Search - Wes Montgomery :: Verve Jazz Masters 14

Superb introduction to a relatively overlooked master.

darragh o'donoghue | 03/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This bargain collection is an excellent introduction to the work of jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery. it is not, however, a CD for purists. Montgomery is not afraid of pop, of lush strings, of Burt Bacharach covers, of the kind of Big Band kitsch you'd find in the 'Sound Gallery'. Neither am I, and there are some marvellous things here: the melodic breeze of 'Goin' out of my mind'; the aching melancholy of 'My one and only love'; the sublime theme and variations of 'What the world needs now'; the rigorous jam of 'No blues'; the 60s spy film-like excess of 'Caravan'. Like the Hemingway hero, whatever style is offered as musical backdrop, Montgomery's guitar exists in a mellow world of its own, exuding grace under pressure."

Beautiful music

G. Sawaged | Canada | 10/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This compilation covers Montgomery's Verve years, 1964 to 1966. It's a great place to start for people wanting to discover Wes's music and his different styles. Included here, are not only some great jazz pieces like Coltrane's "Impressions" and Miles Davis' "No Blues", but also pop standards complete with a string orchestra, such as "Goin' out of my head" and "Oh! You crazy moon". Anyone who enjoys jazz guitar will love this album."