Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Wes Montgomery: Wes Montgomery In Paris
Wes Montgomery: Wes Montgomery In Paris
ByLovingly appointed with extensive commentary and an abundance of historic photos, the two-disc album documents the astounding concert by Wes Montgomery in Paris, which featured Montgomery backed by an astute working bandthe same group that accompanied Montgomery throughout his only European tour. The concert is renowned because of the prowess Montgomery shows throughout, as well as the breadth of music he chose to display.
The 10 tracks offer a journey of moods, tempos, and styles, from a spirited rendition of Coltrane's "Impressions" to the cinematic, Latin-infused "Here's That Rainy Day," to the hauntingly gaunt "'Round Midnight," to the extended finale "Twisted Blues."
On all, we witness Montgomery in his natural habitat: surrounded by stolid musicians, free to improvise extended, intricate solos, unencumbered by the studio setting, and feeding off the responsiveness of the audience.
The result is a unique window into an artist at the height of his powers, worth adding to any aficionado's library, or using as an introduction to Montgomery's musical universe.
Track Listing
CD 1:
Four on Six; Impressions; The Girl Next Door; Here's That Rainy Day; Jingles.
CD 2:
To Wane; Full House; 'Round Midnight; Blue 'n Boogie/West Coast Blues; Twisted Blues.
Personnel
Wes Montgomery
guitarWes Montgomery: guitar; Harold Mabern: piano; Arthur Harper: bass; Jimmy Lovelace: drums; Johnny Griffin: tenor saxophone (2-2, 2-3, 2-4).
Album information
Title: In Paris: The Definitive ORTF Recording | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Resonance Records