"Portrait of Tracy" is a composition by American jazz bassist Jaco Pastoriu… Read Full Bio ↴"Portrait of Tracy" is a composition by American jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius. It was named after his first wife, Tracy Sexton.

The song has been sampled by American R&B trio, SWV in their hit “Rain”.

The song was also sampled by British music producer Luke Vibert in his track “Mr. Mukatsuku”.

Portrait Of Tracy
Jaco Pastorius Lyrics

Instrumental

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04Kuru / Speak Like a Child7:38

05Portrait Of Tracy2:19

PT2M19S

Jaco Pastorius

06Opus Pocus5:24

07Okonkole Y Trompa4:25

08(Used To Be A) Cha-Cha8:53

09Forgotten Love

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Comments from YouTube:

@imParisthoee

3y↑1.8K

i had no idea “Rain” had a sample! this is one of the most beautiful pieces of music i’ve heard. i wanna cry. every day is a good day when you learn of new music

@johnsonzz-jw3oz

3y↑61

Same here! I knew the SWV part of the song sounded familiar,now I know the roots of it. Beautiful!

@brothadre76

3y↑28

I knew it was sampled, just never knew where from. Tired of not knowing, I had to research it. Plus, another song took me to swv. Bottom line.....Now I know! Beautiful song!

@icilmaa

3y↑9

Me neither.

@imParisthoee

3y↑3

@@javimiami92 SWV

@aliyalove4518

3y↑5

@@javimiami92 SWV are talented.

40 More Replies...

@transcendentalaesthetic

4y↑1.1K

How does a 24 year old kid come up with something so sublime? And express it under three minutes?

@JesusChrist5000

3y↑94

its from being a musician in past lives . You will get there one day

@vatsaakhil

3y↑115

@@JesusChrist5000 that's something my guitar guru used to say, it takes a lot of reincarnation to be a good musician lol

@earlgarcia6106

3y↑31

First mistake is having a teacher..you can’t teach this kids..you either got it or you don’t

@hmm2084

3y↑262

@@earlgarcia6106 that is nowhere near true, and that completely undermines all of the hard work these musicians have put into their music

@bobfrediii2131

3y↑57

Immense practice and passion for both the bass and Tracy

48 More Replies...

@mh20767

9y↑2.4K

I didn't think a bass could sound like that. Very pretty.

@Guitfiddlejase

9y↑159

You have no idea how much joy you have brought me by typing that comment...

@supremevictory4310

9y↑38

Not prettier than u ma

@mh20767

9y↑6

dejuan hill thank you

@mh20767

9y↑5

Guitfiddlejase thank you

@KreaperSlayer

9y↑19

He uses harmonic notes

24 More Replies...

@kesemoney

1y↑231

I love that the most replayed part of this song is at the very beginning, it just shows how much people adore this.

@Minnevan

1y↑13

Also when practicing along to it, that beginning part can be very annoying to nail because it starts off so fast

@martyguild

1y↑13

@@Minnevan if you rake your fingers in the correct order it becomes a lot easier. all about that economy of motion baby

what i like to do is: pluck the first note with my middle finger, the second note on the same string with the index. but the next two notes are on the next two lowest strings, so you can simply rake your index finger down for these notes. basically, for each set of 4 notes i play with middle finger, index, index, index.

if that feels wrong you can try doing the first note with index, and the rake with the middle.

@PancakeDiaries

32w↑8

Most played because a lot of people never knew SWV sampled this track for rain.

@TheOneSymphony

16w

@@PancakeDiaries it was actually replayed not sampled

@PancakeDiaries

16w↑1

@@TheOneSymphony ok

5 More Replies...

@roydezky849

4y↑415

Oh Jaco, where are you now? It so cruel to think of you resting in a grave to never wake up again yet this wonderful melody you created is still roaming around the globe, getting to the core of our souls.....and your bass playing is still inspiring young dudes to become great ones. You surely left something for eternity! We love you!!

@BREAKocean

3y↑21

That was beautiful Roy! Words that inspire. Words to admire

@bombyboo6335

3y↑6

I looooove that. Eloquently put brother and SO true.

@kokonut4202

"...still inspiring young dudes to become great ones.." i got called out in the youtube comments of a 46 year old song lol
damn good comment though, really made me think.
thx Roy :D

@davidschmidt270

👏👏👏👏👏

@percthirtington4588

1y↑6

He is not resting in a grave. His body is. Who knows what Jaco Pastorius is up to.

