Jaco

Jaco 2015 is a definitive and intriguing documentary film about the life, legacy, and tragic end of the world-renowned, self-taught virtuoso bass guitarist, Jaco Pastorius, considered by many as the world's greatest bassist. This truly engaging film dramatically captures Pastorius' resonating influence on music, his personal life, and his struggles with mental health, which brought about his untimely demise. The movie is co-directed by Paul Marchand and Metallica's bassist Robert Trujillo, who is also a longtime admirer and fan of Pastorius.

The film begins by introducing Pastorius' early life in Florida and how he developed an interest in music. Born on December 1, 1951, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, but raised in Oakland Park, Florida, Pastorius comes from a lineage of musicians. The documentary provides a thorough examination of how, despite not being formally trained, Pastorius managed to rewrite the rulebook of how a bass guitar should be played, utilizing harmonics and inventive techniques most bass players wouldn't dream of.

Jaco offers insightful interviews with Pastorius' family members, friends, and a line-up of professional musicians who worked with him or have been influenced by his revolutionary music style. Among the interviewees are notable performers such as Sting, Joni Mitchell, Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Herbie Hancock, who all attest to Pastorius' massive influence on their styles and music as a whole. Jerry Jemmott, an outstanding bass guitarist himself, also features in the movie, shedding more light on Pastorius' personal and professional life.

The engaging documentary delves into Pastorius' rise to fame and the peaks of his career, including his time with the jazz fusion band Weather Report and notable collaborations with Joni Mitchell and others. The film beautifully threads together rare archive footages, photographs, and interviews to reveal Pastorius' intense music experiences. Interestingly, the movie does not shy away from Pastorius' struggles with bipolar disorder, drug use, and erratic behavior that often landed him in trouble and led to bouts of homelessness.

Viewers would appreciate how the directors have delicately handled Pastorius' tragic end. The film poignantly brings to light how mental illness and substance abuse, combined with a lack of appropriate support, led this music genius to a phase of homelessness and to his death following a violent altercation at a club in 1987.

Despite the tragic nature of Pastorius' life, the film is not all doom and gloom, as the directors skillfully craft the narrative to also celebrate the musician's life. There are numerous joyful moments in the film, especially when examining Pastorius' groundbreaking work in the music scene. For instance, his innovative work with the fretless bass guitar, which enabled him to create sounds never before heard from the instrument, making him a major visionary and innovator in the world of music.

The documentary is a testament to Pastorius' incredible talent, showcasing his high-energy performances that left audiences transfixed. It presents a vivid picture of his brilliance and eccentric personality, painting an unflinching portrait of a musician ahead of his time. It also delves deeply into the personal life of Pastorius, providing a broader understanding of the man behind the music genius.

In summary, Jaco is a must-watch for music enthusiasts and fans of Pastorius in particular. It offers a detailed look into the extraordinary talent that he was and brings to light a loving tribute to a man described as the “Jimi Hendrix of bass.” The documentary is a great platform to acknowledge Pastorius' contributions, showcase his extraordinary talent, understand his struggles, and appreciate his undying influence on modern music. A captivating tale of talent, innovation, stardom, hardship, and tragedy, Jaco is a moving filmic journey that will resonate with viewers long after the final credits roll.