The Incredible Jazz Guitar Of Wes Montgomery
The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery; 1960
Montgomery, who would have turned 100 this year, was the greatest on the guitar since Charlie Christian. He only learnt to play at 19; but changed Jazz guitar all the same by the time he passed at 45.
His unique side of the thumb picking technique created a delicious warm timbre. His use of octaves created a funky sound.
It’s hard to balance strident Be Bop with delicacy on the guitar - and Montgomery does exactly that on this aptly named album.
It showcases his talent across varied styles and tempos - and adds up beautifully.
This album brought Montgomery centre stage. It’s an essential jazz guitar album. No, it’s an essential jazz album. Very trippy.
Montgomery would later move towards a more pop like style laying the path that George Benson would follow. And for the reason was called a sellout by the purists. Montgomery a sellout!? “He never cared for nobody”. A proper legend.
Also read: Maki Akasawa: The Forgotten Japanese Jazz Legend With A Haunting Yet Beautiful Voice
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