This Year’s Wes Memorial Live Was a Great Success
This year’s Wes Memorial Live was a huge success. On this special occasion, I dare to call him “Kiyohito Montgomery.” The inclusion of guest tenor saxophonist Tohru Ambo added to the excitement. The rich tenor sax brought to mind the sounds of Gordon or Griffin, evoking the atmosphere of the iconic Full House album.
You might wonder, “How do you know this if you weren’t there?” It’s because I listened to the event on MD, thanks to Mr. Sato, the official recorder for “OGD.”
‘ＯＧＤ’ to play a jazz tribute to Wes Montgomery
Kiyohito “Montgomery” Koizumi(g) Shoichi Takano(org) Akihiro Nakaya(dr) Tohru Ambo(ts)
Live at “J” , Tokyo; Jun.15, 2000
● 1st Stage :
Fride Pies
Whatch What Happens
Angel Eyes
Jingles
Unit 7
If You Could See Me Now
O.G.D. (aka: Road Song)
● 2nd Stage :
I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face
Sun Down
Too Late Now
Windy
Full House
Portrait Of Jennie
Know It All
D-Natural Blues
● 3rd Stage :
Dreamsvill
Gone With The Wind
Canadian Sunset
Surry With The Fringe On Top
Four On Six
‘Round Midnight
Tequila
All the tracks performed were either composed by or recorded by Wes. Now, let’s introduce a report from our Yokohama correspondent, Aoki.
Report from Yokohama Correspondent Aoki
This annual Wes tribute live by Kiyohito Koizumi’s “OGD” fell precisely on June 15, Wes’s death anniversary, marking 32 years since his passing. If he were alive, he would be 77 years old. Despite the passage of 32 years, the fact that Japanese musicians and fans continue to honor Wes with live performances is a testament to his greatness and the profound emotional impact of his music.
As a Wes fan, I am delighted to connect with many fellow enthusiasts, thanks to the cooperation of Koizumi and Tokui (both Wes scholars) and other supporters. I did my best to cover this event.
I arrived at “J” with my jazz friends a little before 7 pm. The crowd was larger than usual, with about 30 people already there. Regulars like Sato were present, and Makita joined later. Even Matsuzaki was there, likely excited by the performance, as he later posted on the HP message board.
I greeted Takano (organ), who mentioned looking forward to Tokui’s HP article. At 7:20 pm, Koizumi expressed concern about Ambo’s arrival but started the live show at 7:30 pm. Ambo joined, and they began smoothly with Fried Pies. The audience included young couples, middle-aged couples, jazz enthusiasts, and senior fans, showcasing Wes’s broad appeal. It was particularly heartwarming to see young fans, around the same age as my children, carrying on Wes’s legacy.
Ambo’s performance was impressive, with a solid tone reminiscent of Griffin. Koizumi introduced Jingles, a request they finally fulfilled after my repeated suggestions. The atmosphere of early Riverside recordings was palpable, with Takano emulating Mel Rhyne’s style perfectly.
The crowd grew to 35-40 people, creating an ideal setting for Full House. I told Koizumi, “The turnout is great, thanks to Tokui’s HP promotion.” He replied, “Thanks to everyone. I was nervous and made mistakes, but I’ll do better next time,” clearly pleased.
During breaks, “OGD” members mingled with the audience, and I had a chance to chat with Takano. Sato, a big organ fan, introduced me to Wes collector Makita, whose rare album covers thrilled me. I suggested sharing these with Tokui. Wes discussions flourished everywhere.
The tenor sax added a sharpness to the performance, especially on Jingles, Unit 7, and Full House. The excitement continued through all three stages, with Koizumi’s chordal playing standing out, reaffirming his status as a top Wes follower. This tribute live surely delighted Wes. I wish I could inform his wife, Serene, as this passionate gathering in Japan likely rivals any in America.
July 1, 2000
Wes Fan Club Yokohama Branch Correspondent
Mikio Aoki