Jazz Icons: Wes Montgomery Live in '65 (2007)

Jazz Icons: Wes Montgomery shines a light on one of the most unique and influential guitarists in music history. These beautifully filmed programs from the spring of 1965 feature Wes, in intimate studio settings, leading three different lineups through some of his best-known tunes, including "Four On Six", "Jingles" and "West Coast Blues". This rare footage, complete with rehearsals, between-song banter and closeup camera angles, illuminates We's extraordinary musical vocabulary and unconventional picking technique. An in-depth, song-by-song analysis by legendary jazz guitarist Pat Metheny makes this DVD a guitar lover's dream.

Amazing!

How could you go wrong with anything that Wes has done? You can't! This video represents the master at his best. March 24, 2008

Jazz Icon

It is very enlightening to watch Wes' hands as he plays, and see how he uses the fretboard. I've been playing a long time, and this video has given me a new way to approach my instrument. I would recommend this to any guitarist that wants to play jazz. January 28, 2008

I'm a believer now!

I've tried but never really got why he was considered so great. For example, 'Smokin at the half note' really underwelmed me. However, this stuff is amazing! I'm converted! His style is nuanced and subtle rather than flashy, but everything about his playing that makes him great and unique is on display here. The sound is well restored. If you like jazz, you won't regret getting this one. January 12, 2008

The master at work

It's really an amazing DVD that explores the amazing ability of Wes Montgomery. As time elapse, one forgets where it all started and what the basis was for guitar players today. Wes Montgomery shows us all: his special technique that a lot of guitar players imitated afterwards, very good music and controlling a trio as a master. Every guitar player should have this DVD and every guitar player should thank Wes Montgomery for showing the way and making the guitar a leader instrument in music. A masterpiece, no less. December 21, 2007

Better than nothing

This new release is better than anything I've seen previously. Let's face it, anything (audio-visual) produced back in the sixties lacked the technology that exists today. Most of the footage looks like it was shot on a TV soundstage. But, if you have never seen this man perform, this documentation is well worth the $20 price tag. There are closeups of his hands playing and enhanced AV, that make this more revealing than the Legends of Jazz Guitar series. Anyone who is a student of this instrument, will benefit from this disc. November 17, 2007

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