Wes was definitely a master and one that many guitarists followed, especially the use of octaves, which George Benson introduced to new fans, who weren't necessarily into jazz. My dream would have been to hear Wes play Monk's Dream. I wonder if he ever did. I couldn't find a reference to it.
Beyond ''Round Midnight,' which Montgomery recorded with Jimmy Smith, I'm not aware of another Monk interpretations in the studio that were officially released - they are a few live recordings of Monk pieces by Montgomery that I found through a quick scan of Discogs. No sign of 'Monk's Dream' though.
Maybe he didn't play it. I did an arrangement years ago, but I didn't have a band to play it with. It was a great piece for guitar. Would have liked to have heard Milt Jackson play it on the vibes too.
Check out Harold Land's 'West Coast Blues', 1960, on the Jazzland label [an offshoot of Riverside], recorded in SFO by the enterprising Orrin Keepnews, featuring the industrious guitarist:
Will do - I've heard of the album but beyond probably a track or two a long time, have never played it. Band looks amazing. Thanks as well for the kind words!
Wes was definitely a master and one that many guitarists followed, especially the use of octaves, which George Benson introduced to new fans, who weren't necessarily into jazz. My dream would have been to hear Wes play Monk's Dream. I wonder if he ever did. I couldn't find a reference to it.
Beyond ''Round Midnight,' which Montgomery recorded with Jimmy Smith, I'm not aware of another Monk interpretations in the studio that were officially released - they are a few live recordings of Monk pieces by Montgomery that I found through a quick scan of Discogs. No sign of 'Monk's Dream' though.
Maybe he didn't play it. I did an arrangement years ago, but I didn't have a band to play it with. It was a great piece for guitar. Would have liked to have heard Milt Jackson play it on the vibes too.
Splendid piece!
It's a great album, and "incredible jazz guitar" might not be a hyperbole in this context.
I'm also glad to see Tommy Flanagan getting some love - his album "Giant Steps" is phenomenal.
Thanks for the kind words! Flanagan was a giant of the piano.
Wonderful essay, Robert
Check out Harold Land's 'West Coast Blues', 1960, on the Jazzland label [an offshoot of Riverside], recorded in SFO by the enterprising Orrin Keepnews, featuring the industrious guitarist:
https://www.allmusic.com/album/west-coast-blues%21-mw0000186806
Will do - I've heard of the album but beyond probably a track or two a long time, have never played it. Band looks amazing. Thanks as well for the kind words!