Wynton Kelly Trio and Wes Montgomery - Smokin' At The Half Note (2LP, 45RPM, 180g)
Wynton Kelly, piano [click here to see more vinyl featuring Wynton Kelly]
Wes Montgomery, guitar [click here to see more vinyl featuring Wes Montgomery]
Paul Chambers, bass [click here to see more vinyl featuring Paul Chambers]
Jimmy Cobb, drums [click here to see other vinyl featuring Jimmy Cobb]
Written by Miles Davis (A1), Carl Sigman (B1), Tadd Dameron (B1), Sam Jones (B2), Wes Montgomery (C1), Bob Haggart (D1), Johnny Burke (D1)
2 LPs, standard sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 45 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Live & Studio
Record Press : Quality Record Pressings
Label : Analogue Production
Original Label : Verve
Recorded June 1965 at the Half Note, New York City and September 22, 1965 at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Engineered by Rudy Van Gelder
Produced by Creed Taylor
Remastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound
Originally released in November 1965
Reissued in 2013
Tracks :
Side A:
- No Blues
Side B:
- If You Could See Me Now
- Unit 7
Side C:
- Four On Six
Side D:
- What's New
Reviews :
"Smokin' at the Half Note is essential listening for anyone who wants to hear why Montgomery's dynamic live shows were considered the pinnacle of his brilliant and incredibly influential guitar playing. Pat Metheny calls this "the absolute greatest jazz guitar album ever made," and with performances of this caliber ("Unit 7" boasts one of the greatest guitar solos ever recorded) his statement is easily validated. Montgomery never played with more drive and confidence, and he's supported every step of the way by a genuinely smokin' Wynton Kelly Trio. In 1998, Verve reissued the complete show on disc two of Impressions: The Verve Jazz Sides, although the scrambled track order and some non-essential cuts don't diminish the appeal of the original album." AllMusic Review by Jim Smith
"The live side captures Montgomery's rich sound better than any other recording I've ever heard... The opener, a hot take on Miles Davis's 'No Blues' should get your adrenaline pumping and it should stay pumped throughout... [A] worthwhile addition to any vinyl collection - certainly one every Montgomery fan will want, both because of his playing and because of the accuracy with which Van Gelder captures his signature sound. It is absolutely sensational!... [T]he double 45rpm version from Analogue Productions cut by the late George Marino from the master tapes absolutely smokes the Speakers Corner version, good though it is. This is among the most exciting live recordings (side 1) and if your system is up to it, easily creates the illusion that Wes Montgomery has set up his guitar amp on the left side of your room and is playing just for you. It's that good! Beyond very highly recommended. It's a mandatory purchase!" Michael Fremer, analogplanet.com
Rating:
AllMusic 5/5 , Discogs 4.58 / 5 , Michael Fremer : 9/10 Music, 10/10 Sonics