ProJazz.net

The Wes Montgomery Trio (a.k.a. A Dynamic New Sound) is an album by American jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery that was released in 1959. It was reissued by Original Jazz Classics. The track “Missile Blues” is named after the club in Indianapolis where Montgomery played before moving to New York City to record for Riverside. At this club he met record producer Orrin Keepnews.

“While even label executive Orrin Keepnews admits that The Wes Montgomery Trio may have fallen short of representing Montgomery’s talent, he still felt that this debut captured a large portion of it. Recorded on October 5 and 6 in 1959, guitarist Montgomery is joined by organist Melvin Rhyne and drummer Paul Parker. Montgomery’s style, block chords and octaves, is already firmly in place, and he delivers lovely solos on “‘Round Midnight,” “Whisper Not,” and “Satin Doll.” The choice of material, in fact, from classics like “Yesterdays” to originals like Montgomery’s “Jingles,” never falters. The only drawback is that the accompaniment, which though solid, doesn’t seem to perfectly match his guitar style. One gets the impression that Montgomery’s forceful, deliberate style would be better-served by beefier arrangements. Having said this, Montgomery’s performance – coming at the end of a decade represented by guitarists like Tal Farlow and Barney Kessel – must have been a revolution in technique and execution. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a 36-year-old guitarist re-imagines the jazz guitar solo. There are two bonus tracks on The Wes Montgomery Trio: extra takes of “Satin Doll” and “Missile Blues.” Although later Riverside recordings of Montgomery are more fully realized, fans will enjoy returning to the moment when he first burst upon the jazz scene.” – Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr./AllMusic.

Track listing:

“‘Round Midnight” – 4:58
“Yesterdays” – 3:20
“The End of a Love Affair” – 3:18
“Whisper Not” – 4:40
“Ecaroh” – 3:00
“Satin Doll” [Alternate take] – 4:08
“Satin Doll” – 3:58
“Missile Blues” [Alternate take] – 4:37
“Missile Blues” – 6:04
“Too Late Now” – 4:55
“Jingles” – 5:31

Personnel:

Wes Montgomery – guitar
Melvin Rhyne – organ
Paul Parker – drums

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Released: 1959
Recorded: October 5–6, 1959
Studio: Reeves Sound Studios, New York City
Length: 48:33
Label: Riverside
Producer: Orrin Keepnews