Photo courtesy of Resonance Records
At this point in time there is little that needs to be said about the talent and legacy of the great jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery. Whether it be his own preferred style of jazz, or rock, blues, or even more progressive variations on all of those forms, Wes Montgomery made his mark as one of the most influential and intellectually curious players of all time, and, like so many of the greats of the era, this monster talent passed away far too young at the age of 45 in 1968.
One of the most fascinating things about Wes Montgomery is that he is not usually associated with jazz towns like New York, Chicago, New Orleans, and LA. He was from Indianapolis and that is where he not only felt most at home, but where he often put on some of his most storied performances. Such is the case in the upcoming archival live release, One Night In Indy, which drops on January 15, 2016 on Resonance Records. The performance features Wes Montgomery and legendary jazz pianist Eddie Higgins performing with a trio in 1959 in Montgomery’s hometown and, as one might expect, the magic that can be heard on this recording is exquisite, to say the least. Glide Magazine is excited to feature an exclusive premiere of one of the songs from that special night, a live performance of these masters of jazz in their absolute prime playing a tune called “Li’l Darling”.
One memorable night in Indianapolis, at an exclusive 1959 jazz club performance, the jazz-guitar great Wes Montgomery and the legendary jazz pianist Eddie Higgins with his trio performed “Li’l Darling.” This favorite jazz standard from the late ‘50’s, composed by Neil Hefti for the Count Basie Orchestra, is one of 6 tracks on the upcoming release of never-before-released music joining this famed guitarist and pianist. The 7” tape reel which captured this performance was bestowed upon Resonance Records by the late, great photojournalist Duncan Schiedt, a member of the host venue, the Indianapolis Jazz Club (known by the locals as the I.J.C.). This prized possession is the only known documentation featuring Wes Montgomery with Eddie Higgins.
Give a warm listen to Glide Magazine’s exclusive premiere of “Li’l Darling”…
Tracks:
1. Give Me the Simple Life (9:14)
2. Prelude to a Kiss (5:52)
3. Stompin’ at the Savoy (7:12)
4. Li’l Darling (8:09)
5. Ruby, My Dear (8:35)
6. You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To (2:51)
Wes Montgomery’s One Night In Indy comes out January 15, 2016 on Resonance Records. For more info check out resonancerecords.org.
