I saw Wes many times at the old Showboat in Philadelphia. He was as classy a person as he was a musician. I always sat and chatted with him on breaks and he was warm, friendly and intelligent and spoke with me like a friend. He was always original and never played any song the same way twice. Truly one of a kind and in a class by himself.
The Showboat...yeah...just what you say...sooo intimate. And the ability to hang out with those greats in between sets. We were really lucky man. Your words brought it all back. mmmmm
@@sathya999 Nothing like it today. I sat and talked with so many great musicians. They were all cordial, open and highly intelligent. Cannonball Adderley, Charles Lloyd, Kieth Jarrett, Art Blakey, Gary Burton, Larry Coryell, Pat Martino, Horace Silver and many more. You sat no more than 20 feet from the band stand or 10 feet if you sat at the bar. $3 cover charge which allowed you to get three drinks. Great times that will live with me forever.
Did you ever see him or any other jazz legend live? I'll always be saddened by the fact I will never get to see majority of my favorites play live, very thankful for todays technology for recordings like these.
Wes smoked pot and enjoyed a drink, and of course chain smoked cigarettes (which killed him), but I don't believe he did smack--though indeed his bearing of "underwater cool" is often associated with it. Unfortunately smack was--and is--very common in jazz circles.
My great guitar teacher (who teaches mostly music theory, music notes, and no tab) Ralf told me that Wes played a gig almost every day which is amazing.
This is what my daughter played for her music school audition. Straight A s for my baby. My wife and I waited in the hallway. Four years later my daughter graduated with the highest honors. A month later my wife died of cancer. I know this tune.
Wes and joe pass and pat martino and to a lesser degreee pat metheney are my favorite jazz guitarists but this is great playing I love Wes also check out bill frissell he’s another great guitar player with total tone control very ethereal out of San fran
Well, I don't think many people h.ave expressed disagreement with your comment thus far. I, for one, find myself to be in strong agreement with your statement
"There was never a finer guitarist than Wes Montgomery" - B.B. King (said to the crowd at the 1999 Indianapolis Jazz Festival) Nobody played with a deeper, more lyrical, effortlessly natural blues feel...and he never bent a string.
@@076657 stupidest thing I've ever heard. Every possible note made by an instrument is different, and every different way of phrasing, whether that be bending, trills, sliding, etc allows for a different emotion to be evoked. Bending is the closest way for a guitar to mimic the human voice, which has in my opinion the most beautiful tone of any instrument. Most jazz guitarists emulate horn lines, hence the lack of bends, but to say that using bends is a sign of mediocrity is really ignorant.
I believe that Wes, Benson, and rheinhardt, did always do just that, and would have learned to very quickly. It's what happens when you that good. I could nearly do it on pedal steel but not fully....less so on guitar....improving but it will never ever ever be like Wes....🙄.....@maccrazyg5
These guys were never "surprised" that they played exactly the notes they intended to play. George Benson provided proof by scatting (singing ) the notes along with his guitar during solos.
That isn't such an unusual ability, I think most if not all professional jazz musicians know exactly what they are about to play and hear it in their head beforehand.
@@Yourbankaccount I believe imbesss2 is right, we can disagree but Wes playing was sooth, and of course it doesn't sound 100% like todays smooth jazz but I think the roots of this permutation of jazz its in Wes's music, much like the roots of bebop were in Charlie Christian's music
There is such a unique beauty in Wes's sound production, the thumb technique, soft easy stroking, portamento, slurs, glisses, lovely concept of phrasing, immaculate attack, subtle rhythmic precision, all making for music beyond mere guitaring, or jazzing.., so poetic and beautiful and full though quiet...
I started listening to this as a random RUclips video since I was 16 in high school. I’m about to be 27 this year and nothing has ever topped this talent. Rest in paradise G
That smile when he is going to play the final cadenza, and the public starts to clap thinking it has already ended, that smile says absolutely all about him as person, and in general about what jazz is supposed to be. And music.
We are all privileged to have such great video of such a wonderful performance. This version has stood the test of time...55+ years later and still no one can replicate the tone, taste and touch of Wes Montgomery. A true Master!
That's funny.......I just happened to say that......" Wes, seems to be a nice person " I guess his expression .... we feel the same way. I play guitar so little...& " Autumn Leaves " ...its a great song....I do play it. To make history short.....I will try....ok ! 3 friends just sold their houses within the past 2 yrs.......& we used to get together an average once a month/once every 2 months......She played the piano ...so nice...& played a couple of times for "Yes".. .... Jim was the Saxo.man & high most of the time...... lol The drummer boy... (piano girl husb)......he really enjoyed each time....we got together......and Me...the only Latino & @ the Spanish guitar...of course. Ohhh forgot the drummer......I like when he sang ..... " Mack the Knife"...and imitating Luis Amgstrom strong voice........he was very funny. We played past 5 New Yrs eve... ..and that eve..... was our band climax...(I call it)..lol. My my point is....." I miss them all ..very much " ..even Jim the Sax.man wasn't my favorite player......& I say it.. 'cause each time I wanted to sing.....he hated......I know it was my Latin accent singing.....he hated. Anyway..... can't wait...to visit them & have the reunion of our lives. Thnks for reading me...!!!! Finally the mssg is....." it's nothing better ...than playing an instrument " ..it does relaxes U..! besides.....friends love when U play....for them . No matter your age......U can play...!
Without a shadow of doubt the greatest decoration of time with a guitar ever captured on camera…. Long live the great Wes Montgomerys music, name, spirit and legacy
His thumb -- the human touch on strings -- makes his sound warm -- like he's in the next room. I could listen to him all night and frequently have done just that. The best.
Wes is by far the best guitarist to study in the pursuit of jazz. Any negative comments are from those with little to no understanding of the amazing music that jazz is.
+Denian Arcoleo As well as a very studious musician, he'd been a professional recording musician with his brothers early in his life. You can't be that good without knowing music theory intimately, and a natural gift just augments your ability. It's the phrasing that separates the greats from the rest of the field.
+Allen C. Been transcribing lots of his lines recently and his phrasing is utterly genius. How could he craft such intelligent lines into his solos, I'll never know.
I think that after this there is nothing more to hear from any guitarists, the lucky ones will be close, but nobody will reach perfection like this Wes recording.
Iveseen many great jazz guitarists live, such KennyBurrell, Joe Pass, Gene Bertoncini, George Benson, Laurinda Almeida, Ting Hrines, Mickey Baker, and a few others, but there has been no other guitarist that has motivated, moved me, and shapedmy feel and style like Wes Montgomery. Sadly, he died the year I had just started to learn how to play.
I play acoustic. Various styles. Some jazz ballads and swing. I fingerpic, jazz pinch, and play leads with a pic. I try to relate to the Wes style. So much thumb. That is one smart thumb. I enjoy the fleshy sound, but the faster runs...just don't know he does those. Bravo. Beyond smooth..Uber Smooth. An American Crown Jewel! Bravo, again.
Wes was a good friend of Bill Bryant a blues guitarist and barber in New York, Newark and Boston where I met him. Wes revealed his secret to Bill " Every phrase suggests the next and then it resolves" He forgot to mention Genius as an ingredient, because he was humble and played music Instead of notes. The day a customer brought the sad news, Mr. Bryant told him : " You're last one today, then I I will lock up, go home and cry"
I have travelled far and wide in the guitar universe, but one always ends up at Wes Montgomery's door when it comes to the greatest jazz guitarist ever.
I still study on his most sophisticate playing methods...he was a real talent...he was not only a guitar player but a composer, an arranger and a director...
My only regret in life is ,,,"I DIDN'T GO SEE WES WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE" . He played at a jazz club in Hermosa Beach m CA called The Lighthouse many times and I never went. I thought he would be around for ever but God had other plans for Wes. We miss you Wes. DD
I saw Wes live every time he performed in Washington DC. The last time was a couple of months prior to his untimely death. He was one of the nicest humans anyone could meet. Wes had a great personality and made you feel like an old friend. I've never heard anyone play the guitar like Wes. He was the Big Daddy of modern jazz guitar. A true master of single note, octaves and block chord solos. And, he made it look so easy! He would be looking around the club smiling at the audience and playing impossible stuff without looking at the fretboard. Wes gave me some advice the last time I saw him at the Bohemian Caverns and it took me almost ten years to figure out what he was really telling me. He was a true genius!
Woodsheding with Wes and Company ,Make My Time Well Spent❤ Thanks all for His Music Posted for All Of Us John Barnett thanks ❤ Revisited 27 September 2023
Wes and his magical thumb.While many used four fingers and a thumb,or a plectrum,he only needed that thumb to make magical music.Rip Mr.Montgomery,you are sorely missed.
Far as I am concerned, Wes is the greatest jazz guitarist of all time - all of the rest are fighting for second place. And he belongs in the pantheon of the all-time greatest jazz musicians, regardless of instrument. The kind of talent he possessed comes along so seldom and is so rare! We are fortunate he recorded frequently so that his genius can live on for generations to come.
Yes, but I bitterly regret the lack of filmed live JAZZ performances - those that exist for some strange reason date only from 1965 and the live audio surviving from his late career eg the half note [also 65] proved he had only just changed gear to 5th compared to his early /mid career - yes, Georgia Boy1961, if forced to make a choice between Wes and all other jazz guitarists I agree its got to be Wes
This is one of the most thrilling and innovative versions of this famous tune. I've been playing this for decades and this gives me all kinds of NEW ideas. Not just what Wes is doing, but the whole band.
LIKE WHEN YOU'RE FEELING TIRED AND WORE DOWN AND YOUR SON JUST OUT OF THE BLUE SAYS HE LOVES YOU CAUSE YOU'RE HIS DAD.THAT'S THE FEELING I FEEL WATCHING THIS IN 2020
My son just turned 16 yrs old on May 19th, 2020 (Malcolm X's Birthday) Today during his B-Day Party I ask him what music he wants me to play for his birthday. He Chooses this musician. I go google Mr. Wes and I see when he was born on 03/06/1923 I was born March 7th and he passed when he was only 45 Wow. that's young. I am 42 and my 16 year old introduced me to this genius. I am blessed and grandma was right he does have an old soul in him.
The only guitarist I know of who picked almost exclusively with his thumb, mostly in one direction. It limits speed and articulation but that is what created his unique, recognizable sound. He does a lot of tricks with chordal riffs, octaves and pull-offs. He must have been self-taught. I can't imagine any guitar teacher advising that technique. A beautiful sound using a Gibson Super 400, the largest jazz guitar built and truly sweet-sounding.
I think he's playing a Gibson L5. Block inlays rather than split inlays. Also the "torch" inlay on the headstock and the tailpiece are the L5 designs. Genius performance.
3:22 u can see in his face he was disappointed he messed up that part first time and shakes his head, second time he gives it more focus and does it perfect, on third time he still slips up a little, this was a true genius and prob biggest critic of himself thats why he was the greatest
Best modern or any era or any " rainy 🌧 day " Jazz guitarist ever. These black and white videos are historic and I'm honored and delighted to have been following Wes since I was a teenager and exposed and introduced to Jazz. 🎉❤🎉❤🎉
What I love about Wes, is he plays so melodically and soulfully - but he never forgets the overall musical canvas - he's there to make a beautiful soundscape, even MORE so via his inventive embellishments. There is a tendency with some jazz soloists to get so narcissistic in their playing - relentlessly showcasing their own chops as opposed to what is far more satisfying - which is making a piece of music a collaborative synergy of instruments, with each instrumentalist playing both a unique as well as collective contribution to the overall sonic canvas. Wes was always mindful of what approach in his playing would make the piece better musically.
I was really into rock, metal, and fusion After hearing wes, I just wanted to learn jazz guitar, and also jazz piano, jazz organ, jazz bass, jazz drum Man I don't know whether I have enough life to learn them all
No, you don't. But don't let that stop you. If you can learn one, you can learn a 2nd many have. I never heard of anyone who collected the all, but lots who were excellent at two . Look up Don Thompson, great bassist & pianist.
Ally yourself with Jehovah God thru his visible organization: Jehovah's Witnesses. We'll soon be delivered out out of this mess and can enjoy the 1,000 year reign of Christ. This world is sinking fast and i just tossed you a lifeline pal.
Wes Montgomery's Album "Live in Belgium 1965" recorded March 25, 1965 - April 30, 1965 and released December 20, 2005 Bass - Arthur Harper (tracks: 1 to 10), Michel Gaudry (tracks: 11 to14) Drums - Jimmy Lovelace (tracks: 1 to 10), Ronnie Stephenson (tracks: 11 to14) Guitar - Wes Montgomery Piano - Harold Mabern (tracks: 1 to 10), Martial Solal (tracks: 11 to 14) * Johnny Griffin on sax tenor
If you're still there very well put ...ol man way down in TX coming home from military in late dec67 I would plug his 8track and drive or just sit in the car playin it over and Over and over and Over......again smooth as warm butter !
What a sublime guitarist. So much feeling and all played with just his fingers and a thumb. I only wish I could play as beautiful as him. Truly beautiful.
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I saw Wes many times at the old Showboat in Philadelphia. He was as classy a person as he was a musician. I always sat and chatted with him on breaks and he was warm, friendly and intelligent and spoke with me like a friend. He was always original and never played any song the same way twice. Truly one of a kind and in a class by himself.
that's an amazing experience. what a guy.
I would say, sir, that you are one exceptionally lucky individual to have experienced that.
The Showboat...yeah...just what you say...sooo intimate. And the ability to hang out with those greats in between sets. We were really lucky man. Your words brought it all back. mmmmm
@@sathya999 Nothing like it today. I sat and talked with so many great musicians. They were all cordial, open and highly intelligent. Cannonball Adderley, Charles Lloyd, Kieth Jarrett, Art Blakey, Gary Burton, Larry Coryell, Pat Martino, Horace Silver and many more. You sat no more than 20 feet from the band stand or 10 feet if you sat at the bar. $3 cover charge which allowed you to get three drinks. Great times that will live with me forever.
