Jaco Pastorius

Jaco Pastorius was recorded October 1975 at Camp Colomby Studios in New City, NY and Columbia Recording Studios C&B in New York City, produced by Bobby Colomby (drummer and founding member of Blood, Sweat & Tears). Released in late April 1976 as Epic PE 33949, this was Pastorius's first widely released solo album and remains one of the most influential electric bass records ever made, featuring Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Michael Brecker, Hubert Laws, Jack DeJohnette, Peter Erskine, Don Alias, and a reunited Sam & Dave on "Come On, Come Over." One label quirk worth knowing: the opening track "Donna Lee" is credited to Charlie Parker on the original LP labels, though the song is now generally attributed to Miles Davis – a documented discrepancy, not an error unique to any one pressing.

This is a dense, dynamically ambitious mid-1970s studio recording spanning solo bass, small-combo funk, and orchestral string arrangements, so pressing quality has a real effect on how well it holds together – thin or noisy pressings tend to bury Jaco's bass in the low-mid range.

Best early pressing for audiophiles: Epic PE 33949, Terre Haute pressing – original 1976 first pressing, orange Epic labels.

Best modern pressing for audiophiles: Original Recordings Group (ORG) 45rpm reissue – mastered by Bernie Grundman from the original analog master tapes, pressed at RTI, limited to 2,500 numbered copies.

Best-value modern: Music On Vinyl 180g reissue (2010) – widely available and well-reviewed, though the specific mastering engineer wasn't confirmed in sourcing.