Customer Reviews

Fingerpickin

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Recorded in Indianapolis in December 1957, and then again in April, 1958, the tracks on this CD herald Wes Montgomery's emergence onto the national scene. If you are a fan of Wes, you pretty much owe it to yourself. If you are not just a guitar nut, but love jazz in general, you will also be rewarded, because this is a very well-rounded album. Picture the Modern Jazz Quartet featuring Wes Montgomery. Throw in a couple tenor saxes and a young Freddie Hubbard. Best of all, Wes's brothers Monk and Buddy are on bass and vibes.

This CD is also a pretty decent value, because it includes the 1958 L.A. tracks which were not on the original LP, "The Montgomery Brothers and Others," and clocks in at 56:29. Sound quality is good--even the track "Bud's Beaux Arts," which was dubbed from LP. (And I don't think I would have even noticed if I hadn't read the liner notes.)

Some great Wes Montgomery jazz - nothing more needs to be said! Too short, OK. I have follow Wes and the brothers since the 60's and he is the best guitarist I have heard.

This is a solid collection of performances. But it is really a Montgomery Brothers record: Wes only has a handful of solos here. Buddy, Monk and Wes are paired with good players. My suspicion is that it was called a Wes Montgomery record for the sake of marketing/cashing in. It is quite a valuable document of early Wes. Unfortunately, the engineer didn't know a thing about recording electric guitar, that or Wes hadn't found his signature tone yet. The guitar sound on this record despite Wes' virtuous performances is flat and thin.

This should be called a Buddy Montgomery album since he's playing vides all over it. You can faintly hear Wes playing chords in the background, and he plays a full guitar solo only on a handful of songs. This is the reason why I rate this two stars. Otherwise it's a good jazz record played by great musicians.

If you are a jazz guitar fan who appreciates Wes Montgomery, then this record is not worth your time or your money.

Very good, Wes in the beginning, playing along with his brother and making very good music. His guitar playing was already melow, although it's tone would still change a little. A very good opportunity to hear this great player in a slightly different style.