be conceptualized over a chord progression, even in the examples he provides in his books and instructional videos. On his bulletin board he has stated that he formulated the system more as a way to explain his playing rather than as something to use to create music. In his own words, "Although the analysis of some of my recorded solos have been referred to as modal, personally I've never operated in that way. I've always depended upon my own melodic instinct, instead of scale-like formulas." Personal life Martino was married to Ayako Asahi Martino; they met in Tokyo, Japan in 1995. Due to a chronic respiratory disorder, he stopped performing in 2018. He died on November 1, 2021, at the age of 77. Awards and honors 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 Award 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 Readers' Poll 2016 Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes and his wife Sheryl Lee Ralph-Hughes presented Pat Martino with the Jazz Legacy Award Discography As leader El Hombre (Prestige, 1967) Strings! (Prestige, 1967) East! (Prestige, 1968) Baiyina (The Clear Evidence) (Prestige, 1968) Desperado (Prestige, 1970) The Visit! (Cobblestone, 1972) Pat Martino/Live! (Muse, 1974) Consciousness (Muse, 1975) Starbright (Warner Bros., 1976) We'll Be Together Again (Muse, 1976) Joyous Lake (Warner Bros., 1977) Exit (Muse, 1977) The Return (Muse, 1987) Interchange (Muse, 1994) The Maker (Paddle Wheel [Japan], 1995) Nightwings (Muse, 1996) All Sides Now (Blue Note, 1997) Stone Blue (Blue Note, 1998) Live at Yoshi's (Blue Note, 2001) Think Tank (Blue Note, 2003) Remember: A Tribute to Wes Montgomery (Blue Note, 2006) Undeniable: Live at Blues Alley (HighNote, 2011) Alone Together (HighNote, 2012) Young Guns: Gene Ludwig–Pat Martino Trio with Randy Gelispie (HighNote, 2014) Nexus (HighNote, 2015) Formidable (HighNote, 2017) As sideman With Eric Alexander The First Milestone (Milestone, 2000) The Real Thing (HighNote, 2015) With Willis Jackson Grease 'n' Gravy (Prestige, 1963) The Good Life (Prestige, 1963) Jackson's Action! (Prestige, 1964) Boss Shoutin' (Prestige, 1964) More Gravy (Prestige, 1964) Live!