Wes Montgomery - This is What Makes Him Amazing

One aspect of the playing of Wes Montgomery that we never talk about is in my opinion the real reason he is the amazing jazz improviser that he is.

This video is really about something else: How to connect your solo and have a longer story or musical idea in your playing using Wes as an example because he was extremely good at this.

When I transcribed or learned this solo I was not really analyzing his playing and I didn't write down the phrases I just played along with the record and tried to get close to his phrasing. That was very helpful for a lot of things with timing and phrasing and is probably what I would suggest you do when working on transcriptions.

✅DOWNLOAD A FREE E-BOOK with 15 II Valt I licks!
Sign up for my newsletter:

Snapchat: jenslarsenjazz

My Gear:

[JensLarsen]

Of course suggestions (or reminders) for other guitarists to do a video on are welcome! (maybe even with a song suggestion?)

[DojoOfCool]

One my favorite things about Wes was he came from that old school of everything was a sound. In an interview with one of today big name guitarist he talks about getting to spend some time with and play with Wes. He said he asked Wes what he was playing over a II-V. Wes just gave him a confused look and said I don't know what you're talking about what is a II-V? The guy said you know like a Dm7 to a G7. Then he asked Wes what do you call that, Wes said it's just a sound I know. As they talked it came down to Wes knew thing by their sound and what sounds worked with other sounds. I really dug that and remind myself, sound is a language everyone understands.

[ronaskew]

The most amazing aspect of Wes Montgomery's play, in my opinion, is his commitment to playing "singable' phrases regardless of harmonic complexity.

[manny]

Possibly my favorite jazz guitarist. I think the thing I love most about him is the silence.
Too many guitarists play like they are being paid by the note.
He always had little spaces where you could breath and really digest the phrase he just played.
Such a great player.

[mqblues]

Great info, Jens. Wes plays melodies inside solos -- just realized why his work stays inside my mind always. As a kid I was blown away by Wes' short solo on "The Other Man's Grass is Always Greener" on Down Here on the Ground album. Still remember his tone and meter soaring with string section!

[garububoy]

it's great that you choose to cover that particular solo. This is one of the greatest guitar solos of all time. The part where wes plays in octaves is amazing too !
It's also super cool that you focus on the fact that wes was extremely melodic as an improviser. Too many people seem to forget about that, and think wes was famous just because he had an amazing technique.

[rogerball]

@Jens, yes his concept and use of melody definitely makes his playing stand out amongst jazz players of all ilks. You have certainly captured this idea in your analysis of this solo. It also a favorite of mine. First time I heard it, years ago, just stunned me in so many ways. Kudos to you for pointing it out for others. 👍💖

[williamj]

Thank you so much, Jens! Wes Montgomery is one of my favorites.

[DarkBluePatrick]

Great video! I've been working on transcribing one of Wes's other versions of Four on Six so this video had amazing timing for me! It's really helpful to get insight like this on more of what he was doing. I really love your videos where you go into how to think about what they're doing or what they were thinking. It's really helpful for trying to connect the dots. Thank you again!

[PaulHofreiter]

One of the best solos of any jazz album. I can’t get tired of it or anything else Wes plays - I think as for my favorite of his solos it is tied between Unit 7, this 4 on 6 solo, In Your Own Sweet Way, Full House and that killer, long solo on Blue N Boogie. Thanks for the video!

Edit: as for suggestions, one of my favorite grant green solos that I don’t see get mentioned too much is on The Song is You from the Sonny Clark sessions. Might be worth taking a look at for your viewers

[jimmyc]

Classic album and solo, and the great Johnny Griffin. Thanks for posting

[halbertking]

I read a book about Steve Howell and his guitars.He mentioned hearing Wes in London in 1965.Steve mentioned how bluesy Wes was. I was thinking about it.The thing that I get with Wes Mongomery is how he can play a long sophisticated idea but he resolves it with a bluesy sounding lick. He goes out and always grounds it with some grease.

[KennethGonzalez]

I absolutely love this album and Wes' playing! :-D

[Mikkokosmos]

Great video! the Four on Six solo is epic!

[ChrisBrowntrio]

great video man. An important part about Wes is that he plays his lines on chord shapes . In the beginning his lines throughout the two fives are on maj 7 chords. If you watch his videos you can also see how he fingers those and lays them on the fretboard.

[Shuzies]

This is what makes you you for your time

[omgilovedischannel]

Really inspiring. I learned a lot. Thank you man:)

[Malcolm.Y]

You are right. Wes was not winning the Downbeat Poll because of physical technique. It was good melodies and good variations.

[evinobrien]

Hey Jens, thanks again for another amazing video! I'm a big fan of Wes. Just a suggestion but maybe you could move the notation up a bit from the bottom of the screen as it is hard to read when I'm repeatedly pausing your videos. Thanks again.

[djangoturismo]

I didn't know he eschewed a plectrum. Great channel dude, enjoy your work.