Guitarist Pat Martino Interviewed About New Film, Martino Unstrung...And More

A new documentary film about legendary guitarist Pat Martino, Martino Unstrung, focuses on his brain disease--AVM or arteriovenous malformation--emergency surgery, profound memory loss, and miraculous musical and personal recovery. It also presents intimate portraits of Martino, his music, his wife Ayako, his friends across the decades, his family, and important locales in his life.

Martino has been a big part of the jazz scene for so many years that it is easy to take for granted that he is one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time. A virtuoso, his sound and technique on the instrument are impeccable. His musical range extends from deep and rich interpretations of ballads to fast-moving extended runs that are almost impossible to rival--from blues and standards to complex original compositions of his own and others. His mastery of the instrument and consummate teaching ability lead aspirants from around the world to study with him. Martino's understanding of guitar goes well beyond style and technique to include spiritual and theoretical insights.

AAJ Contributor Victor L. Schermer, to celebrate the release of Martino Unstrung, not only spoke with the guitarist about the story behind the film, but director Ian Knox and Neurospychologist Paul Broks about the various aspects of piecing it together, and the science behind it.

The three interviews will run on three consecutive days, beginning with Martino today. You can also read Schermer's review of Martino Unstrung: A Brain Mystery here, watch the trailer to the film here and visit the movie website here.

A ten-minute video performance of Martino playing “The Great Stream," first heard on Live! (Muse, 1972), is also being featured as today's Daily Video.

AAJ is committed to providing the most extensive coverage on and off the web, so check out Pat Martino: Martino Unstrung at AAJ today, and watch out for interviews with Ian Knox tomorrow and Paul Broks on Wednesday!