Wes Montgomery

Wes Montgomery's live sessions at the Half Note in 1965 were widely acclaimed when they were finally released in 1969, the year after his death. With an outstanding rhythm section of Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb, Montgomery's playing is clearly stimulated, though this straight reissue of the original LP unfortunately restores the unnecessary overdubbed brass and woodwinds arranged by Claus Ogermann on three of the tracks (which were removed from these songs on an earlier Verve compilation Smokin' at the Half Note). Highlights include cooking interpretations of "Impressions" and "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top," while the low point is the obvious after-the-fact addition of Ogermann's work in "Oh, You Crazy Moon." The improved sound of this 2002 reissue makes up for the shortcomings of the return of Ogermann's superficial additions. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide