V6-8633 Verve / Analogue Productions - CVRJ 8633 SA -  Hybrid  SACD  Stereo 

Mastered by  Geoge Marino at Sterling Sound - Limited Edition   

"The live side captures Montgomery's rich sound better than any other recording I've ever heard... The opener, a hot take on Miles Davis's 'No Blues' should get your adrenaline pumping and it should stay pumped throughout... A worthwhile addition to any  collection — certainly one every Montgomery fan will want, both because of his playing and because of the accuracy with which Van Gelder captures his signature sound. It is absolutely sensational!...

The version from Analogue Productions cut by the late George Marino from the master tapes absolutely smokes the Speakers Corner version, good though it is. This is among the most exciting live recordings  and if your system is up to it, easily creates the illusion that Wes Montgomery has set up his guitar amp on the left side of your room and is playing just for you. It's that good! Beyond very highly recommended. It's a mandatory purchase!" - Michael Fremer,, 9/10 Music, 10/10 Sound

This is timeless music that has inspired innumerable jazz guitarists and aficionados. In fact, jazz guitar great Pat Metheny has said, "I learned to play listening to Wes Montgomery's Smokin' At The Half Note." Metheny additionally said that the solo on "If You Could See Me Now" is his favorite of all time.

 

This legendary session was recorded at the Half Note nightclub in New York in 1965. It captures Montgomery at the height of his improvisational powers alongside Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers and Jimmy Cobb. Many consider it the best performance on record by one of the most inventive guitarists in jazz history.

 

Highlights include the Miles Davis opener, "No Blues" and the following track, Tadd Dameron's "If You Could See Me Now" while the album's versions of "Unit 7" and "Four On Six" have helped to establish these songs as jazz standards.

Wynton Kelly (piano)

Wes Montgomery (guitar)

Paul Chambers (bass)

Jimmy Cobb (drums)