Search - Wes Montgomery :: Far Wes

Classic Early Wes

Oliver Towne | Riverside, CA United States | 12/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just to add a little more information: "Far Wes" is a follow-up and companion to the "Fingerpickin'" CD and was originally released on two LPs. In 1975 Pacific Jazz released a double vinyl album which comprised all of Wes's sessions for the label (four, as far as I can tell), and that's what's on these two CDs."Far Wes" is more laid-back and relaxed than most of "Fingerpickin'," but is still a very satisfying collection of tunes. It's all in a quintet format, with the Montgomery brothers--Buddy, Monk, and Wes--as the core. Harold Land (#1-7) and Pony Poindexter (#8-11) alternate on tenor and alto sax, while Tony Bazley and Louis Hayes handle the drums.The sound reminds me a lot of the mellow bop stuff Larry Coryell has been doing lately. (Check out "New High" and "Inner Urge" to see what I mean.) If you are a fan of Wes's 1960s work, I'm sure you'll appreciate these early tracks. It's a nice easy vibe, perfect for relaxing to after a hard day's work or play."

Great early Wes!

Greg Vincent | Los Angeles, CA United States | 05/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This beautiful album features Wes early on in his career playing with his brothers Monk & Buddy, along with other great players such as Harold Land on tenor. The music comes from two sessions ('58 & '59) which fit together well, both posessing a relaxed but heartfelt 'after hours' mood. The first three songs alone are worth the price of this wonderful recording. Great small group Wes!"

Love it

Reader | U. S. A. | 11/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I adore this album and listen to it more than any other jazz recording I own. It has a wonderful balance of liveliness and laid-back grooviness; I am never not in the mood for it. The entire ensemble is absolutely top-notch, in my opinion. A must-have."