Consciousness (Pat Martino album)
Consciousness is an album by guitarist Pat Martino which was recorded in 1974 and first released on the Muse label. Reception. 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." 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.'" 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!" Track listing. "All compositions by Pat Martino except as indicated"