Guest Book

Pat's Guest Book archive, January, 1998.

Dear Pat, I've recently become a huge fan of yours after hearing All Sides Now and working through the Creative Force books. Your Parental chord and Minor chord conversion concepts are truly an excellent system to develop as an improvisor. Interestingly enough, I was taught the Minor conversion concept back in 1980 by a local guitarist who had studied with a great jazz player Linc Chamberlain. Now that I have your books, I cant help but wonder if Linc studied with you somewhere along the line? Thanks for becoming a major influence on me and I wish you many more years of health, happiness and wonderful music making!
Steven Grinold <Stratrat58 (at) AOL.com>
Tolland, CT. USA - Saturday, January 31, 1998 at 01:15:37 (EST)

My God!! What a huge Guestbook!! Glad that I'm not the only lover of your music out there. Also glad to see-hear that you've recovered as well as you have. Really fell in love with EAST and JOYOUS LAKE (yeah, lots of the Mahavishnu in those days too). Almost met you at the Bottom Line when JL released; Kenwood was classmate of a very good friend of mine while at Berkley Music, but I didn't know and bought the album instead. I was a little poorer in those days. Your illness was a tremendous shock to myself and the many friends who got to hear your music in my home. Just got All Sides Now and like it alot (even the stuff with Joe Satriani). Be Well and Leave It To Me to take care of the cat in Philly who wants JL; I'll send him a copy by tape - if you don't mind.
Lawrence Schaumburg-Hinson <ARROWHQ (at) AOL.COM>
Maywood, CA USA - Friday, January 30, 1998 at 19:40:28 (EST)

Dear Mr.Martino, I was exposed to your art by my older brother, Sitki Sirtanadolu, who happens to be on this guest list. Well, even though i don't play any guitar (but a good listener), i admired the quality of music you have produced throughout the years. I am in "commercial art" field, as a graphic designer, working for one of the prominent advertising firms in the nation's capital. I have designed promotional materials for concerts, recitals... including a CD cover for a well-known keyboard player's album in Turkey. Who knows, one day i may get to design one of your album covers? Sincerely, SERDAR SIRTANADOLU
Serdar Sirtanadolu <serdar (at) gmmb.com>
Washington, DC USA - Friday, January 30, 1998 at 16:55:34 (EST)

Hi, my friend. I visit the web page regularly, to keep track of the gigs, etc. You've done a nice job on it. Looking forward to the next time our paths cross. Fondly, David
David Moultrup <DMoult (at) aol.com>
Lexington,, MA USA - Friday, January 30, 1998 at 08:02:30 (EST)

Pat, Just a brief hello from Pgh. Hope you are well. Your new album, "All Sides Now," is wonderful. The cut with Michael Hedges is a gem. Take care and be well.
Ken Karsh <karsh (at) duq3.cc.duq.edu>
USA - Monday, January 26, 1998 at 20:10:17 (EST)

Dear Pat, I was introduced to your playing back in 1970 I was 15 and I bought a copy of El Hombre, when I got home and listened to it, it totally blew me away,and changed the foucus of my own playing. Twenty eight years later that album still knocks me out."We'll Be Together again " is another one of my all time favorites.I just bought a copy of "All Sides Now" and I think it's terrific I especially love track #9 with Mike Stern and track 2 with Tuck Andress.Pat when I listen to your music I believe the playing of all the great jazz guitariss before you culminates in your music.
Steve Luciano <sluciano (at) earthlink.net>
Orlando, Fl USA - Sunday, January 25, 1998 at 12:06:35 (EST)

Dear Pat, I am a big admirer of your artistry and your vision of life. I lived in the Washington DC area for a long time. One of my close friends Geoff Reecer was taking occasional lessons from back in 96 and he told me that(at that time) some movie makers were interested in putting your life story into the big picture. Is this true? Is there still a chance ? ---- I just got your new album 'all sides now' it's terrific. I am in the record business myself and have access to a lot of promoters in Turkey. Let me know if I can be any help to put you true some festival organizers.(Istanbul Jazz Festival is really happening every year). Take a good care of yourself. Would love to hear from you
SITKI SIRTANADOLU <sitki (at) arti.net.tr>
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - Saturday, January 24, 1998 at 16:05:38 (EST)

