In 1977 our fusion-ish band was living in (actually exiled to) Durham, NC and I saw concerts by Count Basie Orchestra with Ella Fitzgerald, and Weather Report, on back-to-back nights - quite a treat! The Weather Report concert was at the main University of NC auditorium and after the show we went to the only large club in Chapel Hill. It was there that I stumbled into somebody and spilled my beer on his foot. I looked up and realized that it was Jaco, and said "Man, of all the folks to spill beer on..." and thanked him for the music.

 

I mentioned my "meeting" Jaco to our drummer and band-patron who were also hanging out and the Patron said "Ask him if he wants to party later; I'll supply the party favors". I did, and Jaco said sure, come on by the motel later. The three of us showed up an hour or so later and stayed until dawn, listening to Jaco tell of his experiences playing with Cannonball Adderly, Herbie Hancock and many more other names that I can't recall now. His energy was contagious and he was a genuinely gracious and friendly guy.

 

I was deeply saddened by his decline and death. A friend from Miami, also a bass player, told of seeing him living in Liberty Park, his only possession a basketball and obviously suffering from a degree of dementia. It seems that some gifted souls are only meant to be around us for a short time, and Jaco was one of the all-time "super-novas". His contribution was mammoth and stays with me to this day - yesterday I listened to The Birthday Concert and was awed yet again. My overall feeling toward Jaco is GRATITUDE!

 

Jerry Sorn