You can hear it in his playing too :)
I was 16 when I first started listening to Wes. I'm 72 now. And his music is still supreme to me as it was when I was 16.
Wow I first heard Wes through this RUclips video when I was 16. I’ll be 27 this year. Nothing has topped this man’s talent
It’s kinda hard to listen to modern music after this. It just ruins you for life
Geniuses never stop surprising me too!
Did you ever see him or any other jazz legend live? I'll always be saddened by the fact I will never get to see majority of my favorites play live, very thankful for todays technology for recordings like these.
Respect!
The pauses........ This master guitarist knows how and when to let the music breathe. Pure talent and genius!
Yes, yes and yes! Exactly that!
The spaces between the notes
You must yourself have a sensitive ear if you have that insight.
What amazes me is not just his playing, but his calm demeanor.
He's playing that like he's writing a grocery list.
Hope the food was as good as the music... :)
um..think he might be in the "blue room"?....er, just sayin'..
Does that mean on dope?
Wes smoked pot and enjoyed a drink, and of course chain smoked cigarettes (which killed him), but I don't believe he did smack--though indeed his bearing of "underwater cool" is often associated with it. Unfortunately smack was--and is--very common in jazz circles.
My great guitar teacher (who teaches mostly music theory, music notes, and no tab) Ralf told me that Wes played a gig almost every day which is amazing.
This is what my daughter played for her music school audition. Straight A s for my baby. My wife and I waited in the hallway. Four years later my daughter graduated with the highest honors. A month later my wife died of cancer. I know this tune.
so very sorry gor your loss
so very sorry gor your loss
So very sorry.
May you find peace
Bless you martin
I know some people will disagree but I think this is the finest piece of jazz guitar that I've ever seen and heard.
Wes and joe pass and pat martino and to a lesser degreee pat metheney are my favorite jazz guitarists but this is great playing I love Wes also check out bill frissell he’s another great guitar player with total tone control very ethereal out of San fran
Well, I don't think many people h.ave expressed disagreement with your comment thus far. I, for one, find myself to be in strong agreement with your statement
Indeed..Guitar period..What you are SEEING IS MASTERY
I personally don't think that this is the finest you have ever seen or heard. I think you've heard or seen better.
@@whiskerbiscuit6674 What do you consider the finest?
Wes is accompanied by Harold Mabern on piano, Arthur Harper on bass and Jimmy Lovelace on drums.
Thank you very much, man!
Ron P.
Ron P Harold Mabern is still very active and plays quite regularly at such venues as Smoke, in new York.
Wow it's amazing Harold Mabern still plays at age 81
Marcus RotMG Wow can't believe i found u here i love Wes and rotmg keep up the vids
Lovelace has got to be the coolest last name I've ever heard.
"There was never a finer guitarist than Wes Montgomery" - B.B. King (said to the crowd at the 1999 Indianapolis Jazz Festival)
Nobody played with a deeper, more lyrical, effortlessly natural blues feel...and he never bent a string.
he did bend strings!
bending strings if for over-compensating mediocre guitarists
Wes used string bending a lot. There is a live show from the UK where he plays Four on Six;
look at that.
Well yeah he did it with good taste, not in a showing off kind of way.
@@076657 stupidest thing I've ever heard. Every possible note made by an instrument is different, and every different way of phrasing, whether that be bending, trills, sliding, etc allows for a different emotion to be evoked. Bending is the closest way for a guitar to mimic the human voice, which has in my opinion the most beautiful tone of any instrument. Most jazz guitarists emulate horn lines, hence the lack of bends, but to say that using bends is a sign of mediocrity is really ignorant.
he strikes me as a player that is so confident on guitar that he's not surprised when he plays exactly what he wants to hear
I believe that Wes, Benson, and rheinhardt, did always do just that, and would have learned to very quickly. It's what happens when you that good. I could nearly do it on pedal steel but not fully....less so on guitar....improving but it will never ever ever be like Wes....🙄.....@maccrazyg5
Yeah, that sly half-smile and the sideways glances say it all. "I know I have it, and now you know it too..."
These guys were never "surprised" that they played exactly the notes they intended to play. George Benson provided proof by scatting (singing ) the notes along with his guitar during solos.
Well said.
That isn't such an unusual ability, I think most if not all professional jazz musicians know exactly what they are about to play and hear it in their head beforehand.
That style. That tone. That sound. Thanks bro. RIP brother, Wes. Peace
WES created smooth jazz, smooth jazz radio stations, with his music.