Hi Pat! Remember me? We were both students of Sandole in the early years and I made a living as a guitarist for 30 years mostly in the big Apple. I worked with Chico Hamilton and I did a lot of that studio jazz I still hear today in the stores. (Forgive me) I saw you a couple of years ago at the Art Museum in Philadelphia and I was impressed as always. We do monthly Jazz vespers at our church in villanova and I get to play once again. Your playing is still the best. Fr. Ron Parker, Villanova
Fr. Ron Parker <frjo (at) aol.com>
villanova, pa USA - Saturday, January 24, 1998 at 15:52:46 (EST)

Dear Pat, i first came across your music when i started to work on my wes montgomery biography, and i discovered your "the visit/ footprints" album, which was hard to get in 1990. i finally bought it at tower records in shibuya/tokyo during my honeymoon. i have a lot of records by guitarists influenced by wes montgomery, but to me you are the only guitarist whose music touches me even more than wes. i would like to know which guitar model you used when you recorded "the visit". was it a gibson L-5 ? i have now completed a 40-page discography about wes and i would be delighted to send you a copy if you are interested. do you plan to come to europe again ? i think i missed your concert in the hague in 1996 (or was it 97 ?) thank you for making all of us so happy with your music. oliver
Oliver Dunskus <olidunskus (at) aol.com>
Dusseldorf, Germany - Thursday, January 22, 1998 at 13:39:20 (EST)

Hi Pat, Happy to find out that you are feeling better and that you're recording again. I just purchased your new album and I think it's FANTASTIC! You probably don't remember me, but I studied with you about 15 years ago, when you were living in Philadelphia. You have been, till this day, the greatest musical influence in my life. I thank you. John Calisto
John Calisto <John (at) Guitarist.net>
Fairfax, VA USA - Thursday, January 22, 1998 at 12:15:34 (EST)

Dear Mr.Martino, Thank you for providing me with the happiness, and inspiration your guitar playing and incredible musicianship has brought. My outlook on things was hazy at the best, I would just like to thant you for your music and the joy it has brought into my life Warmest Regards, John Paul Bendykowski
John Bendykowski <JBendy (at) frontiernet.net>
Chester, NY USA - Tuesday, January 20, 1998 at 15:12:54 (EST)

I'm a great fan of yours here in the Philippines. You're one exquisite jazz guitarist who has remained true to the art of great jazz guitar playing. Hope you continue recording those great albums.
Juan Casten <boyc (at) mnl.cyberspace.com.ph>
Philippines - Tuesday, January 20, 1998 at 07:44:56 (EST)

Dear Pat:You are the musical inspiration for a lot of musicians in Mexico and we hope you're playing forever.I'd like to know about Pat Azzara records,where can I find it? Thank you for all
Jaime de la Parra <Jaimesim (at) hotmail.com>
Mexico D.F., Mexico - Monday, January 19, 1998 at 19:09:57 (EST)

Pat, I saw you and heard your story at the JVC Newport Jazz Festival in 1996. I would like to see you again. I will undoubtly pick up the latest recording. Are there any plans to appear in the Detroit area any time soon? What other festivals are upcoming?
Marvin Yates <mervyd (at) juno.com>
Detroit, MI USA - Saturday, January 17, 1998 at 15:12:52 (EST)

hi,dear Mr Martino, First,I want you to know that I really dig what you play. I've been trying to find your cd "We'll be together again"and it just seems impossible, at least not in france.Unless you know where.And,if so,would you be very kind to tell me where. Or maybe there is a way I could order it straight from the editor.In any case,I'll be so glad to get it,for I already heard it on tape and I love it. Thousands thanks in advance.Patrice.
patrice saint just <locoq (at) club-internet.fr>
paris, france - Friday, January 16, 1998 at 21:18:42 (EST)

Hi, Mr Martino: have you ever heard about the Fourth Way SchooL?; in the case you have, what do you think about the incidence of mechanic actions in arts, especially on an mechanic-automatic aparatus like the guitar?. Thanks, Mauricio Alfaro
mauricio Alfaro
USA - Thursday, January 15, 1998 at 21:18:59 (EST)

