MONTGOMERY, WES (6 MAR 1923 [SOME SOURCES GIVE 1925]– 15 JUNE 1968)

American jazz guitarist, born John Leslie Montgomery in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is regarded as the successor to Charlie Christian, achieving a “vocalized expression” with the instrument, playing with his thumb instead of a pick. He was with Lionel Hampton in 1948-1950, then returned to Indianapolis for local work. In 1959 he signed with the Riverside label and did his best jazz playing. Later albums for Verve and A&M show him in lush orchestral settings, with less jazz character. However, these later record

ings were highly popular; seven were on the charts in 1966-1968, most notably A Day in the Life (A&M #3001; 1967), which had 30 chart weeks. Of the many fine CDs available, Round Midnight (Affinity #13; originally from 1965) and Full House (Riverside #1508; 1962) show him at his best. His full output for Riverside is available on a 12-CD set (#4408). Montgomery died in Indianapolis.