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Invitation is a live album by Jaco Pastorius, released in December 1983. It was recorded at various venues during a tour of Japan in September 1982, featuring his “Word of Mouth” big band. While his debut album showcased his eclectic and impressive skills on the electric bass, both Invitation and his previous album, Word of Mouth focused more on his ability to arrange for a larger band. The band’s all-star cast included Randy Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Toots Thielemans, Peter Erskine, Othello Molineaux, and Don Alias.

Reception.

The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow awarded the album 4.5 stars stating “Electric bassist Jaco Pastorius’ Word of Mouth big band made two recordings for Warner Bros. during its short life, of which is this is the superior one. ”

Track listing:
“Invitation” (Bronisław Kaper) – 6:57
“Amerika” (Traditional) – 1:09
“Soul Intro/The Chicken” (Jaco Pastorius/Pee Wee Ellis) – 6:49
“Continuum” (Jaco Pastorius) – 4:28
“Liberty City” (Jaco Pastorius) – 4:35
“Sophisticated Lady” (Duke Ellington, Irving Mills, Mitchell Parish) – 5:17
“Reza/Giant Steps/Reza (Reprise)” (Jaco Pastorius/John Coltrane) – 10:23
“Fannie Mae” (Buster Brown, Clarence Lewis, Morgan Robinson) – 2:38
“Eleven” (Miles Davis, Gil Evans) – 0:49

Personnel:
Jaco Pastorius – electric bass, vocals (on “Fannie Mae”)
Randy Brecker – trumpet
Bob Mintzer – tenor and soprano saxophone
Jean “Toots” Thielemans – harmonica (listed as a “special guest”)
Peter Erskine – drums
Othello Molineaux – steel drum
Don Alias – percussion

Additional:
Elmer Brown, Forrest Buchtel, Ron Tooley – trumpet
Jon Faddis – trumpet (solo on “Reza”)
Wayne Andre – trombone
Dave Bargeron – trombone, tuba
Peter Graves – bass trombone, co-conductor
Bill Reichenbach – bass trombone
Mario Cruz – tenor and soprano saxophone, clarinet, alto flute
Randy Emerick – baritone saxophone, clarinet
Alex Foster – tenor, alto, and soprano saxophone, clarinet, piccolo
Paul McCandless – tenor saxophone, oboe, English horn
Peter Gordon, Brad Warnaar – French horn

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Released: December 1983
Recorded: September 1–4, 1982
Venue Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama
Length: 43:05
Label: Warner Bros.
Producer: Jaco Pastorius