Track Listing

1. Vashkar
2. Poconos
3. Donkey
4. Vampira
5. Overtoned
6. Jaco
7. Batterie
8. King Korn
9. Blood

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #256979 in Music
• Released on: 1994-02-21
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Live

Customer Reviews

Ignore the Negative Comments - This Is A Great CD!
The negative reviews on this page simply prove that many of the lovers of so-called "jazz-rock fusion" lack any sensitivity to the language of "jazz." Jaco was certainly one of the greats, but like others of his generation such as Stanley Clarke, Al Dimeola and others, he was frequently capable of degenerating into empty displays of abundant chops. His compositions ran the gamut from the sublimely inspired to the pedestrian. Most of the showcases of his virtuosity find him in the light fusion or instrumental pop settings of Joni Mitchell or late Weather Report. Can Jaco's fans broaden their ears beyond the same old versions of "Birdland," "Teen Town," "Blackbird" and bad Jimi Hendrix imitations? In my opinion, there are very few documents of Jaco actually using his electric bass to play in what I would consider a real jazz context, and this CD gives us such a rare opportunity. The compositions range from abstract but composed works by Carla Bley and Annette Peacock, to free blowing sessions. Although all the musicians on this date are virtuosos, neither Jaco or any of the other players are going to blow you over with chops here, this is a session in which the players weave organic compositions with great sensitivity and group interplay. On the other hand, they do take solos which are excellent and musical. Paul Bley has gone on record saying that he feels this was one the first recordings to blend the language of late 60s free-jazz with electric instruments. In this light, the recording is a masterpiece and has much to offer. Ignore the simple-minded comments - there is a huge amount to love and learn from this recording. It is one of the great unsung works of electric jazz.

One of Jaco's Best Albums
The brilliance of this album is that you get to hear all of Jaco's cliche lines (and you know which ones I'm talking about) before they became cliche. For those of you can't handle a Jaco album without Teen Town or Donna Lee, this one might not be for you. Another interesting thing about this album is that Pat Matheny comes off sounding like some sort of bastard child of Jimi Hendrix and a lot less like Pat Matheny. I think the compositions as a whole are a lot more interesting than on the famous "Jaco Pastorius" album. But that's just my opinion and most would probably disagree and say that tracks on this album for the most part ramble on, sort of like 1970-1975 Miles. But as with those important recordings by Miles, that may be the beauty of the compositions on this album. The compositions on this album are highly impressionistic and need room to breath and grow. Like all great works of art, such as Larry Sanders or The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, every listen of this album reveals something new and fresh--not something that I necessarily get every time I listen to the "Jaco Pastorius" album.

Another Great Review for this Controversial Album
I am not sure the folks who gave this CD poor reviews bothered to listen to the actual CD. I tend to think maybe they just listened to the above samples, which could lead to a lack of interpretation. I find this album to be one of the more intense, edge of your chair types. The second side(LP), or Vampira to Blood are actually one continuous song. When played together, they are seamless, and almost nerve-racking. I don't think of this album as a waste of talent, I believe upon closer inspection it becomes clear this is a well conceived and executed album, a circus freak show for hardcore jazz enthusiasts. Right on to the reviewer who Jesus couldn't place syncopations like Jaco did. Jesus would be happy!