I might be kicked off TB for this, but.....

[Josh Gone]

I've met Jeff on a number of occasions, he's a great guy who always takes the time to answer questions or help any which way he can. He's a world of knowledge! I'm a Philly guy, so what might be brash to others is passion to me. I always look forward to running into him at NAMM.

I find him to be honest and sincere in my brief exchanges with him (yesterday.)

 

[Vinny Tomassetti]

I find him to be honest and sincere in my brief exchanges with him (yesterday.)

He is & that's why some are turned off by him. Sadly most people can't handle honesty. I've seen in person many people question certain things he says & he is always takes the time to break things down & give example why he feels the way he feels in a very nice way. & truthfully after he does, there is not really a debate on the subject anymore.

 

[Vinny Tomassetti]

Josh if you do watch the debates between Jeff Berlin & Steve Bailey, take note that they are good friends.

 

[Josh Gone]

Josh if you do watch the debates between Jeff Berlin & Steve Bailey, take note that they are good friends.

I usually hate that sort of thing but knowing that they are pals makes it tolerable. Thanks.

 

[Vinny Tomassetti]

I hear ya! After it all too, Jeff later did apologize for anything that might have offended Steve or anyone else.

 

[disco-al]

Anyone capable of this kind of playing deserves our consideration:

exactly lol ..he was a mess and all shaged up by then. prior to that he was a fine and total musician.

 

[bucephylus]

exactly lol ..he was a mess and all ****ed up by then. prior to that he was a fine and total musician.

You do realize that is an overdub and not JP? In fact, that 1982 Montreal Jazz fest has some rather jaw dropping moments (the real recording).

The overdub is rather completely hysterical, if one is willing to not take life too seriously. To me, very funny, leaving aside the fact that some may consider it disrespectful. The overdub is SO awful that I think it is funny.

 

[bucephylus]

Anyone capable of this kind of playing deserves our consideration:

Yes, that's very funny; but in the same way as John Belushi's parody of samurai warriors; (which were of course very serious, but the parody works because it is so absolutely silly - same here).

 

[Brad Johnson]

That's funny, OP, because nobody has ever recorded a track with more groove than "Barbary Coast"

Obviously you're not wrong because that's entirely a matter of opinion. Cool.

I recently saw an L.L. Bean commercial of all things and this was the featured song...



It brought this thread to mind. This is what a handful of other bassists were doing before Jaco. I consider it quality bass playing that deserves my recognition. Might not work for everybody. I think this is the version of JB's band with the Cincinnati crew, featuring Bootsy and Catfish Collins.

So when I hear Jaco in an R&B/TOP kind of vibe, while it's cool it still didn't blow me away as much as say when I first heard the ridiculous bass & drums tandem of a teenaged Francis "Rocco" Prestia and David Garibaldi. And when I think of straight up ridiculous funky grooves Jaco's cuts wouldn't make my top 50, no offense. Because for me it was all about the band and just putting the right notes in the right places... no easy trick. The magic was that it didn't require what most would consider virtuoso playing, even though virtuosos in their own way were involved. It brings to mind the slew of guitarists who can solo vs. the relative handful who can blaze a rhythm guitar groove. I'd rather listen to great rhythm guitar playing most days.

 

[Brad Johnson]

You really don't know that's a spoof overdub? That's not him playing. It's a 'Shreds' video. There are many. : D

And many are IMO hilarious. It takes skill to play that bad and make it synch as if it were authentic. I think the Toto one might be my favorite. Pretty sure they're done all in good fun.

Edit: I was wrong.

 

[NoiseNinja]

I personally detest pickles.

They might be crunchy, but not as crunchy as real cucumbers, they smell like cat urin and taste like it too.

Discuss!

This song is good though, even if it doesn't feature Jaco on bass:

 

[David Jayne]

And many are IMO hilarious. It takes skill to play that bad and make it synch as if it were authentic. I think the Toto one might be my favorite. Pretty sure they're done all in good fun.

Edit: I was wrong.

Thanks for that. The piano at 3:18 had me crying for mercy but when she got to the big modulation I was staggering around my office choking back tears and gasping for air. Good thing I work alone.

 

[DWBass]

It brings to mind the slew of guitarists who can solo vs. the relative handful who can blaze a rhythm guitar groove. I'd rather listen to great rhythm guitar playing most days.

Right. Give me a Marlon McClain or a Paul Jackson, Jr. any day of the week!

No doubt Jaco was innovative and eye opening. No one is denying that. Not everyone is into over the top virtuoso playing. Folks who don't get that will have to get over it.

 

[DWBass]

And many are IMO hilarious. It takes skill to play that bad and make it synch as if it were authentic. I think the Toto one might be my favorite. Pretty sure they're done all in good fun.

Edit: I was wrong.

OMG, I can't stop laughing at this one!!

 

[ZenG]

I'm really just not that into Jaco.

Now before the lynching begins, I do greatly respect what he has done as a bassist. I am completely aware of the impact he has has on our instrument.

I am just not a fan of his material. I have given many videos on Youtube of him an honest chance. I find it is lacking groove with a very undesirable tone.

In the interest of an open discussion, I will gladly watch an listen to anything that you may suggest. I honestly do want to find something of his that I can really latch onto, but so far, I haven't.

Does anyone else feel this way about any other trailblazing bassists?

He hasn't had any impact on me. I don't want to sound like him at all.
There are many that belong to the Cult Of Jaco. But I'm not one of them.