John Leslie “Wes” Montgomery (March 6, 1923 – June 15, 1968) was an American jazz guitarist. Montgomery was known for his unusual technique of plucking the strings with the side of his thumb, and for his extensive use of octaves, which gave him a distinctive sound. Montgomery often worked with his brothers Buddy (Charles F.) and Monk (William H.) and with organist Melvin Rhyne. His recordings up to 1965 were oriented towards hard bop, soul jazz, and post bop, but around 1965 he began recording more pop-oriented instrumental albums that found mainstream success. His later guitar style influenced jazz fusion and smooth jazz.
On a new episode of Jazz Northwest, Host Jim Wilke recently celebrated Wes: https://www.knkx.org/podcast/jazz-northwest/2023-03-05/wes-montgomery-centennial-observed-on-jazz-northwest
Happy Birthday to the great Wes Montgomery!
