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Robert Trujillo: here's where to start with Jaco Pastorius

By Stuart Williams
( Total Guitar )
published 25 September 2015

Metallica bassist picks his Pastorius starting points

Introduction
(Image credit: Gonzales Photo/Oddbjorn Steffensen/The Hell Gate/Corbis)

Introduction

As well as providing the low-end for the biggest metal band in the world, Robert Trujillo is readying the release of Jaco, a documentary on renowned jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius, slated for release on 27 November.

But Jaco wasn’t just a pioneer of bass; he wrote some great music, too. Here are Robert’s suggestions for getting started…

For the full interview with Robert Trujillo, check out Total Guitar issue 273's free 32-page bass supplement, on sale now. Click here to buy the new issue.

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Victor Wooten picks 10 essential bass albums

Page 1 of 5
Page 1 of 5
Come On, Come Over
(Image credit: Clayton Call / Retna Ltd./Retna Ltd./Corbis)

Come On, Come Over

“It’s a classic R&B song featuring [legendary soul duo] Sam & Dave on vocals. That’s a great one because anybody who listens to that song can relate to it.

"It’s a rare moment where there’s actually vocals on a Jaco Pastorius composition. I highly recommend listening to Come On, Come Over.”

Page 2 of 5
Page 2 of 5
Portrait Of Tracy

Portrait Of Tracy

“I think Portrait Of Tracy is an incredible composition. It’s very dynamic, and it’s also groundbreaking for a composition to be so beautiful but yet so clever and involved with the technique.

"It’s one of those songs where you’re going, ‘What is this? Is it a keyboard, like a Fender Rhodes that’s treated in some special way?’ It’s amazing.”

Page 3 of 5
Page 3 of 5
Kuru/Speak Like A Child
(Image credit: Denis Williams/Corbis)

Kuru/Speak Like A Child

“If you want to really broaden the spectrum and get into something that’s really driving and moving, you can get into a song like Kuru/Speak Like A Child.

"It’s got a world music quality in it, but also super-funky and then all of a sudden makes a journey into jazz in a very special way. It’s a wonderful collaboration with Herbie Hancock.”

Page 4 of 5
Page 4 of 5
Weather Report - Birdland

Weather Report - Birdland

“Birdland is a classic in itself. It was actually a Top 40 hit I guess you could say, back in the day. If a person is feeling very progressive and their ears are a bit more flexible, I love Mr Gone and Punk Jazz. As compositions, for me, they’re two of my favourites. But some people aren’t always ready for it!”

Don't miss

Bass Legends: Jaco Pastorius

Victor Wooten picks 10 essential bass albums

Page 5 of 5
Page 5 of 5
Stuart Williams
Stuart Williams
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Drums

I'm a freelance member of the MusicRadar team, specialising in drum news, interviews and reviews. I formerly edited Rhythm and Total Guitar here in the UK and have been playing drums for more than 25 years (my arms are very tired). When I'm not working on the site, I can be found on my electronic kit at home, or gigging and depping in function bands and the odd original project. 

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