Hi Pat. "All Sides Now" is great listening---nice job. A guitarist friend of mine turned me on to you a few years back-he's from the D. Sandoli school. I know you are one of the greatest and I know this question is a long shot, but would you be interested in playing a gig at my wedding? It would be at the Cuttalossa Inn which is 3 miles north of New Hope, on a Sunday afternoon in August. Lisa and I would be extremely honored and thrilled. In the meantime, keep up the good work. Regards, George Righter
George Righter <righter (at) voicenet.com>
Bensalem, PA USA - Tuesday, January 13, 1998 at 21:38:58 (EST)

Guten Tag Pat! Please help me (or whoever reads this)! For years I am looking for "We´ll be together again". It´s such a wonderful recording and I´ve got it only on a cassette (no noise reduction!!). thanks very much Yours Marcel
Marcel Spisak <mspisak (at) arri.de>
München, Germany - Tuesday, January 13, 1998 at 16:06:50 (EST)

Dear Pat, All sides now is wonderful. I am a volunteer announcer with PBS FM in Melbourne Australia, and do a regular show on Saturday mornings. I play mostly Jazz Rock and fusion and am trying to get Joyous Lake, can you help? I think that it is fantastic that you have made a return and hope that it will continue for a long time.God bless. Len Davis
LEN DAVIS <AMANDLA (at) BIGPOND.COM>
VERMONT, VIC AUSTRALIA - Tuesday, January 13, 1998 at 05:42:39 (EST)

Dear Pat Martino: I saw you at "Gullivers" (which is not around anymore) in West Paterson, NJ in 1972 (maybe ' 73). I'll never forget that day. Just a kid in High School learning about Wes Montgomery, Johny Smith, Joe Pass, and all the others. And POW !! There you were playing just like you did on the records I heard. Quite a shock for a 16 year old kid ! Believe me. It was a shock ! I did not know the fellow with the mug of beer sitting nearby. But he loved your playing as well. You were knocking him out with every note you played. If he wasn't amazed, he would be laughing just because it sounded good. I later learned that person was Les Paul ! It's just one of those days that I think about all the time. Bobby Rose was with you and he sounded great too. I remember him as well. In fact, "The Visit," with Bobby Rose playing second guitar, may be the greatest album ever recorded ! Hope to see and hear you again in the near future. Bruce Adams
Bruce Adams <BAdams4534 (at) aol.com or Biker31639 (at) aol.com>
Paterson, NJ USA - Sunday, January 11, 1998 at 22:23:55 (EST)

I'm trying to get joyous lake the album to make my collection as a leader complete. If there is any way for me to get this album I would really appreciate it. I have been a fan of yours for many years. My address is 120 Mercy St. Phila. Pa. 19148
mike ohrenick
phila., pa USA - Sunday, January 11, 1998 at 15:17:16 (EST)

Hello Pat Martino, since 1980 I hear your music and I like it very very much (one of my favourite albums "We´ll be together again"). Best wishes from Cologne, and maybe there is a chance to hear you live in Germany. Bernd Arnold
Bernd Arnold <barnold (at) pironet.de>
Cologne, Germany - Sunday, January 11, 1998 at 05:39:56 (EST)

Thanks for your music!
John M Smith <andreas (at) csonline.net>
Franklin, PA USA - Saturday, January 10, 1998 at 21:46:27 (EST)

Dear Pat: Thank you so very much for the autographed photo and Christmas card that you sent me via my wife, Terre. Our paths have never crossed, but I lived in Los Angeles for years and studied with both Joe Pass and Joe Diorio. Your theories on both vertical and horizontal chromaticism, have intrigued me since my teenage years and I too was influenced by both Stochauesen and Slonimsky's "Thesuarus of Scales" as well as Coltrane's "Giant Step's" Cycle. You have been my mentor for years and I have never written a fan letter to anyone! I have been fascinated for years by your linear expressions based on the 64 "I Ching" hexagrams. I am not presently on the Internet, but via my gracious next door neighbor, I have been able to access your web site. I hope to be on the Internet in the near future. My home address is 2733 Sandpiper Dr. Tucker,GA 30084. There is so much more I could say but for now, I wish you and Ayako the best for now and the upcoming millenium. Sincerely yours, Michael Anderson
Michael Anderson <dew1 (at) bellsouth.net>
Tucker, GA USA - Saturday, January 10, 1998 at 20:29:10 (EST)

