METALLICA bassist Robert Trujillo spoke to LA Weekly about his involvement in the making of the documentary film on the life and music of bass legend Jaco Pastorius. "Jaco - A Documentary Film" made its debut as a "work in progress" on October 6 at the Mill Valley Film Festival. The film features interviews with several high-profile musicians, including Joni Mitchell, and tells the story of Pastorius, a self-taught, larger-than-life musician who made almost mythical impact on music and reinvented the electric bass. Jaco brought a level of playing that gave the instrument a powerful and dynamic voice with both edge and beauty. "Jaco - A Documentary Film" is currently in its final stages of post-production and is in the midst of a fan-funded partnership with Pledge Music. Speaking about his investment in the project>, Trujillo said: "When you are trying to do it right, it's costly. I've been a part of this film for five years. I've spent a huge chunk of money. It's great because I feel it needs to be done, but I have [other] responsibilities, too." Of his financial commitment to the film, Trujillo added: "People dont understand. I didn't write [METALLICA's smash song] 'Enter Sandman'. It's a little different for me." Directed by Paul Marchand and Stephen Kijak, "Jaco - A Documentary Film" includes interviews with a wide array of legendary musicians, from Herbie Hancock to Wayne Shorter to Joni Mitchell to Bootsy Collins, and was made with the full involvement and cooperation of the Pastorius family. It contains incredible unseen footage and photography procured by Gregory and Johnny Pastorius, providing exclusive archival support to further augment this engaging story. The filmmakers have chosen PledgeMusic's direct-to-fan platform so as fans can not only be a part of the project but also unlock exclusive updates and content upon pledging. Pledgers can access a variety of unique experiences and cool items. Like so many other musical greats, Jaco Pastorius died young, only 35, but his legacy has lasted the test of time. With his pioneering techniques, charismatic and outrageous stage performances and his unmistakable singular style, Jaco left behind a musical legacy that has continued to inspire and influence ongoing generations worldwide. Through his critically acclaimed self-titled solo debut album, his work with break-through fusion/jazz group WEATHER REPORT, whose "Heavy Weather" album is one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time, and his collaborations with singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell, Jaco's reputation and influence grew to permeate many musical styles and genres.
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