There is a film company in the UK, Sixteen Films, that has made a documentary on Jazz Guitarist Pat Martino called “Martino Unstrung“, focusing on Pat’s “ascent from the depths of amnesia to the peak of artistry“.

As you may or may not know, Pat Martino had a near fatal brain aneurysm in 1980 that caused him to suffer from amnesia. He had simply forgot how to play the guitar and only through sheer determination, discipline and a spiritual/physical commitment to the instrument and the music did he acquire all of his mastery and then some. I remember being so inspired by Pat’s story at the time and even now I still can’t imagine how he did it. I often wonder if I was in the same position would I be as brave and committed as he or would I chuck it all and watch TV for the rest of my life. I hope that I would do the former.

Today of course, Pat seems to be doing fine and his recording and performing schedule keeps him active and healthy…as does his long-time life partner I’m sure. I am including a small blurb copied from the Sixteen Films site which explains the premise of the film.

“Neuropsychologist and author Paul Broks travels America in search of the soul of legendary jazz guitarist Pat Martino who was brutally silenced by memory stripping brain surgery. Through this remarkable story of his ascent from the depths of amnesia to the peak of artistry once more, Broks explores the nature of memory, self, creativity and the brain systems underlying personal identity making some ground-breaking discoveries on the way. Filmed in the US through 2006 & 2007, the film features Les Paul, Carlos Santana, Stuart Townshend, Joe Pesci, John Pattitucci, Delmar Brown, Red Holloway…“

This documentary would be wonderful to see and I hope it makes it to North America. If anyone has any information on it, such as release dates or screenings please feel free to let us know by adding a comment.

Creative Force: Complete By Pat Martino. For Guitar. Guitar DVD. Alfred’s Artist Series. Jazz. DVD. Published by Alfred Publishing. (26313) See more info…