No credit has ever been recognized, but we the people know the real deal.
It ain't smooth jazz, cmon. It's a ballad written by Thelonious Monk, beautifully interpreted by Wes...
@@Yourbankaccount I believe imbesss2 is right, we can disagree but Wes playing was sooth, and of course it doesn't sound 100% like todays smooth jazz but I think the roots of this permutation of jazz its in Wes's music, much like the roots of bebop were in Charlie Christian's music
@@brandoncerquedo3365 I think you are right, but smooth jazz is just dull, not Wes!
Man, I love these black and white jazz films.
Nothing like a little Wes on a rainy Friday. 🌧☔️🌧
It wouldn't hurt having you you on a rainy day my dear.😘
Yes, like today in Barcelona.
I just discovered it also works on a rainy Saturday. 😊
@@vondahe And on a cloudy Tuesday evening!
Anytime really!!!!!! But you are indeed correct!!!!!
There is such a unique beauty in Wes's sound production, the thumb technique, soft easy stroking, portamento, slurs, glisses, lovely concept of phrasing, immaculate attack, subtle rhythmic precision, all making for music beyond mere guitaring, or jazzing.., so poetic and beautiful and full though quiet...
Uuuj
Absolutely gorgeous...grew up with the greats, too... don't forget, George Benson named him as his hero and inspiration 💯🎶✔️
absolute rhythmic precision .. impeccable phrasing, and all.. how can we not love him 😍 The one and only
I started listening to this as a random RUclips video since I was 16 in high school. I’m about to be 27 this year and nothing has ever topped this talent. Rest in paradise G
Thank you ..many times many..thanks and thanks again!!!
I love when a musician takes something that is a bit complex and dense, and within that plays something melodically beautiful.
That smile when he is going to play the final cadenza, and the public starts to clap thinking it has already ended, that smile says absolutely all about him as person, and in general about what jazz is supposed to be. And music.
And life.
He said," oh...thanks"!
We are all privileged to have such great video of such a wonderful performance. This version has stood the test of time...55+ years later and still no one can replicate the tone, taste and touch of Wes Montgomery. A true Master!
Wes seems like such a nice person
i know, huh.
I'd invite him for coffee
That's funny.......I just happened to say that......" Wes, seems to be a nice person "
I guess his expression .... we feel the same way. I play guitar so little...& " Autumn Leaves " ...its a great song....I do play it.
To make history short.....I will try....ok !
3 friends just sold their houses within the past 2 yrs.......& we used to get together an average once a month/once every 2 months......She played the piano ...so nice...& played a couple of times for "Yes"..
.... Jim was the Saxo.man & high most of the time...... lol
The drummer boy... (piano girl husb)......he really enjoyed each time....we got together......and
Me...the only Latino & @ the Spanish guitar...of course.
Ohhh forgot the drummer......I like when he sang .....
" Mack the Knife"...and imitating Luis Amgstrom strong voice........he was very funny.
We played past 5 New Yrs eve... ..and that eve..... was our band climax...(I call it)..lol.
My my point is....." I miss them all ..very much "
..even Jim the Sax.man wasn't my favorite player......& I say it.. 'cause each time I wanted to sing.....he hated......I know it was my Latin accent singing.....he hated.
Anyway..... can't wait...to visit them & have the reunion of our lives. Thnks for reading me...!!!!
Finally the mssg is....." it's nothing better ...than playing an instrument " ..it does relaxes U..!
besides.....friends love when U play....for them . No matter your age......U can play...!
What do you mean seems? He was one!
If Matt dont know him personally....he can't say Wes it's a nice Guy.....Good enough saying he SEEMS...
I think U "seem" like a trouble person.....
The man with the golden thumb. Another great musician who died too soon.
When I was still a heathen and didn't know any better, I got angry with God when Wes Montgomery died so young. Such a great loss to the world.
Rest In Peace brother. Great music is timeless.
agreed,bigtime,peace.
Sankara profile pic. Nice
What?...no Black Thought freestyle in your Freestyle collection?
@@7deepbreaths.sounds What do you mean?
And great revolutionaries are also timeless! Rest in Power Sankara!
une des plus belles mélodies du jazz jouée par un surdoué de la guitare, une pure merveille !
Wes Montgomery . Play it now. Yessss. Love it
Nobody holds a candle to Wes. One and only
Beyond me how 644 people gave this a 👎. Really? Unfathomable. This is smoother than silk. Wes was the man!
Well, “thumbs down” has been taken away, so those folks were vaporized! 😂
@@MrLuridan Thanks to Thanos!
You can tell he enjoys his craft. The joy is there in his eyes. The twinkle. He is such an amazing player.