5 More Replies...

@clappedoutmotor

7y↑2.1K

He must have really loved her.

@remley8877

6y↑221

Jaco was actually pretty laid back, my wife knew him well, especially in his dixi dregs days. He was always polite and reserved, quiet and shy. He even gave her an orriginal black Gibson EB0, just so he could play it when he was in town. He was really not the jerk he was portrayed as, but the song was a cover orriginally by John Coleraine.

@ChaChaRealSm00th

6y↑133

He was actually a great family man! At first when all of the other musicians he was on the road with were out partying and getting wasted after shows he would keep enough money for himself to eat and sleep and send the rest back to his family. It wasnt until later down the line he got hooked on drugs and it all spiraled down hill.

@holdencaustic

6y↑235

Snaggle Toothed he wasn’t a “ scumbag “- he was a bipolar, with an intense manic streak.
He held it together for some time, and when drugs were being thrown around in his fame days, it brought out the worst in his condition.
He was definitely known to get out of line, but again, the manifest behaviors of bipolar are not pretty when it’s unregulated.
Do some research on the level of mood disorder he suffered, and compare it to others who have such an issue- compassion is the key- I feel it was half of his mission on earth- to bring the disorder to light the way he did-
Go look up Carrie Fisher’s period of psychosis, somewhat similar- but he was hypomanic or manic almost all the time.
That isn’t a choice- and when it goes unchecked, it’s harder for the person to accept treatment- they get addicted to the hypomania- it makes them near superhuman.
That’s someone’s father, and someone’s brother, and someone’s son- don’t be a douche.

@rmabe85

5y↑17

Snaggle Toothed I’ve been playing music since I was 8-9 and seriously pursuing guitar since I was 12. I love all types of music and can always appreciate a talented player. Having said that,
I can totally see where you’re coming from. I didn’t stumble upon this video; I sought it out to listen to an amazing musician display a mastery that few will ever achieve. However, it’s not something that I want to listen to on a regular basis. I understand atonality and have a working knowledge of music theory but musicians like Jaco are in their own realm. After a while of listening, I begin to lose the feel of the piece and it becomes more a chore than a pleasurable experience.

@H4rd5tyl3r

5y↑12

Snaggle Toothed we dont care... its music just enjoy it.. i myself am a big piece of shit who cares....

43 More Replies...

@binocularsin1hand

10y↑1.1K

the use of harmonics is exceptionally mind blowing.

@YaqoHomo

8y↑2

+binocularsin1hand it's fake.

@identiticrisis

5y↑57

@@YaqoHomo How is it fake? It's perfectly playable, given enough practice and a good example to follow.

@LalisasToxicHusband

5y↑15

identiticrisis it’s fake news

@jyosiefus6773

4y↑11

Matthew Warren There’s a video of him playing most of it live

@juliusebola9389

3y↑3

@@LalisasToxicHusband Your mom's fake news

9 More Replies...

@rustykuntz94

3y↑182

00:57, just gives me chills everytime, so beautiful the feeling in that line

@theargentino4245

2y↑7

There is such a distinctive hook in the progression of those notes. A melancholic sound.

@juliagulia5823

5y↑156

I was listening to SWV’sRain and someone in the comments put me onto this. Beautiful

@josephcoleman8634

2y↑4

Same. Did not know this

@electriccellist

8y↑3.7K

The minute you start thinking of music as a competition you are missing the point. That's why there's sports. Peace to the world.

@blindsquirrel7802

6y↑167

electriccellist There's nothing wrong with trying to up your game through friendly competition. I love to jam with excellent players that inspire me to be better.

@johnnyluna7824

6y↑17

thank you for this. really.

@assketchum3868

6y↑139

Until you hear about the battle of the bands cash prize

@ettoremacca2927

5y↑16

that's why I hate things like XFactor or The Voice...

@IchibotK

5y↑22

Combining music and competition is fine. Not all the time of course.

67 More Replies...

@austinwagner536

9y↑854

I find it amazing a lot emotion comes through this song. I feel happy, sad, moved, motivated, and other things I can't put into words too well. Truly a genius who was taken too quick

@tracycalon2418

Yes

@camel3

8y↑17

+Austin Wagner One reason for that was he was bipolar like Jimi Hendrix, notice how emotive their playing was.

