LISTEN · DISCOVER · CONNECT
Wes Montgomery | Essential albums and listening guide
Explore Wes Montgomery through The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery. Discover what to listen for and follow related styles to your next record.
Wes Montgomery
Meet the artist
A guitarist who developed unique techniques of thumb hammering and octave playing. He had a decisive influence on the subsequent development of jazz guitar techniques. A soft attack produces a rounded tone and naturally singing phrases.
Moving from single notes to octaves and chords gives solos a clear rise in intensity. Complex playing sounds effortless, allowing the listener to follow the flow without knowing the technique. Blues-based phrasing and close rhythmic interaction make the swing feel personal. His warm voice echoes through many later approaches to jazz guitar.
Where to start listening
Follow the rounded guitar tone as phrases gradually gather heat. Listening to the accompaniment's responses reveals the momentum of the performance.
1960The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery
Wes Montgomery
It is a masterpiece by Montgomery, who established the techniques of thumb hammering and octave playing. It is considered a pyramid in the history of jazz guitar.
Open this album in the Atlas →
1965Smokin' at the Half Note
Wes Montgomery
This is a masterpiece, primarily featuring live recordings with the Winton Kelly Trio. It features intense performances filled with a sense of swing.
Open this album in the Atlas →
Years follow the Atlas catalogue. Recording dates, original release dates and digital reissue dates may differ.