“Sonically, Truth, Liberty & Soul is also, hands down, the best-sounding Word of Mouth recording ever. So, Truth Liberty & Soul is not only a reminder of how much ground Pastorius broke in such a relatively short time on earth; it’s also a reminder of how talented and broad-minded each and every member of his Word of Mouth Big Band was.
“Sure, Truth, Liberty & Soul is for the Pastorius fanatics, but it’s much more: this fantastically recorded document is a treasure trove of modern progressive jazz. The brilliant music found on it serves to underscore that Jaco was more than a brilliant, singular bassist (though that would have been enough); he was a great composer, arranger, and charismatic bandleader — a true jazz renaissance man.
“The hall sound behind and around the band is very present and Jaco’s amplified bass effectively growls and purrs in great focus. The horn sound is addictive and the steel drums sound vibrant with well-focused transient attack. The Word of Mouth Big band features eight members: Pastorius, Mintzer, Brecker, Molineaux, Alias and Erskine augmented by seventeen additional players including five saxophones, five trumpets, three trombones two french horns and a cartridge in a pear tree. Plus tube and Toots. When the horns go full-tilt you’ll perk up!