@hunterfagan6272

8y↑20

+Austin Wagner It almost seems like he is explaining his life. all of the darkness and beauty in his life

@brandoncrimmins6296

8y↑29

Actually...He was beaten to death by a night club bouncer. Nice try though. He may well have had a severe drug problem but he is one of the few people who's death was not related to said drug addiction.

@gabrielquinn7208

7y↑9

he predicted that he would die at 34, he was 35 and didnt want to live anymore, or else he wouldn't have tried fighting a bouncer

8 More Replies...

@Lalaphive

8y↑443

I wish this song would go on forever.

@hunterfagan6272

8y↑25

I know, its too short

@TheBoguspokus

Repeat?

@ironjaybeatsgymnut8201

Lalaphive hell yesssss

@kraven4598

4y↑1

Snaggle Toothed it absolutely did. In the form of Rain and Pulling me back. A majestic masterpiece

@blakebradley829

8y↑653

the ending chord just hits me like a ton of bricks everytime. so unexpected

@pepas346

8y↑26

yes, it shattering, amazing...

@joeroganofficial5433

5y↑2

Yes

@bernardosantos8020

3y↑4

To this day it still manages to escape my ear... to learn by ear I mean. I’m not “actively” learning this song, it’s just when I pick up my bass I try to find it for some 3 minutes. And it’s frustrating as hell since it’s the most hard hitting

@bemo6983

3y↑4

@@bernardosantos8020 it's 3 false harmonics so you should look into that

@bernardosantos8020

3y↑1

@@bemo6983, damn

6 More Replies...

@CoyotePoet

11y↑417

When this album came out I had already been playing bass a dozen years....and still it changed me. It didn't scare me, it encouraged me. I am remembering about how when Bird and then later Trane came on the scene they scared a lot of sax players away from their horns, being that damn good...like when Jimi did the same to guitarists...that is to say if guys like this scare you away from your ax, you were never meant to play it...but when they excite you. You have found a calling

@ThiagodMoraes

5y↑4

Absolutely true,i feel as a guitar player the same when i listen to SRV playing ,Jaco was unreal,cmom first time i heard Jaco was like 13 years ago,i remember thinking wow this is something else,pure gold!!!

@jenslensing6906

4y↑8

Beautifully said, man.

@benm8503

Thanks for sharing this, you put it very well

@Qamafeo

Thanks man

@felixcossette668

agree ! I played many instruments and didn'T felt that till I played drums and that's when you know your love and passion for the instrument is crazy

5 More Replies...

@danivelvet_

31w↑9

36 years ago today you left and this is still touching souls ...thank you

@neaituppi7306

3y↑59

Every musician has one special song they write. They may have a lot of hits or none, but they almost always have one special song.

@jeansmith6115

45w↑2

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

@guitaristssuck8979

24w

This is an instrumental

@Howdypartner69420

22w↑1

@@guitaristssuck8979 It's still a song?

@guitaristssuck8979

22w

@@Howdypartner69420 no, just a track

@Howdypartner69420

22w

@@guitaristssuck8979 a “track” is no more exclusive or inclusive to a “song”. You just need a point of contingency cause you’re more than likely boring as a person.

3 More Replies...

@elma.s4825

3y↑600

I remember showing this song to my girlfriend and telling me how she wanted for me to learn it. I told her that I couldn't. The great news was that I did learn it, but only after I had lost her.

@mrshlmusic

2y↑50

I’m very sorry for your loss

@andreyspish

2y↑35

hope you'll play it for your next girlfriend and she'll find it very special.

@Calph

2y↑21

Keep your chin up, boss. You'll be alright.

@veeshead

2y↑7

Man, that’s sad.

@kaydgaming

2y↑6

Poetic

19 More Replies...

@sasutron

10y↑472

So good. It makes me cry just how talented it required someone to be to be able to make this up. It just shows how beautiful humans are to be able to create something of this magnitude.

@Taxidermistification

10y↑16

It's very poignant. Reading about him the word genius comes to mind.

@narutodirecte

9y↑6

+Sasu S human create nothing , they look for and they find

@jaredgarden2455

7y↑3

Correction: Some humans.

@bjornagain2020

Sasu S, wonderfully said.

