LIVE IN ITALY

Jaco as he was meant to be heard. I dont think its an insult against Jacos massive influence and legacy to say that although he was a groundbreaking musical genius, the songs he wrote could have been better. "Heavy Weather" was an album that probably both Sean Malone and Kenny G took inspiration from, and considering how good Jaco sounded in "Suite Golden Dawn" on Al Di Meolas "Land Of The MIdnight Sun" and his love of Hendrix, it was only a matter of time until he embraced the heavy Rock sound and found a good guitarist to match him.

For my money, Bireli Lagrene is that guitarist. He opens up the album with some Neoclassical scales, mixed with Funk riffing. Already he proves that he is a musician that can think outside of the box, just like Jaco. They then launch into a fiery version of "Teen Town" wich just floors me every time. The drummer is a local uknown (atleast to me) but he does a good job at keeping time for the two giants he was playing with. Very straightforward and he gives the music a real Rock edge. The cover of "I Shot The Sheriff" from this album has gone on to become a minor classic and its no wonder. Jacos Bass and Lagrenes Guitar is dancing around and intercepting eachother like fencers and there is even a very good drumsolo!

You owe it to yourself to give this album a listen.Around this time Jacos life had begun unraveling into a nightmare of substance abuse and mental ilness and just one year later he would die a tragic and pointless death, virtually forgotten by the music world. But listening to this album you could believe that he was in the shape of his life. Musically this recording really stands as Jacos finest hour.