He makes virtuosic playing seem easy. This is a video of a genius.
Without a shadow of doubt the greatest decoration of time with a guitar ever captured on camera…. Long live the great Wes Montgomerys music, name, spirit and legacy
Absolutely. No doubt.
His thumb -- the human touch on strings -- makes his sound warm -- like he's in the next room. I could listen to him all night and frequently have done just that. The best.
I thank God for giving us Mr. Montgomery.
I have heard people herald the praises of Wes Montgomery. But seeing and hearing him play I can see and understand why!
Wes is by far the best guitarist to study in the pursuit of jazz. Any negative comments are from those with little to no understanding of the amazing music that jazz is.
I'm not particularly into jazz but I like this.
one of the most incredible jazz performances I've ever heard. Wes was a fabulous natural musician.
+Denian Arcoleo As well as a very studious musician, he'd been a professional recording musician with his brothers early in his life. You can't be that good without knowing music theory intimately, and a natural gift just augments your ability. It's the phrasing that separates the greats from the rest of the field.
+Allen C. Been transcribing lots of his lines recently and his phrasing is utterly genius. How could he craft such intelligent lines into his solos, I'll never know.
+Jack Handyside ...I ONLY WISH I HAD the INTELLECT to transcribe...!!!...I DEEPLY respect YOUR abilities...!!!
Does he have a book of transcriptions?
+ jack handyside. I see, you've been transcribing his lines. Genius he was and his lines are perfection and grace every time!
This is probably the greatest rendition of Round Midnight on Guitar.
I like versions by Joe Pass and Earl Klugh as well...
Agreed.
Check out George Benson doing it live with McCoy Tyner. OMG
Give a listen to Brazilian guitarist rendition of this iconic song.
@@michaelvaladez6570 yes, Baden Powell does a fantastic version of it on ‘Tristeza on Guitar’, an album from 1966.
Truly phenomenal guitarist . Historical.
Its a good feeling to know there are other people who enjoy this music just like you
I think that after this there is nothing more to hear from any guitarists, the lucky ones will be close, but nobody will reach perfection like this Wes recording.
Iveseen many great jazz guitarists live, such KennyBurrell, Joe Pass, Gene Bertoncini, George Benson, Laurinda Almeida, Ting Hrines, Mickey Baker, and a few others, but there has been no other guitarist that has motivated, moved me, and shapedmy feel and style like Wes Montgomery. Sadly, he died the year I had just started to learn how to play.
I play acoustic. Various styles. Some jazz ballads and swing. I fingerpic, jazz pinch, and play leads with a pic. I try to relate to the Wes style. So much thumb. That is one smart thumb. I enjoy the fleshy sound, but the faster runs...just don't know he does those. Bravo. Beyond smooth..Uber Smooth. An American Crown Jewel! Bravo, again.
That double time solo 2:34 is in my opinion one of the greatest jazz guitar solos ever. The cat was a genius.
To think I listen to him as a 12 year old kid getting ready for school. Had only two albums Wes and Wilson Picket. Why I play guitar today at 68.
The best Round Midnight of all versions! Wes is superb!
1965? Wow I guess he is a bit older than I remeber in pics but thought he passed by 65 already. Truly one of the best R.I.P. Mr. Montgomery.
More than fifty years later, the acoustic guitar mastery Wes Montgomery still is magic to the soul
But even though his guitar was full size his thimb technique would not work without an amp
That’s an L5, not an acoustic. Huge difference.
this ain't acoustic
Hollow body electric guitar. Not an acoustic
My grandfather's favorite guitarist.
Wes was a good friend of
Bill Bryant a blues guitarist and
barber in New York, Newark and Boston where I met him.
Wes revealed his secret to Bill
" Every phrase suggests the
next and then it resolves"
He forgot to mention Genius as an ingredient, because he
was humble and played music
Instead of notes. The day a
customer brought the sad news, Mr. Bryant told him :
" You're last one today, then I
I will lock up, go home and cry"
This is definitely the best recording he ever did. All the notes and grooves make one compact thing that expresses exactly what he wanted to say.
And just when you think it´s over .. he brings so much more, again and again. There is about 3 times more of absolute joy 😍
I could listen to Wes Montgomery all day
Such beautiful playing. Back when real songs were written ,
His way to play guitar is so warm and smooth as a velvet blanket.
I have travelled far and wide in the guitar universe, but one always ends up at Wes Montgomery's door when it comes to the greatest jazz guitarist ever.
I still study on his most sophisticate playing methods...he was a real talent...he was not only a guitar player but a composer, an arranger and a director...
Haven't heard this song in 20years.... My grandma use to place this every Saturday morning .....
