Watch Jaco

Jaco is a 2015 American documentary film that tells the story of the life and career of Jaco Pastorius, one of the greatest bass players of all time. The film was directed by Stephen Kijak and produced by Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo, who is also one of the talking heads in the documentary. The film follows Jaco's life from his childhood in Florida to his meteoric rise to fame in the 1970s with the jazz-fusion band, Weather Report. Along the way, we learn about Jaco's musical influences, his struggles with drugs and alcohol, and his tragic death at the age of 35.

Throughout the film, we are treated to interviews with some of the biggest names in jazz and fusion, including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Joni Mitchell, who all share their memories of Jaco and what made him such a special musician. We also hear from Jaco's family and friends, who provide a more personal perspective on his life.

One of the film's strengths is how it places Jaco's music in the context of the time in which it was created. We see how Jaco took the bass, which had traditionally been a supporting instrument, and turned it into a lead instrument, using it to play melody lines and solos. We also see how his innovative playing style incorporated elements of rock, funk, and Latin jazz, creating a sound that was entirely new and unique.

The film also does an excellent job of illustrating Jaco's virtuosity as a player. We hear some of his most famous recordings, including "Portrait of Tracy" and "Birdland," and see how his playing influenced a whole generation of bass players who came after him.

One of the most touching parts of the film is when Jaco's family and friends recount his struggles with mental illness and his eventual descent into homelessness. We see how he lost touch with reality and how his illness affected his relationships with those around him. However, despite the tragic events that led to his death, the film celebrates Jaco's life and the legacy he left behind.

Overall, Jaco is an engaging and informative documentary that sheds light on the life and career of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Whether you're a fan of jazz-fusion or just curious about the man behind the music, this film is definitely worth checking out.

Jaco is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.