Pat, I just have to say being a new fan, really. I enjoyed seeing you in LA the last time you were here. I was amazed by your talent. I am also a guitarist with some demos I have recorded if you would like to here them, I would love to send them. My address is 4660 Randolph St. Bell, Ca 90201. I am not really a jazz guitarist per say, but I am so totally insired by you.
Sergio Torres
Bell, CA USA - Friday, January 09, 1998 at 00:56:57 (EST)

Hello, Pat. I just want to let you know how much i appreciate your music, even though i don't play a lick on the guitar (instead, a drummer for some twenty years now). I began listening to "Baiyina", "Consciousness", "Footprints" and "All Sides Now" just a few months ago. Thank you for music that reaches not only one's mind, but one's spirit too!!!
Joe Gambaccini <jgambaccini (at) ci.richmond.va.us>
Richmond, VA USA - Thursday, January 08, 1998 at 15:14:52 (EST)

Dear Pat, I felt compelled to write you because besides a guitarist,I am also a Zen student and practitioner of Ba Gua Zhang(eight trigram palm-a relative of Tai Chi) Because your approach derives from I Ching,it may be what I need because I am seeking an improvisational breakthrough. Iam mostly self taught)so,I don't know much about formal jazz theory. I'd like to really learn soloing over changes and bebop style playing(I've been playing mostly blues and rock)but what I'm wondering is if this need be intellectual learning ; I'd like to approach it non robotically.Zen practice, tai chi and ba gua all emphasize becoming empty to improvise or merge with your situation . Can this be true of guitar? Any thing you could share would be greatly appreciated. Tom Devine
Tom Devine <guinever (at) ix.netcom.com>
lLos Angeles, ca. USA - Thursday, January 08, 1998 at 13:51:14 (EST)

Dear Pat, Hello. You may have heard my name as I have had a couple of lovely conversations with your manager, Joseph Donofrio. He suggested I contact you directly just to reiterate our enthusiasm. Over the past few weeks myself and my partner, Michael Blacher have been in contact with Mr. Donofrio and if you would like to discuss any aspects of our thoughts please feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail. If there is any way to converse with you directly through e-mail that would be great too. I look forward to speaking with you in the near future. Sincerely, Marc Lynn
marc lynn <mdlynn2 (at) earthlink.net>
los angeles, USA - Wednesday, January 07, 1998 at 21:15:38 (EST)

"All sides now" is one of the most beatifull works I have heard in a while. Excellent!
christian gheorghe <cgheorghe (at) msn.com>
Englewood, CO USA - Wednesday, January 07, 1998 at 11:18:50 (EST)

YOUR SITE IS GREAT,IS VERY INTERESTING AND COMPLETE. IF YOU WANT WE CAN MAKE A LINK IN OUR WEB SITE.WE WISH THAT YOU MAKE YOUR COMMENTS THEN TO VISIT OUR SITE.THANK YOU.BEST REGARDS
fito oddone <info (at) musicarte.com.ar>
BURZACO, B.A. ARGENTINA - Wednesday, January 07, 1998 at 11:17:40 (EST)

Happy New Year! I studied with you - took about 3 or 4 lessons with you approximately 20 years ago. You taught me an immense amount. I have since been very involved producing, arranging and engineering records and would love to work with you someday. Best wishes....
Bill Esses <bigsound7 (at) earthlink.net>
LA, CA USA - Tuesday, January 06, 1998 at 23:51:02 (EST)

I was introducted to your playing through Jay Umble (a former student of yours, I believe). Listening to your music has helped renew my own dedication to the guitar. Thank you.
Ken Geist <kgeist (at) pipeline.com>
Harrisburg, PA USA - Tuesday, January 06, 1998 at 19:01:57 (EST)

Consciousness was the record that turned me onto jazz in 1978.I've gone in a few directions since then, but you remain a huge influence on my playing and hero to me.Thanks, Pat. Tommy Conwell
Tommy Conwell <TommyC1000 (at) Aol.com>
Phila. , PA USA - Monday, January 05, 1998 at 16:07:57 (EST)

