Guitarist Martino blazes into Southland

Pat Martino is such an amazing jazz guitarist that it’s easy to forget he is now in the second phase of a remarkable career. In 1980, after surgery for a severe brain aneurysm, his memory was virtually wiped away. It took seven years for him to relearn how to play the guitar well enough to go back into the recording studio, where he produced the remarkable comeback album, “The Return.” Last year, his continuing growth as a player was acknowledged by the Recording Academy with two Grammy nominations for his latest album, “Think Tank.”

All of which makes any of Martino’s infrequent appearances in the Southland eagerly anticipated events. His performance Tuesday at the Jazz Bakery was no exception, with a near-capacity crowd on hand -- a rarity early in the week.

In a set that flamed with restless vitality, Martino took no prisoners, ripping off high-speed runs and brisk, hard-swinging chording. Once known as a Wes Montgomery-style player, he has, since his comeback, transformed his music into a full-throttle, cutting-edge contemporary expression.

Tenor saxophonist Michael Pedicin Jr. (son of ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll great Mike Pedicin) responded to Martino’s musical challenges with brawny-toned, aggressively virtuosic solos deeply influenced by John Coltrane. Pianist Frank Locastro filled the gaps with rapid-fire, arpeggio-filled accompaniment.

In the set’s better moments, the result was a powerful collection of edgy, envelope-stretching jazz flowing from the rhythmic foundation of Jeff Pedraz’s bass playing and Scott Robinson’s drumming. In the lesser moments, the music’s potential for a broader impact was shot down by a failure -- especially on Robinson’s part -- to compensate for the Bakery’s quirky acoustics.

Most players quickly realize that the room is not receptive to high-decibel, super-busy drumming. Robinson, however, blithely went about his business, at what is apparently his usual high level of intensity. His style and his volume overshadowed everything else. It’s going to take a much more careful observance of the Bakery’s characteristics for Martino’s music to receive the presentation it deserves.

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Pat Martino Quintet

Where: The Jazz Bakery, 3233 Helms Ave., L.A.

When: Today-Sunday, 8 and 9:30 p.m.

Price: $25 today and Sunday, $30 Friday and Saturday

Info: (310) 271-9039