Timeless music from Louisiana and Indiana are delivered from UK’s Avid Group…
Indianapolis’ Wes Montgomery is probably the most influential and loved jazz guitarist of all time. These four albums are an excellent representation of his creativity. The first and most obscure is the session with Wes and his brothers Buddy/vib and Monk/b with Paul Humphries/dr swinging on “Barbados” and waxing eloquence on “Angel Eyes”. 1061 has him teamed with vibe legend Milt Jackson and the rhythm section of Wynton Kelly/p, Sam Jones/b and Philly Joe Jones/dr for a easy grooved session including “Delilah” and “Stairway to the Stars”. With an all star cast of Hank Jones/p, Ron Carter/b, Lex Humphries/dr and the addition of Ray Barretto/cog, Montgomery sizzles through “Cotton Tail” and cruises on “Twisted Blues”. A live gig with Johnny Griffin is an absolute standout, as both leaders stretch out like they are on lawn chairs on “Full House” and “Cariba”. This is how jazz is supposed to sound!
Not only known for being the birthplace of traditional jazz, New Orleans was also the hot bed of R&B which eventually evolved into rock and roll, with its relentless beat and swinging sax sections. Clarence “Frogman “ Henry had a big hit with his gravelly voice in the novelty hit “Ain’t Got A Home” as well as two biggies in 1961 with the swaying “But I Do” and “You Always Hurt The One You Love”. Ex-auto mechanic Lee Dorsey had a sound similar to Fats Waller, with this album including his famous groovers “Ya Ya”, “Chin Chin” and Yum Yum” Barbara George had a great blues shouting delivery, featured on her hit “I Know” and “Honest I Do”. Joe Jones had a popular tune that is still played up to this very day in “Talk To Much”. Ernie K-Doe made Allen Toussaint’s “Mother In Law” one of the most famous songs of the 20th century for henpecked husbands. The heart and soul of rock and roll