@MrJadePinwheel

6y↑10

i was driving a girl around once with this playing & she said it sounds like a fat woman walking through wal-mart. I was kind of 'triggered' honestly lol

3 More Replies...

@teaganp5011

33w↑12

My best friend killed himself a few years ago. We had known each other since kindergarten. Whenever I think of the old times, the good and the bad, and how he struggled with mental illness I'm brought back to this song. This song totally embodies the way it feels to lose a piece of your soul.

@northstar92

33w↑6

Interpretations of instrumentals are so varied. May you're friend RIP and I sincerely hope you find solace in the good times you shared

@AsellusPrimus

10y↑567

I love the way they adapted the melody for Rain by SWV. I wonder how someone could have known it would transform so beautifully into an RnB song.

@yunggaucho3534

5y↑35

AsellusPrimus right all the qualities were there I suppose. Rhythm soul and melody

@jarvisspruill861

3y↑27

That was the first thing I thought of when I heard the opening. SWV ... Wow 🤩

@adrian_9951

3y↑3

I was about to say, thought I was crazy

@kawaiicafecreations4445

3y↑20

Also pulling me back by chingy

@chainedinplace

3y↑28

THIS IS THE ORIGINAL. SWV sampled this from HIM. Not him from them.

21 More Replies...

@Chriss123HD

10y↑861

That damn D#
when learning this i tore a tendon im my pinky stretching that far.

@kilbo98

9y↑56

Whoa! There are like 3 other ways to do it you know that right? I do the huge stretch but you can use a false one. Less strenuous

@crudmuncher77

9y↑132

that's hardcore yazz dedication

@ianboylan1981

9y↑60

kilbo98 I concur. My hands aren't big enough to even attempt the stretch, so I do a false harmonic by pinching it. Doesn't sound as natural, but player fast it wouldn't be as noticeable to a listener. You can feel better knowing that even victor Wooten can't make that stretch. ;) It is a huge damn stretch.

@kilbo98

9y↑32

Im blessed with huge hands

@jimmyg5608

9y↑20

Have got tiny hands but can still do that stretch. No excuses

37 More Replies...

@DANYALLAYNAD

4y↑366

This is the 'Little wing' of bass guitar

@prod6mill.512

4y↑6

best comment

@gcavy1

3y↑51

except way more technically and harmonically proficient. No offense to Jimi, but NOBODY had ever done this before...

@manny75586

3y↑4

This is one of the better observations about this piece I’ve heard.

@SirCommoner

3y↑7

Jaco Pastorius was kinda like the Jimi Hendrix of (jazz) bass

@gcavy1

@@SirCommoner yup

3 More Replies...

@cokestar4143

3y↑89

I just bought my bass guitar and I was playing around with the harmonics....

My brother came to visit from Detroit and guys I could not believe how perfect he was playing this.

It sounded exactly like the record right in front of my eyes .

“I kept practicing and I seriously couldn’t get it until one day it’s just happened.”

@benhill4real

24w

it’s the slightest touch you really go into a diff vibration when you figure it out

@lucasgarcia1146

9y↑451

The first time I heard Portrait of Tracy I thought "how is it possible for a human being to give birth to such a majestic master piece.. how is it possible to make me feel so many intense things in less than 3 minutes?" and then I remember that Jaco was THAT human being

@curiousotter2056

6y↑10

Lucas García relax.. jesus

@stefanobisogni7507

6y↑4

In jazz there is not something deeper than this. It's essence of soul!

@ragnarrivski8606

6y↑2

Jaco is not a human being. Hes a monster!!!

@borbetomagus

@@stefanobisogni7507 Well, maybe Oscar Peterson's 'Little Girl Blue'.
/watch?v=hnDvc221Yaw

@Yngsatchvai

4y↑1

The first time I saw my son I thought (Damn! Thats one ugly baby) hes still ugly as sin 10 years later. She must have cheated😝

2 More Replies...

@TheNewBerser

9y↑1.1K

Rainy morning and a cup of coffee

@DWat00

8y↑5

Yes

@ungodlyours7934

7y↑2

Lucas Gianoli ☺

@wolfcastle5026

6y↑10

U dont live in a movie bro XD

@elliottturner2140

6y↑4

@Lucas Gianoli it's because of 1:40 it sounds like the intro to NPR news XD I was wondering why this tune made me think of the same thing, that chord progression always screams morning news to me. (CMaj9 GMaj9 BbMaj13 FMaj13)

@jordanb7335

Rye on a cold night

17 More Replies...

@villagekev

6y↑98

This is the beauty of music...I was brought here by SWV's "Rain," one of the most beautiful R&B songs ever created, and it revolves around this sample from Jaco....awesome.

