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[Album Deep Dive] Wes Montgomery - Smokin' at the Half Note (Ep. 17)

13 min • 2 oktober 2024

In this episode of Jazz Guitar Insights, we explore the rich history and enduring influence of Smokin' at the Half Note, one of the most celebrated jazz guitar albums of all time. Wes Montgomery teams up with the legendary Wynton Kelly Trio to create a masterpiece that has inspired countless musicians.

Key Highlights of the Episode:

The Legacy of Smokin' at the Half Note: Widely regarded as a seminal jazz guitar recording, the album is consistently named by jazz greats such as Peter Bernstein, Ben Mander, and Pat Metheny as one of their top influences.
Rudy van Gelder's Unique Studio: Before becoming a full-time recording engineer, Rudy van Gelder worked as an optometrist, using his savings to build his own studio. Designed with the help of an associate of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the studio’s church-like structure created a natural reverb that shaped the album’s distinct sound. This signature sound can be heard in the drum tones and overall ambiance of the record.
Track Breakdown:
- Unit Seven: A blues tune by Sam Jones played in a swing style, with a Latin twist during the head. Wynton Kelly's solo is sparse yet effective, setting the stage for Wes Montgomery's catchy, melodic blues solo.
- Four on Six: A hard bop original by Wes, now a jazz standard. Its arrangement, based on parallel motion of perfect fifths, showcases the entire band’s talents with a complex structure and a vamp-driven outro.
- What's New: The album closes with this ballad, where Wes takes on the role of a jazz crooner, playing the melody in octaves and adding bluesy lines to create a thoughtful, introspective finish.
The Energy of the Band: Despite the album’s mix of live and studio recordings, the band’s energy never fades. Even on shorter solos like in "Four on Six," the variety and dynamic shifts keep the album flowing smoothly.
Additional Recordings: For diehard fans, more sessions from Smokin' at the Half Note were released in the 2005 CD remaster, featuring outtakes where Wes experiments with tremolo effects. The episode also recommends listening to Willow Weep for Me and Smokin' in Seattle: Live at the Penthouse, both featuring the same iconic ensemble.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Kind of Blue and Someday My Prince Will Come – Miles Davis
Full House – Wes Montgomery
Peter Bernstein, Ben Mander, and Pat Metheny's reflections on Smokin' at the Half Note
Willow Weep for Me (posthumous release with string arrangements)

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