Awaited Release: “Wes Montgomery Techniques” by Yoshiaki Miyanoue
Title: Wes Montgomery Techniques / Yoshiaki Miyanoue
Catalog Number: Rittor Music VW-216
Country of Release: Japan
Release Date: September 2001
Media: Video
Master guitarist Yoshiaki Miyanoue, who continues the legacy of the legendary Wes Montgomery, has poured his heart and soul into presenting “Wes Montgomery Techniques: A Comprehensive Study.” This instructional video, featuring Miyanoue as the instructor, has been eagerly awaited and is finally released on September 8 by Rittor Music.
The Recording Lineup:
- Miyanoue Yoshiaki & Smokin’
- Yoshiaki Miyanoue (guitar)
- Hideaki Yoshioka (piano)
- Mamoru Inagaki (bass)
- Shinnosuke Takahashi (drums)
- Special Guest: Yoshiki Uda (organ)
Contents:
- Opening Act:
- “CARAVAN” by Duke Ellington / performed by Smokin’
- Prologue
- Discussion on Instruments and Strings
- Overview of Thumb Technique
- Overview of Octave Technique
- Demonstration #1:
- “FOUR ON SIX” by Wes Montgomery / performed by Smokin’
- Studio Live & Instruction
- Demonstration #2:
- “FRIED PIES” by Wes Montgomery / performed by organ trio
- Studio Live & Instruction
- Demonstration #3:
- “TWISTED BLUES” by Wes Montgomery / performed by Smokin’
- Studio Live & Instruction
- Demonstration #4:
- “BESAME MUCHO” by Velazquez De Rivera Consuelo / performed by organ trio
- Studio Live & Instruction
- Epilogue
- Ending Act:
- “SUNSET STREET” by Yoshiaki Miyanoue / performed by Smokin’
The video includes performances by Smokin’ and Yoshiki Uda, along with a trio featuring Shinnosuke Takahashi. It also offers detailed explanations of Miyanoue’s musical pieces and techniques. Although the release of such a video by a leading figure of the Wes Montgomery school may seem overdue, the content is well-curated and is valuable whether for viewing, learning, or even emulating Miyanoue’s techniques.
Miyanoue comments in the video, “When I started playing guitar, I was fascinated by Wes’s techniques. I listened to his records repeatedly and managed to master them through self-study. Later, when Wes’s European videos were discovered, I compared my techniques with his and was reassured that I had been on the right track.” This attests to his dedication and the authenticity of the video’s reproduction of Wes’s techniques.
On a personal note, while both Wes and Miyanoue use different right-hand techniques for the octave method, Miyanoue’s dynamic approach, which I would name “fanning play,” certainly achieves a more powerful volume.
Miyanoue also reveals in the video that it includes advanced techniques not used by Wes, showcasing his dedication to further improving his guitar skills. The right-hand technique, in particular, is a highlight and is best appreciated by viewing the video. The explanations delve into Wes’s unique thumb picking, octave playing, block chord solos, and Two-Five phrasing, offering a comprehensive analysis of his style.
Sales Information:
Running Time: 95 minutes
Price: 5,200 yen
Release Date: September 8, 2001
Distributor: Rittor Music