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Wes Montgomery

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John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery was an American jazz guitarist. He was born March 6, 1925, in Indianapolis, Indiana, as part of a musical family including his brothers Monk (string bass, electric bass) and Buddy (vibraphone, piano). He died of a heart attack on June 15, 1968.

Montgomery is best known for his unconventional technique on the guitar, which uses octaves and block chords to great extent in his solos, and by plucking the string with his right thumb in place of a pick. These techniques, the product of his self-taught method which would have likely been discouraged had he taken formal lessons, resulted in a unique voice on the guitar.

The bulk of Montgomery’s recording career as a leader can be characterized in three parts. First, from 1959 to 1963, he recorded in mostly small group settings for the Riverside label. From 1964 through 1966 he was signed to Verve Records where he was recorded with big band and orchestral backing. After Verve, Montgomery seemed to abandon jazz and recorded mostly AM radio friendly instrumental pop, a precursor to smooth jazz. These later sessions were released by A&M Records.

By picking up where pre-bop/swing guitarist Charlie Christian left off, Montgomery is arguably the most influential modern jazz guitarist, many well known guitarists today list him as a major influence, including Pat Martino, Lee Ritenour, Pat Metheny, and George Benson.

Tagged as:

jazz, guitar, jazz guitar, hard bop, blues
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tonyquinn wrote:
October 2008

wes smooth,methinks

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SirAlecHendrix wrote:
September 2008

Wes Montgomery—now connected to the brandnew group ➤ Round Midnight

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adolfuka_ss_88 wrote:
September 2008

Superman.

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Tzsch wrote:
September 2008

Best jazzman I've ever heard. No doubt. That's what I call Jazz.

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Debtfromabove wrote:
September 2008

I love jazz guitar, and Wes is one of the best.

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Netherman wrote:
August 2008

It makes my heart pump on the rhythm. He's a great artist for many reasons. Not just the music.

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jonasselenis wrote:
July 2008

fresh - get's better every time...

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fnghhhh wrote:
June 2008

fried piesss

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GrayFlannelSuit wrote:
March 2008

The Live in Paris 1965 set is really great too.

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Agantyr wrote:
December 2007

The Incredible Jazz Guitar is such an incredible album (pun somewhat intended). BTW, I added a whole bunch of pics. Check them out!

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Iskanderus wrote:
December 2007

One of mine favourite jazz executors. I for a long time listened to it, but all was pleasant practically. Especially a composition People

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TheOutabodies wrote:
December 2007

Smooth and edgy was the man. www.myspace.com/outabodies

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Savelle wrote:
October 2007

by far the best guitarjazzist of all time:P amazingly smooth, that's what he is

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-lepa- wrote:
August 2007

i'd recommend the incredible jazz guitar of wes montogomery..

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OTHERSound wrote:
August 2007

Far Wes is a cool album to get into Wes Montgomery?

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-lepa- wrote:
August 2007

i love wes's tone. it's so warm.

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YEMinaJar wrote:
June 2007

How do you feel about Scofield, Sataf?

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DJDump wrote:
May 2007

I'm sorry that you're so jailed in contextual thinking and that you think everyone else should think just as you do. - or, maybe they just hadn't heard of Wes Borland?

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leonardo46 wrote:
May 2007

wse a genius,waes the great,wes the best çouhsdocghzily t9pibg4rfou269hjbfr907sy rf97tzx stop with this,anyone can write say somthing new´08cvy6\xa9ygbv 3r09 7tyax\zb97tgrb.kmszxc- 90yujbk.n,cbupin bumpin,tequila,bumpin,tequila,pi te ro ta te ro ti-ta-to

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soulfinger wrote:
April 2007

Wes Montgomery, in technicolor!

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