Will Lee speaks about Jaco

[@LateShowBottomEnd]

Yes I do suck! I don't know how many great masters there are out there that are writing all the negative stuff, but glad I've given you a platform to vent your hostilities! Have a wonderful day. Love ya!

[@dowsemeister]

Will, being in the New York studio scene myself during the late 70's early 80's playing with Omar, Bashiri and Kashif, you were and still are an inspiration to my bass playing. Everything from Billy Cobham's Dreams to Vince Mendoza. I heard you did a "Mike's" submarine commercial in Montreal, bass and vocals.

[@DavidGarcia-yn4vt]

You are a great bass player and human... let those to speak sh** they do it 'cause you are so good at what you do... I have learn a lot from hearing your playing ... Peace bro

[@johnwiseman17]

I know it's tough to read the crap people post on what you've shared, (read taking a shit in your house,) and resist the urge to respond, but you're better off not feeding the trolls. They get off on getting under your skin. Your response only validates them, and their disease. By the way, thanks for your kind comments in regards to one of my favorite musicians.

[@AndrewCarterBaker]

"Pay no attention to what critics say. No statue has ever been put up to a critic." Jean Sibelius

[@larryrichardson9543]

Cool hit Mr Lee

[@Bassman968]

Will Lee, one of the world's greatest bass players, with a resume of hits and credits longer than a football field...and people want to throw stones from the comfort of their bedrooms! I absolutely love this - you are willing to put yourself on video and speak passionately about some of your inspirations - Jamerson, McCartney, Jaco - and you do it in such a humble way. It makes the regular joe's like myself again understand that musicians on every level are - or should be - connected by the music and musicians we are passionate about and inspired by. Thanks for your contributions to the soundtrack of my childhood!

[@LateShowBottomEnd]

Thanks for the comments, guys. I never thought music was sexist or needed to discriminate. That is so anti-art! Really appreciate the positive words, all...!

[@djfobtronics]

Great interview and insight into Jaco, Will. Peace from New Zealand!

[@SIRONEDRAGON]

Will Thanks for the great memories you shared about Jaco !! I got to hang with Jaco and I think it was Terry Nagel for a weekend in 1985 at The L.A. guitar show. I stayed at and watched ( slept in ) a room for Musician's Institute ..at that hotel where the guitar show was at.. So I saw pretty much all the music happenings that weekend... I had a few times where Jaco and I were by ourselves and he would tell me some very deep and personal things going on in his life at that time. and the other times it was the 3 of us ..Jaco... Terry ? and me and their friends... I feel so very blessed to have met him . Memories I will always be thankful for !!!!

[@denismmoulin]

Will, you're a great guy. Thanx for this

[@GoemonLovesFujiko]

I might have been a bass player had I not discovered you. Back in 1987 I believe, there was an interview you did in Guitar World called "The hardest working bass in show business" (something like that)I learned about your schedule and your Late Night gig.. then I realized, "Wow, being a musician is work!" So, if freaked me out a bit.. Your world seemed so serious and professional.. So I stuck to being a sloppy rock n roll guitarist.. :) 30 years on I am getting serious about bass.. The ol finger joints aren't liking it but I'm having a blast.. Love the interview .. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@MADMANMUSICINC]

Why am I just now seeing this! Man that was cool stuff! Thanks for sharing Will your the best man!

[@stretch54]

Will Lee has contributed to so much great music over the past 35-40 years. He's pretty humble, but he's a monster. Not necessarily a trend setter, but a spectacular accompanist and a man with 'big ears' as they say. He really understands his role as a Bass player and always gets inside the music. One of my favorite musicians.

[@carlodave9]

Absolutely. And Jaco's genius becomes apparent when musicians this good can't really approach his feel, musicality & tone. In fact it sounds kinda noisy and crappy when he tries to show us by example. In this way, Jaco is beyond Hendrix originality, that he still can't be imitated in any way that does him justice.