@tinyrobot8165

3y↑36

This song makes me feel like a human... when the walls are closing in and I’m so confused and lonely it physically makes me sick, I play this to remind myself that there’s so much complex beauty and love out there for me to experience. I’ll make art for those I love like Jaco.

@lucalanzi9345

3y↑5

I feel the same way as you, whenever I hear Jaco's music I break down, its so elegant, beautiful and full of love, I wish he was still with us. It hurts to have seen him pass at such a young age. His music for me offers inspiration for the beauty that can come out of a struggle.

@jasminepettway8827

13w

😊😊😊😊😊

@Gadgetsjon

3y↑64

"I'm caught in a storm, that I don't need no shelter from."

@jbr600

3y↑5

SWV

@shawnbrown7909

3y↑4

Rain...down...on me...

@jvhunt6319

3y↑15

Who’s here after learning SWV sampled this in “Rain”?🙋🏾‍♀️

@Jamesy2753

4y↑34

Thundercats sound is very reminiscent. Love his sound and style. Great bassists never get the recognition they always deserve.

@Ian-nl9yd

49w↑5

Thundercat live is wild. I saw him in St. Petersburg and he played for two hours, only played 8 songs. Took all his biggest pop hits and turned them into jazz jams.

@arseniykibenko790

1y↑2

2023. I play it every day for about 2 weeks already. Along with the audio and myself. Can't stop.

@casseyboo89

7y↑49

Sometimes its soft as a misty rain that gently touches my soul, it cools the fire that burns in me and I simply lose control......

@Rubano5428

11y↑22

this is music for the soul. It just touches you deeper than most songs do. so hauntingly gorgeous

@spartty

1y↑28

Just found out that the SWV - Rain sample came from this. Well thank you sir, because that sample led to one hell of a beautiful song.

@thehoneyeffect

3y↑8

Why cant someone love me like this?

@RatfromNadeaust

8y↑119

I want this on my funeral on repeat.

@BGizzle8098

6y↑1

Ketchup Rod Exactly.. this is amazing.

@bombyboo6335

Deep......Heavy ...... Appropriate

@BassLove91

2y↑3

When I was in 8th grade, the bass player in our band took it upon himself to learn this flawlessly

He ended up living in NYC as a successful bass player. Saw that one coming. Lol
Love you Trevor Scott Brown

@msh441

32w↑7

First time I heard Portrait of Tracy it was more than a little startling. Totally broke me down. Absolutely ugly-crying! One man. One instrument. Just… ❤

@SICCOSTATUS956

8y↑23

This song is so beautiful it made me cry... This is heavenly music made for ears that can listen.

@andrewbautista23

8y↑59

this song is a gem. it's like a diamond hidden in the garbage. if art truly exist, this is it.

@johnballs1352

Are you implying that Jaco sux?

@JohnDoe-dv6zb

3y↑6

@@johnballs1352 No, he was implying that Jaco is the diamond and that in order to find greats like him, sometimes you have to dig through a lot of coal.

@nk972003

4y↑29

I heard this for the first time 1 hour ago and i've listened to it probably 20 times since. My mind is literally blown. The transition between 1:40 and 1:50 is life changing.

@faithwelton9097

8y↑223

"Every time I try to leave something keeps pulling me back me back."

@lakeeshaburris4081

7y↑18

Faith Welton and Rain by swv

@BigTinKc

7y↑8

Dont forget rain SWV and Childish Gambino Stay Woke REdbone

@mg659er

6y↑4

+Bargain Hunters Paradise SWV FTW on best version. Them girls were rockin back then.

@BigTinKc

I agree <3

@benkile6310

6y↑1

Gay

4 More Replies...

@rockluverx2

8y↑86

I just want to hear the last 3 notes ring on forever.

@nicholas72611

8y↑18

That Emaj7#11 could ring forever and still sound amazing to my ears

@Musicdudeyoutub

10y↑2K

Playing this song correctly is extremely difficult.

@Musicdudeyoutub

10y↑78

Shortcuts? There are no shortcuts when covering Jaco. How else would you play that D#?

@Musicdudeyoutub

10y↑44

I agree. As long as you're having fun playing, who cares?

