Bop is Great

Bop is Great

When I mention “Bop,” I’m not referring to the jazz style that emerged in the mid-1940s, which laid the foundation for what is known as “Damnmo.” Although the spelling differs, it might have been named with that style in mind. Instead, I’m talking about the renowned entertainment company, Vap Inc.

Since November 1994, Vap has been highly regarded by Wes Montgomery fans, especially since the release of the “Jazz Giants of the Golden Age” series, featuring “JAZZ 625/Wes Montgomery,” famously known as “Moving Wes.” This company has continued to gain acclaim for its relentless efforts in uncovering previously unseen jazz footage, delivering once again the excitement that Wes fans cherish.

The man behind this passion is Mr. Hirayama from Vap’s video production department. In an email to me, he shared, “I have been a devoted fan of Wes since high school when I first listened to his live album from Half Note. His sound, warm and embracing, with an occasional intense groove, captivated me deeply. I never imagined that I would be able to see his playing style and performance scenes, which I only speculated about through photos and articles, let alone be involved in releasing them on video.”

This insight demonstrates Mr. Hirayama’s dedication to Wes Montgomery. Regarding the provider of the footage for this release, he noted, “The footage comes from Vestapol, a company based in New Jersey, USA. It’s owned by Stefan Grossman, an acoustic blues guitar researcher and player.” The content of this Wes footage needs no explanation. Following the first work, “Moving Wes,” being selected as an SJ Magazine Gold Disc, one can imagine the quality.

I am honored to have written the liner notes for this video. Whether you previously purchased the imported version or not, I am confident that my writing, although not quite capturing Wes’s “Complete European Tour,” is engaging and worth reading. So please, make sure to get a copy. (^.^;)