RIP, Wes Montgomery (1923-1968)

Jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery died of a heart attack on June 15, 1968, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was just 45 years old. He is buried in the New Crown Cemetery in Indianapolis.

Jazz critics Dave Miele and Dan Bielowsky said that Montgomery "was certainly one of the most influential and most musical guitarists to ever pick up the instrument" and that he "took the use of octaves and chord melodies to a greater level than any other guitarist, before or since." Montgomery played with his thumb rather than with a pick, and this gave his playing a uniquely round and soft sound.

In his book, The 101 Best Jazz Albums, Len Lyons recommends the Wes Montgomery album, While We're Young (Milestone). Unfortunately, the album is only available on vinyl. For CDs, Jim Determan recommends the following:

• Wes Montgomery: Incredible Jazz Guitar (Original Jazz Classics), available from Amazon.com.
• Wes Montgomery: So Much Guitar! (Riverside), available from Amazon.com.

Montgomery plays "Twisted Blues" here with a big band led by Oliver Nelson:

Robert
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