• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Jaco's work with Joni Mitchell

#21
I had a few brews with Jaco when I was 20. I remember that trying to connect was strange for the first beer, for a few reasons. I made a point of not asking him a bunch of music questions, which he noticed and seemed to appreciate. At some point though I mentioned his work with Joni Mitchell, and asked him a non-musical question about the experience, and it was only then that the dynamic changed, and he smiled big at me, before sharing.
 
#22
I so agree with the above comments on Joni and Jaco. I have worn out vinyl and cassettes years ago. Thank god for CD's and DVD's.

One important point to mention. The "Shadows and Light" DVD has a very poor sound mix plus those extemely annopying artsy videos (Shame on you, Joni). The CD mix is much better. The vinyl/casette is even better because Jaco absolutely rocks on "Free Man in Paris" which does not appera on the CD I have. His groove on this song is a must-hear.

Hejira was radically different for its time with the bass so out in front. Worth studying and emulating (in small doses.). Lot of good stuff there.

Did anyone mention "Mingus"???? Again a special Jaco album that didn't sell well, but very instructional. The Dry Cleaner and Goodbye Pork Pie Hat are notable.
 
#23
I was serving dinner at a wedding yesterday and someone was playing this album over and over. Turns out it was Joni!

I think this could well be my favourite Joni song (even if she is covering herself!). I just love the African feel, it reminds me a lot of Paul Simon's "Graceland" album (and there can be no higher praise!).

 
#25
funkifiedsoul said:
I had a few brews with Jaco when I was 20. I remember that trying to connect was strange for the first beer, for a few reasons. I made a point of not asking him a bunch of music questions, which he noticed and seemed to appreciate. At some point though I mentioned his work with Joni Mitchell, and asked him a non-musical question about the experience, and it was only then that the dynamic changed, and he smiled big at me, before sharing.
Click to expand...

Your story reminds me of when I ended up at a dinner party with George Harrison. At lot of the people there wanted to relive their favorite Beatles tracks with him. This was especially ironic, because they were usually asking him about Lennon / McCartney songs.

I really had kept a distance, because the guy looked to me like he was getting a bit antsy from being bugged. When we did end up in the buffet line next to each other, I made a joke about the food from a Monty Python movie and he cracked a big smile and winked at me. He came over later and chatted for a few minutes, asking how I knew the hosts, etc. He really seemed to be a genuine guy who was beat down a bit from being a Beatle.
 
#27
Joni Mitchell was a wealthy woman by the time Jaco came on the scene. Record sales were not an issue with her. She was also the beneficiary of David Geffen giving her complete control over her work. In today's world, I have doubts whether this would ever happen. Also, fretless bass is the target of prejudice among studio engineers and producers. "Black Crow" is an incredible song.
 
#28
ZonGuy said:
The vinyl/casette is even better because Jaco absolutely rocks on "Free Man in Paris" which does not appear on the CD I have. His groove on this song is a must-hear.
Click to expand...

This brings me back to my 1st-ever Talk Bass post (in '98)...
You have the single-disc version of Shadows & Light...a 2-disc version was released awhile ago (must have been pre-'98 or so).
I had both. IIRC, I gave the 1-disc version away (pre-burner daze).

I guess you can add the missing tracks via a download?
 
#29
Funk 'N' Stein said:
I'll be as diplomatic as possible and say that those two guys, while excellent players, were never in Jaco's league. Ask Don Alias whom he would have preferred playing with. I tell you...it wouldnt have been Haden or Holland.
Click to expand...

Definitely in the same league!
I know Jaco was used over Holland on Bright Size Life...but really, Haden's playing with Ornette & that whole harmolodic trip and Holland's current band? IMHO, that's a tough call.

BTW, I recall a Joni Mitchell interview from Musician magazine...she mentions how Jaco (her musical director) was really upset over her choice of using Don Alias on cans for the Shadows & Light tour. Apparently, Jaco loved Alias' hand percussion...but not his kit playing.

Anyway, I'm with you...Jaco's electric fretless on those albums are priceless pieces & an URB (even played by Haden/Holland) would not have had the same impact.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back