Arguably the most adroit jazz guitarist around, Pat Martino shows his underappreciated lyrical side here on a series of duets with pianist Jim Ridi on this rich collection of originals and covers. He sounds absolutely fragrant on the reading of “Naima” and folksy on “Country Road.” His soft and delicate hands caress “Sun On My Hands” and melds lyricism with Ridi on “Tenetree.” The two know how to create some lively bop for two, as they blend together well on the peppy “Recollection” and chug-alug along on the pulsating “The Phineas Trane.” Ridi takes charge on “Interchange” and gets restless on the edy read of “Oleo.” Lots to like here, especially as Martino bends and coaxes his strings like he’s adding extra spices to his marinara sauce like a master chef. Bravo!
High Note Records