METALLICA's ROBERT TRUJILLO Says Making 'Jaco' Movie Has Been 'Quite A Journey'

Grammy Pro recently spoke to METALLICA bassist Robert Trujillo about "Jaco", the new documentary he's produced about the brief life and career of legendary bass player Jaco Pastorius. You can now watch the chat below.

"Jaco" is now set for release on November 27 through on-demand and streaming services, with the soundtrack scheduled to arrive on the same day.

Speaking about his involvement with the film, Trujillo told Grammy Pro: "I've been friends with Jaco Pastorius's son since 1996 — Johnny Pastorius, the eldest son. And I remember when I first met him, I said, 'Some day, you've gotta make a film about your father,' because his influence is so broad. I mean, I know so many musicians that are actually funk players or rock players, gospel musicians, jazz that are influenced by Jaco. So it's not one-dimensional; it's really very wide and broad. And it's just great to be able to reach out to a lot of various types of legendary jazz players as well as rock players — jazz players like Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, as well as Geddy Lee and Sting and then Flea… and many others."

He added: "I feel that this project has been a grassroots journey — very 'mom-and-pop,' so to speak — and we've had a lot of challenges along the way. And to be where we are now — almost ready to release this and we've had a lot of challenges along the way. And to be where we are now — almost ready to release this — it's very special and also very rewarding. So it's been quite a journey for me."

Trujillo launched a PledgeMusic campaign earlier this year to raise funds for the film's completion, with incentives for contributors including bass lessons, signed Blu-rays or DVDs of the film and other personalized mementos.

Trujillo told LA Weekly that "Jaco" has already cost him a lot of money out of his own pocket. He revealed: "When you are trying to do it right, it's costly. I've been a part of this film for five years. I've spent a huge chunk of money. It's great because I feel it needs to be done, but I have [other] responsibilities, too."

Trujillo explained that just because he is a member of METALLICA, that doesn't give him access to unlimited funds, saying, "People don't understand. I didn't write [METALLICA's huge hit] 'Enter Sandman'. It's a little different for me."

The film will include interviews with Jaco's friends and fellow music legends, including Flea, Geddy Lee, Carlos Santana, Sting, Bootsy Collins and many more.

Pastorius was a pioneer who influenced the sound of modern jazz and rock by redefining the sound and the role of the electric bass guitar.