Tequila - Wes Montgomery (1966)

There was going to be an overly complex theory about how the helical forces of technology and the record-selling marketplace forced Wes Montgomery, one of the greatest guitarists of his generation, into recording this cheesy cabaret of pop songs. But I sort of lost the thread when i realized that this was released only one year after his classic hard bop set, Smokin At The Half Note.

I suppose it made sense for a guitarist with such a strong melodic sense to gravitate towards more recognizable melodies. His octave-heavy chord voicings made it easy for jazz and non-jazz listeners alike.

Good for him finding another revenue stream.

Tracks I Liked

Bumpin’ On Sunset is a fantastic tune, one of Montgomery’s finest.