record collection revisited/new record review: Pat Martino "Formidable"

A really well thought out, new, traditional and pure jazz record, is probably something in this day and age that is becoming more obscure.  There is always great music out there, but to find the really good stuff, you have to dig for it, or just listen real closely to your local jazz radio station.  That is how yours truly came upon jazz guitarist Pat Martino's latest offering, "Formidable" on HighNote Records.  The recording was released a short time ago, and was recorded in April of 2017.  For most of the record, it is a trio, featuring Martino on guitar, Pat Bianchi on organ (a Viscount Legend, as opposed to the traditional Hammond, but an instrument with the same tonality as a Hammond), and drummer, Carmen Intorre Jr.  On some tracks, the trio is augmented by horns including tenor saxophonist Adam Niewood.  Adam's father, is the legendary woodwind player, Gerry Niewood, who played with (among others), flugelhorn player, Chuck Mangione.

You can check out Adam's bio, HERE.
http://www.niewood.com/bio.htm

Also in the horn section is trumpeter Alex Norris.  On this record, Norris mostly plays trumpet, but does add flugelhorn on one track.  Most of the tracks on this record, are covers, but they are extremely well arranged and well executed by the trio, and the horns when they augment the band on different tracks.  The music's mood is either really mellow and laid back, or, in some instances, it is uptempo and swinging, and makes you want to tap your foot or cut a rug.  That is the essence of what jazz is about, and this record has whatever that jazz essence is, in spades.

So, if you are a fan of old school, trio jazz, this record is surely worth digging.  The sound is old school, but at the same time, it is fresh, and hip.  Martino's dexterity as a guitarist shines through but does not overpower the talent of the other musicians in the band.  Again, there is a great balance of uptempo swinging numbers, and laid back, cool jazz to just chill out to and tune in your listener's ear.  That is what makes this record as good as it is, with the contrasts in styles that are brought to the table along with arrangements, that obviously serve the tunes very well.

The whole record is a delight.  The one song that caught the ear of yours truly, on the radio, was Martino & company's arrangement of Duke Ellington's "In A Sentimental Mood".  That could be the crown jewel.  

Track listing, Pat Martino "Formidable"

1. El Nino
2. Hipsippy Blues
3. Homage
4. Duke Ellington's Sound of Love
5. El Hombre
6. In Your Own Sweet Way
7. Nightwings
8. In A Sentimental Mood
9. On The Stairs