I first met Jaco near the basketball courts on West 4th Street. I was with my twin brother Ed, and we were just out hanging out after a rehearsal.
On this summer night there were many street musicians playing on West 4 Street. I recall one group of Spanish musicians playing Beatles tunes man,..they were great with harmonies, and played it up with British accents and all.
Anyway, here comes this person trying to take their money from their box, and one of them said "Come on Jaco, don't take our money."
I turned to my brother and we said together "That's Jaco!!"
Man, we were shocked.
I felt so bad, he looked very bloated, glassy eyed, carrying a basket ball, and bare footed. Yaco asked my brother "Yo let me see your bass," and the Beatles musicians said "Nooo, don't let him see your bass he'll break it or take it."
He then turned to me said "Hey.. give me two dollars," I told Jaco "Man, I'm sorry, I don't have it," then he said "Fuck You."
Ever since then I wore that like a badge of honor.. Jaco said "Fuck You" to me..)
Another time I was walking through Washington Square Park.
I notice a crowd of people cheering, "Do it again!!, all of a sudden I see this white high top sneaker flying up in the air and again cheers; "Do it again!"
As I walk closer, I saw Jaco in middle of the crowd kicking his sneaker up in the air and people cheering him on...
Man, that was so funny, but also heart breaking for he was such a genius bass player but also an entertainer at heart.
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