My only regret in life is ,,,"I DIDN'T GO SEE WES WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE" . He played at a jazz club in Hermosa Beach m CA called The Lighthouse many times and I never went. I thought he would be around for ever but God had other plans for Wes. We miss you Wes. DD
I saw Wes live every time he performed in Washington DC. The last time was a couple of months prior to his untimely death. He was one of the nicest humans anyone could meet. Wes had a great personality and made you feel like an old friend. I've never heard anyone play the guitar like Wes. He was the Big Daddy of modern jazz guitar. A true master of single note, octaves and block chord solos. And, he made it look so easy! He would be looking around the club smiling at the audience and playing impossible stuff without looking at the fretboard. Wes gave me some advice the last time I saw him at the Bohemian Caverns and it took me almost ten years to figure out what he was really telling me. He was a true genius!
Woodsheding with Wes and Company ,Make My Time Well Spent❤ Thanks all for His Music Posted for All Of Us John Barnett thanks ❤ Revisited 27 September 2023
He is just pure.
Wes and his magical thumb.While many used four fingers and a thumb,or a plectrum,he only needed that thumb to make magical music.Rip Mr.Montgomery,you are sorely missed.
My favorite guitarrist of the Music.
Wes Montgomery blazed a trail for most of the famous guitarist in the last 50 years....bar none. He was one of the very best to have ever done it.
Wes would still be cutting edge today - you can only get so good. I have heard a lot of guitarists in my life, but he is right up there - with Django.
Far as I am concerned, Wes is the greatest jazz guitarist of all time - all of the rest are fighting for second place. And he belongs in the pantheon of the all-time greatest jazz musicians, regardless of instrument. The kind of talent he possessed comes along so seldom and is so rare! We are fortunate he recorded frequently so that his genius can live on for generations to come.
Generations to come? Meh, history wise maybe. AI will be writing better music sooner than 20 years, I'm sure.
RUclipsr you are so so so wrong my friend
Arthur You don't know anything about the subject it seems.
Yes, but I bitterly regret the lack of filmed live JAZZ performances - those that exist for some strange reason date only from 1965 and the live audio surviving from his late career eg the half note [also 65] proved he had only just changed gear to 5th compared to his early /mid career - yes, Georgia Boy1961, if forced to make a choice between Wes and all other jazz guitarists I agree its got to be Wes
I hope these recordings are preserved in the Library of Congress .
They are to precious to lose .
This is one of the most thrilling and innovative versions of this famous tune. I've been playing this for decades and this gives me all kinds of NEW ideas. Not just what Wes is doing, but the whole band.
LIKE WHEN YOU'RE FEELING TIRED AND WORE DOWN AND YOUR SON JUST OUT OF THE BLUE SAYS HE LOVES YOU CAUSE YOU'RE HIS DAD.THAT'S THE FEELING I FEEL WATCHING THIS IN 2020
Yes!!! Thank you!!! 1Nation4Life
Can't get over the pure feel and class of this incredible performance...
Wes Montgomery has and always will be one of my favorite musicians. The way he plays the guitar sounds so soulful and beautiful. Woooo! Dig!
My son just turned 16 yrs old on May 19th, 2020 (Malcolm X's Birthday) Today during his B-Day Party I ask him what music he wants me to play for his birthday. He Chooses this musician. I go google Mr. Wes and I see when he was born on 03/06/1923 I was born March 7th and he passed when he was only 45 Wow. that's young. I am 42 and my 16 year old introduced me to this genius. I am blessed and grandma was right he does have an old soul in him.
The only guitarist I know of who picked almost exclusively with his thumb, mostly in one direction. It limits speed and articulation but that is what created his unique, recognizable sound. He does a lot of tricks with chordal riffs, octaves and pull-offs. He must have been self-taught. I can't imagine any guitar teacher advising that technique. A beautiful sound using a Gibson Super 400, the largest jazz guitar built and truly sweet-sounding.
Any idea what amp he might be playing through here?
I think he's playing a Gibson L5. Block inlays rather than split inlays. Also the "torch" inlay on the headstock and the tailpiece are the L5 designs. Genius performance.
@@slimturnpike According to Equipboard it's a Standel Super Custom XV equipboard.com/pros/wes-montgomery/1965-standel-super-custom-xv
Dear kindred spirit that listens to good music and appears to own a Nebulung cat, are you also Canadian? Because that would be a rad coincidence.
Apparently completely self taught and did not read music
His left hand work is outstanding. There is so much going on there that you can't see and what you can't hear is more impressive than what you can.
Completely changed my mood, was in a terrible one. Thank You!
Wes and Jeff Beck are the two guitarists that can play very sophisticated melodies and look like they’re not even trying.
