Pat Martino

The Profile

Pat Martino (born Azzara, 1944) was an American jazz guitarist celebrated for his virtuosic technique and inventive improvisation. He suffered a brain aneurysm in 1976 that caused memory loss and inability to play, later relearned the instrument and returned to performing and recording.

Born in Philadelphia in 1944. Underwent brain surgery for an aneurysm in 1976, lost memory and his ability to play, then relearned guitar and resumed his career; died in 2021.

Two DeBaser reviews praise Pat Martino's virtuosic jazz guitar across live and studio recordings. They highlight his fiery technique, use of standards, and the dramatic mid-career medical setback and subsequent comeback. Recommended entry points: Live At Yoshi's and the Impressions compilation.