Search - Jazz Icons: Wes Montgomery Live in '65 on DVD

The One & Only

jojo | Los Angeles, CA | 09/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Where do I start..? first... I have been playing the guitar for more than 40-years as a pro..and last 15-years as a jazz guitarist. This DVD has three parts..the second part was available in portions under the Ginus of Jazz guitar Vol 1 and 2.

However...this DVD has cleaned and restored the picture and sound to a level that it is just amazing from T.V. shows recording back in 60's.

Now about the content. The minute I started watching Wes in the first concert talking to the piano player and the band and teaching them a new tune by just casualy speaking and smoking ....my god..Wes Montgomery was alive and well speaking about music right in my living room.

I would say the way he plays the guitar and plays all his ideas one after another with such ease and smile..makes you cry...

Confession...the last three days I have been going home make myself a drink and playing this DVD and sit there and weep.

See ...I grew up listening and envy this guy..now I can actualy see him play....


I have seen many many jazz guitar artists play live and on screen...to me nothing beats Wes.

There are and they were lots of guitar players that as far as instrument technique have been superior ...but NOBODY had the SOUL and the GROOVE of the WES...when he gets going..the whole band is riding on his tale..as if by god I can't beleive this. he had a incredable GROOVE and sense of SWING that made the drummers happy as a kid in a candy store....

Ask any jazz guitar player what kind of guitar sound are they after ...I bet more than 90% will say I like my guitar to sound like Wes..and in the DVD you see what he is using..the Wes Montgomery Model Gibson L-5 (one pick-up only) and Standler tube amp which were being made since 1953...they still make them around $4000.00.

Now...this DVD is a must for anybody who likes jazz, anybody who playes the guitar, anybody who likes incredable visual music experience..and more...

Last...in my opinion the reason Wes elevated the Jazz guitar to another level was...he played it as a guitar not trying to emulate piano or horn lines as lots of guitar playes did or still do ( he used lots of bluesy runs and double stops and block chords)...anothewords...the way he plays ..it can only be reproduced on the guitar...not on any other instrument..and that my friends... will stay forever...!! enough already..by the DVD...make it number one on Amazon..he deserves it....!!
"

Finally, Extensive Video on a Virtuoso Jazz Guitar Master !!

Gypsy Guitars | Kula, UpCountry Maui, Hawaii | 10/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally, this DVD makes available a 78 minute collection of 3 European TV videos of the Jazz guitar master Wes Montgomery w/ 3 different trios backing him in mostly his compositions... the music is an inspiration & watching the many camera angles of Wes playing guitar is a revelation to anyone who admires this legendary innovator [who stands with gypsy Django Reinhardt & Les Paul as the 3 most influential Jazz guitarists of this past century]... Montgomery's right hand thumb strumming & picking is uniquely innovative to his sound & in this video, you can marvel at this amazing technique again & again as he is breezin' thru his chord soloing & octave melodies... i especially enjoy the 2nd set in Belgium as Wes really swings w/ an all black jazz musician's trio behind him burnin' thru "Impressions" & "Jingles" as well as 3 other tunes... this DVD is an "Instant Classic" that belongs in any serious jazz-influenced guitarist's collection !!! the liner notes by Pat Metheny are very detailed & great to read in addition to watching Wes finally in a full length DVD... this amazing video has reinspired my love of Wes Montgomery like the Grappelli 2 DVD set does for my love Django's playing = Buy It if you love virtuoso Jazz Guitar !"

Jazz Icon

paulyd | Santa Clara, Ca USA | 01/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is very enlightening to watch Wes' hands as he plays, and see how he uses the fretboard. I've been playing a long time, and this video has given me a new way to approach my instrument. I would recommend this to any guitarist that wants to play jazz."

Wes Montgomery Live in 1965

Ernie Jefferson | C A | 10/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amazingly clear footage with great shots in a relaxed atmosphere that captures Wes' character, relaxed approach and technique to his awesome playing style. The dialogue between Wes and the piano player in working out a tune gives a glimpse into their chord knowledge and experience. I've been playing for over 40 years and was influenced by Wes and Kenny Burrell in my beginning years. I recommend this video for any serious jazz guitarist."