@Jwk1706

10y↑65

Musicdudeyoutub The way I got around the D# was to play it on the E string (i.e fretting on the 7th fret and playing the harmonic on the 11th), its still a bit of a stretch but less so than on the A string

@FRRGC

10y↑24

Musicdudeyoutub I normally do a false harmonic on the D#. The hardest part is that last harmonic (its a chord with A#, D#, and G#)...

@Musicdudeyoutub

10y↑14

Yeah, that last chord is the hardest one. I found out that if you pluck the strings closer to the bridge, you get a cleaner harmonic. What do you mean by a "false harmonic?"

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@eizyaws

4y↑36

Wow I always thought this was an SWV original! Always learning something new.. Even in 2020!🙌🙌💪😎✔️💯

@maximilianraab18

2y↑6

I'm speechless. That is the most profoundly beautiful song I have ever heard in my live. Music rarely brings tears to my eyes, but Portrait of Tracy did it for me.

@glendenig9962

3y↑8

A music box always comes to mind when I hear this... yes a music box playing a rich, passionate, and tender, yet somewhat melancholy tune.

@jules9810

4y↑3.3K

Thundercat brought me back

@iaial0

4y↑53

First time for me to listen to this and I'm just beginning to wrap my mind around this piece of music

@SHACROW

4y↑5

yes sir

@rustydagon598

4y↑16

JULES and strawberry letter 23

@packthebagpiper5382

4y↑78

I instantly heard SWV’s “Rain” . To hear how 90s rap and r&b exposed Gen X to music like this without knowing it

@DBL304

4y↑3

Sammeee

77 More Replies...

@MrFukyootoob

41w↑3

Here is a piece of music that stands the test of time. The perfectly balanced complex sumplicty tickles both sides of the brain. Simple formula: 4 strings x 8 fingers + 1 thumb x 21 fretless frets and use them all sparingly. he makes them sing, dance, and bounce, all while leaving space for this crazy piece to breathe. The way he can feature harmonics so musically is mind altering. This is one of those times where i know 3 minutes is the perfect length for a song but I still wish it could run for 7 or even 9 minutes. So many parts of this song could stand as a whole song on their own, swv's Rain is one that did it. Great piece of music!

@MaxShlochz

12y↑11

In 1987, 21st of september (which is today), we lost one of our greatest musicians, both to bass player and musicans. RIP Jaco Pastorius, thank you for everything you did.

@mainsblanches8793

3y↑10

This recording changed the history of bass playing forever!!...

@MsNetta4U

3y↑21

I love how SWV sampled this. I love both versions. Much respect

@liamwalter1179

2y↑4

I can barely believe this exists, it feels like it's so fragile it could dissolve away at any moment.

@cetorbett

2y↑7

Listening to this is like looking at Van Gogh. You hear his clearest thoughts in a way you never expected and then feel sadness when you realize how his life ends.

@rafael-4607

3y↑12

Such a beautiful and emotional song. Says so many things without a word spoken.

@mister9tailz245

5y↑3

A friend at college used to play this as our friends sat around and got super high... 4 years sober now... yet listening to this song brings me back to those beautiful, simple, wacky times.

@dogsandyoga1743

4y↑26

Thundercat bought me here. I'm eternally grateful...

@_ratherBursadboi

2y↑3

A few months ago I rediscovered Weather Report, and in turn found Jaco. I’ve been playing bass for roughly a year, and Jaco has changed my life.

After listening to his work, I felt a new drive to play. Listening, learning and playing has become my one true passion in life. I don’t care about being “the best” bassist, but I want to be the best that I can be.

Thank you, Jaco

@JohnDoe-dv6zb

3y↑4

R.I.P., Jaco Pastorius. Misunderstood and taken from this world too early. Rest comfortably, forever immersed in golden light. Your music is true love, passion and sentiment. You are a master of your art - remembered, admired, missed and loved exactly for who you are. You were perfect just for being and you remain immortalized in our hearts. May you find even better in the next life. The Halls of Amenti await you.

@etgarequator2671

3y↑6

Im decades late for this masterpiece, the main riff are just beautiful, epic yet mysterious & sad at the same time. Knowing his unfortunate short life & how this song was dedicated to his first wife, Tracy, gives it deeper feels.

@fantasticvoyageofficial4102

3y↑4

You feel everywhere listening to this song....the deepest, wider love song i' ve ever heard...you got to have real deep emotions to write something like this! Far beyond only technique...love and thank you Jaco

@justacup8676

5y↑12

One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.

