Six for Sunday - 6 Artists Influenced by Wes Montgomery

When I was making a decision on which videos to include in yesterday's Seven for Saturday: Wes Montgomery, I came across musicians who stated that they were influenced by his style and technique.  I thought that it would be cool to see some of their videos. Can you readily hear Wes Montgomery's  influence?

Take a listen - I think that you will be pleasantly surprised.

The first video is the Pat Metheny Group performing "Have You Heard".

Here's George Benson performing one of his signature songs "Affirmation".

Emily Remler was an American jazz guitarist who rose to prominence in the 1980s. She recorded seven albums of hard bop, jazz standards and fusion guitar before dying of heart failure at the age of 32.

Ms. Remler performs Sonny Rollins' "Tenor Madness" here in front of a studio audience for Australian television:

Kevin Eubanks was the leader of Jay Leno's Tonight Show Band from 1995-2010. He has recently signed with Mack Avenue Records. His newest album "Zen Foods" will be released 23 November 2010.

Did you know that Pat Martino had an almost fatal brain aneurysm removed in 1980? The surgery left him with amnesia and he lost all memory of how to play the guitar AND his music career! He had to learn everything all over again with the help of his friends, computers and his previous recordings. [wikipedia] Wow, I had no idea!

Here is Mr. Martino performing one of Wes Montgomery's compositions "Four on Six" in 2007:

And last, but in no ways least, there is Kenny Burrell. This video was taped soon after Michael Jackson's death in 2009. Here is Mr. Burrell's tribute to MJ - a jazz version of "Billie Jean":

I focused on guitarists but what other musicians do you feel have been influenced by Wes Montgomery? I'd like to know what you think - leave your thoughts in the comment section. Thank you!

~~~

Comments

[James]

Hi Donna, checkout Groovin' Wes by Terrence Brewer

[Donna M]

Hi James!

Thank you for the Terence Brewer recommendation! I just checked him out briefly on YouTube and he definitely is influenced by Mr. Montgomery.

I added the album to my growing list of music to buy. :)

~~~