Wes himself, that he was self taught in the begining, but as he got around he had a group of associates and was able to get in with the many masters before thier demise. He push hard to learn everything he could. And went to those who could answer his endless array of Both Jazz standards, and thanks to Mr Coltrane, Free Jazz and stayed actively in pursuit of excellence.
I'm just starting to listen to jazz and its players, but watching this man, I can see he is really sincere and humble, specially when he was talking about Nelson Symonds, maybe because he knows that is not about ego but the music. Thanks for sharing.
Wes told me the same thing about Nelson Symonds. He said "there is a guy in Canada who could do what he did in chords and if Nelson left Canada it would be the end of his career." Wes had a beautiful soul. He was one of the greatest guitarist the world has ever known, but was very humble and freely gave advice and guidance. I will forever praise and honor this great man. The group in this video is the same group with his two brothers and Billy Hart (from DC) that was with Wes the last time I saw him at the Bohemian Caverns in Washington DC in early 1968, a couple of months prior to his death. In live performances, Wes played jazz even when doing popular songs like Windy. He is the only guitarist I've ever heard who would do "impossible" stuff while playing the guitar.
Wes was a great musician, but as far as the "impossible" - I mean, what?? John McLaughlin, Hendrix, Jeff Beck - have you HEARD these people?? If you have actually spoken to him, did he mention Pat Martino?
Nelson was a legend in Montreal, which he never left despite offers from Trane and others. Didn’t record much, but I was fortunate to hear him live many times. As you might expect a terrific and fairly unique sounding player. His cousin Ivan Symonds was also a fine player though less innovative. They were both from Nova Scotia but spent their working lives in Montreal as busy players in Montreal’s fantastic jazz scene.
Even in his association with Hank Garland from Nashville fame. the times became ripe with expanding the voice of the guitar in all genre of music. Of course to enclude those of the likes of Jimi and the man Soon to be fusionist guitar players. It became an open door in the 60s and then it exploded in the 70s.
