Joyous Lake (1977)
I'm still relatively unfamiliar with Martino's canon of work. But I was quite surprised to hear the energetic heavy guitar jazz fusion coming at me from the opener 'Line Games'. A little late in the game to get rolling on the Return To Forever sound, but I'm not complaining. A2 is more what I had expected here. Something like a jazz rock version of Gabor Szabo. The rhythm section is very busy, which I like. The rest of the album is mostly like this, with the exception of B1, which brings the heavy funk. Clearly inspired by Herbie Hancock. The bass and drums on this album is very complex, and I also appreciate the analog synth tones. Martino is picking away rather speedily. Intriguing album for sure. I'll hold onto it for now.
Ownership: 1977 Warner Bros. (LP). Acquired in 2026.
8/19/26 (review) 
El Hombre (1967)
I was a little bit familiar with Martino as his name has been bandied about when talking the kosmigroov genre, a style that I'm tangentially interested in. The one previous album I heard didn't leave much of a mark, though a relisten most certainly is in order. But this one did leave an impression. Immediately I was reminded of Gabor Szabo and Wes Montgomery, as Martino gently leads these jazz instrumental tracks with his fine lightly amplified guitar style. Complimenting him on the album are a five piece including no less than three on drums and percussion. But the two members that put this one into the excellent category are organist Trudy Pitts (check out the cover of Introducing the Fabulous Trudy Pitts - my kind of woman!) and Danny Turner on flute. The latter is known more for his saxophone work, but the instrument is not to be found on El Hombre. Wonderful late evening listening, a superb chillout close to the night. This was Philadelphia native Pat Martino's debut, though as the original liner notes point out, he was a veteran by this point. Ownership: 1985 Prestige (LP). Acquired in 2021.
I was a little bit familiar with Martino as his name has been bandied about when talking the kosmigroov genre, a style that I'm tangentially interested in. The one previous album I heard didn't leave much of a mark, though a relisten most certainly is in order. But this one did leave an impression. Immediately I was reminded of Gabor Szabo and Wes Montgomery, as Martino gently leads these jazz instrumental tracks with his fine lightly amplified guitar style. Complimenting him on the album are a five piece including no less than three on drums and percussion. But the two members that put this one into the excellent category are organist Trudy Pitts (check out the cover of Introducing the Fabulous Trudy Pitts - my kind of woman!) and Danny Turner on flute. The latter is known more for his saxophone work, but the instrument is not to be found on El Hombre. Wonderful late evening listening, a superb chillout close to the night. This was Philadelphia native Pat Martino's debut, though as the original liner notes point out, he was a veteran by this point. Ownership: 1985 Prestige (LP). Acquired in 2021.
1/10/21 (review)
1/10/21 (new entry)
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