feature Michael Brecker on the first track. He comes charging out of the gate at full gallop and never lets up. What a wonderful player he is, perhaps the true heir to John Coltrane. It must be said that the shadow he casts at least somewhat obscures the other saxists (Bill Evans, Bob Mintzer, and David Sanborn), who nevertheless acquit themselves admirably.



Another imposing presence is guitarist Steve Cardenas, someone with huge chops and a brilliant concept who's been rather overlooked on the jazz scene. Check out his playing on "Fall'n Star." Peter Erskine on drums also impresses mightily. Of the bassists Mark Egan seems most to have absorbed and advanced Jaco's ideas.



I can do without the will Lee vocal on "Come on Over," but it must be said that he gives a spirited enough rendition; it's just that this number seems to break the spell that's been building with the brilliant instrumentals. "Three Views of a Secret" nicely recaptures the vibe and features a wonderful quintet consisting of Randy Brecker (Channeling Miles on muted trumpet), Bob James (piano), Steve Cardenas (guitar, who takes a brilliantly understated solo), James Genus (a hugely underrated bass player), and Erskine (at his declamatory best on drums).



Never less than eminently listenable, this session often treads in precincts of brilliance. Very much worth acquiring."

Brilliant Tribute

yes@accessone.com | Seattle, WA | 05/07/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While I hated the Weather Report tribute album with a burning passion, this Jaco tribute is fantastic. All the players burn it down in a big bad way. The be-bop treatment that Michael Brecker, Patitucci, and Steve Gadd give to "3rd Stone from the Sun" is super-bad. Will Lee's playing on Come On, Come Over is also very hip and worth mentioning. Buy this CD, you'll be happier with yourself later if you do. Trust me."

Who doesn't love it?

Gustavo L. Moré | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic | 07/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Best Jaco tribute so far. Period. Erskine's "Song for Jaco-Song for a friend" is so beautiful it makes me cry. Jaco is surely missed."