Live In ’65 – 1965
Wes Montgomery
The great guitarist is captured on three occasions during a European tour
Click here if you have a memory of this artist that you’d like to share
–
Click here to Support Jazz on the Tube
Wes Montgomery (1923-68) was one of jazz’s all-time great guitarists.
Montgomery built upon the innovations of Charlie Christian, added a mastery of octaves, and infused his bop-oriented playing with his own musical personality.
He was at the height of his powers during a European tour in 1965 which was just before his recordings (but not his club playing) became simplified, commercial, and concise enough to make him a staple on AM radio.
The guitarist is featured performing “I Love Blues,” “Nica’s Dream” and two versions (one from a rehearsal) of “The End Of A Love Affair” in Holland with on Apr. 2, 1965 with pianist Pim Jacobs, bassist Ruud Jacobs, and drummer Han Bennink.
Two days later, he plays “Impressions,” “Twisted Blues,” “Here’s That Rainy Day,” “Jingles,” and “The Boy Next Door” in Belgium with pianist Harold Mabern, bassist Arthur Harper, and drummer Jimmy Lovelace.
Finally, from May 7 in England with pianist Stan Tracey, bassist Rick Laird, and drummer Jackie Dougan, Montgomery performs “Four On Six,” “Full House,” “Here’s That Rainy Day,” “Twisted Blues,” and “West Coast Blues.”
These valuable performances show today’s viewers just how brilliant a guitarist Wes Montgomery was in his prime.
-Scott Yanow
Click here if you have a memory of this artist that you’d like to share
–