A journey through Wes Montgomery’s life and beginnings
Like Wes Montgomery, you must feel the love of music at the deepest level. Born on March 6, 1925 in Indianapolis, Indiana, he discovered his passion for music at the tender age of 12. He initially played the clarinet and vibraphone before switching to the guitar. His interest in the guitar was strongly influenced by the guitar playing of Charlie Christian.
At the age of 19, he heard a recording of Charlie for the first time and was immediately captivated – it was love at first listen. He even learned to play his idol’s solos by heart, a more than impressive talent that was to shape his later work. He was so enthralled that he taught himself to play the guitar in every spare minute and persevered without taking formal lessons.
Playing technique: Wes Montgomery’s unique style
Particularly notable about Wes Montgomery was his unmistakable and unique style, which he acquired during his night shifts as a steelworker. To avoid waking his sleeping children, he developed the method of strumming the strings with his thumb only, resulting in a soft, round sound that became his trademark. What was initially born out of necessity became a technique that shaped his style.
But he not only mastered strumming with his thumb, Wes also introduced octave playing to the world of jazz – a technique he “copied” from Charlie Christian. He played melody lines in such a way that they sounded in two different octaves at the same time. An incredible enrichment for the sound of organized jazz.
Guitars and amplifiers: the tools of a master
Wes’ guitar of choice was a Gibson L-5 CES, which gave him a wide range of sounds, from smooth, warm tones to sharp, clear sounds. The Gibson, as he called it, remained his faithful companion until his death. Wes used a Standel 15L15 amplifier, which further expanded the sonic possibilities of his Gibson. The Standel amp is known for its warm and round tones, and it helped to further refine the sound of Wes’ guitar.
An analysis of his solos.
In Wes’ interpretation of the song “Sunny”, he shows his unique ability to carry the melody while remaining harmonically complex. His runs are precise and elegant, and more importantly, emotional.
In “Four On Six”, considered one of his most significant compositions, Wes demonstrates his ability to improvise in both octaves simultaneously – a method he perfected and is now known as “Wes Montgomery Style”.
His solo in “Down By The Riverside” is a prime example of his ability to interpret a song in a way that pleases both the beginner and the expert. His melodic clarity, combined with a harmonic complexity that only a connoisseur can fully appreciate, is a testament to his virtuosity.
Conclusion: The legacy and significance of Wes Montgomery
In essence, Wes Montgomery revolutionized and influenced jazz in a way that few before or after him have done. He showed us new ways, new techniques and, above all, a new way of feeling and loving. He contributed to the guitar through his music and his extraordinary talent. Even today, over 50 years after his death, he remains a source of inspiration for young musicians. His legacy lives on and will always live on as long as there are people who open their ears to the wonderful world of jazz.