Every once in a while, a musician comes along and completely redefines the way an instrument is played. Born in Norristown, PA, in 1951, Jaco Pastorious revolutionized the function of the bass guitar. With breathtaking precision and a whimsical, playful edge, Pastorious brought funk-inspired licks, melodic chords, and extensive solo runs to an instrument that for many years had become secondary in jazz and pop music. The musician got his start in the pioneering jazz band Weather Report, playing with the group until 1981 when he departed to form his Word of Mouth band. Outside of his regular commitments, Pastorious also became an integral part of Pat Metheny’s mid-’70s run on ECM Records and also appeared on four Joni Mitchell albums from 1976-1980. Pastorious was taken from this world far too young—at the age of 35—after sustaining severe injuries from an assault outside of a Florida nightclub, but generations of bass players are still learning from his truly one-of-a-kind style.