Ya the bass is definitely one of those under appreciated elements in a song - every hears the singer, the drums and lead guitar, but few realise the importance of the bass, take it away and you have flat shitty songs.

That number from Weather Report was great listening, had it on in the background there as I caught up on a few things, real easy listening...

Suddenly I heard the whole band, not just a guitar. In time even playing solos was not as important as wish that whole band, song sounds good. Playing Bass is what pushed me in direction of multi-instrumentalist and later producer.

That's really cool man, and amazing by happenstance getting asked to play some Bass for your friends band changed your whole direction musically..

Jaco Pastorius is unreal, what a talent, and of course I know Flea, as the Chilli Peppers were one of my fave bands for a long time back in the day..