WES MONTGOMERY - The Incredible Jazz Guitar (1960 UK Vinyl LP) Riverside EX/NM

£ 100

$ 133

~~£ 100~~ (best offer accepted) Sold For

Jan 30, 2025 Sold Date

Jan 25, 2025 Start Date

1 Number Of Bids

Great Britain Country Of Seller

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Description

Pictures are of the actual record for sale.

This is the original 1st UK pressing of this legendary and very rare Mono Vinyl Album.

Vinyl is completely scratch free NM

The Album sleeve (EX) is front laminated and shows very slight cold wrinkle (see images), with non laminated flipback edges, perfect spine and no writing or damage.

"The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery" is one of the most iconic jazz guitar albums ever recorded. Released in April 1960 by Riverside Records, it firmly established Wes Montgomery as a revolutionary figure in jazz guitar. The album showcases his groundbreaking octave technique, smooth phrasing, and signature thumb-picking style, which influenced generations of guitarists across genres.

Album Overview:

Artist: Wes Montgomery
Label: Riverside Records
Released: April 1960
Genre: Jazz (Hard Bop)
Producer: Orrin Keepnews
Recording Date: January 26 & 28, 1960
Recording Studio: Reeves Sound Studios, New York City

Musicians Featured:

Wes Montgomery – Guitar
Tommy Flanagan – Piano
Percy Heath – Bass (from the Modern Jazz Quartet)
Albert "Tootie" Heath – Drums

Tracklist:

Airegin (Sonny Rollins) – A fast-paced hard bop classic, highlighting Montgomery's fluid technique and use of octaves.
D-Natural Blues (Wes Montgomery) – A slow, soulful blues that showcases his lyrical phrasing.
Polka Dots and Moonbeams (Jimmy Van Heusen, Johnny Burke) – A beautiful ballad with delicate and expressive playing.
Four on Six (Wes Montgomery) – One of his most famous compositions, featuring complex chord voicings and a catchy melody.
West Coast Blues (Wes Montgomery) – A swinging blues tune with intricate harmonies and effortless soloing.
In Your Own Sweet Way (Dave Brubeck) – A sophisticated and melodic interpretation of this jazz standard.
Mr. Walker (Renie) (Wes Montgomery) – A groovy, walking-tempo piece with a bluesy feel.
Gone with the Wind (Allie Wrubel, Herb Magidson) – A classic standard played with Montgomery's signature warmth.

Significance and Legacy:

This album marked Montgomery’s breakthrough, earning him widespread recognition among critics and fellow musicians.
His use of octaves, smooth phrasing, and thumb-picking technique (instead of a pick) became a defining feature of jazz guitar.
Tracks like "Four on Six" and "West Coast Blues" have become jazz standards frequently covered by guitarists.
The album helped bridge the gap between bebop and later jazz fusion styles.
It was inducted into several "Greatest Jazz Albums of All Time" lists.

Vinyl Editions & Reissues:

The album has been reissued multiple times on vinyl, including:

180-gram audiophile vinyl editions by labels such as Wax Time and Analogue Productions.
Mono and stereo pressings, with the original mono versions being highly sought after.
Remastered editions, which enhance the original warmth and dynamics of Montgomery's playing.

If you're a fan of jazz guitar, "The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery" is considered essential listening, capturing his innovative artistry and musical brilliance at its peak.