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Wes Montgomery: Groove Brothers
ByAll 13 tracks on Groove Brothers brim with inventiveness –although Wes, who is predictably notable throughout, carries most melodies on the first session (Buddy takes the honors on much of the second set). What really stands out, though, is the musical chemistry these three have together. As the notes indicate, the brothers perform original blues and emerging jazz standards with "clearly-articulated unisons" and "contrapuntal voicings." That's a fancy way of saying these guys sound terrific together. Buddy is on piano for the first five tracks and vibes on the last eight, and Monk, the innovative electric bassist, sticks to acoustic bass throughout here.
And the highlights are plentiful. From the first session, there's the Wes originals, "D Natural Blues" and an appealing, early version of "Jingles." From the second set, there's Duke Person's superb "Jeannine," Claude Thornhill's interesting "Snowfall" (offering Buddy's notable solo), Charlie Parker's lively "Barbados" and the touching "You Don't Know What Love Is." Wes and Monk also duet most appealingly on "Angel Eyes" and Buddy's Wes-like "Beaux Arts."
Groove Brothers is easily recommended and an outstanding addition to Wes Montgomery's recorded legacy.
Tracks:D-Natural Blues; June in January; Buddy's Tune; Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?); Jingles; Jeannine; Snowfall; Angel Eyes; Barbados; This Love Of Mine; On Green Dolphin Street; You Don't Know What Love Is; Beaux Arts.
Personnel
Wes Montgomery
guitarWes Montgomery: guitar; Buddy Montgomery: piano (1-5), vibes (6-13); Monk Montgomery: bass; Lawrence Marable (1-5), Paul Humphrey: drums.
Album information
Title: Groove Brothers | Year Released: 1998 | Record Label: Fantasy Jazz
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