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 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
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.
"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
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...!
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 UA-cam 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.
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"
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.
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. 🎉❤🎉❤🎉
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!
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.
+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.
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
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 !
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 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.
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...
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.
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
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
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.
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
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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 UA-cam 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!
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?
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.
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.
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
"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.
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.
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!
I want to like this multiple times...
Thank you ..many times many..thanks and thanks again!!!
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!!!!!
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!
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.....
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 UA-cam 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
Wes Montgomery . Play it now. Yessss. Love it
Wes was more elegant than a prince.
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.
He is just pure.
Say what you want he was the greatest then and still now.
Justin Bieber
Genius 2022.
Peace and love ❤️
Stay Free
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"!
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"
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!
The man with the golden thumb. Another great musician who died too soon.
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.
Nobody holds a candle to Wes. One and only
I could listen to Wes Montgomery all day
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.
🎉❤🎉❤🎉
I thank God for giving us Mr. Montgomery.
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!
What a great time for music & culture. Wes & co., simply amazing.
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.
He makes virtuosic playing seem easy. This is a video of a genius.
Its a good feeling to know there are other people who enjoy this music just like you
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!
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.
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.
I love when a musician takes something that is a bit complex and dense, and within that plays something melodically beautiful.
World class.
You can tell he enjoys his craft. The joy is there in his eyes. The twinkle. He is such an amazing player.
I hope these recordings are preserved in the Library of Congress .
They are to precious to lose .
That double time solo 2:34 is in my opinion one of the greatest jazz guitar solos ever. The cat was a genius.
Wes was the greatest.
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 !
Never heard a better jazz musician since.
the ending is unreal
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.
this guy make me cry
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.
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
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.
I have heard people herald the praises of Wes Montgomery. But seeing and hearing him play I can see and understand why!
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.
Man is a genius nothing else to say
I hate the word 'greatest", but when it comes to Wes well....
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 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...
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.
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
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
The bEst EVER !! ThanX Wes !!
Its criminal that this version is not available on spotify.
beard arent you dead
Completely changed my mood, was in a terrible one. Thank You!
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.
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.
UA-camr 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
Just close your eyes..... Then the magic is even more.......
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!
Truly phenomenal guitarist . Historical.
une des plus belles mélodies du jazz jouée par un surdoué de la guitare, une pure merveille !
My favorite guitarrist of the Music.
Mr. Montgomery is my Jazz god!
He's having fun!
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 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.
With this Gentleman, paradise is at your door.....!
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 !!
Jazz has to be the most calming genre of music ever created step aside lofi
Lol lofi is basically diluted jazz 251s run through a tape machine...
try sun ra and charles mingus. their music is very calm and soothing.
Yes!!! Thank you!!! 1Nation4Life
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
Wess Montgomery was one of the greatest of our time always remembered ❤ 🙏
Certain select youtube videos should come without the dislike button, and this should be one of those!
The best Round Midnight of all versions! Wes is superb!
I think this is one of the best things I've heard
Wes is SO good!
Haven't heard this song in 20years.... My grandma use to place this every Saturday morning .....
i always come back to you, like rain to the sea, my melodious master
WOW !!! SO NICE WES 4 EVER !!!
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.
Such beautiful playing. Back when real songs were written ,
This was the Best ,preformance ,that Wes and Company ,collaborated on ❤ thanks again for these memories ❤❤ A VOICE IN THE MALL ❤ 2:08
His way to play guitar is so warm and smooth as a velvet blanket.
I wonder how many young folks appreciate the national treasure this guy is / was
He was such a fine player, man.
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.