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Wes Montgomery, born in Indianapolis, Ind., in 1923, was one of the most renowned guitarists in post-war modern jazz, using an unusual technique of using his thumb to pick the notes rather than a plectrum, and making extensive use of octaves. Himself a disciple of Charlie Christian, he started playing in Indianapolis clubs in post-war years, joining Lionel Hampton’s band in 1948 and building a reputation with Hampton and various other bands during the 1950s, both ‘live’ and in the studio. The albums featured here were among his first as a leader. This 38-track 3-CD collection comprises the tracks from the original releases of his albums on Riverside from these years “The Wes Montgomery Trio - A Dynamic New Sound”, “The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery”, “Movin' Along”, “SO Much Guitar!” and “Full House”. It includes performances across the various trios, quartets and quintets featured on the recordings with Features performances with pianists Tommy Flanagan, Victor Feldman, Hank Jones & Wynton Kelly, bassists Percy Heath, Sam Jones, Ron Carter & Paul Chambers, drummers Paul Parker, Albert Heath, Louis Hayes, Lex Humphries & Jimmy Cobb, tenor saxophonists James Clay and Johnny Griffin and organist Melvin Rhyne. It’s a substantial showcase for his noted compositions and his highly distinctive guitar artistry and technique.
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