So Much Guitar!

Sound DNA

• Jazz
• Soul Jazz

• clean
• groovy
• smoky

About

Wes Montgomery’s 1961 release <i>So Much Guitar!</i> hums with energy. The groundbreaking guitarist is backed here by an excellent band: pianist Hank Jones, bassist Ron Carter (in one of his earliest studio gigs), drummer Lex Humphries, and percussionist Ray Barretto. Most of the album consists of standards, but there are two originals, “Twisted Blues” and “Something Like Bags.” The former finds Montgomery excitedly playing the head in his trademark octave style, while the latter is a smooth, cool blues. A cover of Duke Ellington’s “Cotton Tail” is played at blinding speed. The band also sounds great when it moves at a snail’s pace: check out “I Wish I Knew,” where Montgomery’s great tone is on full display. “While We’re Young” lets you hear the guitarist perform unaccompanied. <i>So Much Guitar!</i> includes eight bonus tracks that were recorded in Vancouver, B.C., in the early '60s. That material originally appeared on the 1961 release <i>The Montgomery Brothers in Canada</i>; Montgomery is joined by his brothers (Buddy on vibes and Monk on bass) and Humphries for this lively session.

via Apple Music

Tracklist

Credits