Incredible Jazz Guitar:  This 1960 record solidified Montgomery's reputation as the most important jazz guitarist to emerge since Charlie Christian in the 1930s. His two most-distinguishing traits---the mellow thumb-picking approach and the soft and round use of octaves--are in full bloom here.  His solos are remarkably fluid and melodic while still capturing the essence of the blues idiom.

He achieves a near-perfect balance of technique and emotion. . Rather than compete with horn players and their styles, Montgomery relished the distinct and unique qualities of the guitar. --Marc Greilsamer

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Smoking At The Half Note:  Wes Montgomery brought the art of the electric guitar to new heights in the 1950s and 1960s before his untimely death at 43. His vaulting style employed octaves much as his main influence, Charlie Christian, did in the Benny Goodman Sextet. Montgomery's crowd-pleasing facility with the fretboard was best employed in live performance when he could stretch out and really be heard. Smokin' is a thoroughly satisfying live album recorded in 1965 and 1966 at the New York nightclub, with co-leader Wynton Kelly and his trio--Kelly on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, and Jimmy Cobb on drums.  --John Swenson

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Boss Guitar:  There are many who believe this is the Maestro's best outing. Therefore, as the best of Wes, it is by definition the pinnacle of jazz guitar. For newcomers, though, you can't go wrong with any of his recordings on the Riverside label, now issued as part of the "Original Jazz Classics" series.

"Besame Mucho" has that irrestible minor-key, midtempo Latin flavour --the second take is even cooler than the first. "Trick Bag", "Canadian Sunset", "Fried Pies", & right in the middle, a supremely melodic rendition of "Days of Wine & Roses".

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Complete Live In Paris 1965:  This stellar 20 bit remastered double CD release includes all of the songs performed by Wes Montgomery's quartet, at the Paris' Theatre des Champs Elysees on March 27, 1965. It is arguably the best live recording of Wes Montgomery and the sound quality is excellent. Accompanied by the outstanding pianist Harold Mabern, bassist Arthur Harper, drummer Jimmy Lovelace and special guest, tenor saxophone virtuoso Johnny Griffin, this release is a testimony to the magic of Wes Montgomery's guitar playing, and his ability to innovate and excel in a live performance setting. Definitive Records. 2003.
 

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Road Song:  Regardless of what the critics say, this is one of the best albums Wes Montgomery ever recorded. (Because he didn't play the same old standard pop song from the 30's and 40's, the critics gave him hell)

The album is complemented with strings and some tunes are in the baroque style. Don Sebesky did the conducting and arranging, while Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Grady Tate and a host of other great musicians provided classy support.  Wes always was ahead of the game - it was sad that he didn't live to see the release. He died a month after recording it. Buy It Now!!!
 

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Far Wes:  "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, and that's what's on these two CDs.

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.

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Full House:  Recorded live in performance, this 1962 recording is evidence that Wes Montgomery was first and foremost a live player, able to build long, sinewy solos, giving justification to the concept of "stretching out." And the excitement only builds when tenorist Johnny Griffin jumps in. Fiery and articulate, Griffin was at the top of his game as his excellent solos on Montgomery's "Cariba" and Dizzy Gillespie's "Blue 'n' Boogie" testify. Add the Miles Davis rhythm section of Jimmy Cobb on drums, Paul Chambers on bass, and the elegant Wynton Kelly on piano, and you have some truly sparkling live jazz from the classic era. --Wally Shoup

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DVD: Legends of Jazz Guitar, Vol. 1 - Wes Montgomery:  This is an amazing dvd.  A great study on the artistry of one of the greatest jazz guitarist of all time. Priceless footage of 4 guys who knew how to play.

The camera angles focus mainly upon the fretboard, enabling viewers to see how beautiful jazz guitar is when it's played well.

If you like jazz guitar, this is a must have DVD. The bonus material of Wes in Belguim makes it a definite bargain.

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