Wes Montgomery Live In Beglium

[medjuck]

In the first half of the 60's I saw nearly every jazz great live at least once. The performance that impressed me the most was by Wes Montgomery (on a double bill with Roland Kirk!). After 40 years I don't even remember what numbers he played but I do remember thinking he was the most consistently good soloist I'd ever heard. I had a couple of his best records (eg The Incredible Jazz Guitar and Grooveyard) but they didn't prepare me for hearing him live. Several people (including the legendary Montreal guitarist Nelson Symonds) had told me that he was better in person than on record, but they say that about a lot of people. This time it was true.

The Half Note recordings were, until recently, the only live Wes cds I'd been able to find. Then someone on this board mentioned that the live Paris date was even better. So I ordered it from Amazon (through the board of course) and it lived up to the recommendation. I noticed that they were also selling 2 other live recordings: one called Live in Belgium (1965) and one Live at Jorgie's done with his brothers in 1961.

Has anyone heard these and are they worth getting?

A customer review of the Belgium disc presumes everybody already has this on dvd. I certainly don't. Anyone know where I might get it? Or his performance on the BBC's Jazz 625?

Edited October 22, 2006 by medjuck

[Chuck Nessa]

It sounds like he's moved a few miles.

[Eric]

The sound on the Jorgie's set is iffy. Belgium is worth the $$$.

[Ron S]

The sound on the Jorgie's set is iffy. Belgium is worth the $$$.

Agree on both. For live Wes, you should also get "Full House". Right up there with Paris (which I've been pushing here), and also has Johnny Griffin.

[brownie]

The Half Note recordings were, until recently, the only live Wes cds I'd been able to find. Then someone on this board mentioned that the live Paris date was even better. So I ordered it from Amazon (through the board of course) and it lived up to the recommendation. I noticed that they were also selling 2 other live recordings: one called Live in Belgium (1965) and one Live at Jorgie's done with his brothers in 1961.

RonS is right about 'Full House'! This Riverside live album is the one to get if you're looking for live dates by Wes Montgomery.

It smokes! And Johnny Griffin is on fire!

[Claude]

I've seen the video from the Belgian TV show (25 minutes). It's beautifully recorded and a must have for every Wes or guitar fan.

There is an official 85 minute "Legends of Jazz Guitar - Volume 1" DVD, which mixes the Wes tracks with performances by Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel and Joe Pass, and an illegit spanish DVD. Be sure to compare the tracklists for completeness.

CD: http://www.amazon.com/Live-Belgium-1965-Mo...t/dp/B000BPN268

DVDs:

http://www.playjazz.com/VI071.html

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?...=lk_organissimo

http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?...=lk_organissimo

Edited October 22, 2006 by Claude

[Sundog]

I've seen the video from the Belgian TV show (25 minutes). It's beautifully recorded and a must have for every Wes or guitar fan.

There is an official 85 minute "Legends of Jazz Guitar - Volume 1" DVD, which mixes the Wes tracks with performances by Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel and Joe Pass....

LOJG Vol.1 is essential. In addition to Wes there is some killer Barney Kessel on this DVD.

[Aggie87]

Caved in and picked up this title, despite my general aversion to some of the other material these companies put out.

Very nice recording though! In addition to the two quartet performances (Belgium & London), it's got 4 tracks from Hamburg with the Martial Solal Trio, and Johnny Griffin sitting in on "Blue Monk".

[chewy-chew-chew-bean-benitez]

Belgium, Paris, Puddin 'n Pie: I wanna listen to "Soild"