Consciousness (Pat Martino album)

Consciousness is an album by guitarist Pat Martino which was recorded in 1974 and first released on the Muse label.^[1][2]

Consciousness
Studio album by Pat Martino
Released	1975
Recorded	October 7, 1974 Generation Sound Studio, New York City
Genre	Jazz
Length	43:31
Label	Muse MR 5039
Producer	Michael Cuscuna
Pat Martino chronology
Pat Martino/Live! (1974) Consciousness (1975) Starbright (1976)

Reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[3]
The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide	[4]

In his review on AllMusic, Michael G. Nastos notes that this is "Martino on the way up. Mostly quartet recordings for the brilliant guitarist... Guitar students should study this one."^[3]

Tom Moon, in his book 1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die, wrote: "Beginning with a spry romp through Coltrane's 'Impressions,' Consciousness offers blindingly bright—yet never glib—Martino solos, each a marvel of structure. To hear an improviser in full control of his resources, check out the curvy bossa nova 'Along Came Betty,' then a pensive solo guitar reading of Joni Mitchell's 'Both Sides Now.'"^[5]

Guitarist Russell Malone stated that, when he first heard Consciousness, he "almost wanted to quit playing the guitar. I said, 'Man, what the hell am I trying to play the guitar for when this guy's playing it like that? I'll never get to that level.' That solo on 'Impressions'—whoa!"^[6]

Track listing

All compositions by Pat Martino except as indicated

1. "Impressions" (John Coltrane) - 4:33
2. "Consciousness" (Danny Depaolo, Eric Kloss) - 11:48
3. "Passata on Guitar" - 2:48
4. "Along Came Betty" (Benny Golson) - 5:22
5. "Willow" - 6:09
6. "On the Stairs" - 5:29
7. "Both Sides, Now" (Joni Mitchell) - 2:06
8. "Along Came Betty" [Alternate Take] (Golson) - 5:16 Bonus track on CD reissue

Personnel

• Pat Martino - guitar
• Eddie Green - electric piano, percussion
• Tyrone Brown - electric bass
• Sherman Ferguson - drums, percussion