A Tremendously Important Historic Jazz Record That Pairs Guitar Virtuoso Wes Montgomery With Miles Davis’ Rhythm Section – Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb!

An American jazz critic once said that Wes Montgomery was the “best thing that could happen to a guitar.” Grand words, one might say quickly racking one’s brains to come up with other great names. But after only a few minutes of listening to this live recording made in 1965 at the Half Note in New York, you will forget your brain-storming and concentrate on the unfused performance of this brilliant guitarist and the superb Wynton Kelly Trio. The music which gets down to the nitty-gritty, is always cool and straight with no fuss or frills getting in the way; the message comes over clearly–and it makes the blood surge through one’s veins!

This is timeless music that has inspired innumerable jazz guitarists and aficionados. In fact, jazz guitar great Pat Metheny has said, “I learned to play listening to Wes Montgomery’s Smokin’ At The Half Note.” Metheny additionally said that the solo on “If You Could See Me Now” is his favorite of all time.

This legendary session was recorded at a New York nightclub. It captures Montgomery at the height of his improvisational powers. Many consider it the best performance on record by one of the most inventive guitarists in jazz history.

Highlights include the Miles Davis opener, “No Blues” and the following track, Tadd Dameron’s “If You Could See Me Now.” And the album’s versions of “Unit 7” and “Four On Six” have helped to establish these songs as jazz standards.

Musicians:
Wes Montgomery, guitar
Wynton Kelly, piano
Paul Chambers, bass
Jimmy Cobb, drums

1. No Blues
2. If You Could See Me Now
3. Unit 7
4. Four On Six
5. What’s New?
6. Willow Weep For Me
7. Portrait of Jennie
8. The Surrey With the Fringe On Top
9. Oh, You Crazy Moon
10. Misty
11. Impressions