What Pat Martino Taught Me!

by | Jazz Improvisation, Pat Martino

Last week I was very saddened to hear that one of the of jazz guitar passed away. I’m referring to Pat Martino (1944-2021) who will not only be remembered as a major influence guitarists worldwide, but also as a wonderful human being to those who had the good fortune of getting to know him.

I first met Pat Martino during the summer of 1977 while studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston. When I found out that he would be performing for several days at the now defunct Jazz Workshop on Boylston Street, I couldn’t wait to hear him! The very first night he performed, I approached him during one of his breaks and asked him for lessons to which he agreed.

As my personal tribute to Pat, I want to share with you throughout this video what taught me during my brief studies with him that week!

3 Comments

  1. William James

    Thank you for this enlightening lesson with appropriate homage to Pat Martino. I was fortunate to see him in late 70’s at the Cellar Door in Georgetown, DC. I asked him to sign a guitar strap for my older buddy who was too nervous to ask. He cheerfully signed it in a dark marker, my friend still has it today. He good naturedly kidded that he wanted the strap, then smiled and handed it to me of course signed.

    • Richie Zellon

      Yes, Pat used to always carry a marker to gigs and he would take his time creating a very artsy autograph. Not your usual fast scribble. He will be missed…Thanks for sharing!

  2. Jorge Franchy

    Great idea Richie!!!

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