Pat Martino + Jim Ridl, “The Phineas Trane” from Nexus (2015)
Pat Martino was moved to pick up the guitar again after hearing Jim Ridl, and that deep connection is thrown into high relief on this standout track.

Pat Martino was moved to pick up the guitar again after hearing Jim Ridl, and that deep connection is thrown into high relief on this standout track.

A previously unreleased trio recording from Pat Martino provides new insight both into his obvious debt to Wes Montgomery and Grant Green — but also how his burning, blinding speed outstripped anything those old masters ever attempted, even as the guitarist opened a door for fusion’s looming ferocity. You MayRead More

Here’s my look at jazz guitar records that didn’t get their due. You May Also Like: How John McLaughlin’s First 4th Dimension Album Brought Things Back in Focus John McLaughlin’s Shakti – ‘This Moment’ (2023)

We saw our share of standout instrumentalists, from Julian Lage to Rudresh Mahanthappa to Pat Martino. But, as this lists attests, 2011 might rightly be called the Year of the Big Band. You May Also Like: Julian Lage – ‘Squint’ (2021)

Pat Martino, along with George Benson, was the greatest jazz guitarist to spring from those righteous sounding organ trios of the 60s, and like Benson, Martino is still playing at a very, very high level. You May Also Like: Wes Montgomery – ‘The Complete Full House Recordings’ (2023)

Here are a couple of stories. One is amazing and funny. The other is just amazing. You May Also Like: Wes Montgomery – ‘The Complete Full House Recordings’ (2023) Wes Montgomery with the Wynton Kelly Trio – Smokin’ in Seattle: Live at the Penthouse (1966) (2017)

Given the fact that Pat Martino had played with some of the biggest B3 players in the business (including Jack McDuff and the great Jimmy Smith), it probably surprised no one that Martino’s first solo release You May Also Like: Wes Montgomery – ‘The Complete Full House Recordings’ (2023)

by Pico Yesterday, singer/songwriter Bobby Hebb passed away at age 72 after losing a battle with lung cancer. Maybe the name isn’t familiar to you, but his #2 hit song from 1966 “Sunny” should be. Aside from his original version, it was covered by Cher, Georgie Fame and Stanley TurrentineRead More

by Pico We’ve been long overdue for another “Quickies,” as there’s been way more new releases to talk abput than there’s time to talk (as usual). Nonetheless, the show must go on and the word has to get out. This variation has a certain theme. Well, sort of. We startRead More

You’ve seen it many times before and probably joined the fray a time or two. I’m talking about that never-ending debate on “Who is the greatest guitarist of all time?” Man, there’s so many outstanding ones out there with so many different styles, how can you choose? I sure asRead More