The Modern Improviser

Share this post
Pat Martino improvising during our interview at J.W. Pepper in Exton, PA
themodernimproviser.substack.com
Guitar research

Pat Martino improvising during our interview at J.W. Pepper in Exton, PA

Apr 20
Comment2
Share

Pat Martino is a legend of jazz guitar and one of the most influential musicians of the last century. As a young prodigy, he was highly influenced by the music of Wes Montgomery but soon forged his own distinctive style.  His career took a major setback when at the height of his popularity, he suffered a brain aneurysm and a surgery which caused total memory loss. But in the ensuing years, he relearned the guitar and developed an even stronger and more personal style.  Although largely known for his extremely articulate, long and winding linear improvisations, his more subtle and introspective solo chordal work should not be overlooked. They have long fascinated me and I’ve been fortunate to sit at the feet of the master and witness him spin off seemingly endless chordal explorations. This Pat Martino solo jazz guitar piece was used in a video to promote his autobiography Here and Now!

Here, Pat plays an improvised version of his original composition “Tradia” (copyright Kitai Music, A.S.C.A.P. 2012).   Notice the beautiful and unexpected twists, turns and modulations he takes while playing what are mostly simple triads, seventh chords and inversions.  This is a gorgeous piece of music and well worth investing some quality time to learn! (Source)

Comment2
ShareShare

Create your profile

0 subscriptions will be displayed on your profile (edit)

Skip for now

Only paid subscribers can comment on this post

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in

Check your email

For your security, we need to re-authenticate you.

Click the link we sent to , or click here to sign in.

Michael
Apr 28Liked by Chester Harlan

What a wonderful improvisation!

Expand full comment
ReplyGive gift
1 reply by Chester Harlan
1 more comments…
TopNewCommunity

No posts

Ready for more?

© 2022 Chester Harlan
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Publish on Substack Get the app
Substack is the home for great writing