@stephenhaddad3491

3y↑11

Thank you SWV for using this as the basis for Rain. No one sounds like Jaco and most guitar bassists are more Bros. Johnson, like plucking it low and rhythmic.

@mememan3799

3y↑31

Something otherworldly about this song. I feel like these aren't even sounds that should exist. I own a Bass but i know for a fact that this has to be out of my skill league. (edit: its been a week since i first found this song and ive probably listened to it 30 times, i think this is genuinely one of the most beautiful songs ive ever heard.)

@xanderdaniels8284

46w↑6

1:00 to about 1:45 is one of the most beautiful sections ever recorded on bass. It sounds so ethereal and deep. To this day it is unbelievable to me that one man was able to accomplish so much on the instrument.

@wayne6777

32w

Garbage.

@indingotv1558

1y↑7

There is just one Jaco and copied many times, but never equalled. The tone is in the fingers and in the soul. Unique, emotional and technically grandiose. Thanks for unforgettable listening experiences

@WarWarriorx

18w↑2

i always listen to donna lee by jaco, this day i gave another try to this, and i can't explain what i feel, it makes me profoundly emotional. Thanks Jaco, i needed this.

@marcoilariuzzi

6y↑5

I could listen portrait of Tracy in loop forever. It's heaven in a tune. He had such an amazing talent, just for think about writing this tune, never mind playing it which is nearly impossible.

@fiorpietro

4y↑8

Listening to the great Jaco.

Portrait of Tracy's main theme reminds me of a 1964 Italian classic, a love song of Domenico Modugno - Tu si na cosa grande pe me - that my dad used to sing softly.

@TVThemeDoctor

12y↑6

one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written

@cheewawa4065

2y↑6

Wow, he’s an amazing player and writer. That is beautiful.

@laleluna8053

5y↑5

I get lost in another world whenever I hear this song. I can hear pain, happiness, sadness, and so much more.

@faelforgotten2012

7y↑17

This guy is the best bassist ever lived...

@tomkts07

9y↑77

1:42-1:44 harmonics are my favorite of this tune, just makes me reflect deeply.

@BrokenDarknessfilms

9y↑5

tom kotas Completely agree with you man. The harmonics are hit with such accuracy. It amazes me.

@identiticrisis

5y↑2

They feel nice in the hand, too.

@KingJayDotEs

4y↑1

100% agree 👍🏽

@lordofleaves257

3y↑17

That last chord is pure bliss. Sounds like a keyboard almost

@Martin-il6du

2y↑1

This is a ghost harmonic, wich is by the way very tough to manage

@lordofleaves257

2y↑1

@@Martin-il6du didn't know the name, thank you. It is very difficult, I've been learning the song for over a year now and it's one of the most challenging parts for me too play correctly. Always sounds heavenly when I manage to pull it off

@vdkylo7251

50w

@@lordofleaves257 i cannot fret all 3 strings at the same time and hit the harmonic );

@kawabungadad8945

4y↑2

Nobody cares where you came from, just like I don't care about Jaco's checkered past. This song is a beautiful masterpiece created by a man who was obviously misunderstood. May he rest in peace for giving the world such a delightful work of art.

@mxpwr4003

5y↑4

How he created such melody out of a BASS GUITAR is mind numbing , genius or drugs or a mix of both.. this track will remain a benchmark for ages.

@flyingshrimpgd5791

6y↑10

I would say this should be a lot longer, but perhaps the length of this masterpiece is what makes it so magical.

@GbrElfunk

41w↑1

This is the epitome of sensitivity. Jaco, you beautiful soul..

@noahissak294

9w↑1

Such pure communication of emotion and with incredible articulation

@malkavian6275

4y↑9

False/pinch harmonics on a bass is one of the most beautiful sounds you can make on any instrument...

@Greyareas27

1y↑7

Jaco was the mad scientist of bass players.

@jstinstinny8909

19w

Picture it’s a rainy Sunday morning, cold and foggy outside, the birds are chirping though it seems so nasty. There’s some situations taking place in life and you are right in the middle of the holiday season. You grab a cup of coffee and you just want to sit and hear Jaco play this masterpiece. Welcome to my morning. I hope you all have a beautiful day.

