Featured Book: Wes Montgomery: Best of Boss Guitar

Author: Transcribed by Peter Gaarn Jylor & Edited by Henry Johnson

Publisher: Mel Bay Publications

Year Published: 2006

Type: Musical Instruction

Format / Pages: / 56 pages

Review:

Mel Bay has done a great service to the memory of jazz guitar legend Wes Montgomery with the publication of this fine paperback.  Carefully transcribed by Peter Gaarn Jylor and edited by Henry Johnson, this item will appeal to a large jazz guitar audience.  For those who recall the magic and joy of Wes Montgomery's performances, this is a must-have, hands-on book!

In the collection, the jazz guitarist will find six songs to study and play: "Dearly Beloved," "Days of Wine and Roses," "The Trick Bag," "Canadian Sunset," "Fried Pies," and "For Heaven's Sake." Each song is carefully presented.  For instance, the Henry Mancini/Johnny Mercer standard, "Days of Wine and Roses," is revealed in all its innate and complex beauty with chords, notes, and musings.  The same dedicated approach is seen in the other songs.  Wes Montgomery's own "The Trick Bag," is another fine example.

The excellent cover photograph of Wes Montgomery was provided by Concord Music Group. The book also provides a biographical section about the transcriber and the editor.

This collection sparkles in every way imaginable!  If you are interested in studying what Wes Montgomery achieved in his too short lifetime, this book will serve as a splendid and memorable musical adventure. Highly recommended.

Additional Information: Check it out @ Amazon.com

ISBN: 0786674814

Reviewed by: Lee Prosser

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