Pat Martino - Desperado (1970) [1989]

Guitarist Pat Martino's first five recordings as a leader were made for the Prestige label, and this one (the fifth) has been reissued on CD by Original Jazz Classics. Martino performs Sonny Rollins' "Oleo" and five of his originals, using the 12-string guitar. The rhythm section (keyboardist Eddie Green, electric bassist Tyrone Brown, and drummer Sherman Ferguson) is funky in spots, electric, and swinging when called for. Eric Kloss makes a guest appearance on soprano for the opening "Blackjack," but otherwise, most of the focus is on Martino's consistently inventive playing. ~ Scott Yanow

Tracks:

1. Blackjack
2. Dearborn Walk
3. Oleo
4. Desperado
5. Portrait of Diana, A
6. Express

Personnel:

Pat Martino (12-string guitar);
Eric Kloss (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone);
Eddie Green (electric piano);
Tyrone Brown (electric bass);
Sherman Ferguson (drums, bells).