Electric bassist
Jaco Pastorius'
Word of Mouth big band made two recordings for Warner Bros. during its short life, of which is this is the superior one. The large ensemble (five trumpets including
Randy Brecker, five reeds with solo space for
Bobby Mintzer on tenor and soprano, four trombones, two French horns,
Toots Thielemans on harmonica, drummer
Peter Erskine, percussionist
Don Alias, and
Othello on steel drum) performs a variety of superior material. Although
Pastorius takes his share of solo space, and the sound of a big band backing a bass soloist is rather unusual, he does not excessively dominate the music.
Pastorius contributed some of the pieces (most notably "Liberty City"), is showcased on "Amerika," and also plays such tunes as "Invitation," "The Chicken," "Sophisticated Lady," "Giant Steps," and
Gil Evans' "Eleven." ~ Scott Yanow