Great Site!!!!
Troy Brenningmeyer <tbrenni (at) siue.edu>
Anna, IL USA - Friday, January 02, 1998 at 23:05:07 (EST)

I ran across your instructive video series, Creative Force, and bought myself a Christmas pressent, recently. I found the concepts presented to be very interesting and makes a lot of sense. I had hoped, however, that I would be able to get a better grasp of the concepts you use to play your machine-gun-fast single-note solos. You mentioned, in the first video, what you *didn't* do to choose your notes (not modes, etc), but were not very clear (at least to me), what you *do* do. I saw you play in 1974 (I think it was) in Boston at Paul's Mall/Jazz WorkShop. You then used a different method of positioning your picking hand, with your wrist held out away from the guitar at a 90-degree angle from the guitar. I wondered, then, if *that* was the secret to you being able to pick so accurately. Apparently, such was not the case. How did you train your right hand to hit the strings with such accuracy? I have been playing for quite a while (on and off since 1971), and haven't been able to have my picking hand keep up with my fingering. Are there exercises or disciplines that you use to maintain (and initially gain), your picking speed? I am very happy that you have made the recovery from your life-threatening ordeal. I was wondering if the diminished/augmented parental chord concept was something that quickly helped you get "back on your feet", musically, and whether this was a concept that you developed before you suffered the memory loss during the 80's. I guess I am wondering whether you had already developed the theories and documented them, in the past, which allowed you to quickly catch up to where you were before the unfortunate incident. I understand, according to some accounts, that you had to "relearn" the guitar by listening to your past recordings, etc. Was that really *all*? Did some of your memory of the guitar "come back" to you as you began the relearning process? I noticed that you have another tape series called Quantum Guitar. I can't find a description of their content, and was wondering if some of my questions may be answered within these tapes. I think my favorite tune of yours is On the Stairs. Thanks, Pat. -Jim
Jim Basler <jim_basler (at) intervoice.com>
Allen, TX USA - Friday, January 02, 1998 at 17:06:08 (EST)

It's been wonderful to be able to hear you again these past few years. The jazz world is blessed to have you back. Are you going to play with Gil Goldstein again? Your solo on "Two Days Old" is beautiful! We will miss Michael H.! Take care. Tom Smith
Thomas Smith <tpsmith (at) concentric.net>
Hyattsville, MD USA - Friday, January 02, 1998 at 15:27:47 (EST)

saw you at rigattabar. brother tom is your biggest fan. maybe you could consider the iron horse , northampton , ma
len desrochers <info (at) fln-mar.com>
chicopee, ma USA - Friday, January 02, 1998 at 15:20:27 (EST)

Happy New Year! December has been archived. Watch for some new additions to Pat's site in the future and thanks again for all of your support. Jack
Jack <jackj (at) cyboard.com>
USA - Thursday, January 01, 1998 at 23:43:57 (EST)

Pat, what happened to Pete Townshend on your latest release? Please say hello to Scott Denitt for me and let him know I will have his guitars done for him by no later than 9/98. Please stay in good health!
Todd Hubbard <ljohn (at) dmci.net>
Hillsdale, MI USA - Thursday, January 01, 1998 at 16:33:44 (EST)

You're performance of 'DO YOU HAVE A NAME' on the video 'Legends of Guitar Jazz 3 (Vestapol 13043)' is one of the highlights of the tape. And that's no mean task, considering Tal Farlow, Tommy Flanagan and Red Mitchell play a burning rendition of 'Fascinating Rhythm. Saw your show at the Fairmont Hotel, SF, back in '96. When do you return to San Francisco? I collect memorabilia of guitar players that I admire. I would like to obtain a pick and a sighned 8x10 photo of yours. Please contact me at jzgtr57 (at) aol.com to let me know if this would be possible. So glad you're healthy and playing better than ever. Happy New Year GC
G.C. <jzgtr57 (at) aol.com>
San Francisco, CA USA - Thursday, January 01, 1998 at 04:43:04 (EST)

Return to the Guest Book Archives or the Current Guest Book Entries.