Pat Martino - Formidable

The Guardian 80

(HighNote)

Pat Martino has the not entirely helpful reputation of being a guitarists’ guitarist, on account of his speed, accuracy and creamy-smooth tone. But along with these virtues comes a toughness and bite that derive from his early years in the funky organ combos of Jimmy McGriff, Jack McDuff et al. This album harks back somewhat to those days, with organist Pat Bianchi and drummer Carmen Intorre Jr driving the rhythm in classic style. Adam Niewood (tenor saxophone) and Alex Norris (trumpet) add some tasty solos too, but the poised and unflappable Martino still manages to dominate the proceedings, turning a good session into something a bit special.