All Sides Now cover

All Sides Now

Pat Martino · 1997

52 min · 10 tracks · jazz fusion

A vibrant blend of jazz fusion and soul jazz, showcasing intricate guitar work against lush harmonies.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Too High — This opening track features a captivating interplay between Martino's guitar and the tight rhythm section, establishing the album's vibrant energy.
  • →
    Both Sides Now — Martino's interpretation of this classic showcases his ability to blend emotional depth with technical prowess, making it a standout moment on the album.
  • →
    Ayako — The intricate melodies and improvisational flair in this track highlight Martino's signature style, exemplifying his mastery of jazz fusion.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and intricate arrangements but lacks broader cultural reach.

What we noticed

  • The album features intricate guitar solos that often weave in and out of the melodic lines, creating a conversational dynamic.
  • The arrangements include lush harmonies with layered instrumentation, particularly in the use of keyboards and bass alongside the guitar.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intricate guitar solos to admire
  • emotive melodies for deep listening
  • reflective moments of quiet beauty
  • vibrant energy for late nights

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1997, Pat Martino was revitalizing his career after a lengthy hiatus due to health issues. 'All Sides Now' marked his return to recording, following the critically acclaimed 'The Maker' from 1994, and signaled a period of prolific output as he re-emerged in the jazz scene.
Stylistic neighbors
John Scofield· Mike Stern· Larry Coryell

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Both Sides Now

    The bridge offers a reflective pause where the narrative shifts from observation to deep introspection about love and life experiences.

    This shift in perspective adds complexity to the song, allowing listeners to engage with its themes on a more personal level.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Too High 5:04
  • 2 Two a Kind 5:54
  • 3 Progression 5:36
  • 4 I’m Confessin’ (That I Love You) 4:41
  • 5 Ellipsis 3:09
  • 6 Both Sides Now 3:54
  • 7 Ayako 7:48
  • 8 Two Days Old 5:18
  • 9 Outrider 7:43
  • 10 Never and After 2:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata