Welcome to Philadelphia Jazz Project
Pat Martino Campaign
Mar 14, 2020
About five years ago, PJP reached out to Philadelphia Jazz musicians asking them to share stories about their experiences and lives for an upcoming book. One of the first to respond was legendary guitarist, Pat Martino (Patrick C. Azzara). We expected a powerful and/or emotionally gripping story considering his survival from a brain aneurysm, memory loss and having to learn how to play the guitar again from scratch. Instead, Martino shared a hilarious account of a guitar lesson that he attempted to teach to NBA legend, Wilt Chamberlain. That story, which we titled, "Gigantic" is included in our recently published book, Philadelphia Jazz Stories Illustrated: Volume One and is magnificently illustrated by our project's art director, illustrator, Eric Battle.
Sadly, Martino has not worked since November 2018 due to severe health issues and his ability to keep financially afloat has been greatly impacted by his current disabilities. This legendary artist from Philadelphia has exhausted his savings and sees no other options before him other than to appeal to the larger community for help. He needs our help and is calling out to those who have been inspired by his music and life for a response to his hour of need.
The Pat Martino Fund is a GoFundMe initiative seeking contributions to his cause.
To support this effort, from March 15th to March 30th, 2020, the Philadelphia Jazz Project and Books & Stuff will donate 50% from the online sales of our recent book, Philadelphia Jazz Stories Illustrated: Volume One to the Pat Martino Fund. This book is a colorful collection of memories and historical accounts from, or about key figures of Philly’s Jazz community. Including musicians such as Martino, Odean Pope, Rashied Ali, Barbara Montgomery, Bootsie Barnes, Mickey Roker & others. Each story is accompanied by an exquisite illustration by visual artists like Jerry Pinkney, Michelle Ortiz, Eric Battle and many others. It is available at a price of $40.00.
PURCHASING THE BOOK:
Philadelphia Jazz Stories Illustrated: Volume One can be purchased online at BOOKS & STUFF. Remember 50% of the online sale of this book from March 15th to March 30th, 2020 will be donated to the Pat Martino Fund.
SOME PAT MARTINO ALBUM COVERS:
ABOUT PAT MARTINO
Pat Martino is a Philadelphia born and bred Jazz guitarist, who began his musical journey when he was twelve years old. He would leave high school in tenth grade to devote himself to music and eventually studied with the legendary, educator Dennis Sandole; who also taught John Coltrane. Martino began playing in the growing Philadelphia Pop music scene, working with stars like Bobby Darin, Chubby Checker and Bobby Rydell. However, he wanted to focus his energies on Jazz. As a guitarist in the early 1960s, he was drawn to the organ trio scene of which Philadelphia was ground-zero. By the time he was 18, he had become a force on his instrument and soon became a band leader. After a successful run as a leader and recognition as one of the greatest guitarists in Jazz music, in 1980, Pat Martino experienced an aneurysm which left him with amnesia. Starting all over again, Martino relearned to play his instrument, eventually arriving at a similar status as one of greatest living jazz guitarists, who ironically didn’t sound at all like the previous Pat Martino. During his career, Martino has recorded 26 albums as a leader and has been featured as a guest on dozens of recordings. He has been a recording artist for Vanguard Records, Prestige Records, Warner Brothers Records, Muse Records, Columbia Records, Atlantic Records, Blue Note Records and others. Martino has performed with artists including Sonny Stitt, Gene Ammons, Richard Groove Holmes, John Handy, Bobby Hutcherson, Chick Corea, Jack McDuff, Don Patterson, Stanley Clarke, Joey DeFrancesco, Eric Kloss, Trudy Pitts, Willis Jackson, Lloyd Price, Woody Herman, Chuck Israels, Charles Earland, Barry Miles and many others. Pat Martino is a recipient of the 2016 Pennsylvania Jazz Legacy Award, Downbeat Magazine’s 2004, Guitar Player of the Year Award and the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, 2nd Annual Heroes Award.
The Pat Martino Fund is a GoFundMe initiative seeking contributions to his cause.
PURCHASING THE BOOK:
Philadelphia Jazz Stories Illustrated: Volume One can be purchased online at BOOKS & STUFF. Remember 50% of the online sale of this book from March 15th to March 30th, 2020 will be donated to the Pat Martino Fund.
CHECK OUT THESE PAT MARTINO VIDEO CLIPS:
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Philadelphia Jazz Project is a sponsored project of the Culture Trust | Greater Philadelphia, with funding provided by The Philadelphia Foundation.
