Reprinted from http://jazzwax.com
George Klabin and Zev Feldman at Resonance Records have done it again. The dynamic duo have surfaced, restored and packaged yet more rare Wes Montgomery, with the full participation of Robert Montgomery of the Montgomery estate. This time it's Wes Montgomery: One Night in Indy, recorded on January 18, 1959 in Indianapolis. Guitarist Wes Montgomery here was backed by Eddie Higgins on piano, an unknown bassist and Walter Perkins on drums.
First released on vinyl as a 10-inch LP some months back as part of a Record Day promotion, the album is now available as a CD and download. The recording originally came from photographer and filmmaker Duncan Schiedt, who ran the Indianapolis Jazz Club in downtown Indianapolis with several friends. One night in 1959, they recorded the group, and the reel eventually was passed down to Schiedt by other club members. The new release had the full blessing of the Montgomery estate and singer-pianist and painter Meredith D'Ambrosio, Higgins' widow.
This album features just six tracks, but it's all glorious stuff: Give Me the Simple Life, Prelude to a Kiss, Stompin' at the Savoy, Li'l Darling, Ruby My Dear and You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To. Montgomery hadn't signed with Riverside yet. That would come later in 1959. Up until this point, Montgomery was recording for Pacific Jazz with his brothers, Buddy and Monk. [Photo of Wes Montgomery, above, in 1959 by Duncan Schiedt]
In this Indianapolis setting, Montgomery was relaxed and at home. His playing is rich, swinging and engaging—largely in response to the gloriously tasteful playing of Eddie Higgins (above), who had a lush, spirited and enormously confident sound. Thanks to George, the recording's fidelity is terrific—up close, clear and warm. Best of all, it feels as if you're sitting at the foot of the stage. Imagine being able to go out at night to hear music like this. Amazing.
JazzWax tracks: You'll find Wes Montgomery: One Night in Indy 
(Resonance) here. Other Montgomery releases on Resonance include Echoes of Indiana Ave. hereand In the Beginning here.
(Resonance) here. Other Montgomery releases on Resonance include Echoes of Indiana Ave. hereand In the Beginning here.
JazzWax clip: Here's Give Me the Simple Life, which has the groovy feel of Gone with the Wind from Montgomery's Incredible Jazz Guitar for Riverside recorded in January 1960. On Give Me the Simple Life, dig the feel going on between Montgomery and Eddie!...
Here's a video for the album...
Used with permission by Marc Myers
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