PAT MARTINO “All Sides Now” Blue Note * * 1/2
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Guitarist Martino, who was forced to relearn his instrument after suffering a brain aneurysm in 1980, retains a solid identity in these diverse collaborations with seven fellow guitarists ranging from Les Paul to Joe Satriani. Even in the weaker numbers (those with Charlie Hunter, Tuck Andress and Michael Hedges), Martino brings a measure of feeling that his partners never seem able to match. A duet with Cassandra Wilson on Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” seems gratuitous. But his exchange with Paul on “I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You)” is simply a joy, and even his rock-out excursions with Satriani and Mike Stern make for satisfying listening.
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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).
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