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Track Listings
| 1. Airegin |
| 2. Polka Dots and Moonbeams |
| 3. West Coast Blues |
| 4. Mr. Walker |
Editorial Reviews
Wes Montgomery, The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
54 of 55 people found the following review helpful
By Tyler Smith
Format:Audio CD
As the very useful liner notes to this release point out, this 1960 recording was a bit of a coming-out party for Montgomery, arguably the best and most influential jazz guitarist of the last half century. The title is not hyperbole; the guitar playing here is indeed incredible, although Wes sets aside mere flash for meaningful swing.
The guitarist benefits from a crack band behind him: Al and Percy Heath on drums and bass, respectively, and the flawless Tommy Flanagan on piano. Flanagan had shortly before this date contributed mightily to Coltrane's "Giant Steps," and his ability to seamlessly slip in behind Montgomery on a date that couldn't be more different than Coltrane's is testimony to his taste and his chops.
Wes's startling chording will be a revelation to those who haven't heard him before, but even if you've listened to him a lot you'll still find his work on, for example, "Four on Six" and "West Coast Blues" immensely satisfying. On both these cuts, he flows endlessly between chords and octaves, creating a smooth river of sound. Beautiful.
Also of note is his treatment of "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," a chestnut that Wes turns into a lovely romance that sounds new and fresh. This is a great CD for the jazz guitar lover, who will realize immediately that it doesn't get much better than this.
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is my favorite Jazz Guitar album and one that I've had for some time, first on a cassette that I got from my brother and eventually on CD. I used to listen to this in my car and didn't even know the names of the songs or who had written them. All I knew was that I really dug Montgomery's guitar playing.
After getting the 1987 version of the CD, I learned that the album included Sonny Rollins' "Airegin", Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way", 2 standards, and 4 originals by Montgomery. I also learned that his supporting cast included Tommy Flanagan on piano and the Heath brothers on bass and drums.
This album is a real pleasure to listen to, not just for Montgomery's truly incredible guitar playing, but also for the relaxing atmosphere all 4 musicians create. This is a perfect album to play late at night before going to bed; just turn down the lights, lie down on your couch, and let the music soothe your soul.
My only complaint about the CD I owned (the 1987 remastering) was that the sound was kind of muddy. While reviewing that version, I learned that this "Keepnews Collection" version had been released, so I ordered it to compare the sound. It does have slightly better sound, mainly stronger bass. In retrospect, I suspect that the "muddiness" I heard in the 1987 version was mostly in Montgomery's own sound or in the source tapes.
The real value of the 2008 version, however, is the new booklet with a new essay by Orin Keepnews, who produced the original sessions. He explains how he first heard about Montgomery from Cannonball Adderly, talks about the first two records (including this one) that Montgomery cut for Riverside, and explains the boastful title. He also puts the album in the broader context of Montgomery's brief but brilliant 9 year career.
After getting the 1987 version of the CD, I learned that the album included Sonny Rollins' "Airegin", Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way", 2 standards, and 4 originals by Montgomery. I also learned that his supporting cast included Tommy Flanagan on piano and the Heath brothers on bass and drums.
This album is a real pleasure to listen to, not just for Montgomery's truly incredible guitar playing, but also for the relaxing atmosphere all 4 musicians create. This is a perfect album to play late at night before going to bed; just turn down the lights, lie down on your couch, and let the music soothe your soul.
My only complaint about the CD I owned (the 1987 remastering) was that the sound was kind of muddy. While reviewing that version, I learned that this "Keepnews Collection" version had been released, so I ordered it to compare the sound. It does have slightly better sound, mainly stronger bass. In retrospect, I suspect that the "muddiness" I heard in the 1987 version was mostly in Montgomery's own sound or in the source tapes.
The real value of the 2008 version, however, is the new booklet with a new essay by Orin Keepnews, who produced the original sessions. He explains how he first heard about Montgomery from Cannonball Adderly, talks about the first two records (including this one) that Montgomery cut for Riverside, and explains the boastful title. He also puts the album in the broader context of Montgomery's brief but brilliant 9 year career.
42 of 47 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is a great, great album. You need to buy this album if you are interested in jazz guitar or guitar at all. But the sound on this CD is just plain awful. Spend the extra bucks and get the Hybrid SACD version or at least the 24 bit remastering, its worth it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Vinyl recording.
I recently overhauled my 30 year old Yamaha YP-701 turntable ( new belt; new Audio Technica AT95E cartridge, and recalibration) and was glad to see that vinyl recordings are... Read more
Published 2 months ago by James Krause
5.0 out of 5 stars
WONDERFUL
I got this as a Christmas present for my husband. He is mesmerized by it. Says it was his favorite gift. If you like Jazz Guitar, This is definitely one for you.
Published 4 months ago by Kiltie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible
This is authentic jazz - Wes Montgomery is a genius. Every song on this album is worth every penny spent on it. Just wish I could have met him. Genius.
Published 4 months ago by clicker
4.0 out of 5 stars
Wes Montgomery
A fine recording of the outstanding talent of Wes Montgomery. His music will make a fine addition to your music library.
Published 5 months ago by Stephen M. Barrett
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE INCREDIBLE JAZZ GUITAR OF WES MONTGOMERY
THIS IS THE SECOND REVIEW I'VE WRITTEN FOR THIS OUTSTANDING GUITARIST AND JAZZ MAN. HE JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER. THANKS TO AMAZON FOR THIS GREAT CD. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Steve B. Hyde
4.0 out of 5 stars
late night chill-out guitar jazz for yo head
Nice one to play late at night or early in the morning. Wes Montgomery is one of the most well known guitarist from the era. Also seek out Smokin @ The Half Note.
Published 9 months ago by dee's sososikwitit
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible is the Word
As the story goes, Wes would practice his guitar using alternate picking with a guitar pick. However, he started getting complaints about the "noise" so he began using his thumb so... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Jerlaw
4.0 out of 5 stars
His Best
Of the Wes Montgomery albums, this is my favorite. Really his most inspired work. The quality of this vinyl is great as well.
Published 15 months ago by Raymond J. Rathburn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wes Montgomery at his best
I am a jazz guitarist and huge Wes Montgomery fan. Arguably, Wes' playing on this album is as good as any studio album that he made. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Dave Lincoln
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wes Montgomery at his best
I am a jazz guitarist and huge Wes Montgomery fan. Arguably, Wes' playing on this album is as good as any studio album that he made. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Dave Lincoln
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