What did Joni Mitchell, Jaco Pastorius, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, Don Alias and Lyle Mays have in common?
They all performed together on Joni Mitchells fantastic record “Shadows and Light” from September 1979.
Joni Mitchell (g,p,vo)
Jaco Pastorius (b)
Don Alias (d)
Pat M (g)
Lyle Mays (key)
Michael Brecker (sax)
Joni’s interpretation of Charlie Mingus classic “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” is probably one of the finest ever made. All musicians playing at their peak and you can see how they enjoying the togetherness. Their performance creates energy and feelings that are wonderful and fantastic. This is music that makes a difference!
Jaco plays the bass with a vibrating and singing tone together with perfect rhythmic timing, Lyle Mays adds tasteful harmonies with deep, Don Alias plays relaxed with perfect touch, Pat Metheny doing everything right, Michael Breckers solo is …wow and finally Jonis wonderful feelings and interpretation that would make even Charlie Mingus happy and proud. Joni has with this constellation of musicians, managed to get to a teamwork of strong individualists creating a fantastic result, It´s great art!
I bought the album (dubbel-LP) as soon as it came out 1979. It was a five star album for me at that time, and I feel exactly the same today, the entire album is highly recommended!
I´m a bass player myself, and Jaco Pastorius has been one of my biggest role models through the years. I have bought all the CDs, read about his life, seen him play live and also played with musicians who played with him. Joni Mitchell was a close friend of Jaco and supported him to the bitter end. I will write a lot about Jaco and his music. The same applies to the other musicians on this amazing recording.
This is a sound clip:
Below is a video clip (you must click two times to be able to see the video and have to wait 15 seconds due to the commercials, but it´s worth it):
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcygr0_joni-mitchell-goodbye-pork-pie-hat_music#.UWGd679YzDw