Touring in the Netherlands in April 1965 with Clark Terry, guitarist Wes Montgomery was captured in a studio warming up Dutch musicians for a radio show recorded later on that day. The tunes they used to limber up were I Love Blues, Nica's Dream and End of a Love Affair. Fortunately, the Dutch cameramen were warming up as well.
When you view the session below, dig Montgomery's command on the instrument and swing from the opening notes on each song. It's impossible not to be hit right in the heart by each start, which instantly transfixes you. A footnote: This was recorded right in the middle of the Bumpin' session for Verve, the first half recorded before he departed for Europe and the second half completed upon his return.
Wait, there's more: If you dig Echoes of Indiana Avenue, the spectacular CD of Montgomery in 1957 and 1958 released by Resonance earlier this year (my post is here), you're in for a treat: Here are links to a two-hour show that aired on Saturday hosted by radio journalist Chris Cowles (here and here).
Chris interviews on the air bassist Mingo Jones who was involved in some of the sessions with Montgomery; jazz photographer and historian Duncan Schiedt; Montgomery’s son, Robert; and Zev Feldman, who produced the album.
Now, here's the extraordinary clip from 1965 (with a special thanks to Bret Primack for sending it along)...
I think that's a young Han Bennink on drums.....wow.......
Posted by: Keith Hedger | April 27, 2012 at 09:32 AM
Han Bennink is not only one of Holland's most extraordinary and internationally known drummers and percussionists, but also an acclaimed visual artist, see also his website
www.hanbennink.com
The highly interesting and well-written Han Bennink biography by Erik van den Berg, titled De wereld als trommel (The World is a Drum), was published by Thomas Rap Publ. and also contains a CD with stunning unreleased material.
Posted by: Henk van den Brink | April 27, 2012 at 11:28 AM
Pure magic! -- Thanks for hinting us to this unique clip.
Watching these men at an informal, relaxed session like this can be a key experience to young (jazz) players 'round the world.
It is amazing to see how easy all is working out when true masters take charge of the procedures.
Posted by: Brew | April 27, 2012 at 11:45 AM
Since Holland is such a small country, Wes Montgomery probably was totally at ease, at peace with himself and everything around him. It hadn't always been that way. He once said, and I can hear the fatigue in his voice: "You know, a thousand miles a night. That was really rough, man."
Thank you for the fine article. Best from Montreal.
Posted by: Caleb Miskiewicz | April 27, 2012 at 12:03 PM