John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery was born on March 6, 1923 in
Indianapolis IN. He’s one of my favorite jazz guitarists and was a superb
improviser. Wes learned to play the guitar by studying Charlie Christian and
playing his music by ear. Like several other jazz greats, he never played with
a pick but used his thumb instead. You hear a lot of his influence in the
styles of countless guitarists today, especially when they use his technique of
playing octaves while soloing.
From 1948 to 1950 he toured with the outstanding
vibraphonist Lionel Hampton, but returned to Naptown (Indianapolis for those of
you not familiar with its nickname) where he joined up with his brother Monk
(bass) and Buddy (vibes) and began recording for the Pacific Jazz label. He
began to move away from straight jazz and crossed over to a more pop/jazz style
where he became immensely popular. In 1966 he won a Grammy Award for “Best
Instrumental Jazz Performance. He won his second Grammy Award in 1969 in the
same category. Unfortunately, he wasn’t around to receive it, because at the
height of his career on June 15, 1968, he died of a heart attack.
Montgomery was a jazz and guitar giant who left a legacy of
style that is copied by practically every virtuoso guitarist today.
Round Midnight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOm17yw__6U
Impressions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQi48T4YWh4
Bumpin on Sunset: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqn3PF_DcSg
A day in the life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ooeMXnPuIg
West coast blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0sipEKhIhc
Round Midnight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pbp2FhdKyg
Twisted Blues: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVVhJkeCF04
California dreaming: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMm1X2sBJVk
All the things you are: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyVjDHaBPAc
The days of wine & roses: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JadIhIihTFw
The Joker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXpOjTbVif4
Live in concert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLWlqBH9nrU
The elegance of Wes Montgomery’s playing calls for an
equally elegant wine, so I suggest a 2010 Cooper Mountain Reserve Pinot Noir
($23.00 from Shaw’s off Copley Place in Boston). My wife and I enjoyed a bottle
as we relaxed in our hotel room after hearing my son’s successful defense of
his doctoral thesis at Harvard Med. Now there are two Dr. Olives in the family.
The Cooper Mountain Pinot has subtle aromas of bright cherries and black tea. Likewise
the palate is full of tart cherry joined by nuances of black raspberry, nice
acidity and light tannins. It’s quite dry and refreshing and perfect for the occasion
because the weather in Boston was unseasonably warm. It’s perfect for listening
to the music of a musical giant like Wes.
Cheers!
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