Celebrating the centennial of Wes Montgomery, considered by many to be the best jazz guitarist of all time. This channel features clips from exhaustive interviews conducted during the four-year production of: Wes Bound Like what you're viewing? Then, subscribe to Further Wes Bound, our RU-vid channel. Click that black "Subscribe" button. It's free. More posts are coming soon.
Wes is considered one of the forefathers of smooth jazz with his late entries in the jazz lexicon of music. It's ironic that Metheny, who has assailed smooth jazz artist, embraces Wes but ignore Wes's influence on smooth jazz. And it's ironic considering that for most jazz purist, Metheny's is a pop jazz/fusion/smooth jazz artist and not remotely legit straight ahead jazz. Now, I find some of Metheny's early recording to be some of the best guitar albums ever made, but I take issue with him putting down other musicians. Just don't do it. Unless you're George Benson, who only ever has good things to say about other artists, jazz musicians should learn to keep their mouths shut.
I think Pat sold out. These videos of him about the making of his albums has become this self obsession over himself, VERY cheesy, selling coffee cups, t-shirts, the DI ADario Strings advertisement is beyond pathetic and an embarrassment. Many questions. What happened to Lyle? Dropped like a hot potato. No mention of tribute to him? Then that album where he plays every instrument with this automated robot machines, showing us he is suppose to be this "god" figure, and year by year the record albums just get worse and worse. But what is particularly disturbing is that most real sincere artist, let their music speak for itself, Pat seems to parade himself on bragging about every album, as "The first time" as if he has discovered the cure for cancer. I won't buy it.
Prior to their appearance at the Jazz Workshop which they recorded live the McDuff band played at The Sportsman a small R&B club where I was the guitarist for the house band in Oakland Ca. What I saw and heard was electric guitar being played in a way that I could never have imagined if I wasn't there. When I inquired about him the drummer Joe Dukes said thats George Benson you will be hearing about him. Prophetic words. GB is still my hero and inspiration to this day
Contrary to Pat, Wes Montgomery knew how to play jazz. His limited techniques of both hands was not perceptible during playing, contrary to Pat's playing (who has a very limited jazz guitar techniques).
❤ Pat Metheny and his music. 🎶 Comments re his hair are stupid & juvenile. Pat's an Einstein of music (including his hair). 😄 Folks post anything these days from the safety of their keyboard. Jerks. 🤨Put some respect on Pat's name.
I met Pat at a show after his performance and I will always remember his very warm handshake and genuine presence. Not just a truly extraordinary musician, Pat is a truly wonderful man.
Orrin Keepnews tells the story of trying 2 catch Wes's thumb in the car door .. ha-ha! Thing practising with the thumb, it calluses up so u van get a pretty clear sound/attack .. which's why I like 2 play with the blunt end o/t pick .. when i play with the thing
Have those wonderful LRit takes on Wes ("Stolen Moments" which i specially ordered in-store .. did the same with "Wes Bound"). Orrin Keepnews said Wes "was if anything, a great melodist" .. that stuck with me. 4 me, Wes was greatest with his brothers, The Master Sounds.
I've been to lots and lots of concerts. The best concert I ever went to (as far as just awesome music) was George Benson at the Grand Ole Opry concert venue in Nashville. 1978. Man, the place was swinging.
I can not think of Pat without seeing him smile. Such a lovable guy...and the way he is talking about his passion for Wes is engaging and constructive at the same time. He has found his own voice, instantly recognisable...and precisely that is what he has gained of listening to Wes!!
I've known you since the 60s, now I'm seeing reviews that you no longer sing Masquerade or play Breezin anymore. I know vocals can be come weak as we age and fingers may not be as fast, but fans love you to try anyway. ❤❤ Miss you my friend.
Yup, same exact experience discovering Wes. Read all about him in magazines, heard from guitar players, yada yada. When I finally decided to check him out, my first taste was The Incredible Jazz Guitar. Immediately, Okay, there is no need process or digest this. What he is playing and the sound of it was instantly satisfying. That's how great he was. There is no "finally" understanding Wes's genius. It's immediately apparent.
