Buddy Montgomery’s New Release

Buddy Montgomery’s New Release

The youngest of the Montgomery brothers, Buddy Montgomery, has released a tribute album to the late Wes Montgomery. The album, “Remembering Wes Montgomery/Buddy Montgomery”, is an exclusive Japanese production by “M&I.” Interestingly, Buddy intentionally excluded a guitarist, choosing to perform a remembering play on the piano. This choice likely reflects Buddy’s desire to express his unique understanding of Wes, a perspective no other guitarist could capture.

Throughout the album, Buddy’s deep affection for his elder brother and great musician is palpable, creating a sense of communion with Wes in heaven. This final Montgomery seems to have condensed all the best times of the past into this one album. According to Narita, who wrote the liner notes, Buddy has been working for over three years on his autobiography, “Wes, Monk and Buddy: A Life of Jazz with The Fabulous Montgomery Brothers.” It was expected to be published last October, but it seems to be delayed.

The title “Remembering Wes” has been used in the past by various artists. Richie Hart used it as the title track of his album “Remembering Wes/Blu Flome BFJ-40222”. Kenny Burrell performed a piece titled “Remembering Wes” in “Tribute to Wes Montgomery Vol.1/Project G-7/Paddle Wheel KICJ-112”. Wes’s close friend, organist Mel Rhyne, also used it as the album title for “Remembering Wes/Savant SCD-2016”. Except for Richie Hart, these players had a close relationship with Wes during his lifetime, making it natural for them to dedicate performances to him. Wes is truly fortunate to be so beloved.