Formidable

Description

FORMIDABLE is the title of Pat Martino s first studio recording as a bandleader in 11 years and it is an excellent metaphor for the guitarist s fearless and virtuosic playing. Martino grew up in Philadelphia, PA, a musical melting pot where many jazz greats began their journey, so perhaps it s of little surprise that he emerged as one of the most exciting guitar players in the 1960s, having already developed a mature style by the age of 20. Today, the guitarist still plays his instrument with the same fiery enthusiasm that he had as a young player first making his name, having lost none of his talent for furious, daring improvisations, or hard-swinging grooves. Martino s core trio featuring Pat Bianchi and Carmen Intorre, Jr., is here augmented by the fiery saxophone of Adam Niewood and the forceful trumpet of Alex Norris. Martino s excellent choice of sidemen was made evident by the thoughtful communication and sense of fun shared between Martino and his colleagues.