Pat Martino - El Hombre (1967/2007/2014) [Official Digital Download]

Legendary six-string master Pat Martino's debut album, El Hombre, finds the then-22-year-old flashing his distinctive soul-jazz chops in first date as a leader. Accompanied by organist Trudy Pitts, flutist Danny Turner, drummer Mitch Fine, and both Abdu Johnson and Vance Anderson on percussion, Martino's runs alternatingly dance over Latin-tinged rhythms and groove in the pocket with classic, soulful flavor. Recorded May 1, 1967 by Rudy Van Gelder at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, El Hombre stands the test of time as an absolute best-of-genre, guitar soul-jazz workout.

A Note From Rudy Van Gelder:
I was the engineer on the recording sessions and I also made the masters for the original LP issues of these albums. Since the advent of the CD, other people have been making the masters. Mastering is the final step in the process of creating the sound of the finished product. Now, thanks to the folks at the Concord Music Group who have given me the opportunity to remaster these albums, I can present my versions of the music on CD using modern technology. I remember the sessions well, I remember how the musicians wanted to sound, and I remember their reactions to the playbacks. Today, I feel strongly that I am their messenger.