Honoring Pat Martino at Alternative Guitar Summit

There are a handful of guitarists that have changed the way we think about the instrument over the past five or six decades. Many names such as Jim Hall, Wes Montgomery, and Joe Pass are no longer with us. Pat Martino, very much still alive, is one of those icons.

Born in 1944, Pat’s story is the stuff of fiction. Showing incredible determination and love of the jazz art form from an early age, by fifteen years old he was touring the country with all Black bands. This was the early 1960’s, and it’s said that when a tire blew in the band’s vehicle, the band had to send Pat into the segregated southern towns to get it fixed. Embraced by the music’s founding fathers he grew up fast. In his late teens he lived in Harlem where he played all night in smoking bands that are now the stuff of legend. His virtuosic, swinging lines were fully formed by age eighteen and a string of records, such as El Hombre, Consciousness, and Timeless, followed through the 70’s and became benchmarks for any aspirant. The range of these recordings is remarkable. We see influences from Indian music, funk and R&B, classical, folk, and more. All of it is framed by Pat’s deep immersion in the roots and culture of jazz. ...

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There are a handful of guitarists that have changed the way we think about the instrument over the past five or six decades. Many names such as Jim Hall, Wes Montgomery, and Joe Pass are no longer with us. Pat Martino, very much still alive, is one of those icons.

Born in 1944, Pat’s story is the stuff of fiction. Showing incredible determination and love of the jazz art form from an early age, by fifteen years old he was touring the country with all Black bands. This was the early 1960’s, and it’s said that when a tire blew in the band’s vehicle, the band had to send Pat into the segregated southern towns to get it fixed. Embraced by the music’s founding fathers he grew up fast. In his late teens he lived in Harlem where he played all night in smoking bands that are now the stuff of legend. His virtuosic, swinging lines were fully formed by age eighteen and a string of records, such as El Hombre, Consciousness, and Timeless, followed through the 70’s and became benchmarks for any aspirant. The range of these recordings is remarkable. We see influences from Indian music, funk and R&B, classical, folk, and more. All of it is framed by Pat’s deep immersion in the roots and culture of jazz.

In 1980 Pat had a brain aneurysm that almost killed him. A last minute operation saved his life, but his entire memory was gone. Having no idea who his parents were, much less how to play the guitar, he languished. And yet as if by supernatural will power he taught himself to play again and by the 90’s had returned to the stage in full form. Numerous records have followed full of his gorgeous compositions and hallmark soloing. Pat Martino is more than a musician. His speaking and writing demonstrate a wholly unique approach to life, one imbued by spirit and hard -won wisdom.

The Alternative Guitar Summit celebrates living composer/ players every year. Despite the pandemic we are forging ahead with a once in a lifetime aggregation of guitarists who will honor Pat by playing his compositions. 5 sets of guitar duos will play one piece by themselves and one with a rhythm section. Many know Martino the soloist. Fewer know the depth of his compositions. We hope to highlight his writing.

Now at age 76 Pat is having health issues. Let’s face it, he’s had a long, hard, incredibly eventful life. More than likely he’ll never play live again, and he faces financial challenges.

This live -in -the -studio performance is being recorded for eventual release on Highnote Records. The March 20, 2021 streamed performances are FREE! However, we hope that attendees will donate not just towards the costs of production, but more importantly towards the fund set up assist Pat Martino. Help us celebrate this extraordinary life.

Hosted by Joel Harrison and Bill Milkowski.

Performance order for 3/20/2021, subject to change. (All 15 minute sets except where noted.) :

Peter Bernstein and Adam Rogers
Ed Cherry and Sheryl Bailey
Rez Abbasi and Jeff Miles
Joel Harrison (5 minutes)
Howard Paul of Benedetto Guitars (7 minutes)
Dave Stryker and Paul Bollenback
Kurt Rosenwinkel
Oz Noy and Nir Felder

"Pay What You Wish" for this event.

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