Wes Montgomery

Wes Montgomery was born John Leslie Montgomery on March 6, 1923 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He started learning the six string guitar at the age of 20 and although he was not skilled at reading music, he could learn melodies and riffs by ear.

Montgomery toured with Lionel Hampton from July 1948 to January 1950, but the stress of touring and being away from his family brought him back home to Indianapolis. He worked in a factory by day to support his family of eight and performed in local clubs at night. Cannonball Adderley heard Wes at one of these clubs and called Orrin Keepnews who signed him to a contract with Riverside Records. He remained there until late 1963.

The recordings made during this perid are considered to be Montgomery's best and most influential. Two sessions in January 1960 yielded "The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery." This album earned him Down Beat magazine's "New Star" award in 1960. In addition, he won the Down Beat Critic's Poll award for Best Jazz Guitarist in 1960, '61, '62, '63, '66, and 1967. He was nominated for numerous Grammy's and won a Grammy for his album "Goin' Out Of My Head" in 1966.

Wes didn't have long to enjoy his commercial success. On June 15, 1968, at the age of 45, he died of a heart attack at his home in Indianapolis.

"The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery" is the album which started it all for Wes Montgomery. He is backed up by a rhythm section of Tommy Flanigan on piano, Percy Heath on bass, and Albert Heath on drums.

The tunes include "Airegin," "D-Natural Blues," "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," "Four On Six," "West Coast Blues," "In Your Own Sweet Way," "Mr. Walker," and "Gone With the Wind."




Here's a video of Wes playing "Round Midnight."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOm17yw__6U&feature=player_detailpage