In 1959 Montgomery was signed to the Riverside Records label, and remained there until late 1963, just before the company went bankrupt. The recordings made during this period are widely considered by fans and jazz historians to be Montgomery's best and most influential. Two sessions in January 1960 yielded the record, The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery, which was recorded as a quartet with pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Percy Heath and drummer Albert Tootie Heath. The album featured two of Montgomery's best known compositions, Four on Six and West Coast Blues. This album is included on the first volume of this two x four CD series, The Complete Recordings 1958 - 1960. Was Montgomery received many awards and accolades throughout his career; he was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Bumpin' in 1965 and received a Grammy for Goin' Out of My Head as Best Instrumental Jazz Performance by Large Group or Soloist with Large Group, in 1966. He was nominated again for his version of The Beatles' Eleanor Rigby and the LP Down Here on the Ground in 1968, and posthumously for Willow, Weep for Me in '69. His second album, The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery, earned him Down Beat magazine's 'New Star' award in 1960. In addition, he won the Down Beat Critic's Poll award for best Jazz guitarist in 1960, '61, '62,'63, '66, and '67. Jazz purists relish Montgomery's recordings up through 1965, and sometimes complain that he abandoned hard-bop for pop jazz toward the end of his career, although it is arguable that he gained a wider audience for his earlier work with his soft jazz from 1965-1968. During this late period he would occasionally turn out original material alongside jazzy orchestral arrangements of pop songs. In sum, this late period earned him considerable wealth and created a platform for a new audience to hear his earlier recordings.
S**N
SOME OF HIS BEST AND MOST INFLUENTIAL RECORDINGS.
This is the second volume of Montgomery's recordings released on the Enlightenment label. The first 4 CD volume covers 1958-1960. This volume covers 1960-1962. Like all the other sets in this series there's no liner notes except for a brief essay and a list of albums/songs included. The sound is very good--similar to many other sets in this great series. Even if you own the 12 CD Riverside set, these two sets are an inexpensive way to own a lot of great music. The five "stars" is for Montgomery's playing. There are tracks that feature other players over Montgomery which have (sometimes) less interest for Montgomery fans. But beware-some of these sets are missing a track found on the original album due to space consideration. As I've said before--"complete" may be relative.I'm sure most jazz fans own something by Montgomery, but if you want to hear even more of some of the finest jazz guitar in history, purchase both of these collections. This set collects Montgomery's best music before he went towards a more commercial style in the mid/late '60s. He died very early, robbing jazz fans of his fine playing abilities. It was rumored that Montgomery was unhappy with his recorded output--usually with syrupy string sections--during the mid '60s and he wanted to go back to playing pure jazz as he did on these albums.I could talk about the many classic sides/albums here, but why? This period was when Montgomery was still playing in small groups (trios or quartets) with some of the best jazz players of the period. Musicians like Harold Land, Tommy Flanagan, Tootie Heath, Milt Jackson, etc. all played some fine jazz on these albums. Plus his brothers are also here and are heard across four albums.Needless to say this set (and the first volume) are great ways to own Montgomery's best recordings. And the lack of notes shouldn't deter you from purchasing these sets--the information can easily be found on line or in the many books on jazz. And in case you haven't heard very early Montgomery, check out the album "Echoes Of Indiana Avenue" (Resonance Records) for a good dose of his early style, and a 2 CD set (also on Resonance) that's from very early in his career, released in May. Plus, this month sees some unreleased broadcasts from the Half Note being issued for the first time.
W**N
One of the cd’s didn’t play after the first two ...
One of the cd’s didn’t play after the first two tunes. I’m finding this a problem in these inexpensive multi disc packages. Will avoid them in the future. However,it arrived promptly.
B**W
unplayable disc
Disc two was unplayable - - a number of tracks did play and the music was , of course great, but mid way into the disc it just made noise and would not advance . I tried cleaning the surface and even tried two different players - each time the same - a real disappointment - disappointing enough to keep me from purchasing any of their other offerings
A**R
POOR SOUND STAY AWAY
You can tell they ripped some of these albums from vinyl.Bad sound on at least 2 of the discs. I'd stay away unless you are on a really tight budget.
O**Z
Wes' playing in great, but stay away from this series
Wes' playing in great, but stay away from this series! The transfer of the original recordings is absolutely abysmal. One can't help but notice the popping of the record the recordings were transferred from. The folks who issued this did a grave disservice to Wes Montgomery and all the other artists who performed on these recordings.
C**E
This alblum is the quintescents of beauty !
This alblum is the quintescents of beauty !I will throughly enjoy these cds.
D**
If Someone Should Ask...
Who is Wes Montgomery, and why is supposed to be such a big deal? Inquiring minds who want to know need to listen to one disc.The end.
R**R
Five Stars
Classic CD by a jazz legend!
S**R
Mucho Wes, pt 2
Since no one else appears to have done this, here's what you get:The Montgomery Brothers, The Montgomery Brothers, 1961Harold Land, West Coast Blues, 1960Nat Adderley, Work Song, 1960The Montgomery Bros, Groove Yard, 1961The Montgomery Bros, In Canada, 1961Wes Montgomery, So Much Guitar, 1961George Shearing & The Montgomery Brothers, 1961Milt Jackson & Wes Montgomery, Bags Meets Wes, 1962Wes Montgomery, 1962As can be seen, some of these are Wes' own dates, some are Montgomery Brothers dates, and some are sideman dates. I'm still just getting into all the music. But I have to say, I really love it. And the price makes this a no-brainer
J**S
Wes, période 1960 à 1962
2ème coffret consacré à Wes Montgomery sur la période 1960 à 1962. Musique toujours extraordinaire avec en particulier le live Full house un des concerts de jazz les plus fantastiques. Mais un livret réduit à presque rien, sans même les noms des musiciens... Wes mériterait vraiment une intégrale soignée digne de son talent.
S**K
Wes The best
Difficile de décrire en quelques phrases les impressions de chaleur, de légèreté, de gaieté que l'on ressent à l'écoute de chacun des morceaux: cet homme était un magicien.Vu le tarif, vous ne courrez aucun risque.
B**M
Five Stars
Excellent Jazz compilations
S**Y
Five Stars
Wonderful collection
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