[@PatriotSteve]

Will Lee spreading the Jaco love - so deserving and props to Will for helping keep his memory alive. Very cool thing to do... much respect to you Will.

[@eleventocker2112]

That story about Jaco soloing for an hour (while "giving" a bass lesson) is thee best story ever. So funny. So great. LOVE IT. Thanks for sharing, Will. -ET

[@russbellew6378]

Wow! That was fascinating. Not only is Will articulate, but he's able to demonstrate as he speaks. I really enjoyed this. I recall hearing Jaco play in bands around Fort Lauderdale in the 1970s - the Four O'Clock Club, She, Batchelors III, Village Zoo, etc. I didn't appreciate just how good he was. South Florida has always been awash with great musicians. Thanks, Will, for recording and uploading this treasure.

[@911fever]

So much bass knowledge and ONLY TOTAL love for Jaco. Great interview!

[@gametheoryplus]

There is so much I love about this video, it's hard to know where to start. The absolute reverence for Jaco in Mr. Lee's words are inspiring and touching. But then the degree with which he has studied Jaco's touch on the the fretless J-Bass shows an adoration that translated into hours of study. This film makes me even more proud to be a bassist, and even more convinced that the instrument has centuries of genius ahead of it. Our musical culture embraces scientific rigor, artistic creativity, and respect for our forebears. As Jaco himself said, "WOMEN AND RHYTHM SECTION FIRST!" Thanks again for this, Mr. Lee.

[@marshallross3373]

Will Lee, your superb bass playing really complements the narrative, and the anecdotes of Jaco and bass playing in general. Thanks for posting. Cheers!

[@eisenyeo]

I can feel Will's sadness and pain with the lost of Jaco, Will's been my hero since 1977, I'll buy any album that's got Will's name on it as a sideman. Jaco's a true genius on bass and composition. Lotsa love to you Will, from Singapore. Yes, we took notice of you all the way from the other side of the Globe Mr Lee :)

[@jjjb9098]

It seems as though Will Lee is, as great a human being, as an electric bassist-phenomenal!!! What a true pleasure to watch and listen!

[@johnkondrk1382]

Whew that made me feel happy and good..glad to be here..ty Will

[@williamcady4248]

Thanks, Will! What a laid back interview as if we all were just chill'n with you while you shared some Jaco-"ism" with us. Priceless, a definite keeper for my KZbin vault. You absolutely right ..... Jaco Lives!!

[@bigbass421]

Hey Will! I'll never forget how cool you were to me when you happened to be at one of my gigs somewhere. I was flattered, and humbled. We had a lot of friends and session mates in common. You speak of 'welcoming' well, you made me feel welcome. Thanks, man.

[@DonnyOsmosis]

So glad that YOU are still with us, Will Lee -- to share you talent and your stories! I remember Dave Holland (drop, drop) telling me about the first time he met Jaco - I wish I was bumping around NYC in the early '80s! (was just a teen way up in Saugerties)

[@stemart1641]

Hi Will, it was great to hear you talk about Jaco. Thanks for the great contribution you made to music as well. I first became aware of you when you were jamming with Steve Gadd & Richard Tee. I think I was just getting into listening & playing funk at that time. I'm a piano player. Lovely to hear one of the greats pay homage to another great .You are a very humble guy! I really appreciate that!!

[@davidhadley370]

As someone who has played bass behind Bo Diddley, Jack Bruce, Jeff Beck and Peter Green among others... I'll weigh in... Will Lee is a consummate musician. A great singer, and he took the time to share with you folks. Be thankful... and stop casting stones less you get a brick back. Musical veterans really don't give a crap about your negativity. They've made it... Now it's your turn... Watcha got? Most people don't bother anymore because of the silliness.

[@marklowe7431]

Dig your channel Will, killer bass player too. Miss the tonight show.

