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Gallery :: Montgomery, Wes :: Wes Montgomery
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| Description: | It isn't often that one is present at a historic moment, and it is rarer still that one recognizes that history is being made. Such a moment occurred at a small basement after-hours spot on Indianapolis's west side, where Wes's trio held forth. Wes had been backstage at one of the local theaters during a package jazz show, greeting famous friends and inviting one and all to stop by his venue afterwards. Fortunately, I had my ears open, and I hustled over to the Missile Lounge before the stage show ended.
I had a ringside seat and was sipping a beer, watching Wes set up microphones and his amplifier. Neither his drummer nor his organist had yet arrived, but suddenly the front door opened and a cluster of men entered. l immediately recognized George Shearing and Lennie Tristano. They were led to a small corner table in the shadows, and were soon joined by the famous alto sax player Julian "Cannonball" Adderley.
As soon as Wes's organist, Melvin Rhyne, arrived, I heard Wes say, "You know who's sitting over there?" Rhyne, gazing into the gloom, said, "No, who?" When he heard who they were, I swear he paled visibly!
Soon the opening set was under way, and hardly had Wes completed a few solo bars when I saw Adderley drag his chair to a position in front of
the little stage. He settled his considerable bulk into it, sitting in profile to me. As the music went on, he leaned back, legs extended, mouth slightly open and eyes closed; he was absolutely knocked out.
As a result of this little episode, Riverside Records was alerted to this extraordinary guitarist by Adderley, who was one of the label's main artists.
Wes Montgomery's ultimate trip to fame began then and there. As I sat there, I had the feeling that something big was happening, and the scene has never left my memory.
This photo of Wes was taken at a lounge at the Essex House, a hotel across town, earlier in the year. As much as it has been reproduced, I would greatly prefer to have a shot from that night at the Missile Lounge, when I sat helpless, with a broken flash unit! |
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Now, for the first time, these historic images are made available in a limited offering. A series of professional quality prints, personally made by the photographer in his own facilities, and signed, can be yours. For permanence, each print is archivally processed. Fiber base, double weight matte stock is used.
Allow 7-10 days for delivery as each print is made by hand for each order.
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