Biography of Wes Montgomery

A highly respected, loved, and widely imitated musician, Wes Montgomery was acknowledged as the most influential jazz guitarist after Charlie Christian. He expanded the resources of guitar in all its main functions -- chordal, melodic, and rhythmic. Originally from Indianapolis, he had a long musical association with his brothers Monk and Buddy. Wes played the guitar with his thumb instead of a pick, and achieved a warm, controlled sound with great rhythmic feel -- very melodic and accessible. He also mastered the use of parallel-octave style in soloing, giving a thicker, more penetrating punch to his brilliantly straightforward and unerring melodic style. Unfortunately, some of his records were pop-jazz compromises under commercial pressure, but these brought him widespread acceptance and success, including a Grammy award in 1965 for Goin' Out of My Head. The recordings that have stood the test of time are his small group efforts with many of the jazz greats of his time, such as Tommy Flanagan, Hank Jones, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Johnny Griffin. These recordings, which include albums such as Full House and Movin' Along, also feature his fine original compositions. Seemingly set for a long and celebrated career in the jazz world, Wes appeared on the cover of DOWN BEAT only a week before his premature death of a heart attack at 43. ~ David Nelson McCarthy