[@kurtwashington2007]

So enjoyable... me & some friends are coming off immersion of the new Jaco documentary....and getting your take on your experiences with him, Will, is just awesome. Thank you for posting... we're still watching...nearly 3 years later.

[@NocyMusic]

Will you are a great player class act with enormous respect to all musicians not just Jaco.

[@usatran]

Will Lee, when ever I listened to you on the Davis Letterman Show, I was always amazed at how you managed to play just the right note in just the right way to embellish the song. Thank you for sharing your insight on Jaco and playing the bass. You are quite the cat.

[@KenLongTortoise]

love your work, and your open heart; thanks for all you have given us

[@KalaniMusic]

Thank you for taking the time to create this video. It's great to get some insights into both your and Jaco's experiences.

[@SeekerSmith]

Thank you for your insight. You are quite accomplished. To hear your take on Jaco is enlightening. Thank you for sharing.

[@terrywho22]

Will, you are a legendary player with a keen wit to boot. Lots of wonderful, honest insights in this clip. Thank you very much for sharing!

[@carshingmoran6583]

Touching interview man. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and memories!

[@eastcane]

Thanks for the video Will, have always loved your work. Jaco was a prize, appreciate your opinion of his playing.

[@perez19]

Will Lee thanks so much for the post.

[@bearcat5203]

Great vid.. I have enjoyed your playing for decades...

[@JAK0449]

great video! thanks great Will for sharing memory and love for JAco the greatest

[@Avaloctus]

Hello Mr. Will. Thank you very much for uploading this video and for sharing your personal memories ´bout Jaco. Great !!!

[@hschoville]

Thanks Will; I really liked this style of interview, very comfortable and relaxed... it allowed you to get in some fretless work that opened your mind to recollections of the time, people and feel surrounding the breakthroughs Jaco (and you) bring to a great instrument.

[@dongiller]

Will, this is fantastic. It's such a pleasure listening to you discuss the art of music making and especially here on this amazingly unique spirit, Jaco.

[@awwwyeaboyeeee]

Great interview. Will, really love your playing on Burton/Metheny's Reunion. Cheers!

[@wombatboter]

Just great to see how someone who has been around still finds pleasure in playing bass even during an interview....music is such a beautiful gift. Thanks for the vid, Will...greetings from Belgium

[@ajadrew]

This is such a cool interview.... Brings Jaco alive & your sense of humour is spot on!!!

[@cambridgebasslessons]

Excellent interview!

[@chizmo7]

I've been lucky enough to meet a handful of truly great musicians in my lifetime, and hands down the really great players are always humble and gracious. After watching this, Will Lee is clearly in that league. Thanks for such a down to earth and generous interview.

[@randyclere7756]

You are one of the greats, will.... you have such a beautiful and unique voice on the instrument as well as a great "voice". What a generous cat you are. blessings

[@christopherhanna5754]

let's not forget to recognize and thank, Will Lee who has given us a mountain of beautiful music as well...

[@daneen6]

Will Lee has been a massive inspiration to me as a bass player, his studio credits and ability to play in so many different styles so well and really groove is fantastic. A master of economy of notes and a great reader. Why has he been in so much demand and played on so many recording dates, etc, etc for decades? The proof is in the pudding, its his approach to playing the right notes and with groove and melody - Awesome musician! Enough said.

[@electrondady1]

it was a good interview. insightful and genuine thanks

[@jonwillis6464]

Great interview session... I have always listed Will Lee as one of my main influences for me to play music on my bass. He brings every element to a bassline that needs to be there.

[@nrich5127]

Thanks for honoring Jaco with your recollections - I learned something from your fabulous playing - I need to practice a lot more.

[@hotdammusic]

@ 22:00 Kermit Driscoll also studied with Jaco.

[@MMJAZZ1977]

Thx Will Lee for sharing your tought and passion.

