Baiyina (The Clear Evidence) (subtitled A psychedelic excursion through the magical mysteries of the Koran) is the fourth album by guitarist Pat Martino recorded in 1968 and released on the Prestige label.[1][2]
Scott Yanow of Allmusic states, "Pat Martino's fourth of five Prestige albums contains plenty of intriguing music... The use of Indian instruments, drones, and unusual time signatures (including 7/4, 9/4, and 10/8) gives the performances the flavor of early fusion, and some of the effects sound a bit dated. However, the results were not overtly commercial, and the leader gets in several noteworthy improvisations".[3]
The authors of the Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings wrote: "A whiff of incense and patchouli oil, but Martino's own playing stays tough."[4]
Shaun Brady, writing for NPR, stated that the album was evidence that Martino was "stretching further into new inspirations," and that it "forged a kind of impassioned transcendentalism, merging his fervent soloing and muscular swing with meditative drones."[5]
In an article for All About Jazz, Ian Patterson wrote: "Martino... navigates the unusual time signatures with attacking lines that owe more to Coltrane and Shankar than Wes Montgomery.... It is... a fascinating insight into Martino's evolution and stands as a unique entry in his discography."[6]