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  | WES MONTGOMERY ~ THE NDR HAMBURG STUDIO RECORDINGS
JAZZLINE 77078 (Barcode: 4049774770784) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1965 Released: 2021
This is an archival album by the seminal American guitarist / composer Wes MontgomeryFind albums by this artist, recorded live on April 30, 1965, during his European tour, which also included an appearance at the Ronnie ScottFind albums by this artist’s club in London just prior to this recording. Montgomery is supported by a dreamy octet, which includes British saxophonists Scott and Ronnie RossFind albums by this artist, and drummer Ronnie StephensonFind albums by this artist (the 3 Ronnies), Austrian saxophonist Hans KollerFind albums by this artist, American (resident in Europe from 1963) saxophonist Johnny GriffinFind albums by this artist, French pianist Martial SolalFind albums by this artist and bassist Michel GaudryFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten tracks, four of which are Montgomery’s originals, two are by Ross, one each by Solal and Griffin, one is by Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist and one is a standard. The recording offers a brilliant sound quality. The bonus BD offers a half an hour glimpse at the octet’s rehearsal a couple of days before the concert.
Montgomery was at the top of his career at the time and his death, which came just three years after this recording was made, was a complete shock and a tragic premature end of his life and career.
The guitarist feels absolutely delighted supported by these European musicians, who offered already at that time a much more refined, delicate and ambitious approach to the Bebop atmosphere, and presented a highly sophisticated individual abilities as soloists.
The music is performed at a relaxed atmosphere, which emphasizes the obvious camaraderie between the musicians, and is in interesting document of the European scene at the time, as well as a tribute to Montgomery’s brilliant and innovative approach to the guitar.
Overall, for the many fans of Montgomery, this is an absolute must, not only as a document of his performances, but especially due to the unusual setting in which these recordings were made. One has to be grateful to those Germans, who keep all that historical material in perfect form, as usual.
| | Updated: 09/02/2024Posted: 09/02/2024 | CD+BD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
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