[@FilbertMcTwitch]

I loved Jaco since I heard his debut solo album as a teenager. I was lucky enough to get to see him play back in the day at Bar 55, along with guys like Hiram, Mike Stern, Jeff Andrews and others. Uncle Will is my favorite working musician and not just an immense talent, but a truly beautiful human being. Thanks for this terrific video, which I finally caught up to!

[@PatriotSteve]

what was it like watching Jaco during those years? Did you see him more than once? Was he still the great musician we know or was it hit or miss? All the video I've seen of him in 84, 85, 86 - he's still sounding amazing.

[@Kaunas-rx3qv]

Great vid Will. Loved your stories on Jaco and your thoughts on things. Excellent playing as always 👍

[@larrymcqueary]

Will, thanks for posting this. It's really something to watch one of your bass heroes talking about another of your bass heroes. Love your talent, self-deprecating wit and passion for playing! It's infectious.

[@KennethBruce]

Good stuff Mr. Lee! Thank you!

[@patrickjaroch5084]

What a Gem of an interview. Thanks So Much for posting this what a fountain of knowledge. Its refreshing to hear such a veteran speak so candidly about such an enigma

[@TehSyneS]

Will, you are awesome, thanks for sharing.

[@jerometaylor4243]

It's not how many notes you can play in a given moment that matters, but how you make a person feel while playing! As often said in certain circles, "It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing"! Longevity is the key! Will Lee has earned his place in bass player history!!

[@WalterDiamond]

Thank you for this video, Mr. Lee. Hugely informative and entertaining.

[@fandog54]

God I only wish I could play 1/400th the notes that you put out there. Listening to you and others like you, makes me question my own life choices. I will keep plucking along and enjoying you and all the others. I saw you twice on Letterman and I really enjoyed the commercial breaks the most. Thanks for the memories.

[@shanefaber8648]

That's the Jaco I remember when I was at the UM music school 1972-77. I used to go down to the Unitarian church in S. Miami to hear him play with Ira Sullivan. It didn't matter if you were an established player with real chops or a beginner like I was at the time, Jaco was humble and gracious to everyone. A couple of years later I saw him at a Weather Report concert in NYC and he greeted me like I was an old friend. I have to smile when ever I hear him play because there was so much joy in his performances. He heard things nobody else knew was there and made it real for the rest of us.

[@PatriotSteve]

I heard Ira Sullivan was maybe the main person responsible for turning Jaco into the pro the he was. Did you know him from the early days or did he just recognize you from the crowd? I heard he had somewhat of a photographic memory.

[@JonHop1]

@@PatriotSteve Jaco had a 150IQ and many speculate now, including myself, he may have been on the spectrum.

[@davevallelunga5796]

I love this interview Will. You tell us about Jaco whom I love as well and could not lay it out any clearer for us.A lot of folks out there are not really informed about what Jaco did for music or what he was about as a person either but this helps immensely and thank you. I discovered Jaco years ago listening to a live Joni Mitchell show with Jaco and Metheny! I wish others could hear what some of us hear in music but I know that's impossible. They are missing out. Now on a final note as an Amateur radio operator that shirt you have there is way cool. Thanks again!

[@MrMjp58]

Fabulous bassist, musician and great video. I first heard of Jaco via an art teacher who had got wind of the latest phenomenon of bass, late 76. It was around 6 months later I managed to actually get to hear him. The rest is history.

[@rayoll]

very cool... thank you for sharing your insights Will!

[@Carehuea]

Thanks Will. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@visog]

What a great tribute!

[@timleecromer]

Outstanding dissertation on my favorite bassist and this drummer loves em’ all! Thanks Will

[@custommusic2433]

Will, thanks for making this video and sharing the stories. One of my best friends was Kenny Cordray and he played guitar with Jaco in the Wayne Shorter band during that time. Kenny also shared a lot of stories with me about Jaco and Pat Metheny. Watchers take heed at 7:50 Will says - “ without ever hearing anything new, how did they get this?” Brilliant brother…was probably cocaine lol 8:48 Will says - “If the bass was Fort Knox…” For some strange reason last few days all I have been doing here is watching Jaco interviews, lessons and videos like this from so many. I’m not a bass player either lol. Thank you again Will Lee, I wonder how many bassists or people commenting here would take on such a task to make a video about such an amazing and influential musician.

