One of the era's great albums: and not just because of Pastorious' bravura playing, of which of course there's plenty, not the least on the crazed, overdriven title track. What gives Word Of Mouth the twist of something special is Pastorious' writing for this illustrious big band: whether it's the free extrapolations of ‘Crisis’, the loose limbed African vibe of ‘John And Mary’ or the sheer joy of ‘Three Views Of A Secret’, there remains an irresistible melodic confidence in every track. It helps of course that Pastorious had Mike Gibbs hanging out at the recordings, and there's a grasp for dynamics, unexpected colourings and Gil Evans-like brass voicings that have the Gibbs hallmark. But this is a Pastorious album through and through, and no surprise that it's part of Warners (Japan)

Top 1000 jazz recordings. But be warned, that means pictogram sleeve notes, no extras. But, hey, how can you add to the best?