Any Wes Montgomery fans ?

I have 'Boss Guitar' and like it well enough. But that's the only album I've heard. I'll try and find those other two and give them a listen.

I saw a Wes Montgomery video from (I think) an old 6-5 Special from the BBC (introduced by Humphrey Lyttleton, early 60's) which is excellent.

Peter

If you love Wes you should also check out Barney Kessel, especially anything he did with the Poll Winners. A stunning guitarist in his day. He also played on the Beach Boys, Pet Sounds. I guess that makes him a rather well rounded guitarist to boot.

"Before you play two notes learn how to play one note - and don't play one note unless you've got a reason to play it." - Mark Hollis (1998)

I don't know if I qualify as a big fan, but I have two Wes Montgomery CD's that are always in pretty heavy rotation. The first is the DCCJazz remaster of "So Much Guitar!" -- GZS 1078. The second is the JVC XRCD remaster of "Full House"-- VICJ 60171. These are both really great remasters, the JVC being a little spendy at $30 USD. I can't remeber what the DCC cost. They were both originally Riverside recordings, if you're looking for the vinyl (RLP 9382 and 9434?? respectively).

I might start with "So Much Guitar!" first as "Full House" is a live recording, though sonically still very nice.

Cheers,
dan'l

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Any views on style etc from any one?
I have just bought Lee Ritenour's tribute album Wes Bound but it is difficult to know what is Wes's and Lee's.

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I have an old LP "A portrait of Wes Montgomery" (including the other Montgomery brothrers). I also have "Wes Bound". I view LR's work on this as predominantly "Wes". Of course it is difficult because virtually all modern Jazz guitarists resort to the "Octave playing" style which Wes invented, but LR uses it on "Wes Bound" in the exact way the man himself did.

I also have a CD of him with Jimmy Smith called "The Dynamic Duo" which is pretty good. Wes livens up in the presence of Jimmy cause he has to to compete.

regards
GEOFF

"Just trying to make a NAIM for myself"

I doubt very much that Wes invented octave playing,Django certainly predated him and he probably nicked it from someone, though he did popularise it.

Go directly to:

Smokin' at the Half Note



Considered by many to be one of his very best.

Hi,
Can you give me the link, too this album.
Would like to listen to it.

Maria

Maria there are some short samples on www.Amazon.co.uk search on Wes Montgomery. I'll see if there any longer samples anywhere.

Howard

I'd like to second Fred's recommendation. "Smokin at the Half Note" is a live recording with Miles' rhythm section. It's aptly named.

Also, check out another live recording called "Full House," again with Miles' rhythm section and tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin. And, to my mind, his best studio recording is "The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery." It's on Riverside and the tune "Four on Six" is worth the price of admission.

Robert

Wes Montgomery's recordings falls into two categories, the earlier work with small groups and the later, more commercial stuff with lush orchestration. I find the later albums cheesy and generally disappointing. Check the list of personnel carefully, unless you like that sort of thing.

Thanks for the advice guys. I am going to start with The Incredible.......... Next up if that works for me will be one of the live albums.

Regards

Howard

The Incredible Jazz Guitar of... is excellent. I shall be on the look out for more now.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year every one.

Howard

Agreed. Almost anything on Riverside is good, though. The still talk about the Montgomery Brothers here in Indianapolis where they grew up.

Also agreed on the Barney Kessel. Also, if you like jazz guitar, try Grant Green on Blue Note.

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Originally posted by JRHardee:
Wes Montgomery's recordings falls into two categories, the earlier work with small groups and the later, more commercial stuff with lush orchestration. I find the later albums cheesy and generally disappointing. Check the list of personnel carefully, unless you like that sort of thing.

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