New Documentary Captures Life Of Local Jazz Musician
By Greg Orlandini
MONTGOMERY COUNTY (CBS) -- There is a new documentary out now that chronicles the life of Jaco Pastorius, the Norristown-born jazz musician that revolutionized the bass guitar. The film had been in and out of development for several before the involvment of Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo over six years ago helped push the film to completion.
The movie follows Jaco's rise and tragic fall. He went from playing clubs in South Florida after his family relocated, to stardom in the mid 1970's, both as a solo artist and with the group Weather Report. But by the earlier 80's, the bassist was in the grip of both addiction and mental illness. His life ended violently after being beaten outside a Fort Lauderdale night club by a bouncer in 1987.
Trujillo says it was a challenge making a film while balance family and his career recording and touring with Metallica. "It's very involved I've had to have a lot people help and a lot of favors. A lot of people stepped up for Jaco in a of levels."
He also says he worked closely with Jaco's family, "There were some earlier cuts[of the movie] that were maybe a little darker and the family didn't like that at all. And I always wanted to make the point hat I wanted to make the family as happy as possible out of respect. At the same time I want to keep my direct happy. He is an artist, he's to do what he wants to do creatively."
The film features interviews with Jaco's collaborators such as saxophonist Wayne Shorter , keyboardist Herbie Hancock and Bob Colomby from Blood, Sweat and Tears who produced Jaco first solo album.
