Cape May Jazz Festival, 2007

Tribute to Wes Montgomery

The 27th Cape May Jazz Festival pays Tribute to guitar legend Wes Montgomery

Wes Montgomery is universally considered one of the greatest innovators of jazz guitar, a natural extension of Charlie Christian, whose appealing use of octaves became influential and his trademark. He achieved great commercial success during his last few years, only to die prematurely.

The 27th Cape May Jazz Festival pays Tribute to this guitar legend April 20-22, 2007 in beautiful Victorian Cape May, NJ, with tributes scheduled throughout the 25 event Jazz weekend. www.CapeMayJazz.com 1.877.7.CMJAZZ

It had taken Wes a long time to become an overnight success. He started to teach himself guitar in 1943 (using his thumb rather than a pick) and toured with Lionel Hampton during 1948-50; he can be heard on a few broadcasts from the period. But then Montgomery returned to Indianapolis where he was in obscurity during much of the 1950s, working a day job and playing at clubs most nights. He recorded with his brothers vibraphonist Buddy and electric bassist Monk during 1957-59 and made his first Riverside album (1959) in a trio with organist Melvin Rhyne. In 1960 the release of his album The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery made him famous in the jazz world. Other than a brief time playing with the John Coltrane Sextet (which also included Eric Dolphy) later in the year, Wes would be a leader for the rest of his life.

Montgomery's recordings began in 1953 with acclaimed reviews, but only moderate commercial success. Wes signed with Creed Taylor at A&M Records in 1967, and in the next two years he recorded three best-selling albums, stating simple pop melodies while backed by strings and woodwinds. His purist jazz fans were upset, but Montgomery's earlier albums began getting exposure on AM radio. During this period, he helped introduce new listeners to jazz while his live performances were as freewheeling as his early years. Unfortunately at the height of his success, Wes suffered a fatal heart attack. However Wes Montgomery's influence is still felt on a new generation of guitarists and jazz fans, many whom will pay tribute to this master during the 27th Cape May Jazz Festival, April 20-22, 2007.

WHAT: 27th Cape May Jazz Festival presented by Bank of America

Tribute to Wes Montgomery World-Class Jazz in Victorian Cape May. Headliners include Pat Martino (2 shows Friday), and Terence Blanchard (2 shows Saturday). Over 25 events, including concerts, jams, workshops, wine-tasting and a cd signing party! www.CapeMayJazz.org

WHEN: April 20-22, 2007

WHERE: Cape May, New Jersey: Convention Hall, Grand Hotel, Victorian Gardens – Marquis deLafayette, Carney’s, Cabanas, Congress Hall Boiler Room, Café Promenade – Montreal Inn

WHO: Tribute to Wes Montgomery – Pat Martino, Teddy Royal, Bob DeVos, Brian Betz;

plus Terence Blanchard, Omar Sosa, Charles Fambrough All Star Group with Craig Handy, Maurice Brown, George Colligan, Mike Clark; Buck Hill, Bootsie Barnes, Everett Greene, Royce Campbell, Sharon Clarke, George Rabbai, Joanna Pascale with Aaron Graves, Eric Frazier, Sherry Wilson Butler, Chris Bergson, Frank Bey, Cintron, Bernard Purdie with Hudson River Rats, Sila and The AfroFunk Experience, and Barbara D. Mills Gospel and Blues.