Pat Martino

East!

Pat Martino

1968

Bop

Fast, furious bebop with Middle Eastern flavors. The title track burns, and Martino's speed and precision are on full display. Essential Prestige-era Martino.

El Hombre

Pat Martino

1967

Post Bop

Martino's debut as a leader. Confident post-bop with Latin touches. At 22, he's already a complete player. This is where the legend begins.

Baiyina (The Clear Evidence)

Pat Martino

1968

Contemporary Jazz

Martino explores modal jazz and spiritual themes. The lines are longer, the grooves deeper. Evidence of an artist pushing beyond straight-ahead bop.

We'll Be Together Again

Pat Martino

1976

Post Bop

Martino returns to acoustic guitar and standards. Intimate, warm, lyrical. A change of pace from his electric work, showcasing his melodic side.

Starbright

Pat Martino

1976

Fusion

Martino goes electric and funky. Fusion grooves with his bebop DNA still intact. The guitar work cuts through the '70s production with signature precision.

Consciousness

Pat Martino

1974

Fusion

Peak fusion-era Martino. Funky, electric, groove-heavy. The title track stretches out over 20 minutes. Bebop chops meet '70s electric exploration.

Desperado

Pat Martino

1970

Hard Bop

Hard bop with edge. Martino's tone is sharp, the rhythms tight. Swinging and sophisticated, this catches him right before the fusion experiments began.

The Visit!

Pat Martino

1972

Martino with a larger ensemble. More arranged, more ambitious. Shows his versatility beyond the guitar trio format he'd already mastered.

Strings!

Pat Martino

1968

Hard Bop

Guitar meets string section. Lush arrangements frame Martino's bebop lines. Sophisticated without losing swing, proving he could handle any musical context.

Exit

Pat Martino

1977

Post Bop

One of his last albums before the 1980 aneurysm. Martino at technical peak, exploring post-bop with maturity and fire. Knowing what came next makes this a poignant listen.