Wes Montgomery's Finest Hour
In the mid-1960s, Wes Montgomery went from being simply the most acclaimed jazz guitarist of the era to becoming an immense crossover success, setting the trend for later musicians likeGrover Washington Jr.andGeorge Benson. Often placed in pop-oriented big band and string settings, Montgomery covered earlier hits of the day--like "Tequila" and theBeatles' "A Day in the Life"--adding his trademark octaves and funky inflections. Given the opportunity, though, he was still an inspired improviser, a side that's best represented here by the big-band version of "Milestones" with organistJimmy Smith, and the live recording ofJohn Coltrane's "Impressions," with Montgomery blazing atop the rhythm section ofWynton Kelly,Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb. This is a good introduction to the different facets of Montgomery's later recordings, with the emphasis on the pop side of the equation. Those seeking more of his forthright jazz playing of the time should go directly toImpressions: the Verve Jazz Sides.--Stuart Broomer