[@royvogt5086]

Wonderful insights and great playing. Thank you Will!

[@sm26801]

Thanx Will!!! Awesome for Any bass fan!!! Made my Day!!!

[@jazz65]

one day, many years ago, i was very close to quit playing. because i only knew a 5 percent of things than can be done on a bass and i was quite bored.. then one day a friend of mine told me ... listen to this ... it was the Invitation record. i still remember what i said : wow ... beautiful ... what instrument is it ? he smiled and said : the one you play. No Way !!! i'm still playing, and thanks to him i explored and still exploring many different types of music, especially jazz.. thanks Jaco, i really love You deeply. thank You Will and many compliments for Your great career ;-)

[@tornewcomer7603]

Great video! Love the UV Tee shirt!

[@saganistscgt]

@ 16.50 On mapping harmonics: Harmonics for the electric bass by Adam Novick. Awesome book! 1980

[@davidlongo8808]

Great conversation!

[@Glass_Caskets]

Great video, Will. Love your playing

[@oldschoolbbass]

you one of my favorites too Will, I love playing Jaco's style too like you said hard not to think of him when you pick up a fretless. Phil Magini and Bunney Brunel do some amazing fretless work too. Thank your for your great music and Jaco Stories

[@clicks59]

Thanks for sharing this................... Though masterful through in and through out, I particularly like his work with Joni. He added such great flavor without having to extend. Just great color............. I really appreciate a guy who can make a statement without choosing to use enormous chops to do it.... Like Bill Evans...........

[@chokinzoku]

Hey Will Lee! Your interview was just awesome I enjoyed it so much you're my fav kind of musician - honest open minded and willing. The humility you exude explians to me just how and why you have such a talent and ability to "get" music, and from the sounds of it you totally get people too (your comments on Jaco were thought provoking and beautifully reverent). Anyhow I'm just a faceless "nobody", an anon, yet I look at my fellow musicians (rich/poor - famous/nobody) as equals and the real good ones are always "students" no matter how old they are, just look at Wille just turned 91 and still growing. I'd suggest you're this type - "Jaco introduced the world to the treasure of bass". Credit where credit is due, period. No hero worship no class divide, as music is truly the great unifier of mankind! You're an inspiration to us all Will, and I'd just like to say thanks for the half hour well spent dude! Be well! - E.S. from TX

[@PeterDelgado]

Love you, love music. Great video and how nice it is to have a musician speak so highly of another. There is no greater trait in an artist. you rock and swing and bop...don't stop!

[@snoma01]

thank u Will, for sharing your memories on Jaco

[@Gregorypeckory]

Great to hear the Jaco insights from another great; thanks for the inspiration!

[@alfredoaguilera5138]

Much love and respect brother. Always so much to learn from the bass greats.

[@WoodlawnSound]

Thanks for leaving all the raw video here - it's more human. :)

[@75318531]

You did a great job in " Jaco World " tonight,👍🏼👍🏼 thank you

[@deedee123001]

That was great Will. Thanks. I got sucked in! Someone posted "Zawinul talks about the loss of Jaco" on fb and I went down a rabbit hole o vids that ended with you. A much needed, inspirational kick in the ass. I've been playing punk too long and need to shed! Seiwell says hi.

[@markgregory5116]

Thanks for that, I really agree with you about Jaco and love your 'unlocking the bass' thing and the treasures within. He was so subtle and yet so dynamic, there's a lifetime of things to discover. BTW, I love your playing on Lets Stay Together Letterman 1989 with Al Green Toni Childs Tower of Power et al. You held it all together and drove it at the same time.

