Crossing Genres: Tribute to Wes, Part IV

Crossing Genres: Tribute to Wes, Part IV

Once again, I stumbled upon a “Tribute to Wes” piece. Though it doesn’t completely transcend genres, it showcases a musician adept at jazz, rock, bossa nova, pop, and more. Many of you might already know him, but I recently discovered the brilliance of a studio musician whose skills go beyond the norm and who also delivers crisp octave playing. The CD is titled “Montgomeryland” by Kiyoshi Hagiya. About a year and a half ago, it was released under his self-established label, VME (Vega Music Entertainment), possibly a mail-order specialty store.

Hagiya considers George Benson his mentor and Wes Montgomery his model, resulting in a sophisticated yet warm sound. This CD is both relaxing and enjoyable as a background atmosphere. It features classics from the 60s to the 80s, including Benson’s “Breezin’,” Percy Sledge’s hit “When a Man Loves a Woman,” Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” and standards like “Over the Rainbow.” Nostalgic tracks like Midori Tashiro’s “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” are also included. The highlight, of course, is the title track “Montgomeryland.”

Hagiya explains, “I composed ‘Montgomeryland’ as a tribute to Wes. The title idea came from Disneyland. I didn’t know Wes had a similarly titled piece.” He adds, “Recently, I’ve been using my thumb for single notes as well as octaves. Initially, I pursued George Benson’s picking style, but since last year, I prefer the thumb sound, not just for jazz. Thumb playing produces a richer, warmer tone.”

His versatility as a studio musician is truly admirable. I highly recommend giving this CD a listen. It’s surprising that I’ve only just discovered a musician so dedicated to Wes. Maybe I’m the last to know! Below is a brief profile of Kiyoshi Hagiya:

Kiyoshi Hagiya
Born in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki. Debuted as a guitarist with the G.S. Blue Impulse while in high school.
In 1973, began studio work, participating in numerous recordings.
Joined Takeshi Inomata & Sound Limited, performing in concerts and tours.
Studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1976.
After returning to Japan in 1977, he continued studio work with renowned arrangers like Norio Maeda and Hiroshi Miyagawa.
Performed with Hidehiko Matsumoto, Yuji Ohno Explosion Band, and BUSTER.
Played with musicians like George Kawaguchi, Shelly Manne, and Sadao Watanabe.
Formed the Kiyoshi Hagiya Group, composing and performing original music at live houses.
Composed the opening theme for Fuji TV’s “Quiz Grand Prix” and began composing and arranging CM songs.
In 1988, participated in the “Ongaku Batake Concert” with Katsuhisa Hattori’s orchestra in Las Vegas.
In 1992, regularly appeared on NHK’s “Ongaku wa Koibito,” a music program centered around Kentaro Haneda.
Performed with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra in 1993.
From 1994, joined the “Miyagawa-gumi” led by Hiroshi Miyagawa.
Appeared regularly on NHK’s “Tokimeki Yume Sound” from 1994 to 1998.
Released “Happy Birthday” with Nippon Crown in March 1995 and recorded “So Natural” in New York in June 1995.
Formed the Kiyoshi Hagiya Super Band in 1995.
Performed with “Miyagawa-gumi” in Chicago’s Thompson Center in October 1999.
Released “Montgomeryland” under VME in December 2000.
Currently active in live performances and studio work.
(Profile from Hagiya’s website)