Wes Montgomery

The Profile

Wes Montgomery (John Leslie Montgomery, 1923–1968) was an American jazz guitarist from Indianapolis known for his warm thumb-picked tone and signature octave lines. A key figure of hard bop and soul jazz, he recorded seminal albums for Riverside and later Verve and A&M, influencing generations of guitarists.

Born March 6, 1923, Indianapolis; died June 15, 1968. Self-taught; favored thumb picking and octave melodies. Early work with Lionel Hampton; later collaborations include the Wynton Kelly Trio. Major recording eras with Riverside (1960–1963), Verve (1964–1966), and A&M (1967–1968). Influenced guitarists such as Pat Metheny and John Scofield.

Four fervent reviews chart Montgomery’s thumb-picked tone, octave lines, and buoyant swing. Highlights cover The Incredible Jazz Guitar, Full House, Guitar on the Go, and The Verve Jazz Sides. Collaborations with the Wynton Kelly Trio and organist Melvin Rhyne recur. The pieces emphasize accessibility, craft, and enduring influence. Expect zero weak tracks and lots of swing.