[@johnkondrk1382]

Great man..ty Will!...fantastic!!!!

[@futsal1958]

Fantastic interview!

[@bengalinsky4300]

Personally I'm sick of people using insightful and educational material such as this and trying to put a negative spin on it. Music is Love. Jaco is a God among men. Will Lee is a Mensch. Thanks for sharing!

[@iansnyder274]

Great interview. I absolutely love your Wayne Cochran impression " little head inside the big hair screaming like an infant" lmao!!!

[@nattanunsangkasaba8991]

I got to music playing the transcription of your bass line sir! And saw you once back in 90’s at Sam Ash! Very nice dude!

[@apusista]

First heard you on "Crawl Space" when I was 17!! Awesome :)

[@keithjackson4990]

Love you Bro. Will 🎸🎸🎸 My main axe is drums but I’ve been trying to learn the bass for the last few years now but I became a fan of yours watching the CBS Orchestra on Letterman. You and Anton were and still my guys! God bless 🎸😀🎸

[@k-henry5094]

great interview

[@jbernstein59]

Thanks for sharing Will. I remember sitting at a table at The Iridium with you, Jack Pastorius, John Pastorius, Bob Bobbing and others watching Jimmy Haslip play Word of Mouth Revisited tour. Amazing experience. Jaco will live in all of us bsss players who were exposed to his greatness.

[@LateShowBottomEnd]

Good times indeed!!

[@StevieDebe]

Wiil, your spirit is even bigger than your playing which is saying a lot. I am a big fan of you as a person on earth having met you at least four times since 1980 when you were on your way to do a Steely Dan session. Rock on bro.

[@1jgolfer]

Appreciate the interview Will....you have always been a First Tier Bassist to me since I was a teen....When I get back to visit Gotham again I would love to come to a gig of yours outside the TV Studio...Peace

[@thebreathalyzer]

Beautiful, really enjoyed this. Thank you Mr. Will Lee for sharing it...we've sure shared a lot of good times over the years my good friend....okay, so I was having all those good times while you were working! Anyhow, thanks!!! :)

[@daveking8259]

Hi Will, The flageolets on Birdland are easy to play! With your right hand index finger just dampen the note exactly one 8ve above the note you're playing in your left hand. Then you can also move your right hand down (towards the bridge) and you can even get the seventh, which gets that second color Jaco uses. By just playng the "natural harmonics" on open strings, you are limiting yourself. :-) I'm also a bassist but I really enjoy all the work you've done, and the great playing. I've been over here in Europe for the last 50 years so naturally I have played with a lot of other artists. Oops, your clip is from 2013. I'm sure you have figured out the flageolet technique by now :-) Pandemic greetings from an American in Germany! Dave King

[@michaelvaladez6570]

So sad he left us when he did..he is gone not forgotten. Seeing him live was unbelievable..he was his own man.He expanded us as to what the possibility of the bass could do..Monster...player.Thank you for this post greatly appreciated 👍.

[@stephenlocklin635]

Will, I saw Jaco with Wayne Cockryn in Fat City back before he was famous. His band and ours played a group of clubs called the "Place across the Street". I got to town early and walked in through the back by the stage and listened to their last show. Three piece rhythm section and about 8 horn players. I had never heard someone play so percusiively. The band had so much punch. I talked to him a bit and he seemed like he was done with them. I only realized years later while reading about him that it was he that was playing that night.

[@bankovicalexandre7221]

The first time I heard Jaco in '80 I was blown away. As a 13y old kid I heard you play "Calico Baby" with dreams in '74. My life changed for ever. Thank you Will If you got time check my rendition of your song Youtubing "Alex Bankovic Calico Baby" Alex

[@DLowe822]

Awesome! Thx Will!

[@jamesmichaelfrank]

Will about Jaco: The one to unlock all of the treasures ! Man he was special. 🙂 And Will that is an awesome analysis.