Far Wes

Read About This Recording

Wes Montgomery is one of the most famous jazz guitarists of all time. His trademark octaves, along with his pop successes during his final few years (playing melodic cover versions of current hits during 1965-68 that became best-sellers themselves) made him a household name far beyond just the jazz world.

Montgomery's commercial triumphs late in life made him seem to some to be an overnight success, but he had had years of struggle before striking it rich. Wes began playing guitar back in 1943 when he was 18, using his thumb instead of a pick so he could play quietly and not disturb neighbors. Montgomery worked with Lionel Hampton's Orchestra during 1948-50 but chose to return home to his native Indianapolis where he raised a large family, worked a day job and played in local clubs (plus jam sessions after his gig) nearly every night. He somehow managed to survive without much sleep for most of the decade.

Far Wes has the three Montgomery brothers (with Buddy on piano) joined by either tenor-saxophonist Harold Land or altoist Pony Poindexter and Tony Bazley or Louis Hayes on drums.

In his early 30's at the time, Wes Montgomery is quite recognizable throughout these swinging performances, which were his first real opportunity to stretch out on record. The music alternates originals with standards (including Billie's Bounce, Baubles, Bangles and Beads and Stompin' At The Savoy) and shows that, when it came to bebop, few guitarists at the time were in Montgomery's league.

Later in 1959, Wes would be discovered by Cannonball Adderley and signed to Riverside, leading to much greater exposure. But, as these two slightly earlier CDs show, even when he was obscure in Indianapolis, Wes was already one of the greats.

-Scott Yanow

Contents

Far Wes; Leila; Old Folks; Wes' Tune; Hymn For Carl; Montgomeryland Funk; Stompin' At The Savoy; Monk's Shop; Summertime; Falling In Love With Love; Renie.

Wes Montgomery, Guitar; Harold Land, Tenor Sax; Pony Poindexter, Alto Sax; Buddy Montgomery, Piano; Monk Montgomery, Electric Bass; Tony Bazley, Louis Hayes, Drums.