ProJazz.net

Bags Meets Wes! is an album by Milt Jackson and Wes Montgomery that was released in 1962. It was reissued in 1999 with additional takes and again in 2006.

“Milt Jackson was 38 when, in December 1961, he co-led this superb hard-bop date with the distinctive guitarist Wes Montgomery. A jazzman who was as opinionated as he was gifted, Jackson wouldn’t hesitate to tell you exactly what he thought of a musician — so when he praised Montgomery, you knew his praise was genuine. Not surprisingly, the boppers prove to be quite compatible on Bags Meets Wes, which finds them co-leading an all star-quintet that also includes pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Philly Joe Jones (who shouldn’t be confused with swing drummer Jo Jones). Although Jackson and Montgomery prove what lyrical ballad players they could be on the standard “Stairway to the Stars,” ballads aren’t a high priority on this album. Instead, the improvisers put more of their energy into the blues — and the 12-bar format serves them well on “Sam Sack,” “Blue Roz,” and “S.K.J.” Equally strong are hard-swinging versions of Montgomery’s “Jingles” and Benny Golson’s “Stablemates.”” – Alex Henderson/AllMusic.

Track listing:
“S.K.J.” (Milt Jackson) – 5:17
“Stablemates” (Benny Golson) – 5:45
“Stairway to the Stars” (Malneck, Parish, Signorelli) – 3:38
“Blue Roz” (Wes Montgomery) – 4:46
“Sam Sack” (Jackson) – 6:06
“Jingles” (Montgomery) – 6:56
“Delilah” (Victor Young) -6:07

Personnel:
Milt Jackson – vibraphone
Wes Montgomery – guitar
Wynton Kelly – piano
Sam Jones – double bass
Philly Joe Jones – drums

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Released: 1962
Recorded: December 18–19, 1961
Label: Riverside
Producer: Orrin Keepnews