WES MONTGOMERY & MILT JACKSON

Biography

Wes Montgomery and Milt Jackson, two of jazz’s most influential instrumentalists, joined forces in the early 1960s for the landmark album 'Bags Meets Wes!' (1962). Wes Montgomery, born John Leslie Montgomery on March 6, 1923 in Indianapolis, Indiana, was a self-taught guitarist who began playing at age 19, inspired by Charlie Christian. Known for his unique thumb-picking technique and extensive use of octaves, Montgomery quickly rose to prominence, recording with his brothers and later as a leader, and became a central figure in hard bop, soul jazz, and post-bop. His innovative style and melodic sensibility left a lasting mark on jazz guitar[1][3][4].

Milt Jackson, nicknamed 'Bags,' was a master vibraphonist and a founding member of the Modern Jazz Quartet. By the time of his collaboration with Montgomery, Jackson was already renowned for his blues-inflected phrasing and lyrical improvisation. The 1962 album 'Bags Meets Wes!' brought together Jackson’s expressive vibraphone and Montgomery’s fluid guitar, supported by a stellar rhythm section. Their interplay showcased the best of cool jazz and hard bop, and the album is now considered a classic of the genre[5][6][7].

Both artists’ careers were defined by their commitment to musical innovation and collaboration. Montgomery’s legacy endures through his influence on generations of guitarists, while Jackson’s work with the Modern Jazz Quartet and as a soloist helped shape the sound of modern jazz. Their joint project stands as a testament to the creative possibilities of jazz partnership.

Fun Facts

• Wes Montgomery developed his signature thumb-picking technique to avoid disturbing his neighbors during late-night practice sessions.
• Milt Jackson’s nickname 'Bags' reportedly came from the bags under his eyes, a result of his late-night lifestyle.
• The album 'Bags Meets Wes!' was recorded at the insistence of producer Orrin Keepnews, who made it a condition for Montgomery’s solo contract with Riverside.
• Despite his technical mastery, Wes Montgomery could not read music and learned complex pieces entirely by ear.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Charlie Christian - Montgomery's primary inspiration; he learned Christian's solos by ear and modeled his early playing after him. (Montgomery's early performances and recordings, especially his ability to play Christian’s solos note-for-note.) [1940s]

Key Collaborators

• Milt Jackson - Co-leader on the album 'Bags Meets Wes!'; their collaboration was a condition for Montgomery's Riverside contract. ('Bags Meets Wes!' (1962)) [1961-1962]
• Buddy Montgomery - Wes’s brother; frequent collaborator in the Montgomery Brothers group. (The Montgomery Brothers albums) [1950s-1960s]
• Monk Montgomery - Wes’s brother; played bass in the Montgomery Brothers group. (The Montgomery Brothers albums) [1950s-1960s]
• Melvin Rhyne - Organist in many of Wes Montgomery's trios and small groups. (Riverside recordings (1959-1963)) [Late 1950s-early 1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Pat Metheny - Cited Montgomery as a primary influence and inspiration for his own playing. (Metheny’s early albums, especially 'Bright Size Life') [1970s-present]
• George Benson - Modeled aspects of his guitar style after Montgomery’s octave technique and melodic approach. (Benson’s jazz and crossover albums) [1960s-present]
• Jimi Hendrix - Inspired by Montgomery’s melodic phrasing and use of octaves. (Hendrix’s improvisational style) [1960s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. 'Round Midnight (The Wes Montgomery Trio (Expanded Edition))
2. Mi Cosa - Take 1 (Guitar On The Go)
3. Satin Doll - Take 7 (The Wes Montgomery Trio (Expanded Edition))
4. Dreamsville (Guitar On The Go)
5. Yesterdays (The Wes Montgomery Trio (Expanded Edition))
6. Geno (Guitar On The Go)
7. The End Of A Love Affair (The Wes Montgomery Trio (Expanded Edition))
8. Ecaroh (The Wes Montgomery Trio (Expanded Edition))
9. For All We Know (Guitar On The Go)
10. Whisper Not (The Wes Montgomery Trio (Expanded Edition))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia