Free jazz concert by the Paul Thompson Quintet honouring Jaco Pastorius and marking the 50th anniversary of his debut album.
The Paul Thompson Quintet plays City of Asylum on Thursday, November 5, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM. The whole night is a tribute to Jaco Pastorius, the bassist who changed how the electric bass is played. It's also the 50th anniversary of his self-titled debut album, so the set will lean into that record.
Pastorius is one of those names that sticks even if you aren't a jazz head. He started as a drummer before he ever picked up a bass, played in a soul cover band called Las Olas Brass in high school, and eventually built a reputation as a jazz bassist, composer, and producer. He's widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential bassists of all time, and the man who revolutionized the instrument. The 50th anniversary of his debut album gives the night a specific hook to hang on.
Leading the tribute is Pittsburgh's own Paul Thompson, who's described as one of the city's finest jazz bassists and a disciple of the bass-drum connection. He's been playing professionally for over 30 years, with recording and touring stints alongside Maynard Ferguson and Stanley Turrentine, and more recent credits with Hubert Laws, Geri Allen, Michael Feinstein, and Bob James. These days he teaches jazz bass at Duquesne University and West Virginia University.
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He's not doing this solo. The quintet includes Scott Boni on sax, Joe Sheehan on piano, and George Heid III on drums, with Thompson on bass. The show runs from 7 PM to 8:30 PM at City of Asylum, 40 West North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. It's free, with both in-person and livestream tickets available.