@DavidaReid1

7y↑463

This is simply not long enough. Another 20 hours should do it 😩

@antonio8904100

Davida Reid Agreed

@quialtero3577

Yeeessss

@clearclearerjesus4717

Yesssss

@georgeshanidze6463

4y↑3

Imagine playing this on the bass for 20 hours

@_TheBLKjedi_

4y↑1

Said the same thing bruh

2 More Replies...

@shapedsilver3689

4y↑15

First time I ever listened to this and I wasn’t expecting it to be this haunting. I’m actually tearing up a little

@samaskew4503

11y↑7

Beautiful, sad, mysterious. I adore these qualities in art.

@legogeek66

4y↑3

Watched his son Felix Pastorius soundcheck this tune when he was touring with Jazz is Phish, and man. It made me cry. You could clearly hear Jaco in there. I heard this song so many times played by so many people, but hearing Jaco through Felix was haunting. Special tune.

@RB939393

8y↑43

I saw somebody play this live the other week and it was amazing.

@pissnachoes

wowzo

@HelouNatash

3y↑4

everyday I don`t listen to this masterpiece is a day wasted

@gabmanila

8y↑19

For real though, who the fuck would dislike this? Like there is not ONE thing wrong with this work of art. This song makes me feel well.

@frenchlad9441

18w↑2

hes telling us a story through his bass, he was simply a genius

@keldonlemon

10y↑46

that last harmonic in the song....brilliant

@kilbo98

9y↑1

I just got to playing it so it doesn't sound terrible and its like :DDDDDDDD but it will never sound this good

@giemzag

kilbo98 How do you hit it? I got the whole thing down just now but I can't get that one to come out,

@kilbo98

Commandophile The last harmonic you push down all the 6th fret on the G D and A strings and then harmonic all of the 9th frets simultaneously

@giemzag

9y↑1

kilbo98 Thanks for the reply. Since I commented, I have been able to work it out by fretting the 9th fret of the G, D, and A and the harmonic on the 13th.

@mikeyeyey8678

@@giemzag wow its been 6 years. Still playing the bass guitar?

@TheRealNativeSun

3y↑14

Rain by SWV. Damn! Never knew. 💯. Jaco is a legend. He took the bass to another level.

@baltazarmenvielle4146

4y↑2

Every time I hear this it reminds me of the first time I heard Jaco's first album. Started with Charlie Parker and Miles' "Donna Lee", "Come On, Come Over", "Continuum", "Kuru/Speak Like A Child", every song blew my mind. And then moved to "Portrait of Tracy". I thought that the first part was unplayable. The song gave me peace. The melody was incomprehensible beautiful. Then, when I started playing a little better I could finally understood it, but still blows my mind. That year wasn't great, but Jaco was always there. This music makes me remember bad but good times.

@jakubanterlope7432

11w

Props to the person who sampled this as well. What genius all around!

@Villafane7

9y↑386

This is challenging enough to learn to play. Just think of what it took to compose.

@bleachcool1465

9y↑181

Sometimes when you're just sitting there practicing, messing around, you come up with stuff that you wouldn't believe you had in you.

@benkile6310

6y↑35

That’s the beauty of jaco. He didn’t “compose”. It just happened.

@identiticrisis

5y↑59

@@benkile6310 His explanation was that he made the connection that harp / "natural" string harmonics are just like overtones in brass instruments. He had experience composing for brass already, so he could work out the overtones on each string, even so-called "false" harmonics at each fretted position. The challenge is working out the voicings and fingerings that are actually playable, which would be where "messing around" comes in. But yes, very talented all the same.

@desmorga6757

5y↑3

identiticrisis Where did you get that info from? Sounds like a fascinating interview/source

@morten1

4y↑13

But it's always so much easier playing something you came up with yourself

3 More Replies...

@ZachyStugotz

6y↑6

I'll never forget the first time my bass teacher introduced me to this (and then tasked me with learning it HAHA). I had never thought of or heard a bass in such a way. Truly groundbreaking and timeless.

@klauzer3593

7y↑14

0:54 - 1:14 is probably my favourite part of the song. Beautiful.

@milesmungo

4y↑4

The number of songs that have been inspired by this gem...

@julianmitchell3035

4y↑1

This is the Jazz world's equivalent of My Favorite Things.

@indriadrayton1132

@@julianmitchell3035 for me, that goes to Coltrane...

@inedialiquidarian9933

4y↑10

I am here because of thunderccat, but mainly because I thought that was an swv joint, called rain. I loved the swv joint and it has been playing on my mind for the past month then thundercat happened.

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