The celebrated jazz guitarist live at Band on the Wall, with Pat Bianchi (B3) and Carmen Intorre (Drums).
Born Pat Azzara in Philadelphia in 1944, Pat was first exposed to jazz through his father, Carmen “Mickey” Azzara, who sang in local clubs and briefly studied guitar with Eddie Lang. He took Pat to all the city’s hot-spots to hear and meet Wes Montgomery and other musical giants. “I have always admired my father and have wanted to impress him. As a result, it forced me to get serious with my creative powers.”
Martino became actively involved with the early rock scene in Philadelphia, alongside stars like Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon and Bobby Darin. His first road gig was with jazz organist Charles Earland, a high school friend. His reputation soon spread among other jazz players, and he was recruited by bandleader Lloyd Price to play hits such as Stagger Lee on-stage with musicians like Slide Hampton and Red Holloway.
Since the mid 1990s, Pat has received the following awards:
| 1995 | Mellon Jazz Festival / Dedicated in Honor |
| 1996 | Philadelphia Alliance “Walk of Fame Award” |
| 1997 | National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences “Songs from the Heart Award” |
| 2002 | Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, “Live at Yoshi’s”, and Best Jazz Instrumental Solo on ‘All Blues’ |
| 2002 | National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences “2nd Annual Heroes Award“ |
| 2003 | Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, “Think Tank”, and best Jazz Instrumental Solo on ‘Africa’. |
| 2004 | Guitar Player of the Year, Downbeat Magazine’s 2004 Reader’s Poll |
This event will begin at 8pm but our Picturehouse Cafe Bar is open from 5.30pm for delicious food and drinks.
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