Complete Live at Jorgies

• Artist: Wes Montgomery
• Rating:
• Release Date: 2003
• Type: Compilation (best of), Live
• Genre: Jazz

Review

It's really too bad that the Definitive label did such a shoddy job of editing Complete Live at Jorgies. For starters, with no explanation this fine 1961 gig featuring Wes Montgomery with the Montgomery Brothers (and Billy Hart on drums) is split into two parts so the label can insert a 1963 studio date with Billy Taylor, Grady Tate, and Ben Tucker. Eric Mills' equally crummy liner notes tell you that this was done but offers no reason why. While all the music here is very fine indeed, the split is inexcusable because jazz gigs depend on momentum to come across, especially on a recording. That beautiful versions of "All of You" and "Summertime" are separated from a pair of set closers like "Starlight" and "'Round Midnight" is unthinkable. While the inserted session from 1963 has its own charms -- most notably "There Will Never Be Another You," with Montgomery's subtleties being engaged wholesale by Taylor's remarkable right-hand work and Tate's soulful drumming -- it nonetheless pales in comparison to the taut intensity of the live show that precedes it and proceeds from it. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
All of You	Cole Porter	Wes Montgomery	(13:03)
Heartstrings	Milt Jackson	Wes Montgomery	(5:48)
Summertime	George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin, Dubose Heyward	Wes Montgomery	(7:36)
Back to Bach to Bock	Wes Montgomery, Monk Montgomery	Wes Montgomery	(14:05)
There Will Never Be Another You	Harry Warren, Irving Gordon	Wes Montgomery	(3:06)
Let's Make the Most of a Beautiful Thing	Jack Wilson	Wes Montgomery	(2:47)
The More I See You	Mack Gordon, Harry Warren	Wes Montgomery	(2:08)
More Than Likely	Sammy Cahn, James Van Heusen	Wes Montgomery	(1:42)
Starlight		Wes Montgomery	(11:43)
'Round Midnight	Cootie Williams, Thelonious Monk, Bernie Hanighen	Wes Montgomery	(2:30)

Credits

Billy Hart (Drums), Buddy Montgomery (Piano), Buddy Montgomery (Vibraphone), Wes Montgomery (Guitar), Joe Williams (Vocals), Monk Montgomery (Bass), Monk Montgomery (Bass (Electric)), Grady Tate (Drums), Billy Taylor (Piano), Ben Tucker (Bass), Eric Mills (Liner Notes)