Milt Jackson And Wes Montgomery - Bags Meets Wes! (1962/2004) [Official Digital Download 24 bit/96kHz]

When Wes Montgomery made his first amazing impact on the New York jazz scene at the end of the 1950s, a great many established stars actively sought to record with him. Milt Jackson was one of the few for whom the guitarist felt an equal affinity. For one thing, they shared a strong love for the blues; and Wes had learned, through years of playing with his brother Buddy, to value the vibes/guitar sound. To support this memorable meeting of thoroughly compatible jazz masters, Riverside assembled one of the most cohesive recording rhythm sections of its day: Wynton Kelly, Sam Jones, and Philly Joe Jones.

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".

Tracklist:

01 - S.K.J.
02 - Stablemates
03 - Stairway to the Stars (take 6)
04 - Stairway to the Stars (take 2)
05 - Blue Roz
06 - Sam Sack
07 - Jingles (take 9)
08 - Jingles (take 8)
09 - Delilah (take 4)
10 - Delilah (take 3)

Produced by Orrin Keepnews. Engineered by Ray Fowler.
Recorded December 18-19, 1961 in Plaza Sound Studios, NYC.

Musicians:
Milt Jackson - vibraphone
Wes Montgomery - guitar
Wynton Kelly - piano
Sam Jones - bass
"Philly" Joe Jones - drums


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