1. Lean Years
2. Inside Out
3. Goin' To A Meeting
4. Double Play
5. Midnight Special
6. 'Round Midnight
7. Side Effect
Pat Martino - Guitar
Eric Alexander - Tenor sax
Tony Monaco - Organ
Jeff "Tain" Watts - Drums.
You might say that Pat Martino returns to his roots with this album,
recorded live in 2009 at Blues Alley in Washington. Early in his career,
Martino played as guitarist with organ groups led by the likes of
Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff and Richard "Groove" Holmes.
Here he returns to the organ group format, with the addition of Eric
Alexander, whose saxophone blends well in harmony with the organ and
guitar. He adds extra punch to several tracks, which is augmented
by Jeff Watts' potent drumming.
But the main attraction is Pat Martino with his enviable technique
and dexterity. His brilliance might be overwhelming except that his
blues sensibility gives a firm grounding to his solos. In fact several
of the tracks (all but one composed by Martino) are blues, and Pat's
single lines express genuine bluesiness. And there is variety within
the blues themes: from the up-tempo Lean Years via the nonchalant
Inside Out to the smouldering Double Play (with
Jeff Watts apparently playing four-in-a-bar bass drum, a neglected
rhythm). The audience understandably applauds Martino's potent riffing
in the midst of his solo on Double Play.
Martino is featured throughout Thelonious Monk's 'Round Midnight,
taking it at a thoughtful pace, with octaves reminding us of the influence
of Wes Montgomery. The final track is a good-natured blues which swings
along comfortably.
The CD contains only seven tracks, but none of them lasts for less
than seven minutes, conveying the leisurely club ambiance. This album
is a must for all guitarists but also very desirable for anyone who
appreciates good jazz played with skill and sensitivity.
Tony Augarde
www.augardebooks.co.uk
CD Reviews
HighNote HCD 7231