Elegant coolness ....such skill! He even developed his own style of playing.
Wes was the greatest.
The bEst EVER !! ThanX Wes !!
The way this song ends somehow tops everything that came before it.
Sweet goodness.
What a performance. What a performer. (And band).
3:22 u can see in his face he was disappointed he messed up that part first time and shakes his head, second time he gives it more focus and does it perfect, on third time he still slips up a little, this was a true genius and prob biggest critic of himself thats why he was the greatest
I look at his face, and I can love this guy, he is special, sweet and honest. A person like him cannot just cease to be, he is eternal.
Just by Wes's disposition on stage is a testament to how real of a human being he was.
Best modern or any era or any " rainy 🌧 day "
Jazz guitarist ever.
These black and white videos are historic and I'm honored and delighted to have been following Wes since I was a teenager and exposed and introduced to Jazz.
🎉❤🎉❤🎉
What I love about Wes, is he plays so melodically and soulfully - but he never forgets the overall musical canvas - he's there to make a beautiful soundscape, even MORE so via his inventive embellishments. There is a tendency with some jazz soloists to get so narcissistic in their playing - relentlessly showcasing their own chops as opposed to what is far more satisfying - which is making a piece of music a collaborative synergy of instruments, with each instrumentalist playing both a unique as well as collective contribution to the overall sonic canvas. Wes was always mindful of what approach in his playing would make the piece better musically.
Wow! What a coda! I like the way the bass player keeps it simple - pretty much just the main harmony notes - allowing Wes to shine . . .
Coltrane on strings. A great master.. thank God for recording technology. Oh, the memories.
This is the best guitar solo in human history.
What a sweet dude ! A beautiful man . He radiates. The playing of course , sublime .
A shooting STAR of the music a genius on the guitar ! Died too early...
Its criminal that this version is not available on spotify.
beard arent you dead
He's the king of ballads imo, no one played them better than him.
This was the Best ,preformance ,that Wes and Company ,collaborated on ❤ thanks again for these memories ❤❤ A VOICE IN THE MALL ❤ 2:08
I was really into rock, metal, and fusion
After hearing wes, I just wanted to learn jazz guitar, and also jazz piano, jazz organ, jazz bass, jazz drum
Man I don't know whether I have enough life to learn them all
No, you don't. But don't let that stop you. If you can learn one, you can learn a 2nd many have. I never heard of anyone who collected the all, but lots who were excellent at two . Look up Don Thompson, great bassist & pianist.
Ally yourself with Jehovah God thru his visible organization: Jehovah's Witnesses. We'll soon be delivered out out of this mess and can enjoy the 1,000 year reign of Christ. This world is sinking fast and i just tossed you a lifeline pal.
@@jkeutsch Sammy Davis Jr. could pretty much do everything
I feel the same but hey, I'm giving it a shot! Don't give up.
Buy yourself a saxophone.
Wes Montgomery's Album "Live in Belgium 1965" recorded March 25, 1965 - April 30, 1965 and released December 20, 2005
Bass - Arthur Harper (tracks: 1 to 10), Michel Gaudry (tracks: 11 to14)
Drums - Jimmy Lovelace (tracks: 1 to 10), Ronnie Stephenson (tracks: 11 to14)
Guitar - Wes Montgomery
Piano - Harold Mabern (tracks: 1 to 10), Martial Solal (tracks: 11 to 14)
* Johnny Griffin on sax tenor
thanks
great performance by everyone on this
Yeah, I have the album, and all of a sudden I'm seeing it here in video. Nice.
This was recorded by the Belgian TV?
Thanks for identifying the musicians. I was wondering who was on piano - never would have guessed it. :)
Harold Mabern is still playing. I'm hoping to see him tomorrow night with Peter Bernstein at the Village Vangard.
The most beautiful guitar sound ever! John Leslie "Wes" Montgomery.The Master R.I.P.
Wess Montgomery was one of the greatest of our time always remembered ❤ 🙏
Genius 2022.
Peace and love ❤️
Stay Free
Say what you want he was the greatest then and still now.
Justin Bieber
i always come back to you, like rain to the sea, my melodious master
smooth as warm butter
LOL His playing reminds me of butter also!!!!!
If you're still there very well put ...ol man way down in TX coming home from military in late dec67 I would plug his 8track and drive or just sit in the car playin it over and Over and over and Over......again smooth as warm butter !
What a sublime guitarist. So much feeling and all played with just his fingers and a thumb. I only wish I could play as beautiful as him. Truly beautiful.
GOD GAVE ME THUMBS AND BY GOD I'M GOING TO USE ONE
THUMBS UP !!!
Just like Wes
He's all thumbs !
shatteredsquare ju
What if all his fingers were thumbs !!