The story behind puzzle No. 17
Wes Montgomery · The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery · Riverside · 1960
Wes Montgomery played with his thumb instead of a pick. The reason was not style. He was practicing late at night after long shifts and did not want to wake anyone.
Montgomery recorded Four on Six in New York in January 1960, for The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery. The album came out that April on Riverside and was added to the National Recording Registry in 2017.
Cannonball Adderley heard Montgomery play and was so impressed that he persuaded Riverside's Orrin Keepnews to sign him.
Montgomery worked long hours as a machinist and practiced at night. Plucking with his thumb kept the sound quiet. Once amplified, it became the warm, round tone he is famous for. He also played melodies in octaves, which he said was a strain until he got used to it.
Nobody knows for sure what the title means. Montgomery never explained it. The tune is in G minor and borrows most of its chords from Summertime.
Who's on it
Keep listening
Play Nat Adderley's Work Song, puzzle No. 33, recorded the same week with Montgomery on the album.
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